Hey there, curlfriends! Coloring your hair can be one of the most exciting ways to spice up your look, but let’s face it—it’s not all fun and games. Colored natural hair requires a bit more TLC to stay healthy, vibrant, and fabulous. Whether you’ve gone bold with bright hues or opted for subtle highlights, proper care ensures your curls stay poppin’ and your color remains on point.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the best ways to care for colored natural hair, keeping it moisturized, protected, and thriving. Grab your tea (or coffee), and let’s get into it!
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Table of Contents
How to Keep Your Colored Hair Healthy and Flourishing.
1. Start With a Healthy Foundation
Before diving into color, it’s crucial to assess the health of your hair. Color treatments, especially permanent dyes and bleach, can be harsh. If your hair is already dry, brittle, or prone to breakage, it’s best to strengthen it first.
How to Prepare Your Hair for Coloring
- Deep Conditioning: A week or two before coloring, use a protein-based deep conditioner to fortify your strands. This minimizes damage and helps your hair withstand the coloring process.
- Trim Split Ends: Remove split or damaged ends. Freshly trimmed hair absorbs color evenly and is less likely to break.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Moisturized hair is less likely to suffer damage. Use a hydrating mask and incorporate moisturizing products into your routine.
2. Choose the Right Hair Color Products
Not all hair color products are created equal, and the wrong choice can wreak havoc on your natural curls. Opt for products specifically formulated for natural hair or those free of harsh chemicals like ammonia and sulfates.
Tips for Choosing the Right Hair Dye
- Ammonia-Free Dyes: These are gentler on your hair and scalp.
- Semi-Permanent vs. Permanent: If you want less commitment and less damage, go for semi-permanent or temporary dyes.
- Henna: For a natural alternative, consider henna. It adds a rich color and strengthens your hair.
3. Post-Color Treatment
The first few days after coloring are critical. Your hair cuticles are still open, making your strands more vulnerable.
What to Do Right After Coloring
- Avoid Shampooing: Wait at least 72 hours before washing your hair to allow the color to set.
- Cool Rinses: When you do wash, use cool water. Hot water can strip the color and natural oils from your hair.
- Use Color-Safe Products: Invest in shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair.
4. Hydration Is Key
Coloring your hair can strip it of moisture, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. To maintain those luscious curls, you need to amp up the hydration game.
Moisturizing Tips
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Use a deep conditioner weekly, focusing on moisture-based formulas.
- Leave-In Conditioners: A good leave-in conditioner is a must for locking in moisture and preventing dryness.
- Hydrating Sprays: Keep a misting spray handy to refresh your curls throughout the day. Bonus points if it’s infused with aloe vera or glycerin.
5. Seal in the Moisture
Once your hair is moisturized, it’s essential to seal that moisture in to prevent dryness. Use natural oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil. These lightweight oils are perfect for colored hair, as they won’t weigh your curls down or dull your color.
Best Practices for Sealing
- Apply a water-based moisturizer or leave-in conditioner.
- Seal with your favorite oil or butter (e.g., shea butter for thicker hair types).
6. Avoid Overwashing
Washing your hair too often can strip it of natural oils and fade your color quickly. Stick to a washing schedule that works for your hair type—typically once a week or once a month for colored natural hair.
Co-Washing to the Rescue
- Replace traditional shampooing with co-washing (washing with conditioner) to gently cleanse your scalp without drying out your strands.
7. Protect Your Hair From Heat
Heat styling can exacerbate damage to already-color-treated hair. If you must use heat tools, take precautions.
Heat Styling Tips
- Always Use a Heat Protectant: This is non-negotiable.
- Limit Heat Use: Opt for low-heat settings, and try to space out your heat styling sessions.
- Air Dry When Possible: Reduce exposure to heat by air drying your hair instead of blow-drying.
8. Nighttime Care for Colored Hair
Don’t let all your hard work go to waste while you sleep! Nighttime routines can make or break your hair care regimen.
What to Do Before Bed
- Satin or Silk: Sleep on a satin/silk pillowcase or wear a satin bonnet/scarf to reduce friction and moisture loss.
- Moisturize: Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or spritz your hair with water to keep it hydrated overnight.
- Protective Styles: Try loose twists, braids, or a pineapple to minimize tangling and breakage.
9. Regular Trims Are Essential
Color-treated hair can experience more split ends and breakage than untreated hair. Regular trims (every 6-8 weeks) keep your hair healthy and prevent splits from traveling up the shaft.
10. Protect Your Hair From the Sun
UV rays can fade your color and dry out your hair. Protect your locks with a hat, scarf, or UV-protectant hair spray.
11. Embrace Protein Treatments
Coloring your hair affects the protein structure of your strands. Balance your moisture treatments with protein treatments to strengthen your hair.
How Often to Use Protein
- Every 4-6 weeks, depending on your hair’s needs. Look for products with hydrolyzed protein for deep penetration.
12. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Colored hair is more susceptible to damage from chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and silicones. Switch to gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair.
13. Be Patient With Your Hair
Colored natural hair requires a little extra patience and care. Don’t rush the process—consistent care will keep your curls thriving and your color vibrant.
14. Products Worth Trying for Colored Natural Hair
Here are some must-have products to add to your arsenal:
Shampoos and Conditioners
- SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength & Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner
- TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Deep Conditioners
- Aphogee Keratin 2-Minute Reconstructor (protein-based)
- Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner (moisture-based)
Leave-In Conditioners
- African Pride Moisture Miracle Coconut Oil & Baobab Oil Leave-In Hair Cream
- Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream with Argan Oil
Oils and Sealants
Caring for colored natural hair doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right products, techniques, and a little extra love, your curls can stay healthy, vibrant, and gorgeous. Remember, consistency is key, and your hair will thank you for it!
What’s your favorite way to care for your colored natural hair? Drop your tips and experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
Pro Tip: Bookmark this post and share it with your natural hair crew. And if you’re looking for the best products for your colored hair, check out my curated list of favorites on Amazon! 🛒
