Maintaining the vibrancy and health of dyed hair goes beyond just choosing the right color at the salon.

External factors can significantly affect the longevity and brightness of your hair color. This guide explores common culprits behind dyed hair damage and provides effective solutions to keep your locks looking their best.

Sun Exposure

The Problem: Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can significantly fade hair color and damage the hair’s protein structure, leading to dryness and brittleness.

The Solution: Wear a hat or scarf when out in the sun for extended periods to physically block UV rays. Additionally, consider using hair care products with UV protection specifically designed for colored hair.

If you can’t always wear a hat, you can also opt for a hair wash routine that has UV shielding ingredients like Polluclear™ , a powerful sugar based extract that coats hair and provides up to 37% more UV protection.

Salt Water and Chlorine

The Problem: Swimming in the ocean or a chlorinated pool can strip color from your hair. Salt acts as a natural bleach, while chlorine can alter the color of dyed hair, sometimes adding a greenish tint to lighter shades.

The Solution: Before taking a dip, wet your hair with clean, fresh water. This can help prevent your hair from absorbing too much salt or chlorinated water.

Applying a leave-in conditioner or hair oil can also create a protective barrier with ingredients like Abyssinian oil, which deeply nourishes and coats hair, preventing dryness and chemical exposure.

You can also use a swim cap while in the water to help reduce exposure to these elements.

Heat Styling

The Problem: Regular use of heat styling tools (hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons) can lead to color fade and damage the hair’s integrity.

The Solution: Minimize heat styling when necessary. If you must use a styling tool, use a heat protectant spray beforehand or a protective hair serum with Almond oil, an ingredient that protects heat of up to 320 degrees.

Also try to go for styling tools with adjustable temperature settings and never style wet hair directly.

Harsh Hair Products

The Problem: Sulfates, alcohols, and other harsh chemicals found in some shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can strip hair dye and dry out your hair.

The Solution: Go for products formulated for colored hair, free from sulfates and harsh chemicals that can further damage hair. Additionally, look for shampoos & conditioners with nourishing and hydrating properties.

Abyssian’s Super Repair Shampoo & Conditioner  is specifically formulated for hair that has been heat styled and needs to be cleansed while still maintaining moisture. It’s also sulfate and paraben free.

Over-Washing

The Problem: Washing your hair too frequently can hasten the fading of hair color and strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness.

The Solution: Reduce the frequency of washes, and when you do wash, use lukewarm or cool water since hot water can open the hair cuticle and promote color loss.

Dry shampoo can be a great alternative to keep your hair looking fresh between washes. You can also use an exfoliating shampoo, that helps to deeply cleanse the scalp and let you go longer in between washes. 

Environmental Pollutants

The Problem: Pollution and free radicals can cause the hair to dull and fade, a factor many don’t realize can contribute to the reason for your freshly dyed hair fading faster.

The Solution: Products containing antioxidants can help combat environmental damage. Opt for a shampoo & conditioner with protective pollutant properties for preventative measures.

If you want to go the extra mile, a weekly regular strengthening hair mask will make your hair extra protected and nourished.

So what’s the main takeaway?

Maintaining dyed hair requires a thoughtful approach to hair care and styling. By understanding the external factors that can impact your hair and implementing protective measures, you can enjoy vibrant, healthy, and beautifully colored locks for longer.

Always remember, the best defense against damage is prevention, coupled with a tailored hair care routine that suits the specific needs of your dyed hair.