Having curly hair is a beautiful blessing, and adding a splash of color can make it even more exciting. However, keeping color-treated curly hair healthy and vibrant requires a bit of extra care.
Curly hair tends to be naturally dry and prone to frizz, and the coloring process can exacerbate these issues. To ensure your locks stay luscious and lively, here are seven essential tips to help you maintain the health and vibrancy of your color-treated curly hair.
1. Choose the Right Colorist
Your journey to healthy and vibrant color-treated curly hair begins with choosing the right colorist. Seek out professionals who specialize in curly hair and have experience with color treatments. They will understand the unique needs of your curls and can help you select the most suitable hair dye and application technique. A skilled colorist can minimize damage and ensure the color complements your curl pattern, leaving you with stunning results.
2. Opt for Ammonia-Free Hair Color
When selecting a hair color for your curls, opt for ammonia-free or low-ammonia products. Ammonia can be harsh on the hair, especially for those with curls, which are already prone to dryness. Ammonia-free dyes are gentler and less likely to strip your hair of its natural moisture, helping to maintain curl integrity and prevent excessive damage.
3. Limit Heat Styling
While it’s tempting to use heat-styling tools like flat irons or curling wands to change up your curly hairstyle, excessive heat can be detrimental to color-treated hair. Heat can strip away moisture and cause color to fade more rapidly. If you do choose to heat style, be sure to always apply a heat protection spray on your hair beforehand to limit any damage.
4. Incorporate Purple Products for Blonde Hair
If you’re rocking a stunning shade of blonde in your color-treated curly locks, consider adding purple shampoo to your hair care routine. Blonde hair, whether natural or color-treated, tends to develop unwanted brassiness over time due to exposure to environmental factors and mineral buildup. Purple shampoos are designed to counteract these warm, brassy tones by depositing violet pigments onto the hair.
Here’s how to make the most of purple shampoo:
- Use sparingly ─ Purple shampoo should be used once a week or as needed to maintain the desired tone. Overuse can lead to a slight purple tint, so finding the right frequency for your hair is essential.
- Leave It on ─ When using purple shampoo, leave it on your hair for a few minutes before rinsing. This gives the violet pigments enough time to neutralize the brassy undertones effectively.
- Pair with a hydrating mask ─ Purple shampoos can be slightly drying, so it’s crucial to follow up with a hydrating deep conditioner like the Pump Haircare to keep your curly hair soft and manageable.
- Choose a quality product ─ Invest in high-quality products to ensure it effectively combat brassiness without causing damage. Look for options with sulfate-free formulas to be gentle on your color-treated curls.
By incorporating purple products into your routine, you can maintain the cool, blonde tones you love while keeping your color-treated curly hair looking fresh and vibrant.
5. Embrace Cold Water Rinses
While hot showers may be relaxing, they can be detrimental to your color-treated curly hair. Hot water opens the hair cuticles, allowing color molecules to escape and leading to faster fading. To preserve your hair color, rinse your curls with cold water after shampooing and conditioning. The cold water helps seal the cuticles, locking in moisture and color. If you can’t bear a completely cold rinse, try lukewarm water instead.
6. Protect Your Hair from UV Damage
Sun exposure can cause color-treated hair to fade, and curly hair is no exception. UV rays can also weaken the hair structure, making it more prone to breakage. To protect your color-treated curls from the sun, use hair products that contain UV filters. Additionally, consider wearing a hat or scarf when spending prolonged periods outdoors. These simple precautions will help maintain your hair color and overall hair health.
7. Trim Regularly
Regular trims are essential for curly hair, especially if it’s color-treated. Trimming every 6-8 weeks helps prevent split ends and breakage, which can be more noticeable in curly hair due to its texture. Regular trims also keep your curls looking fresh and bouncy. When you have color-treated curly hair, trimming becomes even more important as it helps remove damaged ends and promotes healthy growth.
8. Proper Conditioning and Hydration
For vibrant color-treated curly hair, invest in a high-quality conditioner designed specifically for color-treated locks. This conditioner is your lifeline, keeping your hair hydrated, detangled, and manageable. Color-treated hair often suffers from dryness, so opt for products with ingredients like argan oil or shea butter to replenish lost moisture, leaving your curls soft and supple.
9. Detangling and Manageability
Curly hair tends to tangle and knot, so a quality conditioner provides essential slip, preventing breakage during combing or styling. It also tames frizz, enhances your curl pattern, and adds definition and bounce.
10. Avoiding Sulfates for Color Protection
Choose sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to preserve your color investment. Sulfates, commonly found in many hair products, can strip your hair of natural oils and color pigments, leading to dryness and fading. Sulfate-free options cleanse your hair effectively without compromising moisture or vibrancy.
11. Regular Deep Conditioning
Incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments or masks into your routine to nourish and repair color-treated curls. These treatments penetrate the hair shaft, providing essential nutrients, strengthening strands, and enhancing shine while preventing breakage.
12. Silk Pillowcases and Hair Wraps for Protection
Curly hair is prone to damage from friction, so consider using silk pillowcases or hair wraps. These reduce friction, preventing breakage and frizz, preserving your hairstyle, and leaving your curls soft and well-defined.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of color-treated curly hair is a rewarding journey, and if you’re a blonde, don’t forget to include purple shampoo in your arsenal of hair care products. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy the stunning, healthy, and vibrant curls you’ve always wanted, regardless of your hair color.
