Hey there, fellow hair lovers from Australia! We've all experienced how amazing it feels to leave a salon with freshly dyed hair. It's the best—that brilliant colour and that glossy sheen! Then reality sets in. The dreaded fade begins to set in, and occasionally our hair looks a little "flat" as a result of our efforts to maintain that priceless colour. Does that sound familiar?
Mate, don't worry! Without having to choose between bounce volume and colour longevity, you can definitely keep your dyed hair looking vibrant and full of life. We've compiled the best advice to help you deal with this hair conundrum and maintain the salon-quality appearance of your colour while maintaining that coveted Aussie volume.
Recognising Fade: What's Happening?
Let's briefly discuss the causes of fading hair colour before getting into the remedies. There are multiple culprits at work, so it's not just bad luck:
Why Does Hair Colour Fade?
- Washing Practices: Some of the dye may come off each time you wash your hair. The fade can occur more quickly the more often you wash.
- Water Temperature: By opening up the hair cuticle, hot water allows more colour to wash out.
- Sun Exposure: The UV rays from the sun can degrade the pigments in your hair dye, causing fading and even brassiness, much like they harm our skin.
- The use of heat styling Your hair can lose colour and moisture when you use blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners.
- Optional Products: Harsh chemicals found in some shampoos and conditioners can hasten colour fading.
To take charge of your hair's colour and maintain its vibrancy, you must first understand these factors.
Your New Best Friend is a Gentle Cleaner
Let's discuss hair washing. It's essential, but how you go about it matters a lot.
Choose Colour-Safe Products
First and foremost, spend money on high-quality, color-safe shampoos and conditioners. These are especially designed to help hold in colour and be kinder to dyed hair. Sulphates can be very harsh and deplete your hair of its natural oils and colour, so seek products free of them. In terms of colour-safe alternatives, are you familiar with Muk Repair Shampoo? It's a great option for Australian hair because of its mild yet efficient cleansing qualities, which nourish your hair and help maintain colour vibrancy.
Wash Less Frequently
Second, think about washing your hair less often. To absorb extra oil and give you a volume boost, try using dry shampoo on your roots to extend the interval between washes. This simple adjustment can greatly impact the longevity of your colour.
The Most Important Factor is Temperature: Lower It!
Remember when we discussed how hot water opened the hair cuticle? Then more colour escapes. After shampooing and conditioning, try rinsing your hair with lukewarm or even cool water. Your hair will appear smoother and glossier after this technique helps to seal the cuticle and retain the colour. It may feel a bit cold, particularly in the cooler Australian months, but your hair will appreciate it!
Protecting Your Hair While the Sun Is Out
Although we Australians adore the sun, it can seriously harm our hair colour. Think about shielding your hair from the damaging UV rays, just as you wouldn't leave the house without applying sunscreen to your skin.
Shield Your Strands from the Sun
If you anticipate spending a lot of time outside, especially during the hottest parts of the day, wear a scarf or a hat. Additionally, there are hair products with UV filters that can protect your hair from sun damage and stop colour fading. These frequently take the form of leave-in conditioners or sprays, which can also help detangle hair and add a little moisture.
Heat Styling: Use Caution
Heat styling is one of the main causes of colour fading, but we all enjoy a nice sleek look or some bouncy curls. Try to air-dry your hair more frequently if you can. Accept the texture that comes naturally to you!
Heat Protectant is a Must
Use a heat protectant spray whenever you must use heat styling tools. By forming a barrier between your hair and the heat, the product lessens damage and keeps colour from fading. Prior to using a curling iron or straightener, please ensure it is evenly distributed throughout your hair. Additionally, think about utilising the lowest heat setting, which still enables you to get the look you want. For your hair's colour and general health, it may take a little longer, but it will be worthwhile.
Selecting the Best Items for Colour and Volume Maintenance
Let's move on to the important part: how to keep your colour vibrant while maintaining a stunning volume. Choosing volumizing products specifically designed for coloured hair is the secret.
Opt for Lightweight Volumizers
Look for volumizing mousses or sprays that are safe for coloured hair and lightweight. To achieve the desired lift and body, apply these to your roots prior to blow-drying. Steer clear of thick serums or creams that can make your hair appear flat and heavy.
Dry Shampoo for Volume and Freshness
Another great product for adding colour to hair volume is dry shampoo. It adds texture and lift, in addition to absorbing oil and revitalising your roots. Just be sure to pick a dry shampoo that doesn't leave your hair looking white, especially if you have dark hair.
Love with Deep Conditioning
Let's not overlook the significance of maintaining the health and hydration of your hair while we concentrate on preventing fading and increasing volume. It's important to include a deep conditioning treatment in your routine because colouring can sometimes make your hair feel a little drier.
Hydrate with Colour-Safe Treatments
To preserve that priceless colour, look for color-safe deep conditioners or hairmasks that will hydrate your hair and help seal the cuticle. Depending on the condition of your hair, use these treatments once or twice a week. They can greatly improve the general health and vibrancy of your dyed hair.
Never Underestimate the Impact of a Great Haircut
Whether or not your hair is coloured, regular trims are necessary to maintain its best appearance. Eliminating split ends not only makes your hair look better; it also keeps it from breaking, which can cause colour loss. Additionally, a good haircut can actually make your hair feel and look fuller. Discuss with your stylist how to bring out the natural volume of your hair.
Expert Touch-Ups: Your Unknown Weapon
Don't undervalue the significance of routine visits to your trusted hairdresser, even though at-home care is essential. In addition to changing your hair colour, they can offer expert treatments that will keep it vibrant longer and enhance your hair's general health. They can also give you advice on the best methods and products for your particular hair colour and type.
Fast Volume Enhancers for Days in Between
There are times when you need a quick fix to bring back your volume without having to do a full wash and style. Here are some helpful pointers:
- Flip it Out: Just turn your head over and shake your roots vigorously. This technique can provide lift right away.
- Root Teasing (Be Careful!): Use a fine-tooth comb to gently tease your hair at the roots. Avoid going overboard, as the action could lead to harm.
- Hair Powder: For immediate lift and texture, apply volumizing hair powder to your roots.
- Clips and headbands: You can give the appearance of more volume by carefully positioning headbands or clips to lift the hair around your face.
In Conclusion, You Can Have Both Vibrant Colours and Bouncy Volume!
That's it, buddy! It is completely possible to preserve gorgeous volume while preventing fade-out in your dyed hair. You can maintain the vibrancy of your colour and the fullness and bounce of your hair by implementing these suggestions in your hair care regimen. Keep in mind to use the proper products, wash and style your hair gently, and shield it from heat and sunlight.
What are your favourite tricks for maintaining the best possible look in your dyed hair? We'd love to hear your secrets, so please share them in the comments section below! Let's support one another by sporting those thick, colourful locks!