How to Keep Coloured Hair Healthy | Barber Nation

If you’ve recently got coloured hair, you’re probably enjoying your vibrant, fresh look. But to keep that gorgeous hue from fading or looking dull, it takes a bit of extra care.

Wondering how to keep coloured hair healthy, shiny, and vibrant? You’re not alone.

Be it highlights, balayage, or grey coverage, colour-treated hair needs more attention than natural hair. The colouring process opens up the cuticle to allow the dye to deposit, which means your hair is more vulnerable to damage and needs a tailored hair care routine.

Don’t stress, though. Caring for your coloured hair is easier than you think. In this guide by Baber Nation, we’ll share the best tips for maintain coloured hair. So, your colour stays bold, shiny, and beautiful for as long as possible.

Read on to keep your coloured hair looking fabulous and salon-fresh.

Colour-Treated Hair Care Guide | 15 Tips for Maintaining Your Coloured Hair 

1. Don’t Wash Your Hair Right After Colouring

Wait at least 72 hours before shampooing. Wondering why?

As mentioned before, after colouring, your hair cuticles are left open. This makes them more prone to damage and colour fading. Washing too soon can rinse away the dye before it sets into your strands.

If you feel the need to freshen up your hair within this waiting period, use a colour-safe dry shampoo to absorb grease without disturbing your fresh colour.

2. Wash Your Hair Less to Protect the Color

Wash less to protect your colour and scalp’s natural oils. Over-washing strips away essential oils and fades your colour faster. Ideally, aim to wash your hair once or twice a week. Or only when absolutely necessary. Like:

• After a long, sweaty day or exposure to pollution.
• When your hair feels excessively oily

In between washes, use a gentle, colour-safe dry shampoo to keep your hair looking fresh without stripping colour.

3. Use a Colour-Protectant Shampoo and Conditioner

Choose products specifically designed for colour-treated hair. Antioxidant-rich shampoos like L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Colour Shampoo help combat colour fading by neutralising free radicals and locking in your shade.

On non-wash days, a colour-safe dry shampoo works wonders for removing build-up while preserving your colour. Always pair your shampoo with a colour-safe conditioner for extra hydration and shine.

4. Never Skip Conditioner

Conditioning is non-negotiable for colour-treated hair. Conditioners create a protective barrier around your hair strands, seal in moisture, and prevent colour from fading.

Benefits of Colour-Safe Conditioners:

• Adds shine and smoothness.
• Locks in colour and hydration.
• Prevents dryness and brittleness.

On days you skip shampoo, still apply conditioner to nourish and detangle your hair. Opt for conditioners infused with natural oils like argan or coconut for extra shine and colour protection.

5. Avoid Harmful Ingredients in Hair Care Products

Coloured hair is more delicate and prone to dryness. That’s why avoiding harmful ingredients is essential. Here’s the list for harmful ingredients to avoid for healthy hair:

What to use instead?

• Use products labeled as ‘sulfate-free’ and ‘colour-safe.’
• Use nourishing hair masks with natural oils to hydrate and protect your locks.

6. Protect Your Hair with Leave-In Treatments

If you want your colour-treated hair to shine and stay healthy, leave-in treatments are a must-have in your routine. These conditioners are packed with silicones that form a protective barrier over the hair shaft. This minimises sun damage and tames post-colouring frizz.

Leave-in treatments serve your hair with:

• Sun Protection – Shield your hair from harmful UV rays that can cause color fading.
• Heat Defense – Protect your strands from damage caused by blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners.
• Detangling Power – Say goodbye to knots and tangles, as leave-in conditioners make combing a breeze.
• Environmental Shield – Guard against pollution and dry indoor air.

Always choose leave-in conditioners formulated for color-treated hair to lock in vibrancy and shine.

7. Let Your Hair Air Dry

Blow-drying might save time. But it can be harsh on colour-treated hair. The high heat weakens strands and can strip away your color over time. Here’s how air-drying benefits your dyed hair:

• Preserves Colour: Keeps your colour vibrant for longer.
• Reduces Damage: Avoids the brittleness caused by high heat.
• Improves Hair Health: Keeps your strands looking smooth and shiny.

Pro Tips to Air Dry Effectively:

• Gently pat your hair with a microfiber towel to remove excess water.
• Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner to tame frizz.
• Let your hair dry naturally. Especially if you’re not in a rush.

8. Treat Your Hair Weekly with a Mask

A weekly hair mask is like a spa day for your strands. It replenishes lost nutrients, deeply hydrates, and keeps your hair colour glowing. You can apply Wella Professionals Colour Fresh Mask as it sensitises areas and stressed-out ends, getting you intensely strengthen and smooth hair.

