Hair that has been subjected to excessive heat styling or chemical treatments can become over-processed. Strands that are over-processed appear very dry and are prone to breakage. Coloring hair of this type presents a challenge and is best left to a professional. Hair is very porous and will absorb color quickly, however the color generally fades very quickly leaving you with a dull shade that isn’t what you sought and you can kiss all the elasticity down the drain its gone! There are some steps you can take to restore health to damaged hair so that color lasts as it should.

Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair. Avoid shampooing every day and instead rinse hair with water, condition and re-rinse. This helps your dry strands retain moisture and aids in preventing hair color fadage! Avoid harsh shampoos, such as those designed to remove dandruff from your scalp. Medicated shampoos will further strip the moisture out of your hair, along with removing added hair color. Consider washing your hair with only conditioner for the first few weeks after coloring. Shampoo contains many harsh chemicals that can strip the remaining moisture out of damaged hair. Use conditioner only until the natural oils return to your hair and scalp, and then add shampoo back into your routine.

Avoiding brushing your hair when it’s wet, as this is when hair is weakest and most susceptible to breakage. If you must style your hair while it’s wet, use a wide-toothed comb. This is a big rule everyone make sure before styling the hair to place a leave in conditioner in the hair than comb out from mid shaft to ends!

Use a deep conditioning treatment two to three times a week after you shampoo. Leave the treatment on your hair for at least five minutes after applying it generously from roots to ends. Use an  Olive Oil treatment in your hair twice a week. Apply warm Olive Oil or Almond Oil to damp hair before going to bed and wrapped in a shower cap. In the morning, wash and style as usual, and you will see improved shine and texture!

Hair coloring is something many people choose to do in the comfort of their own homes. Hair damage can occur from using boxed dyes or over-processing hair, even if the hair is thick and healthy to begin with. If you’ve damaged your hair with coloring treatments, there are steps you can take to get your hair back to a healthy, soft state. And most of all leave the job up to a professional when ever-changing or maintaining your hair color.