Are You Sabotaging Your Hair Color Without Realizing It?
You’ve just stepped out of the salon with fresh, beautiful color—glossy, dimensional, and perfectly toned. But what happens next? Maintaining that luxurious color and keeping your hair healthy isn’t just about what happens in the chair; it’s about how you care for your hair between appointments.
Too often, I see clients unknowingly making mistakes that compromise their hair’s integrity and cause their color to fade faster than it should. If you’ve ever felt like your color doesn’t last as long as you’d like or your hair feels dry and brittle despite your best efforts, you might be guilty of one (or more) of these common hair care missteps.
Let’s dive into the biggest mistakes that could be costing you your dream hair—and, of course, how to fix them!
Great! Let’s dive deeper into the topic with a comprehensive look at the most common mistakes—and the simple fixes that can help you protect your hair and extend the life of your color.
1. Over-Washing Your Hair
The Mistake:
Many clients believe that daily shampooing is the key to a clean, fresh look. However, frequent washing can strip natural oils from your hair, leading to dryness and faded color. Over-washing disrupts the scalp’s natural balance and can make your hair more vulnerable to environmental damage.
The Fix:
Wash Less Often: Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times per week to allow natural oils to nourish your strands.
Use Sulfate-Free Shampoos: These shampoos are gentler on color-treated hair and help maintain moisture.
Here are a couple of my favorites that are great for everyone’s hair type.
https://www.bombshelledu.com/new-products-1/oi-shampoo
https://www.bombshelledu.com/new-products-1/minu-shampoo
2. Using the Wrong Products
The Mistake:
Not all hair care products are created equal. Clients often use shampoos and conditioners that are too harsh or not designed for color-treated hair. This can lead to premature fading and a dull appearance.
The Fix:
Invest in Quality Products: Choose products specifically formulated for color protection.
Condition Regularly: A good conditioner not only moisturizes but also seals in color. Look for ingredients like Roucou oil or keratin, which can help repair and protect your hair.
A beautiful conditioner for all hair types is https://www.bombshelledu.com/new-products-1/oi-conditioner
3. Neglecting Heat Protection
The Mistake:
Styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and even blow dryers are daily staples for many. However, using these tools without proper heat protection can cause damage over time. The heat can alter the structure of your hair, leading to breakage and color fading.
The Fix:
Always Use a Heat Protectant: A quality heat protectant spray or serum creates a barrier between your hair and the heat.
Limit Heat Exposure: Try to air-dry your hair when possible and use the lowest heat settings when styling.
Here are a few heat protectants I’d recommend that have multiple styling benefits:
https://www.bombshelledu.com/new-products-1/oi-souffl
https://www.bombshelledu.com/new-products-1/melu-hair-shield
https://www.bombshelledu.com/new-products-1/oi-milk
4. Over-Processing Your Hair
The Mistake:
Bold color changes and frequent touch-ups can be tempting, but they can also take a toll on your hair. Over-processing not only weakens the hair shaft but can also lead to an uneven color distribution and unwanted tones.
The Fix:
Schedule Regular Treatments: Consider professional treatments like deep conditioning or protein treatments to restore strength.
Talk to Your Stylist: Before making major color changes, consult your stylist to plan a timeline that minimizes damage.
In the event you’d like to book a hydrating treatment in the salon here is a link:
https://book.squareup.com/appointments/d2bbbde5-9231-4946-8ab6-9eb827768e06/location/D9PMNX8XHX3Y4/services
5. Ignoring Environmental Damage
The Mistake:
Sun exposure, wind, and even chlorine from swimming pools can wreak havoc on your hair’s integrity. These factors accelerate color fading and contribute to dryness and breakage.
The Fix:
Protect Your Hair Outdoors: Wear a hat or scarf when you’re out in harsh weather.
Use UV Protection Products: Some leave-in treatments offer UV protection that helps guard against sun damage.
Rinse After Swimming: Always rinse your hair after swimming in chlorinated or salt water to prevent the chemicals from damaging your hair.
6. Skipping Regular Maintenance
The Mistake:
Many clients underestimate the importance of regular trims and professional maintenance. Split ends and damaged hair can continue to worsen over time, leading to a less vibrant color and overall unhealthy appearance.
The Fix:
Schedule Regular Trims: Even a small trim every 6-8 weeks can prevent split ends from migrating up the hair shaft.
Invest in Professional Treatments: Periodic salon treatments can help restore moisture and strength, ensuring your color stays fresh and your hair remains healthy.
7. Not Listening to Your Hair’s Needs
The Mistake:
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to hair care. What works for someone else might not work for you, and ignoring your hair’s unique needs can lead to long-term damage.
The Fix:
Personalize Your Routine: Tailor your hair care routine based on your hair type, color, and lifestyle.
Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure, your stylist can help create a customized care plan that addresses your specific challenges.
8. Balancing Shampoo Frequency: Don’t Let Sweat and Toxins Take Over
While over-washing can strip your hair’s natural oils, waiting too long between washes can be just as damaging. Many clients extend their wash days, allowing sweat from workouts, residues from dry shampoo, and environmental pollutants to build up on both the hair and scalp. Sweat isn’t just water—it carries toxins and salt that can dry out your hair and irritate your scalp, ultimately compromising the overall health of your locks.
Personal Insight:
Rather than strictly adhering to a set schedule, base your wash routine on how clean you can realistically keep your hair and scalp. If you’re frequently active or rely on dry shampoo, consider washing more often with a gentle, sulfate-free formula to effectively remove buildup without stripping away essential moisture.
Clarifying Shampoos to the Rescue:
When everyday washing isn’t enough to tackle stubborn buildup, a clarifying shampoo can be a game-changer. These specialized shampoos are formulated to break through the layers of product residue, sweat, and environmental dirt that can dull your hair’s shine and weigh it down. However, because clarifying shampoos are potent, it’s best to use them sparingly—typically once every couple of weeks—to avoid over-drying your hair.
This balanced approach helps ensure that your hair remains not only clean and vibrant but also nourished and protected between salon visits.
Here is a clarifying product that I highly recommend to breakdown all buildup and to create an incredible shampoo experience with gentle exfoliation of dry scalp and a sudsy lathery shampoo experience. This is one product you’ll be glad you added to your hair cleansing routine.
https://www.bombshelledu.com/new-products-1/solu-sea-salt-scrub-cleanser-1
Conclusion
Protecting the integrity of your hair and maintaining vibrant color is a continuous journey rather than a one-time fix. By understanding and avoiding these common mistakes, you can not only extend the life of your color but also enjoy healthier, more resilient hair. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way—both in the salon and at home.
What other hair care challenges have you noticed, or what tips have worked best for you? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!