Women have been changing their hair colour for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians were in love with henna, Greeks used lemon juice and sunlight while Romans used a dye made from leeches! Today, the synthetic dyes used so widely first came about in 1856, when William Henry Perkin accidentally created a deep purple dye while trying to cure malaria. Whatever the technique, a vibrant hair colour can be a game-changer in how a woman feels and looks. The right shade can bring a face shape to life and illuminate the complexion. It can beautifully express individuality and personality and just be a fun way to change our look. It’s no wonder hair colouring remains so popular.
However, the glow of newly-dyed hair can fade quickly after leaving the salon chair. Sun exposure, environmental pollutants, harsh products and many other factors can all wreak havoc with hair colour. Of course, we all know that repeated use of chemical dyes poses major risks to the health of your hair and scalp. So, the longer we can keep our hair colour vibrant, the better. Here’s how you can keep your hair colour looking fresh and fabulous, minimising damage and maximising longevity.
Choose The Right Products
Maintenance with minimal damage is the name of the game here. Start by using colour-friendly shampoos and conditioners. These products are specifically formulated for colour-treated hair. They tend to be gentler and free from the harsh sulphates that often strip away colour. There are also washing products that are designed to deposit more colour into your hair. But exercise caution – the most important thing is to balance longevity with hair and scalp health. Always look closely at the label and choose wisely.
Avoid Frequent Washing
The more often you wash your hair, the more quickly your colour can fade. Limit washing to 2-3 times a week. And keep the water temperature lukewarm if possible – hot water will open up hair cuticles which allows colour to be washed away.
Hair Colour and The Perils of Heat Tools
Heat styling tools can be very bad for hair health. Their high temperatures lead to protein damage within the hair shaft. This makes the hair more vulnerable to dryness, brittleness and breakage. The heat also opens up the hair cuticles - even more than a hot shower - which allows colour molecules to sweep away. To preserve the health of our hair and a vibrant hair colour, strictly limit the use of these tools. And make sure you dial the heat down when you do.
Sun Protection
Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can play a major role in fading vibrant hair colour. UV radiation breaks down the chemical bonds in hair dye through a process called photochemical dissociation. The radiation enters the hair’s cortex, where both natural and artificial colours reside, and degrades the pigments. The result? Fading of colour, either natural or chemical! Wearing a hat or using hair products with UV filters can shield your hair from sun damage, keeping your vibrant hair colour intact.
Use A Hair Mask
By deeply moisturising the hair follicles, a quality hair mask will help lock in those precious dye molecules, preventing them from fading away quickly. Hydration will also maintain the hair’s natural elasticity and strength. This reduces the risk of drying, breakage and fading caused by damage. For those looking to preserve vibrant hair colour while maintaining hair health, incorporating our amazing Hair Gain Hair Mask into your routine at least once a week is a must. And don’t forget to integrate our incredible Scalp Foam with our Hair Mask to reduce hair breakage and fall by up to 60% from the first use!*
Swimming
Chlorinated water in swimming pools and saltwater can cause vibrant hair colour to fade. Chlorine is a very effective disinfectant, but it’s also a very effective bleach. Of course, it won’t change hair colour as rapidly as hair dye, but over time it will have an effect! Meanwhile, saltwater draws moisture from hair, leaving it dry and more porous, a recipe for colour loss. Rinse hair with fresh water before swimming, this will help prevent chemicals and salts entering the hair. And rinse again after, which will help wash them out! And wearing a swimming cap will also help.
Regular Trims
While we should avoid regular visits to the salon to colour our hair, regular trims are a great way to keep our hair colour vibrant. Split ends can make hair look dull and make colour fade at the ends. Trims every 6-8 weeks will help keep hair healthy and looking fresh.
Embracing Natural Dyes
Any use of synthetic dyes will have an impact on your hair health, no matter how infrequent. If you want to change the colour of your locks, then there are some excellent natural alternatives out there – a godsend for maintaining vibrant hair colour without all those harsh chemicals.
The Power of Hair Supplements
Healthy hair begins from within. When hair is strong and vital, it will naturally hold onto colour pigments more effectively. Great hair supplements can play a major role in maintaining hair health and colour longevity. And there’s no better way to achieve both than with our award-winning Hair Gain Capsules and Gummies. Scientifically formulated to support healthy hair, their unique formula combines the unique AnaGain™ ingredient with a range of key hair vitamins and minerals. A fantastic way to strengthen your hair, promote growth and help retain vibrant hair colour!
Final Thoughts
Keeping your hair colour vibrant needs a holistic approach – smart hair care habits, natural treatments, and getting internal nutrition right. When you understand the effects chemical dyes have and take the right steps, you’ll keep your hair colour looking stunning for longer, while keeping your eye on the health and vitality of your hair.
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*Independently tested May 2023, results achieved when tested as a regime with the Hair Gain Hair Mask