What Is Dyed Hair
Dyed hair refers to hair that has been chemically treated with synthetic or natural pigments to change its color. The dyeing process involves opening up the hair cuticle and depositing color molecules inside the hair shaft. This gives the hair a new, vibrant shade that differs from its natural pigmentation.
What Are the Needs of Dyed Hair?
Dyed hair has different needs compared to virgin, undyed hair. The dyeing process can cause dryness, damage, and increased porosity in the hair strands. As a result, dyed hair requires special care to maintain its vibrancy and prevent premature color fading. The key needs of dyed hair include:
Color Protection
Dyed hair is prone to color fading due to exposure to water, heat, sunlight, and certain chemicals. Shampoos for dyed hair should help lock in color and prevent it from washing out too quickly.
Moisture Replenishment
The dyeing process can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness and brittleness. Shampoos for dyed hair should contain nourishing ingredients that replenish moisture and keep the hair soft and supple.
Damage Repair
The chemicals used in hair dyes can cause damage to the hair cuticle and cortex, leading to split ends, breakage, and overall weakening of the hair structure. Shampoos for dyed hair should help repair this damage and strengthen the hair strands.
Gentle Cleansing
Dyed hair is more susceptible to further damage from harsh cleansing agents. Shampoos for dyed hair should gently cleanse the hair and scalp without stripping away the color or causing additional dryness or damage.
What Ingredients Should You Look for in Shampoos for Dyed Hair?
When choosing a shampoo for dyed hair, look for formulas that contain the following beneficial ingredients:
Color-Depositing Pigments
Some shampoos contain color-depositing pigments that help refresh and revive the vibrancy of dyed hair. These pigments can counteract unwanted tones (e.g., purple pigments for blonde hair, blue pigments for brunette hair) and enhance the overall color.
Oils and Butters
Ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and avocado oil help replenish moisture and nourish dyed hair, preventing dryness and brittleness.
Proteins
Proteins like keratin, silk, and wheat proteins can help repair damage to the hair cuticle and cortex, strengthening the hair strands and reducing breakage.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract help protect dyed hair from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors like sunlight and pollution, which can lead to color fading.
UV Filters
Ingredients like benzophenone and avobenzone act as UV filters, shielding dyed hair from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, which can cause color to fade and hair to become dry and brittle.
What Ingredients Should You Avoid in Shampoos for Dyed Hair?
While choosing a shampoo for dyed hair, it’s essential to avoid formulas that contain certain harsh ingredients that can strip away color and cause further damage. Ingredients to avoid include:
Sulfates
Sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are harsh cleansing agents that can strip away color and natural oils from dyed hair, leading to dryness and fading.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that can cause irritation and dryness in dyed hair, potentially leading to color fading and damage.
Alcohols
Alcohols like ethanol, propanol, and isopropyl alcohol can be drying and damaging to dyed hair, causing color to fade and hair to become brittle.
Silicones
While silicones can provide temporary smoothness and shine, they can also build up on dyed hair, weighing it down and causing dullness over time.
Sodium Chloride
Also known as table salt, sodium chloride can be drying and damaging to dyed hair, leading to color fading and breakage.
What Are the Best Shampoos for Different Hair Colors?
The best shampoo for dyed hair can vary depending on the specific hair color. Here are some recommendations for different hair colors:
Blonde Hair
Purple shampoos: These shampoos contain violet pigments that help neutralize brassy, yellow tones in blonde hair, keeping it looking cool and ashy.
Examples: Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo, Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo
Brunette Hair
Blue shampoos: Blue pigments in these shampoos help counteract unwanted orange and red tones in brunette hair, keeping it looking rich and vibrant.
Examples: Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo, Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo
Red Hair
Green shampoos: Green pigments in these shampoos help neutralize brassy, orange tones in red hair, keeping it looking vibrant and true to its shade.
Examples: Pureology Reviving Red Shampoo, Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo
Vivid or Fantasy Colors (e.g., pink, purple, blue)
Color-depositing shampoos: These shampoos contain pigments that help refresh and revive the vibrancy of vivid or fantasy hair colors.
Examples: Punky Colour Shampoo, Arctic Fox Color Shampoo
How Should You Wash Dyed Hair to Minimize Color Fading?
In addition to using the right shampoo, there are several techniques you can employ when washing dyed hair to help minimize color fading:
Wash Less Frequently
Washing dyed hair too often can cause the color to fade more quickly. Aim to wash your hair every 2-3 days, or even less frequently if possible.
Use Lukewarm Water
Hot water can cause the hair cuticle to open up, allowing color molecules to escape more easily. Use lukewarm or cool water when washing dyed hair to help lock in color.
Avoid Excessive Scrubbing
Vigorous scrubbing can cause friction and damage to the hair cuticle, leading to color fading. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair, avoiding excessive rubbing or scrubbing.
Rinse Thoroughly
Ensure that you rinse out all traces of shampoo from your hair, as any residue left behind can cause color to fade or become dull over time.
Use a Conditioner
Always follow up with a color-protecting conditioner after shampooing. Conditioners help seal in color and provide additional moisture and nourishment to dyed hair.
