How to Maintain Red Hair
By Sarah Bee
Red hair is one of the most difficult hair colours to keep vibrant. I have had red hair for 7 months now and these are the tips and tricks that I have learned over this period of time. Remember, I am not a professional but these tips are important to know and to follow.
1) Avoid washing your hair as much as possible. WATER will be your worse enemy. Try washing your hair 2-3 times a week. Yes.. I know that sounds gross.. but its the sacrifice you have to make. (This does not mean don't shower, just don't wash your hair).
Once you reduce the number of showers per week, your hair will be able to adapt. It is actually not good for you to wash your hair everyday because it strips your hair from the essential oils that are released by your scalp that help your hair to be healthy.
Use the coldest temperature of water that you can stand on your hair. The cold keeps your hair follicles closed. Also, rinse as quickly as you can, the less water you use the less hair dye you will lose.
2) Use SULFATE FREE shampoo and conditioners. Sulfates are responsible for the really bubbly lather of certain hair products. It is not a required ingredient and it strips hair colour, a lot. Sulfates are responsible for a large portion of colour loss associated with shampoos. If you can switch to sulfate free products you will be saving yourself time and money by reducing the frequency of re-dyeing your hair.
3)HYDRATE-HYDRATE-HYDRATE .... Red hair molecules are much larger than any other hair colour. So if your hair is damaged and breaking, these molecules will be removed easier and quicker. USE a weekly protein hair mask and choose a hydrating and restoring shampoo/conditioner.
4)Avoid the sun and the pool. I know summer is getting closer and a lot of people are going down south for their spring break, but if you have dyed red hair, your hair colour will fade. Use UV protecting leave-in conditioner for your hair before going into the sun and wear a hat. Cover your hair with a conditioner before entering a pool. Do not go into the pool for at least 1 week after colouring your hair for best results.
5) Hot hairstyling tools cause a lot of hair damage, to keep your hair healthy, try to avoid using any tools such as flat irons or curling irons and allow your hair to air-dry.
6) Use a vegetable mask to give a kick to your hair colour.
- Carrots to enhance copper tones
- Red Berries to enhance red tones
7) Use a red depositing shampoo. It adds a little bit of colour each time you use it. It makes a huge difference.
