Whether you get your hair dyed professionally, or grab the do-it-yourself color kit, hair color never seems to stay long enough.  Within a few weeks, roots and gray hairs begin to show and color fades.  It’s no surprise that the way we take care of our hair has a lot to do with how long and how well the color lasts.  But fear not!  There are simple steps to prevent color-loss!

One of the best ways to preserve your color is to wash hair with cool water and wash less often.  Use shampoos that are designed specifically for color-treated hair, which are gentler than regular shampoos and provide extra moisture.  Look for a color-specific conditioner.  Regular color-safe conditioners seal and protect hair, but a color-depositing conditioner also deposits small amounts of temporary color to enhance natural or dyed hair.

A glaze can add a boost of pigment to fading color.  It intensifies hair color for two to four weeks.  If you want a quick color pick-me-up during a trim, ask your stylist about getting a glazing/glossing treatment!

If you have colored or highlighted hair, you’ll want to protect your investment while you’re out in the elements.  Chlorine, sun, and salt water can all wreck your dye job.  Sun and chlorine are the greatest enemies of color-treated hair.  Oxidation, a chemical reaction that changes the color, is the biggest problem.  Both chlorine and sun cause oxidation.

Prevention is the best thing to avoid dealing with oxidation-blues.  Wearing a hat immediately protects your hair (and there are so many cute hats out there!)  You can also spray hair with a UV Sun-protecting serum. 

Before entering the pool or ocean, saturate your hair in cool fresh water.  Hair that’s already saturated is less likely to absorb chlorine.  Apply a conditioner before entering the swimming pool.  Argan oil also works great!  Tie hair up in a bun or cover with a swimming cap.  Wearing a cap gives the added bonus of a deep conditioning treatment!

If you do experience fading, don’t attempt to re-dye too quickly.  Your hair will be porous and dye unevenly.  Check with your color specialist for color-correction options.

Book your appointment at Edna’s for color correction, custom weaves, highlights and glaze treatments.  Color shampoos, conditioners and Argan oil products available!

Edna’s Salon & Spa is located at 22934 Lyons Avenue in Newhall.  For more information, please call 661-755-6081.