Changing hair color is fun! However, colored hair requires special attitude. Your hair or scalp might be damaged a little, and even if it's not damaged, dyed hair needs different care. Colored hair care begins with changing your regular shampoo and conditioner to the ones dedicated for dyed hair. These cosmetics nourish each hair and keeps scalp moisture balanced. Your regular shampoo might be great, but those dedicated for colored hair have special additives that maintain the new color and help to keep it bright for a longer period.
The process of hair coloring removes a certain part of natural oils from the hair, and that's why dyed hair is drier than it usually is. Colored hair needs to be moisturized properly to keep the color and brilliance. Hair cosmetics for dyed hair maintain the new color, but you can provide your hair with additional humidity for longer lasting shine. Hot oil treatment is the best way to restore natural moisture and strengthen weak hair. Pour a few teaspoons of vegetable oil in a pot and warm it up a little. If you're afraid it can quickly overheat, put the pot with oil into a pot of boiling water. Apply the warm oil on hair and wrap it with a plastic bag and then wrap it with a towel. These will keep the oil warm and help your hair absorb the humidity. Rinse the oil away after 30 minutes and wash your hair with a shampoo. If hair coloring dried your scalp, use coconut oil treatment. This hair mask should be used once in a week or two for the best results.
If the color seems to wash away too quickly, try some natural mixtures to rinse your hair. Use water mixed with juice of one lemon for final rinse right after you wash away hair cosmetics. You can use a tablespoon of vinegar instead of lemon juice. Tea-water is useful for maintaining hair color as well; you can rinse shampoo or a conditioner with it. Semi-permanent color treatments can be used to renew the color and shine, but you should consult your hairdresser for the best effect.
Do not use a hair dryer, and if you really have to dry your hair this way don't choose the hottest option. Straightening iron and curling iron should be avoided as well. Sun is the number one enemy of your skin, but it doesn't do any favors for your hair as well. Once a hair is colored, it's recommended to keep it covered with a hat or scarf for any outside activity. Sun exposure can dry hair and make it lose the new color and brightness faster. Furthermore, the hair loses a part of its humidity in dyeing process and becomes more vulnerable. Leaving hair uncovered can damage its structure and not just the appearance. Salt water and chlorinated pool water are potentially harmful for colored hair. Remember that dyed hair is more exposed to environment. Chlorinated water can even change hair color, so it's recommended to wear a swimming cap or rinse and shampoo your hair afterwards.