Preserve your hair color and save precious dollars on touch ups! My color lasts 16 weeks following these tips.
Don’t cook your hair! Wear a hat when you will be in the sun for an extended period. This article from cosmeticscop.com points out hats are superior to products with SPF for the hair that haven’t been approved by the FDA.
Use a color preserving system. I like Nioxin for Fine Hair System ($9.25-$36.00 depending on size) for fine hair. As shown in Fine curly hair got you down?, I recommend using cleanser, scalp therapy (conditioner), and scalp treatment every other day. Additional options for all hair types: Christophe Color Extending Shampoo & Conditioner (on sale for $5.99 ea.; usually $7.99); John Frieda Collection (hurry! BOGO 50% off through 9/25/09 at Drugstore.com) for your specific hair color (brilliant brunette, radiant red or sheer blonde); or Matrix Color.Smart ($15.00-$25.00 ea.).
Nix wash, rinse, repeat. Don’t wash your hair everyday. Experts at the Beauty Brains believe water is the biggest threat to color treated hair, but I have found this routine preserves my color quite well. This may be partly because I don’t wash my hair everyday as recommended in the post.
Enhance with glaze. I love John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze ($9.99-also BOGO 50% off until 9/25/09). I was initially intimidated by this product because of prior DIY color disasters…but after trying it I realized it’s hard to screw up. Apply after shampoo and conditioner in the shower, leave on for 3 minutes, then rinse. Wa - la! Say hello to rich shiny hair! You may need to use for three consecutive days to see results.
