Color-treated hair needs a little more care than untouched hair. Permanent dye lifts the cuticle so that color can enter the strand, and that leaves hair more porous, drier and easier to damage. A gentle routine keeps it comfortable and helps the color to stay bright.
What coloring does to hair
- Permanent color and bleach open the cuticle and change the hair's natural pigment. They cause the most change to the hair.
- Demi-permanent color deposits color with less lift.
- Semi-permanent color coats the surface and washes out over several weeks.
The more a process lightens the hair, the more care it needs afterwards. Bleached hair has its own guide in Bleached Hair Care: Washing and Conditioning Tips.
The routine
Wash day
- Wait before the first wash. Many colorists suggest waiting two or three days after coloring so that the color can settle.
- Use a gentle shampoo made for colored hair. Apply it to the scalp only.
- Rinse with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water swells the hair and lets color escape.
- Condition every time, from mid-length to the ends.
- Blot dry with a soft towel.
Wash as often as your scalp needs, but no more. Each wash removes a little color. Color-Protecting Shampoo: What to Look For explains what to look for in a color-protecting shampoo.
Once a week
Use a conditioning mask or deep conditioner for the time stated on the pack.
Every day
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or a few drops of serum to the ends.
- Use a heat protectant before hot tools, and keep the temperature moderate. See How to Choose and Use a Heat Protectant.
- Detangle gently, from the ends upwards.
What to do and what to limit
| Do | Limit |
|---|---|
| Wash with gentle, color-safe shampoo | Clarifying shampoo, unless you need it |
| Rinse with cooler water | Long, hot showers on your hair |
| Wear a hat in strong sun | Hours of sun without protection |
| Wet hair with tap water before swimming and rinse after | Chlorine and salt water sitting on the hair |
| Use heat protectant | High heat settings and daily flat ironing |
| Trim regularly | Leaving split ends to travel |
Sun, pool and sea
Ultraviolet light fades color and dries hair. Chlorine can strip color and may give light hair a green tint. Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a little conditioner, then rinse and wash it afterwards.
Planning your color appointments
- Space out permanent color. Many people color the roots only and refresh the lengths less often.
- Avoid having several chemical services, such as color and a perm or relaxer, at the same time. Dermatologists advise leaving at least a couple of weeks between them.
- Have chemical services done by a trained professional when possible, and tell them about your hair's history.
Safety when coloring at home
- Follow the instructions on the pack exactly, including timing.
- Do the allergy test described in the leaflet before every application. See Hair Dye Patch Test: How to Follow Product Instructions.
- Wear gloves and do not leave the product on longer than directed.
- Never use hair dye on eyebrows or eyelashes.
- Rinse the scalp well afterwards.
Signs your hair needs a rest
- Ends that feel rough and tangle easily.
- Hair that stretches a lot when wet and does not spring back.
- Many short, broken hairs.
- Color that fades within days, which suggests very porous hair.
If you see these, pause coloring and heat styling, condition well and ask a hairdresser for advice.
To keep your shade for longer between appointments, see How to Help Hair Color Last Longer.
Related on ArniSun
- How to Help Hair Color Last Longer
- Bleached Hair Care: Washing and Conditioning Tips
- Color-Protecting Shampoo: What to Look For
- How to Choose and Use a Heat Protectant
- Hair Dye Patch Test: How to Follow Product Instructions
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I wash my hair after coloring it?
Many colorists recommend waiting 48 to 72 hours. Follow the advice given with your particular color.
Do I need special shampoo for colored hair?
A gentle shampoo made for colored hair helps color to last and is less drying. It is a sensible choice, though how often and how hot you wash matters just as much.
Can I color my hair if my scalp is irritated?
No. Wait until the scalp has healed. Coloring on broken or inflamed skin increases the risk of irritation and reactions.