Limit Heat Exposure
Excessive heat from blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons can cause color to fade more quickly. Minimize heat exposure or use heat-protecting products when styling dyed hair.
Protect from UV Rays
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause dyed hair to fade and become dry and brittle. Wear a hat or use a UV-protecting hair product when spending time outdoors.
How Do Professional Shampoos Compare to Drugstore Shampoos for Dyed Hair?
Professional shampoos, typically sold in salons or by professional haircare brands, tend to be of higher quality and more effective for dyed hair compared to drugstore shampoos. Here are some key differences:
Ingredient Quality
Professional shampoos often contain higher concentrations of high-quality, nourishing ingredients like oils, butters, and proteins. Drugstore shampoos may contain lower-quality or diluted versions of these ingredients.
Formulation
Professional shampoos are formulated specifically for the needs of dyed hair, with a focus on color protection, moisture replenishment, and damage repair. Drugstore shampoos may not be tailored to the specific needs of dyed hair.
Sulfate and Paraben Content
Many professional shampoos are sulfate-free and paraben-free, avoiding these harsh ingredients that can strip color and cause dryness. Drugstore shampoos often contain sulfates and parabens.
Color-Depositing Pigments
Professional shampoos may contain color-depositing pigments that help refresh and revive the vibrancy of dyed hair. Drugstore shampoos rarely offer this feature.
Concentration
Professional shampoos are typically more concentrated, meaning you need to use less product to achieve the desired results. Drugstore shampoos may be more diluted, requiring more product to be used.
Price
Professional shampoos tend to be more expensive than drugstore shampoos, reflecting their higher quality and specialized formulations.
While professional shampoos may be more expensive upfront, they can be a worthwhile investment for maintaining the health and vibrancy of dyed hair over time. However, there are also some high-quality drugstore shampoos that can be effective for dyed hair, so make sure to read ingredient lists and choose products tailored to your specific hair needs and color.
Are There Effective DIY and Natural Shampoo Alternatives for Dyed Hair?
For those seeking more natural or DIY alternatives to commercial shampoos for dyed hair, there are several options to consider:
Herbal Rinses
Infusing water with herbs like chamomile, rosemary, or sage can create a gentle, nourishing rinse for dyed hair. These herbs can help maintain color vibrancy and provide additional benefits like shine and scalp soothing.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses
Diluted apple cider vinegar can help remove product buildup and close the hair cuticle, locking in color. It also has natural clarifying and conditioning properties.
Egg Shampoo
Whisking an egg with water creates a gentle, protein-rich shampoo that can help strengthen and nourish dyed hair. The egg proteins can help repair damage and prevent color fading.
Baking Soda Shampoo
A paste made from baking soda and water can act as a gentle, clarifying shampoo for dyed hair. However, it should be used sparingly, as baking soda can be drying if used too frequently.
Coconut Milk Shampoo
Coconut milk is rich in proteins, vitamins, and fatty acids that can nourish and moisturize dyed hair. It can be combined with other natural ingredients like honey or aloe vera to create a gentle, hydrating shampoo.
While these DIY and natural alternatives can be effective for some individuals, it’s important to note that they may not provide the same level of color protection and nourishment as specialized commercial shampoos for dyed hair. Additionally, some natural ingredients may interact with certain hair dyes or cause unexpected reactions, so it’s always best to do a patch test before using any new product on dyed hair.
Common Hair Dye Problems and How to Prevent Them
Even with the best shampoo and hair care routine, dyed hair can still experience certain problems. Here are some common issues and tips for preventing them:
Brassiness or Unwanted Tones
- Use toning shampoos or color-depositing shampoos to neutralize unwanted tones (e.g., purple shampoo for blonde hair, blue shampoo for brunette hair).
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, which can cause color to oxidize and become brassy.
- Use a UV-protecting hair product when spending time outdoors.
Dryness and Brittleness
- Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner formulated for dyed hair.
- Incorporate deep conditioning treatments or hair masks into your routine.
- Limit heat styling and use heat-protecting products when necessary.
- Trim split ends regularly to prevent further breakage.
Color Fading
- Wash dyed hair less frequently, using lukewarm or cool water.
- Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for dyed hair.
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, chlorine, and other harsh chemicals.
- Consider using a color-depositing shampoo or gloss treatment to refresh vibrancy between dye sessions.
Scalp Irritation or Sensitivity
- Choose gentle, sulfate-free, and paraben-free shampoos for dyed hair.
- Avoid excessive scrubbing or friction on the scalp during washing.
- Consider using a scalp-soothing shampoo or treatment if irritation persists.
- Consult a dermatologist or trichologist if the issue is severe or persistent.
By addressing these common problems and taking preventative measures, you can help ensure that your dyed hair remains healthy, vibrant, and beautiful for as long as possible.
Choosing the right shampoo and following proper hair care techniques are essential for maintaining the vibrancy and health of dyed hair. By understanding the needs of dyed hair, selecting shampoos with nourishing and color-protecting ingredients, and avoiding harsh chemicals, you can keep your dyed hair looking its best between salon visits. Remember to tailor your hair care routine to your specific hair color and needs, and don’t hesitate to consult with a professional stylist or trichologist if you have any concerns or issues with your dyed hair.
