greyhair
Salon Trusted’s Guide on how to make hair colour last longer on grey hair
If you are someone who touches up their grey hair with colour, you can easily understand how frustrating it can be when the shade starts to fade or when your roots start to show. Everyone who touches up their grey hair wants the hair colour to look vibrant, fresh, and popping for as long as possible. If you are unwilling to spend too much time, effort, and money on frequent salon visits, then Salon Trusted can guide you on how to make your hair colour last longer. Here, we will share tips on how to extend hair colour before revisiting the salon, how to make hair colour last longer on grey hair, and how to touch up hair at home – all the while using hair colour products available at Salon Trusted.
One of the best ways to make the hair colour last longer is to take good care of it before and after you colour it. Here are a few tips that can help you in the before and the after of the hair colour application:
Always use a clarifying shampoo before you start the hair colour process. For scalps that are oily and for scalps that can have dirt or buildup of any sort, the hair colour will be affected. So clear your scalp for the hair colour to penetrate properly.
After you colour your hair, it is better to wait 24 hours before rewashing it. This will give the colour time to settle in and bond with the hair. And when you do wash your hair, go for a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner that is gentle. Use a shampoo and conditioner that is specialised for hair colour.
Frequent shampoo use and washing can strip away the natural oils and hair colour. As a general rule of thumb, simply wash your hair less frequently. Go for every other day, or every third day, or even once a week. If your hair becomes oily or looks greasy, use a dry shampoo to absorb excess moisture.
Hot water can open up the cuticles and that allows the colour to be washed out faster. So always rinse your hair with luke warm or cold water. This will help the colour stay locked in the hair.
Direct sunlight and its harmful UV rays can damage the hair colour making it fade faster than usual. Prevent this by wearing a stylish hat when you go out. If that accessory doesn’t go with your style, use a UV-protective spray whenever you walk out in the sun.
Always, and we mean always, use hair products that are colour-safe and designed to work well on colour-treated hair. Regular shampoos and conditioners can strip away the colour very easily. Find the right shampoo and conditioner that matches your shade and go for it.
Excessive heat from styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can cause your hair colour to fade faster. Minimise heat styling or use a heat protectant spray before styling.
Keep in mind that grey hair is more resistant and is easily faded and also harder to colour. Here are a few tips on enhancing your grey hair with hair colour that lasts longer:
The type of hair colour product you use will determine how much grey you can cover and how long it will last. For the best results, choose a permanent colour, and even a semi-permanent colour too that gives 100% grey coverage.
Use a root touch-up spray or powder. If you don’t want to commit to a full-colour service or you just need a quick fix between salon visits, you can use a temporary root touch-up spray or powder that will wash out in one shampoo. These products are easy to apply and can cover greys instantly without damaging your hair.
Before applying the hair dye, use a pre-treatment hair product that helps seal the cuticles and prepares your hair for better dye absorption. This will also save the health of your hair and allow the dye to work efficiently.
Permanent or demi-permanent dyes are better suited for grey hair as they provide longer-lasting coverage compared to semi-permanent dyes. But semi-permanent dyes are better for a quick fix.
Since the grey hair often has a yellowish tint, choosing a cool tone colour such as ash blonde or platinum can help neutralise the yellow undertones. This will naturally make the colour last longer
These can be used to add a pop of colour to your hair.
Grey hair tends to be brittle and drier than normal hair. So deep condition it regularly to keep it hydrated and prevent unnecessary breakage.
Winter can be harsh on your coloured hair, as the cold weather, indoor heating, and dry air can make it brittle, dull, and prone to breakage. To keep your hair colour looking fresh and healthy during winter, you may want to touch it up at home using any of the wide range of products available at Salon Trusted.
Here are some tips on how to do it safely and effectively:
Select a touch-up hair colour product that matches your current shade or is one shade lighter if you want a subtle change. This way, when you do the touch-up, it would seem natural.
Before application, it’s important to do a patch test behind your ear to check for any possible allergies. Also do the strand test to see how the colour will look once it’s done, and to understand how long you need to leave it on.
Almost all at-home colours will come with all the required tools you will need for the application, straight from the box. These may include gloves, applicator, and instructions. You will have to use extra tools such as a bowl, brush, clips, comb, etc. Feel free to shop for them on Salon Trusted.
Please read the instructions carefully before starting, and follow them as directed. Do not skip any step and don’t leave the colour longer than recommended. Any mishap in this can result in over-processed or uneven hair, damaging your hair.
Make sure you section your hair using clips or elastics. This will ensure an even application of hair colour. It is always better to start off with sections that need more work, and slowly make your way to strands that only require a light touch-up.
If you are touching up only the roots, don’t apply the hair colour to the rest of the hair to avoid overdoing and overlapping. Apply the colour to the exposed roots and hairline only, with a brush or a bottle applicator. With liquid colours, feather it down with a comb to produce a smooth transition. With spray colour, spray it 4 to 6 inches away from your hair and spray back and forth till the grey is covered.
Follow the exact instructions on the packaging box or leaflet when it comes to leaving it on. Don’t leave it on for less than the recommended time as it will create uneven results. Also, don’t leave it on for longer than recommended as it will damage the hair.
After leaving the colour on for the recommended time, rinse it out thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Then, apply a conditioner or a treatment that comes with the colour or use your own favourite product. This will help seal the cuticles, add moisture, and enhance the shine of your hair.
Here are some of our best recommendations for hair colour cover-ups and touch-ups that work perfectly for grey hair. All of these are available on our website, SalonTrusted.com. Here’s the list:
L’Oreal Professional Hair Touch-Up Root Spray
Are your greys getting you down between your colour appointments? You are not the only one! Try Hair Touch Up, our temporary root Touch Up spray to cover grey hair. Here are the options you can choose from ranging from Black to Warm Blonde.
Instantly cover those grey roots until your next salon visit! Also great for thickening and perfecting thinning hairlines. With colour options ranging from black to platinum.
Infuse My. colour Hair Colour Products
This collection has a wide range of shampoo bars, shampoos, and conditioners to suit your hair colour or and something extra. With their shampoo and conditioner range having colours such as ruby, quartz and cobalt. Browse through the collection and select the ones that suit your needs.
These tips will help you make the hair colour on your grey hair last longer and look fabulous. Remember, you can always visit the Salon Trusted website to find the right touch-up hair colour products.
Please note that while touching up your hair colour at home can be convenient, it’s always best to consult a professional stylist for major changes or complex techniques. This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice from a qualified hair stylist who understands your hair better.
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