The Brittle Breakup : How I Take Care of My Color-treated Hair at Home
It’s day 2,345,953 since your hair has had a color, cut or a close encounter with a steamer, am I right? The other day out of sheer disgust I got out a spray bottle, put in a bit of conditioner, a healthy drizzle of grape seed oil and filled with warm water and gave my parched hair a much-needed spray down and a halfhearted finger detangle before going out for a run. Yep it has come to all sorts of brokendown shambolic laziness over here.
In speaking with my newest work colleague and friend, I realize that neglect can cost the color treated amongst us dearly. My friend has type 1, honey blonde, color treated hair past her shoulders and it’s SUPER thirsty!
Whether your you have hair type 1 or hair type 4, coloring your hair is serious business which makes maintenance key. Without it, the results are certain and scary. Think of your worst anger inducing, tearfully screaming break up – and multiply those emotions times 10 (because NO MAN who was destined for the trash bin is more important than your hair)!
How do you rescue what you have and minimize the inevitable (nuclear grade) fall out?
Do a quick hair assessment:
1. Is your hair thirsty?; or
2. Is your hair damaged?
Two answers, two plans of attack.
If your hair is damaged the best thing to do is cut that sucker soonest. Literally keep trimming the hair and treating it gently until you are able to cut out the damage and start again. The best thing when taking such an approach is:
1. Keep your hair in a protective style, (think buns and braids) and;
2. Deep condition which a PH balanced product. For type 1 hair I recommend a shampoo (as conditioner can weigh you down) that is moisture rich like Sukin, Natural Balance Shampoo
If your hair is thirsty
1. Deep condition every wash day 2 -3 times per week, with a natural deep conditioner;
2. Do NOT pull the hair tightly as you keep it in a protective style. This will only compound breakage;
3. And try a restorative shampoo made for color treated hair like Noughty, Colour Bomb, Colour Protecting Shampoo
As you care for neglected hair, never forget that your stress levels, diet and exercise factor into the equation. Topical hair care isn’t a cure all.
