Mehak is all ready to welcome the festival of lights-Diwali. She has already purchased new dresses; matching jewelry and foot wear to look good on this day. To adorn a new look, she decided to get her hair colored in a renowned parlor. After coloring her jet black hair in a light brown color, she looked different and all set to party for Diwali.There are many women like Mehak who color their hair to look different.
Coloring the hair has become a trend. It has been seen in the modern times that the young girls color their hair to look cool and hep, more than women who generally color their hair to hide their grey strands. Young girls either color, streak or add highlights to the hair. They do not hesitate to try colors like red or blonde or any newer shades.
Most women feel coloring the hair can be an invigorating experience and can give them a brand new look, but there are a of smaller points that need to be considered for its care. Colored hair is more susceptible to dryness, split ends, and coarseness. Frequently, coloring the hair can lead to dryness and loss of luster.
Well Known Trichologist, Dr Parul Jaiswal from Aqua Wellness Centre says, “Hair color products use some form of chemical agents and hence leads to some amount of hair damage. Using ammonia free products are a better option as they use lesser chemicals.”
The hair coloring products that are available today are of a much better quality than what was available a few years back, yet it is very important to maintain your colored hair to keep it shining and healthy.
Let’s understand ways to maintain the colored hair for longer and add shine and vitality to your hair.
Most individuals are aware of a few aftercares that need to be taken after coloring your hair, it is important to remember that pre coloring hair care is as important as post coloring hair care.
Pre coloring hair care:
- Undergo a deep conditioning treatment 1-2 days before coloring your hair. After you shampoo your hair wait for one or two days so that natural oils in your scalp coat your hair. If you prepare your hair in such a manner, your hair color will set easily .
- Do not apply henna or mehendi at least 3-4 months prior to applying hair color as henna not only makes the hair dry but also affects the strength of the hair color.
- Chemical process like perming and ironing should not be used on the hair at least 2-3 weeks before you color your hair as it can damage your hair.
- Trim your hair before coloring as the hair ends are prone to soaking up extra color
Post coloring hair care:
Like it is important to prepare your hair for the coloring process, it is equally important to take proper care to maintain the color and texture of your hair.
- All individuals who have colored the hair should use good color preventive shampoo to make sure that the color does not fade away. Such shampoos not only keep the color fresh but also maintain the natural moisture in the hair. Dr Parul adds, “Every individual should use a particular brand of product only and never mix brands to get better results. For instance, use shampoo, conditioner and the hair color of the same brand to get good results.”
- Do not wash your hair atleast 24 hours after coloring. Dr Parul Jaiswal suggests, “Add 1 tsp vinegar to a glass of water and rinse through your hair thoroughly after washing. Vinegar helps to retain the color and increase the shine in the hair.
- Use a good conditioner after coloring as a conditioner helps to restore the hairs texture.
- Colored hair is more brittle hence you should never comb the hair when it is wet.
- Oil, wash and color your hair twice a week so that the hair does not get very dry.
- DR Parul Jaiswals says “people who have dry or damaged hair can use hair serums or replenishing balms to maintain the shine. This will help to maintain the hair’s moisture level, and will help to smooth the cuticle layer and ease any problem
- Dr Parul Jaiswal adds, “Frequently coloring your hair affects the natural luster and elasticity of the hair. It is important to maintain a time gap of 30 -45 days to color the hair.
- The ultraviolet rays of the sun tend to fade the color out of your hair and leave it dull and lifeless. It is important to wear a wide-brimmed hat or to cover your hair if you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time.
- Chlorine can also cause damage to the colored hair, so avoid swimming for a few weeks after coloring your hair and if you wish to enter the pool, it is important to condition the hair well or ensure that you wear a swimming cap.
Your hair color can be an expression of your personality, so it is worthwhile to put in a little effort to maintain it.
