Whether you've embraced a bold, daring colour or opted for a subtle, elegant tint, maintaining your coloured locks requires special care and attention. From washing techniques to product selection, every step in your hair care routine matters. In this article, we'll explore five indispensable tips that will transform your coloured hair care game.
As you can see in the photo, I have first hand experience with very much coloured hair! After adding a bit of purple on a whim "just for a little bit", eight years later, the purple hair seems here to stay. Finding the best way to look after it, without needing to resort to salon products in plastic bottles, is one of the biggest motivators for creating MATER's salon-quality hair care bars.
Tip #1: Wash coloured hair with lukewarm water
While a steamy shower might be a luxurious experience, it can wreak havoc on your coloured strands. Hot water strips away natural oils from your hair and scalp, leaving your locks dry, lackluster, and prone to breakage. The sensitive skin on your scalp can also suffer from the harsh effects of hot water, leading to irritation and discomfort.
For best care of your coloured hair, wash with lukewarm water!
Tip #2: Focus shampoo on the roots
When it comes to coloured hair, focusing your shampoo application on the roots is a game-changer. Unlike the hair strands, your scalp produces sebum – a natural oil that attracts dirt, pollutants, and grime. By concentrating shampoo on the roots, you cleanse the scalp effectively, allowing your hair to remain fresh and vibrant.
After you have applied the shampoo and lathered up at the roots, you can spread the lather down the length of the strands before rinsing. This will be enough to keep them fresh, without drying them out, or unnecessarily stripping colour out of them.
Tip #3: Conditioner is key, but not for roots
While it's tempting to coat your entire hair with conditioner, it's crucial to avoid the roots. Applying conditioner near the roots can lead to greasiness and weigh down your hair. Instead, focus on the mid-lengths to ends, where your hair needs the most nourishment and protection.
Leaving the conditioner on for at least 5 minutes allows it to deeply nourish your strands, enhancing the smoothness and shine. But don't forget to rinse thoroughly as product left on your hair is likely to weigh it down and make it feel greasy.
Tip #4: Don't overwash
It might feel nice to have fresh hair every day, but washing too often can cause hair to lose too much moisture and protection, and the colour to fade.
Each time you wash your hair, you strip away its natural oils, leaving it susceptible to dryness and damage. For coloured hair, this is especially crucial, as frequent washing can cause the vibrant hues to fade prematurely. Striking a balance between cleanliness and moisture retention is key to maintaining your hair's brilliance.
Tip #5: Pick the right shampoo
Harsh and sulphate-based surfactants will strip away colour and dry out the hair. The key is to opt for a gentle shampoo like MATER's T.L.C. Nourishing Shampoo Bar, specially formulated to care for coloured and damaged hair. With its advanced blend of mild surfactants, and added proteins and humectants, it gently but effectively cleanses while preserving your colour and hair and scalp health.
By following these five expert tips, you're well on your way to elevating your coloured hair care routine and letting your hair shine.