The sun is a mystery to most – it can make your skin darker and hair lighter. For color-treated clients, it simply makes it fade. Sun protection has been a common topic between Millennial’s and gen-x-ers alike, but as that conversation moves from skin protection to hair protection not as many clients are as well versed. Any client who colors their hair knows that it is an investment, but how many are committed to the upkeep? A great finish is one part stylist and one part of home care. Color may start in the salon, but the longevity of it is determined by the actions taken once they leave. To create more trust between stylist and client it is important to educate them on just what steps to take! Keep reading to hear our top tips for color protection when you need it most.
After coloring, wait as long as you can before washing
Stylists everywhere know about the ins and outs of the hair color process. Directly after a service, the impact it has on the individual strand can still be changing. Due to the fact that it takes about 72 hours for the cuticle to fully close, you’ll want to instruct your client to skip a few washes when they get home. If they immediately find pause when you say this, suggest they pick up a dry shampoo on their way our the door. Matrix Style Link Mineral Playback Dry Shampoo is the perfect pick to refresh your style without impacting color! While certain colors are more susceptible than others, best practices are to swap out traditional shampoo and conditioners for ones specifically formulated for color.
“Tone” at home
To give your color a fighting chance against the summer sun, “toning” at home will aid in the cause. Using a shampoo designed to deposit small amounts of color during each wash will prevent strands for becoming too brassy. Suggest clients wash with Total Results Color Obsessed So Silver Shampoo one to two times a week. The lavender hue of this formula will counteract unwanted warm and orange tones.
Check the labels
Regardless of shade, using a shampoo and conditioner duo formulated for color-treated hair is key. While beautiful bottles and trendy marketing can make it hard to pick, an easy way to get past all the labels is by asking your stylist for advice! Formula’s that cleanse the hair without stripping it of necessary oils will prolong the life of color. If you’re looking for a gentle formula, Biolage has amazing vegan options to enhance shine and protect color. Our pick: try Biolage ColorLast Purple Shampoo! Then, follow up with Biolage ColorLast Treatment Packs to lock in shine with the strength to create a flawless finish!
Use a color-safe conditioner and leave-in
While it is crucial to use a color-safe shampoo, a color-safe conditioner is just as important. With tons of options that prevent fading, Matrix also has new leave-in options that will seal the color in place. Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Color Lamination Spray ensures color will last up to 21 washes!
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