How to Use a Hair Mask for Best Results:

1. Wash your hair with a colour-protecting shampoo.
2. Apply the mask, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
3. Leave it on for 10–15 minutes.
4. Rinse with cold water to seal the cuticles and enhance shine.

Best Ingredients to Look for in Hair Masks:

• Moisturising Oils – Like argan, coconut, or jojoba oil.
• Proteins – To strengthen damaged strands.
• Antioxidants – To protect from free radical damage.

Make it a weekly ritual to keep your hair soft, smooth, and vibrant.

9. Avoid Heat Styling for Vibrant Locks

Heating tools, while effective, can wreak havoc on color-treated hair by weakening the strands and causing color to fade. Let’s see how to protect your hair if you use heat:

• Use a heat protectant spray before styling.
• Opt for tools with adjustable heat settings and keep the temperature low.
• Limit your use of heat tools to special occasions.

Alternatively, you can try some classy hairstyles. Try braids, buns, or twists for heat-free styles. Use foam rollers or flexi rods for bouncy curls without the heat.

10. Shield Your Hair from the Sun with UV Protectants

The sun isn’t just tough on your skin. It’s also a culprit behind faded hair colour. Whether it’s summer or winter, UV rays can dull your locks over time.

Thus, consider using UV protective hair products for dyed hair. They help prevents fading and prolong the life of your colour. Many UV protectants include vitamins to restore hair health. Additionally:

• Use styling products with SPF protection.
• Look for leave-in conditioners or hairsprays with UV filters.
• Cover your hair with a scarf or hat during prolonged sun exposure.

11. Nourish Your Hair from Within with a Healthy Diet

Did you know your diet directly affect the health and shine of your hair?

Feeding your body the right nutrients can make all the difference in keeping your colour-treated hair vibrant and strong.

Key Nutrients for Healthy Hair:

Moreover, snack on nuts and fruits like almonds and berries throughout the day to give your hair a nutrient boost. A well-balanced diet won’t just benefit your hair. It will leave you feeling great inside and out!

12. Schedule Regular Trims to Keep Your Hair in Top Shape

Split ends are the enemy of healthy, colour-treated hair. Trimming your hair every 6–8 weeks can help maintain an even-toned, smooth look and improve the longevity of your hair colour.

Additionally, align your trim appointments with your colouring schedule to maintain consistency and always have your hair looking its best.

13. Protect Your Hair While Swimming

Want to enjoy a dip in the pool or swim in the ocean? Your color-treated hair needs extra protection here. Chlorine and salt water can strip your hair of moisture, leaving it dry and faded.

Tips for Protecting Your Hair While Swimming:

• Apply a small amount of coconut oil or leave-in conditioner before swimming. It will create a barrier against harsh water elements.
• Wear a swim cap or a snug cap to shield your hair from chlorine and salt water.
• Use a pre-swim treatment; leave-in sprays or serums designed to protect colour-treated hair from chemicals and UV rays.
• Rinse immediately after swimming with fresh water to remove any harmful residue.

14. Don’t Overdo Chemicals on Colored Hair

Double-processing your hair (like colouring and perming at the same time) can cause severe damage. Especially for colour-treated hair. To keep your hair healthy and vibrant, avoid layering too many chemical treatments at once.

Follow these tips to avoid overprocessing dyed hair:

• Space Out Treatments – Leave a gap of at least a few weeks between colour and chemical treatments like perming or relaxing.
• Choose Gentle Products – Opt for low-ammonia or botanical-based formulas that condition your hair while processing.
• Consult Your Hairstylist – Always ask your stylist for recommendations to minimize damage.

If you’re considering multiple treatments, focus on one at a time and use deep-conditioning treatments in between to restore moisture.

15. Prep Your Hair Before Coloring Appointments

Preparing your hair for your next hair salon visit is just as important as the treatment itself. A little prep work ensures the colour takes evenly and your hair stays healthy during the process.

Steps to Prep Your Hair for Colouring:

1. Use a Clarifying Shampoo – Wash your hair a few days before your appointment to remove product buildup and residue.
2. Skip Shampoo on Colouring Day – Natural sebum oils on your scalp will protect your hair during the coloring process.
3. Condition Your Hair – Hydrate your strands with a lightweight conditioner in the days leading up to your appointment.

Ready to Keep Your Coloured Hair Healthy and Shiny?

Barber Nation offers expert advice and premium grooming services in Perth. Whether you’re maintaining vibrant hair colour or enhancing your look with a fresh colour. We’ve got you covered.

Let our skilled barbers take care of your colour-treated hair with the best products and techniques in the industry. From haircuts and beard trims to colour protection. We ensure your hair stays bold, shiny, and healthy.

Book your appointment now