Color-treated hair needs special care to maintain its vibrancy and shine. While salon treatments are great, there are plenty of effective DIY hair treatments you can do at home to keep your colored locks looking fresh and healthy. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of DIY treatments using natural ingredients that can help you maintain your color-treated hair’s vibrancy and shine.
Understanding the Needs of Color-Treated Hair
Color-treated hair is more susceptible to dryness, breakage, and fading. The chemicals used in coloring processes can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to environmental damage. To combat this, it’s essential to focus on hydration, protection, and gentle care.
Kristin Ess’s Moisturizing Masks
Kristin Ess, a renowned hairstylist, emphasizes the importance of moisturizing masks for color-treated hair. “DIY hair masks can be a great way to give color-treated hair an extra boost of moisture and nourishment. Look for ingredients like avocado, coconut oil, or honey, which can help to hydrate and protect your strands” (Source: Kristin Ess Hair website).
Avocado and Honey Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Mash the avocado in a bowl until smooth.
- Add honey and olive oil, mixing until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to damp hair, focusing on the ends.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and shampoo as usual.
Benefits: Avocado is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the hair, while honey adds moisture and shine.
Guy Tang’s Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Guy Tang, a hair colorist and hair care expert, recommends apple cider vinegar rinses to restore shine and vibrancy. “Apple cider vinegar rinses are a natural way to restore shine and vibrancy to color-treated hair. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning” (Source: Guy Tang YouTube Channel).
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Ingredients:
- 1 part apple cider vinegar
- 2 parts water
Instructions:
- Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- After shampooing and conditioning, spray the mixture evenly throughout your hair.
- Massage into your scalp and hair, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Benefits: Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of your hair and scalp, closes the hair cuticle for added shine, and removes buildup that can dull hair color.
Protecting Your Hair from the Sun
Rickey Zito, Aveda’s Global Artistic Director for Hair Color, advises protecting color-treated hair from sun damage. “Protect your color-treated hair from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing a hat or using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection. The sun can fade your color and make it look dull” (Source: Aveda).
DIY UV Protection Spray
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
- A few drops of essential oil (optional for fragrance)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
- Spray onto damp or dry hair before sun exposure.
Benefits: Coconut oil and aloe vera provide natural UV protection and hydration, helping to keep your color vibrant and your hair healthy.
Reducing Wash Frequency
Tracey Cunningham, a celebrity colorist, suggests reducing the frequency of hair washes to maintain color. “Avoid washing your hair too frequently, as this can strip away the natural oils that help to keep your color vibrant. Instead, try using a dry shampoo to refresh your hair between washes” (Source: Meche Salon).
DIY Dry Shampoo
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for darker hair)
Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Apply to your roots using a makeup brush, and blend well.
Benefits: This dry shampoo absorbs excess oil, refreshes your hair, and extends the time between washes, preserving your hair color.
Using Color-Depositing Products
Brad Mondo, a hairstylist and YouTuber, recommends color-depositing shampoos and conditioners. “Invest in a good color-depositing shampoo or conditioner to help refresh your color and maintain its vibrancy. These products can help to neutralize unwanted tones and keep your hair looking salon-fresh” (Source: Brad Mondo YouTube Channel).
DIY Color-Depositing Conditioner
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white conditioner
- A few drops of semi-permanent hair dye in your hair color
Instructions:
- Mix the conditioner and hair dye until well combined.
- Apply to damp hair after shampooing.
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Benefits: This conditioner helps to maintain and refresh your hair color between salon visits.
Personal Experience with DIY Treatments
I’ve always loved experimenting with hair color, but maintaining vibrant hues has always been a challenge. After trying several store-bought products with varying results, I decided to delve into DIY treatments. One of my favorite discoveries was the avocado and honey hair mask. It left my hair feeling incredibly soft and looking shiny. Another game-changer was the apple cider vinegar rinse, which not only restored my hair’s shine but also helped with scalp health.
A Friend’s Journey
A close friend of mine, who frequently dyes her hair vibrant colors, swears by color-depositing conditioners. She mixes a bit of her favorite semi-permanent dye with her conditioner and uses it weekly. This simple addition has helped her maintain her bold hair colors for much longer between salon visits.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Color-Treated Hair
Use Sulfate-Free Products
Sulfates can strip color from your hair, so it’s essential to use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. These products are gentler and help to preserve your hair color.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine to keep your hair hydrated and strong. Use a deep conditioner or hair mask once a week to replenish moisture and repair damage.
Avoid Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling can cause color to fade faster. Whenever possible, let your hair air dry and minimize the use of hot tools. When you do use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray.
Regular Trims
Get regular trims to remove split ends and keep your hair looking healthy. This also helps in maintaining the overall appearance of your color-treated hair.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Your hair reflects your overall health, so it’s important to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and biotin can promote healthy hair.
Expert Insights
Hair Cosmetics: An Overview
According to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, hair care products containing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and silk proteins can help protect and maintain color-treated hair. These ingredients nourish the hair shaft, reduce frizz, and add shine.
The Effects of Heat and Chemical Treatments on Hair
A study published in the International Journal of Trichology highlights the impact of heat and chemical treatments on hair structure. The findings emphasize the importance of using heat protectants and nourishing treatments to minimize damage and preserve hair color.
Conclusion
Maintaining vibrant, color-treated hair doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With these DIY hair treatments and tips, you can keep your color looking fresh and your hair feeling healthy. Remember to choose the right ingredients and techniques that work best for your hair type and color.
Whether it’s a moisturizing avocado mask, an apple cider vinegar rinse, or a DIY color-depositing conditioner, these natural treatments can make a significant difference. Protect your hair from the sun, reduce wash frequency, and invest in quality products to maintain your beautiful color. By incorporating these practices into your routine, you’ll enjoy vibrant, shiny hair that looks like you just stepped out of the salon.
