Colour Maintenance: Aftercare

A lot of people think that once they have left their colour appointment that the work stops there but you couldn't be more wrong! Any chemical treatment to your hair requires home maintenance.

Did you know that frequent washing fades hair colour faster? Blondes can go brassy without using a good purple shampoo in between washes? Environmental factors can damage your treated hair?

Here are a few 'at home' habits to start - prevention is key to keeping your hair healthy, your colour vibrant, brass free and in great condition.

• Don't skip the conditioner

• Regularly use hair masks

• Always use a heat protector before applying heat to your hair

• Use hair products with UV protection, especially in summer months

• Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner on your hair

Best Shampoo for Coloured Hair

Regular shampoos strip away the colour molecules causing the colour to fade faster. Colour-protecting shampoos are formulated to treat the specific needs of colored hair. They contain ingredients to restore and strengthen damaged hair, moisturise, add shine and softness.

Look for a shampoo that cleanses gently without stripping your hair of moisture and natural oils. If the product is taking moisture from your hair, it will be taking colour with it. The shampoo should contain UV filters to prevent colour fading in the sun, as well as damage repairing properties, such as essential oils, proteins, and panthenol.

Do You Need a Sulphate-Free Shampoo?

Sulphates cleanses well but may strip hair of natural oils, protein, and peptides, which can take a toll on our hair health.

Sulphates make your shampoo lather, Sulphate-free shampoos may not lather as well, but it cleanses your hair just as well. I always make sure I wash my hair twice, once to get rid of product build up and environmental pollution and the second wash to cleanse and clean my hair.

Other Ingredients To Avoid in Shampoos?

Alcohol dries out your hair. If it's one of the first four ingredients for your product, steer clear.

Parabens break the hair cuticle, making hair weak, brittle, and dull.