Balayage, ombre, and other coloring techniques are all great ways to freshen up your look as well as build confidence. But, if you don’t take proper care of your locks, you risk ruining your new hair color. To keep your hair vibrant and healthy, avoid making these common mistakes.

5 Mistakes to Avoid After Coloring Your Hair

1. Washing Your Hair Right After You Color It

Your hair is protected by a thin, outer layer called the cuticle. Dye causes this structure to open, so the new hair color can penetrate the strand. The cuticle then stays open for as long as three days after your salon appointment.

If you wash your hair during this time, your hair becomes vulnerable to damage and fading. That’s why stylists recommend waiting between 24 to 72 hours before shampooing color-treated hair. 

2. Not Using Products Designed for Color-Treated Hair

Another common mistake is using the same shampoos and conditioners from before you dyed your hair. These products may strip the hair of both color and moisture. Instead, use shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for color-treated hair. Organic hair products are also gentler on the scalp and better for newly dyed hair.

3. Overusing Heat Stylers

Colored hair is especially vulnerable to heat. To protect your locks, keep heat styling to a minimum. Whenever you do use a flat iron, curling wand, or blow dryer, remember to apply a heat protectant spray.

4. Swimming Without a Cap

Chlorine is a harsh chemical that damages and dulls salon-colored hair. If you are blonde, it may also turn your locks green. To preserve your hair color, rinse your hair with clean water to fill the cuticle before entering the pool or wear a swimming cap. If you don’t have one, then wash your hair as soon as you get out of the pool to remove any chlorine buildup.

5. Correcting the Color With Box Dye

If your hair color didn’t turn out exactly how you envisioned, don’t try to fix it yourself. Box dyes are typically permanent and more drying, meaning they can cause more damage. Instead, let a professional handle your color correction.

Bloom Beauty Lounge is a world-class hair salon in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood. Their expert stylists offer a variety of services — including balayage, blow outs, and color corrections — all designed to enhance your natural beauty. For more on how to preserve your hair color, visit them online. To schedule an appointment, call them at (212) 255-9355.