10 Tips Reveal The Secrets To Natural Hair Colour Protection

Our hair and hair colour play an important role in our physical identity. Why we choose to colour our hair and how this occurs differs from person to person, but regardless, the colouring process itself can cause damage to the hair, which requires ongoing care and maintenance.

But what does the colouring process actually do to the physiology and integrity of our hair?

Hair grows from the hair follicle and is largely made up of chains of amino acids and proteins called keratin. Due to chemical treatments, overstyling, and environmental stressors, keratins wear out, creating gaps in the hair that eventually lead to damage and breakage.

Permanent, semi-permanent, or bleached hair requires the use of chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals open the outer lining of your hair (the cuticle) so they can penetrate and deposit color. This dyeing process weakens the structure of your hair since it breaks down the proteins that keep it strong and elastic. Coloring your hair also makes it more porous, which causes it to absorb and release moisture more easily. This, in turn, causes a loss of colour molecules every time your hair gets wet.

So what can we do to protect the hair?

Here are some tips on how to improve the health of your hair and keep the colour from fading.

1. 

   Invest in a premium, natural, color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to help lock in the colour and add shine, volume, and luster to your hair. The Holistic Hair Quinoa Pro NPNF Color Protect Shampoo and Conditioner are formulated with 2 patented ingredients that contain all 8 essential amino acids to bond to damaged keratin sites for maximum colour retention. These amino acids absorb into the cortex of the hair to retain the colour and reduce oxidative damage. Crambisol from Crambe Abyssinica oil with added phytosterols strengthens hair from the inside out, increasing thickness and improving the hair’s natural elasticity for resistance to breakage. Harakeke flax leaf extract and marshmallow root support hydration and moisture for softer, stronger, glossier, and easier-to-style hair.

2. Lowering the temperature of the water when you wash your hair will not only prevent the scalp from drying but will also help retain moisture and the colour of your hair.

3. 

   If you exercise daily, skip the shampoo occasionally and try using the Holistic Hair Herbal Finishing Concentrate to refresh the scalp, followed by the Holistic Hair Quinoa Pro NPNF Color Protect Conditioner.

4. Do not skip conditioner. Conditioned hair will retain colour better, reduce fade, and, when used consistently, will improve your overall hair health.
5. Avoid using blow dryers, curling irons, or straightening irons too often, and use heat protection products to minimize any further damage.
6. Use a leave-in conditioner or oil treatment to help detangle your hair and protect it from heat styling tools and the damaging effects of the environment.
7. Wear a swim cap to protect your color-treated hair from chlorine and sea water, and a hat outside to protect from UV rays and wind moisture loss.
8. Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet to keep your hair looking great. What you eat has everything to do with the health of your scalp and hair and how your hair looks and feels. The nutrients from a healthy, well-balanced diet provide the energy that supports hair growth. Consume protein, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of water to hydrate.
9. Supplements can help with the health of colour-treated hair and hair in general. Vitamin C keeps blood vessels in the scalp healthy by supporting hair follicles. Vitamin C also helps you absorb iron from plant proteins. Biotin, an essential B vitamin, strengthens weak hair and improves its texture. Biotin is found in salmon, carrots, egg yolks, and sardines. Always seek help from a trained professional if you are thinking of taking supplements to ensure you are only consuming what your body requires and in safe dosages.

10. 

    Use scalp treatment products to support your scalp and follicles, which in turn produce healthy hair. The Holistic Hair Scalp Treatment Oil is perfect for a weekly scalp massage. A 2016 study showed scalp massage has a positive effect on hair growth, and a well-formulated scalp oil works simultaneously to heal the scalp and moisturise the hair, reducing hygral fatigue and damage that results from colouring treatments and the continuous swelling and drying of the hair. If you want to improve circulation to your follicles and hair growth, try the Holistic Hair Essential Scalp Spray with rosemary, bergamot, lavender, and neroli oils.

If you follow these tips, you will certainly minimise hair colour fade and overall damage, revealing healthier hair that will withstand your next hair colour treatment. Healthy hair is seen as shiny, silky-soft, smooth, and resistant to breakage. Taking the time to follow good hair care practices will benefit the appearance and feel of your hair.

Holistic Hair is a premium natural hair care brand manufactured in New Zealand under the FernMark licence. Products are designed for a circular economy and are sustainably produced, plant-based, and cruelty-free. Packaging is glass or bottles made from 100% recycled PET1 BPA-free plastic. Cleanhub has certified the company as “plastic neutral plus.”

SHOP NATURAL SCALP & HAIR CARE

Authored By Nicky James-Baird – Diploma of Higher Associate Trichologist and Cosmetic Chemist