How to hold on to your hair colour
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Radiant colour
It’s the age-old question: how can I make my hair colour last? Reds, brunettes and blondes – they all want to know. And it seems to be an especially pressing topic in these summer months, when shades shift so easily in the sun.
These days there are a ton of conscious hair products on the market to protect your colour longer – even on the days that you’re not wearing a hat. “The biggest plus about these products is that they are formulated to be fade resistant,” says Redken colour artist Sean Goddard of Tocci Salon in Toronto. “They have UVA and UVB filters to fight sun damage and they’re made with specific oils, like mango or acai, that are made to maximize the shine and vibrancy of your colour. But most importantly, these formulations have ceramides that help to rebuild the strength of your hair, because healthy hair always keeps colour longer.” Read on for the products that will help maximize your summer hair colour.
Fade resistant
Start defending your colour from your very first post-treatment wash with a fade conscious shampoo and conditioner. You can even go for one that’s specific to your new hair colour.
Garnier Fructis Color Shield Fortifying Shampoo, $5.50. Shoppers Drug Mart.
Sunny tresses
Revitalize your sun-stripped locks (and boost your protective UV filter) with a leave in mask. "Too much sun and environmental aggressors can really dry out your hair, and colour can fade a lot quicker in the summer months,” says Goddard.
Redken Colour Extend Sun After-Sun Mask. $25. Redken.
Mane protection
This protective leave-in cream helps to seal cuticles and keeps colour safe. Bonus: the ginseng and rosemary leaf extracts will boost shine for a satiny, vibrant finish. “If you prefer to use a shampoo and conditioner that focuses on problems other than keeping colour – and that’s totally okay – then it is definitely worth using a leave-in treatment that benefits dyed hair,” says Goddard.
Ojon Color Sustain Color Protecting Cream, $27. Sephora.
Double-duty hair care
If you’re a fan of the blowdryer and dying your hair, then look for products that can protect against the doubly damaging effects: dry and dull (and dowdy) locks. Keep your coloured hair hydrated and heat-styling safe.
Pureology Colour Stylist Antisplit Blowdry, $33.50. Pureology.
Rinse easy
Because washing coloured tresses too much can literally become money down the drain, try substituting a cleansing rinse every other time you wash your hair. This lightweight balm is gentler than traditional shampoo.
Kerastase Chroma Sensitive Caressing Cleansing Balm, $43. Kerastase.
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