I’ve dyed my hair numerous times. I’ve been raven black, hot red, pale golden blonde, and everything in between. In my teenage years, my hair has been in pretty much every color that there’s in the rainbow palette. And despite my enthusiasm, I had to take the consequences of that hair-dyeing journey. After many years of dyeing my hair, I can now share how I managed to bring it back to life again. The dyed and damaged hair is frizzy, dry, and hardly has a beautiful shape. Often worsened by the extensive use of heat, it loses its natural moisture and is hard to recover. Here are some tips that will help you get back that healthy hair glam we all strive to achieve.
1. Moisture, moisture, moisture
The healthy hair strand is built of three separate layers. The outer one, which holds the cuticle, is the one that suffers the most when you choose to dye your hair. Be sure to use natural oils a few days prior to the dyeing process. This will strengthen your hair and will help you attain the shiny effect right after. You can go for either high-quality oil hair treatment products, or a super cheap, but yet effective enough alternative, which you probably have in your kitchen already—extra virgin olive oil. It also has a great effect when treating dandruff. More hair mask ideas here.
2. Trim the edges.
It might seem obvious, but sometimes the hair looks and feels damaged due to its length and fuzzy ends. Trimming the ends will give your scalp a break, taking off some of the excess weight. You will be able to see the result almost immediately. The natural oils will spread even on the remaining strands, which will bring back the essential shine.
3. Choose a proper hair treatment.
Determining which products are effective on your hair, depending on its texture, length and color, will most certainly boost the repairing process. To keep the dye looking fresh for as long as possible, look around the shampoo and conditioner aisle for a product that corresponds well with your current hair’s condition. Is it thin? Is it dry? Does it have dandruff? Most cosmetic companies have already come up with a series of products that naturally complement each other. These include a shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, oils, hair sprays, and more. Look around for products that include argan oil. Don’t wash your hair with shampoo too frequently, as it strips away the natural oils from your scalp. If you feel you need to freshen up, there are plenty of dry shampoo alternatives. Ask your stylist for a good quality product line or go more budget-friendly and ask your friends. Either way, the best recommendation is the one that comes from a personal experience.
4. Change your hair dye.
Each time you dye your hair, you cause it either major or minor damage. That’s just the way hair dye works. Choose a brand that works less aggressively towards achieving the final result, or one that works with a bond builder. If you’re striving for a lighter color, like silver or platinum blonde, choose the longer, but safer step-by-step approach. This way you will let your hair and scalp adjust to the changes. Bonus tip: look for hair dye and hair treatment products that do not include silicone dimethicone. Despite its broad use, this ingredient is likely to attract dirt, which brings the feeling of heaviness on your scalp.
5. Detangle carefully.
Due to its destroyed healthy layering, the damaged dyed hair is often fuzzy and dry. This may lead to extreme cases of tangling. Be sure to take your time and use a proper product to help detangle any thatched hair strands. You can either go for a specialized product for untangling, or use the good old extra virgin olive oil. Either way, make sure you avoid rending. Bonus tip: if your hair is curly or easy to tangle, try the dry finger technique. That way you can easily locate any knots before brushing your hair with a comb, while it’s being conditioned.
6. Clean the air.
The smoke particles, dust, dirt and other air contaminants around you will inevitably end up in your hair. It is probably impossible to avoid going outdoors altogether, but you can at least purify your indoor environment with an air purifier for dust. Your lungs and body will thank you for it too.
7. Rinse with cold water.
Try to rinse your hair with cooler water. This helps to seal the moisture and gives a natural shine. The only con (probably other than the feeling of discomfort if you don’t like cold showers) is that it flattens the hair a little.
8. Bring in the brushes!
Sometimes the small change makes a big difference. When choosing a proper hairbrush, go for one that has a combination of 50% synthetic and 50% boar bristles. This hairbrush type will easily spread the oils and naturally soften the hair. You can also go with 100% boar bristles. Give it a try on a small section on your hair beforehand. The final effect depends on the spacing between the bristles. Used incorrectly, that type of hairbrush can cause more damage to the already tainted hair. A great way to determine which is the perfect brush for you, is to ask your hairstylist. As a professional, each stylist uses expensive and fine quality tools, but will sure give you directions when choosing a less expensive alternative.
9. Give it a break.
Hair dye, drying, straightening, curling, styling products—all these factors often aid for additional hair damage. Give both your hair and your scalp a good break. Try avoiding any heat and go for a simple hairstyle, that does not require a lot of styling products. Leave your hair to dry out naturally and don’t forget your hat while it’s summer outside! Hope these tips will help you save your hair. Looking forward to that glossy Pinterest hair photo. Featured photo credit: goMainstream via imcreator.com
