Big life changes mean big hair changes. There’s nothing more exhilarating than posting a “new hair, who dis?” selfie on social media to show off your new ‘do. But whether it’s your first or fiftieth time colouring your hair, your stylist will remind you to use colour-safe products to keep your colour vibrant.
But truthfully, how many of us read over the labels on our shampoo/conditioner to ensure they won’t damage our colour treatments? And if we do want to know, and the bottle doesn’t say, then we find ourselves deep on the internet looking for a guarantee.
So, just how important is it to get colour-safe products?
What Does Colour-Safe Mean?
Just because a label doesn’t explicitly say “colour-safe” doesn’t mean that it will damage your hair. In short, colour-safe products are more gentle on your hair and are free of harsh chemicals. Certain chemicals are the culprit behind accelerating the fade of your perfect hue.
While all artificial colours will fade after time, the goal of colour-safe products is to keep your hair looking like you just left the salon for as long as possible.
When you dye your hair, the chemicals bond to your hair cuticles. When you apply treatments to your hair—especially shampoo—your hair relaxes and allows some of the colour molecules to escape.
Colour-safe products keep the hair cuticles from expanding more than they need to, so less colour escapes.
Which Ingredients Do I Need to Avoid?
Say it with us: stay away from sulfates. Even if you don’t dye your hair, sulfates are horrible for your hair.
Sulfates are super strong detergents that are meant to cut through grease, but they take your colour along with it. Sulfates can be listed on product labels as sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Most products that are sulfate-free will tell you right on the front of the bottle.
Parabens are also on the naughty list, as they are incredibly abrasive on your hair in general.
It’s also a good rule of thumb to avoid hair products with pure alcohols in them. While alcohol is beneficial for clearing up your skin or Friday night at the pub, it can drain the colour, shine, and life from your hair.
However, full fatty alcohols such as cetearyl, benzyl, stearyl, and isopropyl alcohols are colour-safe and will help keep your hair looking incredible.
What Happens If I Don’t Use Colour-Safe Products?
Doom. Destruction. Hair-maggedon.
Just kidding.
The bottom line is that if you don’t use colour-safe products on your dyed hair, your hair will become dull quicker. You’ll find yourself in the salon more often than you would if you used colour-safe products.
While colour-safe products cost more than products with harsh chemicals, you’ll spend less money on upkeep in the long run. Plus, you’ll feel more confident with your gorgeous, vibrant locks.
If you’re going away on holiday and are stressing out that the hotel won’t have gentle shampoo and conditioner for your hair, it’s okay. Using non-colour-safe products every once in a while will not drain the vivacity from your hair.
What Are The Benefits of Using Colour Safe Products?
Well, as you’ve probably already guessed, your colour lasts longer! But on top of that, products that are free of harsh chemicals benefit dye damaged hair and work towards restoring your hair to its original health.
Since dyeing your hair can leave your hair dehydrated and brittle, colour-safe products help nourish and strengthen your hair without diminishing the hue.
In addition to shampoos and conditioners, you can take advantage of sulfate-free smoothing or keratin treatments before you dye and at least two weeks after your appointment to give your hair the boost it needs towards absolute radiance.
Choosing Products For Colour-Treated Hair
If you don’t want to read every ingredient on the list, choose products that you know are at the very least sulfate-free. Products that use natural ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals are the best option for any kind of air.
It’s essential to choose products that will make you feel like the gorgeous person you are. ANSWR'S At-home Smoothing Kit has everything you need to make your hair luminous.
Still have colour related questions? Don’t worry – we’re here for you! Reach out to our hair care experts at ask@answrbeauty.com!