How to Prevent Damage When Coloring Hair, According to a Stylist

As much as we love experimenting with hair color, there's no getting away from the fact that dye can cause major damage if not done properly. "Hair dye contains harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide which removes color from the hair shaft to deposit pigment. These chemicals permanently break down certain bonds in the hair structure and cause the hair to become weaker and more fragile," explains stylist Stacey Ciceron.

"Hair dye often alters the curl pattern of natural hair. The lighter you choose to go, the more damage you can expect on the hair," she adds. Yet despite these potential adverse effects, we're not proposing that you forgo dying your hair altogether. We tapped Ciceron who let us in on her best tips and tricks for reversing damage and restoring the strength of your hair after a color treatment.

Keep reading for how to prevent damage when coloring hair.

Wash With Care

Ciceron advises to always use shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair. "These products are formulated with ingredients that help to preserve your color and add longevity." Her pick? Oribe's Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Color.

She also recommends using cold water when washing your hair. "Shampooing with hot water can make your hair dry out and your color fade faster," the stylist adds. "Heat opens up the cuticles, while cold water helps to seal them."

Moisturize and Seal

Moisture retention is a key factor in maintaining elasticity, pliability, and growth. "Moisturize and seal your hair daily with products like Oribe Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Crème, EVO Total Recoil Curl Definer, or aloe vera juice," Ciceron tells us. Start by spritzing your hair with a combination of aloe vera juice and water, and seal with the styling butter. Water is a basic moisturizing agent and assists in hydrating the hair.

Trim Regularly

If the ends of your hair are stringy or breaking off, chances are you need a trim. "Removing over-processed ends that are dry and split can help reduce further splitting," says Ciceron. Split ends can travel up the hair strand and cause even more damage. By timing them off, your hair is kept in the strongest possible shape.

Deep Condition

Color treatments can cause natural hair to become dry and brittle and snap with the least bit of tension. Deep conditioning improves the elasticity and strength of the hair by smoothing the shaft with intense moisture. "Follow your color application with a deep treatment mask," advises Ciceron.

Strengthen With Protein

Protein contributes to hair growth and protects against breakage. Not all protein treatments are the same, however. Various concentrations will be better suited for different types of hair porosity and levels of damage. It's best to discuss a treatment plan with your stylist instead of navigating the options on your own as too much protein could contribute to weak and brittle strands equally as much as a protein deficiency.

Protect With Satin

After you've moisturized your hair, the last thing you want is for the oils to get absorbed by your cotton pillowcase. Ciceron recommends protecting your hair at night with a satin bonnet like Grace Eleyae's The Slap (Satin-Lined Cap). This magical cap is a hydration haven and helps to prevent friction that can cause damage to the hair.

Be Gentle

Regardless of how extreme the change is, a color process is always damaging to the hair. While the results may be fabulous, the follicles are left in a weakened state and require some much-needed rehab. That includes your styling regime. Excessive trauma from heat styling and rough handling increases the risk of breakage to the already weakened hair.