Do you feel a bit overwhelmed by the idea of maintaining your natural hair color so you can keep rocking those locks? We hear you! Trying to keep up with changing trends and dying our hair can leave us feeling like it’s impossible to maintain healthy, stunning locks. But don’t worry — there are plenty of best practices and techniques that we can use to ensure that our natural hair color remains beautiful and shiny for an extended period. In this blog post, we will discuss the most effective tips and tricks for preserving your precious tresses while also helping even out any unwanted brassiness or fading. Read on if you want to learn how easy it is to enjoy dramatic hairstyles without destroying the integrity of your mane…
16 best practices for maintaining your natural hair color
1. Use the right shampoos and conditioners
It’s important to choose a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically formulated for colored hair. These products help to nourish and protect your tresses from fading, as well as reduce the risk of brassiness. Look for sulfate-free products that use natural oils such as argan or almond oil to replenish your hair’s moisture balance.
2. Avoid excessive heat
Whenever possible, let your hair air dry instead of using a blow dryer or flat iron. If you must use heated styling tools, make sure to set them on the lowest heat setting so you don’t damage your strands. Additionally, it’s wise to invest in a good quality thermal protection spray before using any hot styling tools on your hair.
More: Is the hair dryer better than the towel?
3. Limit washing
Washing your hair too often can strip away its natural oils and cause color fading over time. Try reducing how many times you shampoo each week and opt for co-washing (conditioning only) in between washes if necessary. This will help keep your scalp healthy while also maintaining the vibrancy of your locks!
4. Stay out of chlorine
Chlorine is notorious for stripping away color from hair — not to mention it can be very drying! Before taking a dip in the pool, coat your entire head with a leave-in conditioner to create a barrier from the chlorinated water. You can also wear swimming caps or braid your hair into an updo before diving in!
5. Protect against UV rays
It may sound strange, but exposing our locks to direct sunlight can lead to color fading over time because of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun! Shielding our manes from UV rays with hats or scarves is essential for preserving those vibrant hues we love so much!
6. Consider gloss treatments
Gloss treatments at the salon are one way to refresh tired-looking tresses and boost shine levels without having to compromise on color intensity! Ask your hairstylist which type of gloss would suit you best based on what kind of look you’re going for — there are all sorts of shades available depending on what tone you desire most!
7. Don’t forget masks
Give yourself some pampering by applying deep conditioning masks at least once every two weeks — this will help keep strands hydrated while also enhancing vibrancy. Choose nourishing formulas that contain ingredients like keratin, avocado oil, coconut oil, honey, shea butter, etc., which will all help restore luster and elasticity to dull locks!
8. Skip drugstore dyes
When it comes down to it, drugstore dyes are usually filled with harsh chemicals that could end up damaging our precious manes even further down the line — so try avoiding them altogether if possible! Going professional is always recommended if you want beautiful results without compromising on quality — plus they can also give great advice when it comes to keeping our colors looking pristine too!
9. Use cold water to rinse
Be sure to finish off each wash with a cold water rinse; this helps seal the cuticle layer which reduces frizziness and prevents color fading due to heat exposure throughout the day! Additionally, cold water helps smooth out any pesky split ends that may have accumulated over time too — bonus points all around!
10. Invest in silk pillowcases
Silk pillowcases are renowned for their beauty benefits because they’re gentle on delicate skin and strands alike — plus they prevent friction which causes breakage and tangling during sleep cycles too! Make sure to switch out your regular pillowcase for a silk one now and then to keep your locks looking luscious!
11. Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair
Maintaining your natural hair color isn’t just about external care. A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those like biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, contributes to overall hair health. Consider incorporating foods like eggs, nuts, fish, and leafy greens into your diet for optimal results.
More: What to Eat to Get Black Hair Naturally
12. Mindful Hair Accessories
Be mindful of the accessories you use in your hair. Avoid using tight elastics or metal clasps that can cause breakage. Opt for hair-friendly accessories like silk scrunchies or fabric-covered hair ties to prevent unnecessary stress on your locks.
13. Protective Hairstyles
Experiment with protective hairstyles that keep your hair tucked away, reducing exposure to external elements. Braids, twists, or updos can be stylish and practical in maintaining your hair color for longer periods.
14. Hard Water Awareness
Be aware of the water quality in your area. Hard water, which is high in mineral content, can impact your hair color. Consider using a water softener or a clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove mineral buildup.
15. Color-Enhancing Products
Explore color-enhancing products designed for your specific hair shade. These products can help revive and intensify your natural color between salon visits, ensuring a consistent and vibrant look.
16. Stress Management
Believe it or not, stress can affect your hair health. Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to promote overall well-being, which reflects positively on your hair.
Final thoughts
Following these simple tips will help you maintain your natural hair color for longer, allowing you to enjoy vibrant hues without having to worry about any damage. With just a few small tweaks to your routine, you can keep your tresses looking fabulous!
