How to Keep Color-Treated, Dyed Hair Looking Healthy

After you finally dye your strands to the perfect, pretty hair color, it’s hard not to get upset over the thought that it will eventually fade away over time. With the proper care, however, you can keep your color looking vibrant for longer. Since it’s chemically processed, color-treated hair actually requires its own special care. Want to keep your dyed hair looking gorgeous? Alright, we didn’t really need to ask that—of course, you do. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to take care of colored hair, from how to pick the right at-home permanent hair color kit to finding the best shampoo for dye hair.

HEALTHY HAIR COLOR TIP #1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT HAIR DYE FOR YOUR NEEDS—AND USE IT PROPERLY

If you’ve booked an appointment with a professional colorist, they’ll be able to help choose the right hair color formula for you. They will take into account what you’re looking for, your hair type, and your hair care concerns. If you’re dyeing your hair at home, however, it’s important to do your research in order to choose the right at-home hair color kit for your preferences and desired results. Here are a few at-home hair color kits to consider.

If you want to go ombré…try the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach Ombré. Having hair that is lighter from the mid-lengths to the ends is still popular for a reason! This beachy look can really perk up your hair and make it look sun-kissed.

If you want to experiment with a rainbow shade…try the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color. (It’s available in two versions: one for bleached, light blondes and highlighted hair and one for brunettes). Paint your hair like a rainbow!

Editor’s note: Looking for a less permanent way to play around with rainbow colors? Give the L’Oréal Paris Colorista 1-Day Spray or the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup 1-Day Color a go. Each option comes in lots of different shades, from blues to pinks to purples to greens, and washes out after just one use.

If you want natural-looking, all-over color…try the L’Oréal Paris Féria, L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color, or L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color. Again, be sure to choose the right formula for you! Here’s what you’ll want to know about each option:

L’Oréal Paris Feria: This hair color range is all about shimmer. No, not glitter, but rather intensified, brilliant color that is sure to turn heads. Choose this at-home option if you’re looking for a color that is bold and sure to stand out.

L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color: This color line comes in a whopping 50 shades, so whatever your starting hue is, you’re sure to find a solution that will work for any look you’re trying to achieve. There are shade ranges for every hue, including blonde, brunette, black, and red hair.

L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color: If your primary reason for coloring is to cover up grays, this line is for you. It’s formulated to seal, replenish, and condition your strands while coloring.

HEALTHY HAIR COLOR TIP #2: SWITCH UP YOUR HAIR CARE SYSTEM

Just as you choose specific skin care products to address your complexion’s needs, your dyed hair care routine should follow suit. That means using hair care products formulated specifically for color-treated hair, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo, which can be paired with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Conditioner. Once or twice a week, swap your conditioner for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm for extra TLC.

If you’re working with blonde dyed hair, you’ll want to use a shampoo and conditioner that’s specifically formulated to keep your mane bright while also neutralizing brassiness. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner. After massaging the shampoo onto wet strands and rinsing, apply the conditioner and leave it on for one to three minutes before washing out. To keep up the momentum, once or twice a week, swap your conditioner for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment. Gorgeous hair, here you come!

HEALTHY HAIR COLOR TIP #3: USE A LEAVE-IN TREATMENT REGULARLY

After every wash, it’s crucial that you use a leave-in conditioner in order to keep your strands at their strongest and healthiest—which will, in turn, keep your color looking as vibrant as possible. Simply apply a repairing leave-in treatment, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil-In-Cream, onto the lengths and ends of your damp strands. Use a dime-sized amount evenly throughout your hair, then go about the rest of your styling routine as usual.

HEALTHY HAIR COLOR TIP #4: ADD A WEEKLY DEEP CONDITIONING TREATMENT

While your hair may not be damaged, adding in a weekly or even bi-weekly deep conditioning treatment can work wonders in helping to prolong the lifespan and vibrancy of your dyed hair! Simply swap out your regular conditioner for the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner, which is formulated for color-treated hair. All it takes is one minute, then rinse and style your hair as if you didn’t just totally upgrade your hair care routine.

HEALTHY HAIR COLOR TIP #5: EMBRACE YOUR NATURAL TEXTURE

Ditch the heat tools in favor of something so much easier—air drying! Give in to your natural texture—whether you have straight hair, curly hair, or wavy hair—and let your pretty new hair color be the star of the show. We love the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, which works to transform your mane into soft, bouncy curls. Simply apply an egg-sized amount to damp hair, scrunch from the roots to ends and call it a day. It’s that easy!

HEALTHY HAIR COLOR TIP #6: HAVE ROOT COVER-UP ON HAND

Eventually, your newly dyed hair will be no more, at least on your roots. Instead of letting new growth show, which isn’t always the most flattering look, keep your roots covered until you have the chance to refresh your dye job. The simplest solution? A root cover spray. Spritz the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up directly onto hair, and your roots will be hidden through your next shampoo.

HEALTHY HAIR COLOR TIP #7: WASH WITH LUKEWARM WATER

We know—at the end of a long day, nothing feels better than a piping hot shower. Unfortunately, washing your hair with super-hot H2O can strip your hair of its natural oils, which can wreak havoc on your dyed hair. As much as it pains you, try turning down the dial next time you wash your hair—trust us, your color-treated strands will thank you for it in the long run!

You officially know how to take care of colored hair, so it’s onto our next lesson for beautiful hair color: How to Prep for an At-Home Hair Color Session.