HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR COLORED HAIR

Walking out of the salon (or your bathroom) with a fresh new color can make you feel on top of the world. When your hair is so vibrant and shiny, you know you are living your best hair life. But with so many options to care for it between color treatments, what’s a girl to choose?

FACT: Changing your hair’s color means putting your hair through a harsh process.

Coloring your hair can require up to three different actions: Swelling, lifting, and depositing. The pH is hiked up to swell the hair so the color molecules can get inside the fiber. Peroxide in the formula then lightens your existing color so you can then add in the color you want. Then, the actual color is deposited into the fiber, transforming it to your new shade.

The process also changes the fiber’s strength and feel as much as it changes the shade. Damaged cuticles, broken follicles, extreme dryness—all are serious side effects of that new hue you’re rocking. Now, we’re not suggesting you skip coloring altogether—where’s the fun in that? You can still get your fix, you just need to know how to care for your colored hair.

FACT: You absolutely need to use color-protecting shampoo.

The same process that changes the color of your hair also robs hair of its natural oils. Unlike hair that has never been colored, colored hair becomes attracted to water and repelled by oils. That means it soaks up water faster and rejects conditioners and oils. The trick is to start with a shampoo specifically designed for color-treated hair so it can make colored hair act more like uncolored hair.

FACT: If you go sulfate-free shampoos, it’s best to choose one full of nutrients to protect your colored hair.

If you’re not a fan of sulfates, Pantene Pro-V -invalid data- & -invalid data- is an excellent choice to help soften and nourish chemically treated hair. In addition to pro vitamin B5 and rose water from petals of Rosa Gallica, the duo includes antioxidants that help protect colored hair from damaging free radicals. It’s just what delicate hair needs to soothe, soften and shine!

FACT: Dry shampoo is safe for use on colored hair.

Dry shampoos allow you to skip a wash, but they can leave colored hair looking dull. That’s because the micro-particles used to soak up excess oils were not completely removed by the brush-out step. Don’t worry, the dry shampoo dulling effect is only temporary and can be removed by more brushing or washed out the next time you shampoo. Better yet, opt for a dry shampoo created to leave hair looking fresh and clean, like Pantene’s -invalid data-.

FACT: The color process does damage. You need to step up your repair game. Conditioning & Treatments are the best way to do that.

In addition to using the matching conditioners for the shampoos mentioned above, add a concentrated treatment to your weekly routine. Pantene Pro-V -invalid data- is a hydration & repairing superhero for color-treated hair. One dose helps repairs extreme damage in minutes. It’s specially designed to absorb deep into the hair shaft, yet washes away clean, leaving no residue behind. It brings your hair back from the brink of destruction and makes it feel like new (instead of feeling like straw!).

Whether you like your caramel lowlights, want to try a violet style or need to touch up those roots, coloring your hair is a great way to refresh your style. And, now that you know how to care for it, you can feel free to play with your shade. Pantene can help you rescue hair from color damage and keep looking beautiful!