How to Keep Dyed Hair Healthy

Dyeing your hair can be a fun way to express your style, but it comes at a price—your hair health. Using chemicals to alter your hair color can wreak havoc on your locks, leaving them dry, brittle, and damaged.

But we’re not here to stop you from changing colors with your mood, instead, we’re here with expert advice for keeping your hair happy through all of your hue choices.

We tapped Akirashanti Byrd, co-founder and CEO of Curl Centric, Madison Dufour, licensed barber and cosmetologist, and owner of The Exquisite Find Hair Blog to help keep your hair vibrant and damage-free. 

Table of Contents

    What products should you use on dyed hair?

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    Ensure you use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner—like our Custom Shampoo and Conditioner— to avoid stripping the color from the hair. You should also avoid over-washing your hair, as washing your hair too often can strip away the color and leave your hair looking dull. It is also important to use cool or lukewarm water when cleansing dyed hair, as hot water can cause color fading. (Read our guide to washing your hair the right way.)

    The best type of product to use depends on the type of hair you have. If you have curly hair, you know it tends to be drier than other types, so it’s essential to use a deep conditioner at least once a week, Byrd says. “Products designed specifically for curly hair will be gentle enough to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. They will help to add moisture and reduce unwanted frizz,” Byrd says. 

    And, keeping the hair hydrated will help keep the color longer. 

    “Leave-in conditioner and weekly masks are the best habits for maintaining colored hair longer,” Dufour says. “The cuticle contains the color, if the hair is dry the cuticle will lift, looking for moisture, exposing the color and allowing it to fade faster.” 

    What Products Should You Avoid?

    Products that contain drying alcohols, such as some hard gels and hairsprays will dry out your hair. Be sure to avoid clarifying shampoo with sulfates. This strong cleanser made to remove buildup will also strip the color, Dufour says. If you do want to clarify your hair, try to limit it to once a month and use a sulfate-free option. 

    What Hair Tools Should You Use, and Are There Any to Avoid?

    A good detangling brush or wide toothed comb is a solid investment, as it will help minimize damage while brushing, Byrd says. 

    To lessen additional damage and keep your color vibrant longer, you should avoid heat styling whenever possible. Instead, opt for air-drying or using a cool setting on your hair dryer.

    How Often Should You Refresh Your Color?

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    This depends on the type of hair color you got. You may need to touch up the color every few weeks to maintain the shade. This is an excellent way to extend the life of your dye job and prevent the color from fading too quickly, Byrd says.

    Other styles, such as balayage, are made so that you can go months without a touchup. Be sure to talk to your stylist about a maintenance plan.

    How Often Should You Schedule Hair Cuts?

    Generally speaking, most people tend to get a haircut every 4–6 weeks in order to maintain a healthy mane. Some may choose to go longer between cuts if their hair grows slowly or if they are trying to achieve a specific style, while others may opt for more frequent trims if their hair grows quickly or if they prefer a shorter haircut. 

    If you have curly hair, you should keep a few things in mind to maintain healthy locks. First, curly hair is more susceptible to breakage than straight hair, so be sure to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. “Regular trims prevent split ends from damaging your hair,” Byrd says.

    Color Care 101:

    Work with your stylist to ensure that the process required to get your desired color won’t damage your hair. (For example, can it hold up to the bleaching required to lighten it without becoming too dry?) Be sure to schedule maintenance cuts and colors to keep it looking as fresh and healthy as possible. 

    Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and avoid overwashing your hair— all things that can strip the color from your hair. Based on your hair’s texture, you may have to take additional steps, such as deep conditioning treatments, to ensure your hair stays shiny, moisturized and healthy. Taking the Prose hair consultation is a great way to choose the best products for your dyed hair to create a haircare routine that keeps your locks strong and healthy.

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