It's been a month since I visited the salon for a much needed hair color. Before that, I've been dyeing my hair with boxed DIY color. I'm so busy now as a mommy of three, a business owner, a blogger, and now also an employee that it's difficult to find the time for a professional color job.
But I decided I needed to take care of myself more this year and one of the first things I did was book an appointment at Lifestyle Salon by Louis Phillip Kee. It's really different when your hair color is done at a salon!
But I decided I needed to take care of myself more this year and one of the first things I did was book an appointment at Lifestyle Salon by Louis Phillip Kee. It's really different when your hair color is done at a salon!
Since I'm acutely aware that time is the one thing that I have so little of, I decided not to do my usual vivid reds or blonde highlights. When you're a busy woman (mommy or not), choose colors that aren't so far from your real hair color. So I chose a rich brown which Louis then threaded with subtle red highlights.
Now, considering that I go to the salon just once a year for color, people always wonder how I keep my hair color looking good. And last loooooong, too. Here are my tips from more than 20 years of coloring my hair:
Now, considering that I go to the salon just once a year for color, people always wonder how I keep my hair color looking good. And last loooooong, too. Here are my tips from more than 20 years of coloring my hair:
Good-bye, dull hair! |
1. After coloring, wait 24 hours or longer before you wash hair.
Let your mane absorb the new color fully. Water is color’s worst enemy so each shower means color down the drain. So try to wash your hair three times a week or every other day if you can’t resist.
2. Use a shampoo designed specially for colored hair.
Your hair has just been chemically processed so it needs extra pampering. Shampoo for color-treated hair has ingredients that are gentler on hair, that seal the cuticle (locking in color), add shine and protect hair from UV rays.
I've been using Beach Born Classy Not Brassy Purple Shampoo for a long time now. IT REALLY WORKS! I can't recommend it enough especially if you're blonde or a bright red. It keeps your color from fading.
I've been using Beach Born Classy Not Brassy Purple Shampoo for a long time now. IT REALLY WORKS! I can't recommend it enough especially if you're blonde or a bright red. It keeps your color from fading.
A good trim gets rid of dry ends. |
3. Avoid clarifying and dandruff shampoos.
These products are great for cleaning hair of oils, dirt, and build-up (hair spray, gels, mousse). However, they also strip away color.
4. Wash hair with cold water.
5. Nourish with a conditioner.
Colored hair becomes dry hair because of the chemicals. Bring back moisture and your mane’s health with a repairing conditioner. I use Beach Born Classy Not Brassy Purple Conditioner. Another hair product I can't live without!
Just a dark brown with red highlights throughout |
6. Treat your hair to an intense treatment.
Louis says, “Studies have proven hair color does damage your hair but not to an extreme extent unless you use it monthly for years upon years. Almost all dyes have chemicals in varying levels.” To repair damaged hair, use a hair mask every week or twice a month. I try different products but right now I'm using Human Nature Natural Hair Revival Coco Mask. My hair doesn't look or feel damaged as a result.7. Avoid the sun.
Sun is a natural bleach so prolonged exposure will change your new color. It will also dry out your locks further. If you must be outside, wear a hat or wrap your hair in a scarf.
8. No pool water and salt water.
Chlorine can actually change your color, especially if you’ve gone blonde. Salt water dries out hair. So before dipping, wear a bathing cap. If that cramps your style, soak hair in non-chlorinated water first. Wet hair is saturated which means it won’t soak up the pool/seawater so much.
Subtle but pretty! |
9. Refresh color.
Louis advises to drop by the salon for a quick touch up. “Every 4 to 5 weeks would be ideal as by then there will be evidently hair regrowth and time for retouch and refreshing the color.” On a budget like me? Use temporary at-home coloring spray for your roots. I use L'Oréal Paris Magic Retouch. It's super easy to use, stays on hair even through brushing, and even when I get sweaty. You just wash it off after.
10. Pamper professionally.
If you have the time and the money to get a root touch up at the salon, you might as well get a pampering treatment “Cellophane or Brazilian Keratin blowouts give vibrancy,” Louis adds.
There you go! My top 10 tips to care for colored hair! It's not that hard really. Just the right products and a little pamper time on weekends should be enough for us busy mamas.
10. Pamper professionally.
If you have the time and the money to get a root touch up at the salon, you might as well get a pampering treatment “Cellophane or Brazilian Keratin blowouts give vibrancy,” Louis adds.
There you go! My top 10 tips to care for colored hair! It's not that hard really. Just the right products and a little pamper time on weekends should be enough for us busy mamas.
*Photos courtesy of Louis Kee. Book a coloring appointment at Lifestyle Salon by Louis Phillip Kee. It's at the ground floor of Forbeswood Heights at BGC, Taguig. Almost across Mind Museum. Call 856-4848 or 856-3388.