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Sian Victoria © - Phyto Paris haircare for colour, dry, damaged hair

Guide to Repairing Colour-Treated Hair & Make it Last Longer

Colour-treated hair definitely adds some personality and style, but it can need a bit of TLC afterwards. The chemicals used in the colouring process can weaken your hair, making it dry, prone to breakage, and less vibrant. That’s why it’s best to have a care routine that tackles these issues, keeping your hair strong and healthy to prevent hair loss.

With the right steps, you can fix damage and boost the look of your colored hair without messing up the colour. There are plenty of products and tips out there specifically made for colored hair, helping to bring back moisture, cut down on damage, and protect against the environment. A few small changes to your routines can really make a difference in how your hair feels and looks.

After sharing tips to revive your colour-treated hair, I’ll also be sharing my review on haircare products from Phyto Paris that help care for colour-treated hair and repair damage.

1. Gentle Hair Cleansing

When washing colour-treated hair, it’s best to use a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent drying it out. Look for products made specifically for coloured hair since they usually have extra goodies that help keep your colour looking vibrant. I recommend massaging the shampoo gently into your scalp without going overboard on scrubbing, as too much friction can harm fragile strands.

Rinse it out well with lukewarm water so you don't stress out the hair cuticle, which affects both health and colour. Also, try not to wash your hair too often, as that can strip away the natural oils that keep it hydrated and protected.

If you're looking to switch things up with your shampoo. Going for an SLS-free vegan shampoo is a good call. The benefits of switching to a plant-based shampoo are that it usually has fewer harsh chemicals and more natural ingredients that are gentle on your hair but still work well.

2. Regular Conditioning

Conditioning is super important for keeping your colour-treated hair looking fresh and feeling soft. After you wash your hair, make sure to use a conditioner made specifically for colored hair. These are great at locking in moisture and helping your colour last longer.

Focus on putting the conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends, since that’s where hair gets drier and more damaged. Let it sit for the recommended time so it can really soak into your hair. This will help smooth the cuticle, cut down on frizz, and improve overall texture. Just remember, it’s best not to put conditioner right on your scalp to avoid build-up and making your hair feel heavy.

3. Deep Conditioning Treatments

Deep conditioning treatments are a great way to really take care of colour-treated hair. These products are designed to go deep into the hair shaft, giving it the moisture and nutrients it craves. Look for stuff with ingredients like keratin, shea butter, or argan oil, since they help repair damage and make your hair feel softer. Slather the treatment on your mid-lengths and ends for even coverage.

To get the best results, stick to the directions on the packaging. Leaving it on for the right amount of time is best. If you want to boost absorption, just cover your hair up in a warm towel or pop on a shower cap to keep it cosy and let the product work its magic.

Deep conditioning is especially helpful after things like colouring, as it helps bring back lost moisture and strengthens your hair. Making this a regular part of your routine, like once a week, can really improve the look and feel of your hair, making it easier to deal with and less likely to break.

4. Avoid Heat Styling

Using heat styling tools too much can really mess up colour-treated hair, making it dry and prone to breaking easily. Instead, try out some heat-free styling tricks, like braiding your hair for cute natural waves or using foam rollers for bouncy curls. If you need to use heat every now and then, keep the temperature low and avoid going over the same section of hair repeatedly.

It’s worth getting tools with adjustable heat settings and ceramic plates since they spread heat more evenly and are gentler on your locks. Mixing in non-heated styling methods is a great way to keep your hair healthy while letting it bounce back and stay moisturised.

Just be patient with your hair and avoid yanking or pulling, as that can add more stress to already weak strands. Putting hair health first instead of high-maintenance styles will do wonders for both the look and condition of your colored hair.

5. Heat Protection Products

Heat protectant products are a must-have if you want to keep your colour-treated hair safe from the damage that comes from styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. These sprays, creams, or serums create a barrier that helps reduce heat damage to your hair.

Plus, many of them have ingredients that not only protect against heat but also keep your hair hydrated and smooth while you style. Make sure to pick a formula that’s right for your hair type and works well with colored hair, so you can keep it vibrant and avoid dryness or brittleness. Just apply it evenly to all sections of your hair before you start using any heated tools.

6. Trim Hair Regularly

Keeping your colour-treated hair in top shape means you’ve got to get it trimmed regularly. Those split ends? If you ignore them, they can work their way up the hair shaft and cause bigger problems. Healthy ends are key to making your coloured hair look great and feel smooth. A trim every 6-8 weeks helps stop damage from piling up, so your hair stays looking its best. Plus, it makes styling a breeze by preventing those dry, frayed bits from taking over.

7. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb

Getting a comb with wide teeth is an excellent option for handling colour-treated hair. The spaced-out teeth slide through your hair easily, which means less tugging and snapping. This is ideal when you're detangling wet hair since it's more fragile after washing.

Start at the tips and work your way up slowly to tackle those knots without putting too much strain on your hair, especially after chemical treatments. To make things even easier, get yourself a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to apply through the lengths before you comb. This helps give your hair some slip and cuts down on friction.

