In general, hair with highlights or dye is much more delicate than natural hair that has never undergone any chemical treatment. It is essential to care for it specifically to prevent it from breaking or drying out.
What Is Dyed Hair, and What Are Its Characteristics?
Definition: Dyed hair is hair that has altered its color through a chemical process. It can include various types of treatments, such as highlights or reflections, among others.
Characteristics:
- It is more porous.
- It dries and breaks more easily.
- It feels rough.
- It is highly sensitive to external factors like pollution, chlorine, or sun exposure.
- The color fades over time.
Hair Care Tips
Use a Specific Shampoo: One of the most crucial aspects to consider is using shampoos that are typically sulfate-free and do not contain ingredients that can dry out the hair. Some may also include UV filters to prevent sunlight from penetrating the hair fiber and altering the obtained color.
Know the Components to Avoid:
- Sulfates - These are responsible for separating sebum and residues present on the scalp and hair fiber. If the shampoo contains strong sulfates, it could gradually diminish the color with each wash.
- Products with Denatured Alcohol - These can overly dry the hair and make it more prone to tangling or breaking.
- Chlorine and Salt - These can also have detrimental effects on dyed hair.
Avoid Sun Exposure: UV and UVA rays are as harmful to hair as they are to the skin. Prolonged exposure of dyed hair to sunlight could degrade pigment molecules and damage the color. It's a good practice to use hair sunscreens or wear a hat when direct radiation cannot be avoided.
Use a Hair Mask Once a Week: A deep hydration mask will keep the hair hydrated, manageable, and nourished. Apply it to damp hair and wrap it in plastic wrap or a warm towel. Leave it on for at least an hour. The best ingredients for nourishing and hydrating hair include argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid.
Use Conditioner: Conditioner has a less dense texture than a mask and is used with every wash. For dyed hair, it should be applied after rinsing the shampoo to prevent tangling and water loss from the hair fiber.
Use Leave-In Moisturizing Products: Dyed hair often has raised cuticles and tends to dry out, so it's necessary to apply products that don't need to be rinsed out after using shampoo and conditioner. This makes styling with a dryer or air drying more comfortable, reduces frizz, and keeps it smooth for longer.
Use Hair Oil: Using hair oils regularly is a good habit, as dyed hair usually experiences constant water retention and inflammation due to its high porosity.
Reduce the Use of Heat Styling Tools: Using a hairdryer or straightener regularly is harmful to all hair types, but even more so for dyed hair since the hair fiber is weakened due to the chemical process it has undergone. It's advisable to space out the use of heat styling tools to prevent hair breakage and degradation.
Trim the Ends Regularly: Having split ends can weaken healthy and strong hair. They should be trimmed approximately every two months to keep the hair in good condition and prevent split ends.
Space Out Washes and Use Lukewarm Water: Washing your hair less frequently will help maintain the color for a longer time and reduce dryness and water retention. On the other hand, very hot water will dry out the scalp and make the hair even more porous.
Use Heat Protectant: Heat protectants contain silicones and other ingredients that reduce the amount of heat that comes into contact with the hair fiber.
In addition to all these care routines, it's interesting to use a multivitamin complex that takes care of the hair from the inside. This is the case with Hair & Nails from Matcha & CO, which contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D3, E, combined with Biotin, L-Cysteine, Minerals, Iron, and Matcha. It is specifically designed to strengthen hair and nails, increase density, volume, and shine.