Maintaining vibrant, long-lasting hair colour is crucial not just for aesthetics but for overall hair health. Colour longevity reduces the need for frequent touch-ups, which can stress and damage hair. Prolonging colour ensures the natural integrity of the hair is preserved, saving both time and money. By maintaining the vibrancy of colour-treated hair, you can avoid over-processing and keep your locks looking healthy and nourished for longer periods.
Reasons Why Colour Doesn’t Last
Several factors can contribute to colour fading prematurely:
- Overly Porous Hair: Hair that’s been heavily damaged, over-processed, or overly porous struggles to hold onto colour molecules. The cuticle, the outermost layer of the hair, can become damaged, making it difficult for colour to stay locked in. Hair needs moisture and oil to have good porosity.
- Rinsing Colour Off Too Early: When colour is rinsed out before the recommended time, it can result in a lacklustre, faded look. Following the manufacturer’s instructions ensures that the pigment is given ample time to settle and saturate the hair for a vibrant, long-lasting intensity.
- Hard Water: Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can create a buildup in the hair cuticle, making it more difficult for colour to penetrate. Over time, this buildup can dull the colour and contribute to fading.
- Hot Water: Washing your hair with hot water can open the cuticle, allowing the colour to escape more easily. Rinsing with lukewarm water, and waiting 24 hours before shampooing, helps to lock in the colour and prevent early fading. Cool water is also nice on your scalp.
- Sun Exposure & Heat Styling: The sun’s UV rays can degrade the colour pigments in your hair, while hot tools like flat irons and curling wands can further weaken colour-treated strands. Using UV protection and minimising heat styling are essential for maintaining vibrant colour.
- Low-Quality Hair Care Products: Using harsh, sulphate-laden shampoos and conditioners can strip the hair of its colour. Opting for a high-quality colour-preserving range like Kérastase’s Chroma Absolu ensures that your hair receives the nourishment it needs while maintaining the vibrancy of your colour.
Hair Care Options: The Chroma Absolu Range
The Chroma Absolu range from Kérastase is specifically designed to nourish and protect colour-treated hair, enhancing both vibrancy and longevity. The range offers two sulphate-free shampoos, catering to different hair types:
- Bain Chroma Respect for Fine to Medium Hair: This lightweight, sulphate-free shampoo is perfect for fine to medium hair types. It gently cleanses without weighing the hair down, hydrating and protecting the colour while delivering a high-shine finish. Contains the amino acids:
– Amino Acid: Rebuilds hair from the inside out.
– Tartaric Acid: Reduces oxidative stress on the hair.
– Lactic Acid: Gently exfoliates and seals the hair surface.
- Bain Riche Chroma Respect for Medium to Thick Hair: Designed for medium to thick hair, this sulfate-free shampoo provides deep nourishment and hydration. It helps protect the hair from frizz while ensuring that the colour remains rich and vibrant for longer. Both options are enriched with powerful ingredients that work to prevent colour fade, making Chroma Absolu an excellent choice for maintaining your salon-fresh look.
Benefits of Professional Maintenance
While using high-quality products at home is essential, regular professional care is crucial for maintaining vibrant, long-lasting colour. In-salon treatments, such as glosses and deep-conditioning masks, can revitalize your colour, lock in shine, and improve overall hair health. Professional colourists can assess your hair’s needs and provide targeted treatments to ensure your colour stays rich and your hair remains strong and healthy between visits.
Investing in professional hair care guarantees that your colour not only looks its best but also lasts longer, giving you salon-worthy results every day.
