Washing Hair After Colouring: What You Need to Know About Caring for Your Dyed ‘Do

Is there a better feeling than walking out of the salon with freshly dyed hair? We think not. Whether you’ve opted to lighten, brighten or darken your hair, newly-coloured hair always puts us in a good mood and feeling fresh. Here’s the thing though, it takes a lot of effort to keep your hair looking salon-fresh and your colour as vibrant as ever.

Let’s talk washing.  No one wants to ruin their fresh colour because they were too eager to wash their hair or they’re not too sure what products to use. Francesca Rapolla, an expert from the Research and Development team at Unilever, weighs in on the topic. “The best way to do this is by using special products formulated for your specific hair colour and needs,” she recommends. Here are our top tips to help you care for your newly colour-treated hair.

How Long Should You Wait to Wash Your Hair After Colouring It?

As Francesca points out, your hair will usually be washed as part of the dyeing process; so if possible, don’t re-wash it as soon as you get home. However, if you do have to jump in the shower ASAP, it won’t make an impact on the vibrancy of your colour. Listen to Francesca on this one, “There is no specific time you should wait to wash your hair after getting it coloured”.

How Often Should You Wash Colour-treated Hair?

If this is the first time you’ve dyed your hair, you might need to adjust your weekly washing routine. Here’s the trick, don’t overdo it! Hair that’s dyed with a lot of pigment can look more faded, the more you wash it. If possible, try to only wash it every other day at most, or, ideally every 2 to 3 days.

Editor’s tip: To keep your colour fresh and vibrant, try Dove Nutritive Solutions Colour Care Conditioner.

Should You Wash Your Hair Before Colouring?

So, should you actually wash your hair before colouring? If you’re bleaching your roots, the answer is no. The natural oils in your hair can actually protect the scalp during the dyeing process. In general though, as Francesca points out, “you should always follow the set instructions of whatever particular dye you are using.”

Whatever colour you’ve opted for, it’s important to think about your hair texture when creating a washing schedule. When it comes to natural hair, try limit your washing regime to once a week.

Thin hair is a totally different story. You may need to washed-up every other day or so. This is due to the natural build-up of sebum and oils in the hair that can weigh it down.

What are the right products to use?

Step away from your regular shampoo. Colour-treated hair needs to be washed with formulas that are up for the task. During the dyeing process, the hair is harmed and the cuticle (the surface of the hair) can be chipped, making it appear rough. Francesca adds, “as the natural protective barrier of the hair is harmed during this process, it allows hair colour to leach out, fading with time.” Ultimately, this will leave you with less vibrant locks. So, take care to find the perfect product for your personal hair needs.

What to Look for in a Product

Certain products are designed to visibly repair the surface of the hair. You need to recreate the protective barrier that has been broken down during the dyeing process, making hair smooth and shiny. This is a huge bonus if you’re rocking a spicy red, warm burgundy or any highly-pigmented hue that you want to keep as bright as possible!

Editor’s tip: Restore your natural shine with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil for healthy and happy hair.

Do Hot Showers Make Your Hair Colour Less Vibrant?

The answer is yes. According to Francesca, “hot water opens up the hair cuticle possibly making more colour leach out.” In contrast, cold water tends to ‘seal’ the cuticle. Be aware that the more you rinse coloured hair under hot water, the more it can lose its vibrancy. Therefore, giving your hair a quick blast of cold water or placing a shower cap over your hair after it’s been washed are two much easier (and less chilly) ways to protect coloured hair.

Add a Moisturising Mask Into the Mix

Colouring is a chemical process, it can leave your hair looking and feels like it needs moisture. This can also affect the overall vibrancy as moisturised hair will reflect light better, giving you a high-shine finish. Keep your hair in its best condition by using a deep conditioning hair mask at least once a week.

Editor’s tip: The Dove Intensive Repair Deep Treatment Mask is super hydrating and moisturising, which is great for dyed hair. Even better, it will help repair any harm caused by the dye.

How Do You Last In-Between Washes?

While dry shampoo shouldn’t replace any steps in your usual washing schedule, it can leave your hair feeling fresher, without water. Dry shampoo is ideal for the girl who’s always on the go. Just don’t forget that this handy product can never replace the “real thing”