Hazel O Hair Studio

color my world

how to properly care for your color-treated hair

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

If you’re like most people, you look in the mirror at your natural hair color and think that it could use a little something; a little zhuzh, maybe a little boost to make it not quite so run-of-themill. After all, your hair is your crowning glory, or it could be if someone who knew what they were doing got their hands on it. So you get the perfect cut, then comes the fun part: the color.

There are some rules of thumb to keep in mind as you embark in this journey to color-treated bombshellness. First, consider that some colors fade faster than others. “Unnatural tones— fashion colors or colors that are opposite to your hair’s natural tones—as well as reds and ashy tones all fade more quickly than others will,” says Alexus Bermudez, Director of Education at Hazel O. Salon.

Naturally, there are also colors and tones that require more maintenance. “Blondes and reds require the most maintenance of all,” says Bermudez. “These colors require a visit to the salon every four weeks for toner and every eight weeks for color. Mineral buildup is more apparent with these colors, so they really require appropriate at-home care to keep them looking their best and most vibrant.”

The key to great color-treated hair really comes down to two words: proper care. Starting at day one, what you do with your color-treated hair will affect how it looks. “Newly-colored hair should ideally not be shampooed for the first 48 hours after coloring,” Bermudez advises. From there, proper use of products is the next big thing. “Color is best maintained with a color-safe shampoo and conditioner recommended by the stylist,” Bermudez says. “We recommend Chroma Riche shampoo and conditioner as well as Soin Acide at-home treatment for shine. Other products we recommend at the salon are the Kerastase Chroma line and color specific Fusio Doses by Kerastase. Depending on the color, we’d also recommend avoiding hot water as well.” One big concern for color treated hair—especially with the intensity of the summer sun and the punishing effects of heat styling—is fade out. For the prevention of fade out, Bermundez recommends products like sulfate and paraben free shampoo and conditioner as well as Chroma Thermique by Kerastase, which is a heat protectant. In addition, Bermundez warns to avoid hard water or use a filter.