Hair Care for Coloured Hair: Keep Colour Fresh and Hair Soft

Whether you cover greys, add highlights, try a bold shade or use henna, coloured hair needs a little extra care. Colouring can leave hair feeling drier, and colour can fade faster with hot water, sun and harsh shampoos. A gentle routine keeps hair feeling soft and helps colour look fresh for longer.

Washing

  • Wait a couple of days after colouring before the first wash, unless your colourist says otherwise.
  • Use lukewarm or cool water. Very hot water can make colour fade faster.
  • Choose a mild shampoo, and focus it on the scalp.
  • Wash less often if your scalp allows.
  • Condition every time, especially the lengths and ends.

Oiling

Many people with coloured hair still enjoy a scalp massage before washing. The Hair Revival Oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing blend of bhringraj, amla, onion seed and black seed oil, made for all hair types. It is paraben and sulfate-free. Use a small amount on the scalp before a wash. Read how much hair oil to use.

Tip: if you have just coloured your hair, ask your colourist when it is fine to start oiling again.

Masks for softness

Coloured hair often feels drier. The Root Revival Hair Mask has amla, bhringraj and black sesame oil. Apply to damp hair, massage for 2 to 3 minutes, leave for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse. Use 2 to 3 times a week. See hair mask for dry hair.

Sun, water and heat

  • Cover hair in strong sun with a scarf, dupatta or cap.
  • Rinse after swimming in chlorinated water.
  • Limit heat styling, and use low heat when you do.
  • Air-dry when you can.

Henna users

Henna is a popular natural way to colour hair in India. It can leave hair feeling dry for some people, so follow with conditioning and a hair mask. Patch-test henna mixes, especially packaged ones with added ingredients.

Patch-testing colour

Hair dyes can cause allergic reactions in some people. Always do the patch test given on the dye pack before every colouring, even with a brand you have used before. If you notice itching, burning, swelling or rash, wash it off and see a doctor.

Common mistakes

  • Washing with very hot water.
  • Skipping conditioner.
  • Colouring too often, without giving hair a break.
  • Heavy heat styling every day.
  • Skipping the dye patch test.

Habits that help

  • Eat balanced meals with protein.
  • Drink water.
  • Trim split ends regularly.

Quick questions

Can I oil coloured hair? Many people do. Ask your colourist about timing right after colouring.

How do I make colour last longer? Wash with cooler water, condition every time, and protect hair from strong sun.

A weekly routine for coloured hair

Wash two or three times a week with lukewarm water, condition every time, use the hair mask on one or two wash days, and oil the scalp before a wash once your colourist says it is fine.

Not sure which products suit your skin? The Theraglam Glow Scan builds a personal skincare routine from 3 photos and a short quiz. Rs 599, one time.

Patch-test any new hair product on a small area of skin for 24 hours first. Stop using it if you notice irritation. This article is general hair care guidance, not medical advice.

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