And remember, don’t be rough with your combing or brushing; being gentle is key to avoiding split ends or breakage. Taking your time will help keep your hair healthy and tangle-free.

8. Limit Hair Washing

Cleaning your hair too frequently can genuinely lead to dryness and make it brittle, especially if you've colored it. When cutting back on how often you wash it, you give your scalp’s natural oils a chance to keep your hair healthy and shiny. When you do wash your hair, go for shampoos and conditioners that are ideally formulated specifically for colored hair to help keep the colour fresh and the moisture in.

On days when you skip washing, a good dry shampoo can soak up extra oil and make your hair look fresh without needing water. This not only helps keep your hair hydrated but also helps your colour last longer since washing too much can make it fade quicker.

When using dry shampoo, avoid spraying it directly on the scalp; it should only be applied to the hair. Direct application can block follicles and lead to hair loss.

9. Healthy Diet and Hydration

What you eat really affects the health and appearance of your hair. Having more nutrient-rich foods in your diet can create a significant impact on how your hair grows and repairs itself. For instance, omega-3s, which you can find in fish like salmon and pantry staples like walnuts and chia seeds, are great for your scalp and can add some nice shine. Zinc, from foods like pumpkin seeds or lentils, can help prevent hair from breaking.

Plus, vitamins like biotin, which you get from eggs, and vitamin C, found in berries and oranges, are essential for keeping your hair strong and stretchy.

Staying hydrated is just as important since it impacts how much moisture your hair gets. When you’re dehydrated, your hair can feel dry and brittle. Keeping up your water intake throughout the day helps nourish your hair from within, making it softer and less prone to damage.

Adding in foods like spinach, avocados, and sweet potatoes can be especially beneficial for colour-treated hair, as they’re loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that help it recover from the stress of chemical treatments. A balanced diet filled with wholesome, nutrient-packed foods will definitely help your hair look fuller and healthier overall.

10. Protect Hair from Sun Exposure

The sun can really dry out colour-treated hair and make it more vulnerable to damage. To help keep your hair safe, think about using leave-in treatments or sprays that protect against UV rays. These sun protection products are made to shield your hair from those harmful rays while keeping it moisturised and soft. Applying them before you head outside can really help maintain your hair's colour and condition.

Also, wearing wide-brimmed hats or light scarves can provide great protection from direct sunlight. Not only does this keep your hair protected, but it also helps out in other ways, such as retaining moisture, which can get zapped by too much sun. And if you’re planning to swim, especially in chlorinated pools or saltwater, rinse your hair with fresh water first and use a protective serum to minimise any damage.

11. Consult a Professional

When it comes to colour-treated hair, getting help from a pro stylist can really be a game-changer. They know all the ins and outs and can help tackle any concerns you might have while figuring out the best solutions for you. Stylists have access to top-notch products and treatments that you can't find at home, like custom masks or salon-quality therapies specifically made to repair chemical damage.

They’ll check out the overall state of your hair and suggest options based on its texture, porosity, and how damaged it is. For instance, if your hair feels weak or stretchy, they might recommend a protein hair bonding treatment, or if it’s super dry, a moisture-rich service could be the way to go. Plus, they can give you tips on how to keep your colour looking fresh between visits, like when to come in for touch-ups and which toners to use to avoid fading or brassiness.

Getting professional advice also helps you dodge some common pitfalls, like slapping on products that don’t really work well with your hair’s condition. Their expertise can steer you toward a more effective hair care routine, saving you time and possibly preventing more damage. Plus, regular salon visits let them track how your hair is doing and make changes to their recommendations as needed. Whether you're looking to maintain or repair your hair, a stylist’s insight can seriously boost the health and longevity of your colour-treated locks.

Phyto Paris Haircare Review

Don’t you just hate it when you’ve paid to get your hair colored, only to see the colour fade within a few washes? Or maybe your hair feels dry and straw-like, desperately in need of moisture? If this sounds familiar, I may have the solution you’re looking for.

Phyto Paris kindly sent me some complimentary beauty products designed for colored, dry, brittle, and damaged hair, and I’ve been testing them for the past fortnight. It’s not often that I receive hair products to review, so I was excited to try out Phyto Paris, a brand I had never heard of before. The luxurious gold packaging immediately captured my attention.

Phyto Paris Colour Locker Pre-Shampooing

The Phyto Paris Colour Locker Pre-Shampooing is best used right after your hair has been colored. This pre-shampoo works by locking itself onto the hair fibre pigments, creating a protective barrier to help the colour last longer.

The gel-in-oil texture has a lovely botanical scent derived from hibiscus and apple extracts. To apply, simply section your hair, pump the serum into your hand, and work it into your hair from root to tip. My hair is very fine, so it doesn’t take long, but if your hair is thick, you may need to use more for full coverage.

Leave it on for at least two minutes before washing it out with the colour-enhancing shampoo. I usually let it sit for longer and put my hair up in a bun while I have breakfast before heading into the shower. Aim to use the pre-shampoo locker at least once a week.

Phyto Paris Colour-Enhancing Shampoo

To wash out the pre-locker shampoo, apply the Phyto Paris Colour-Enhancing Shampoo. Start using it from day one, each time you wash your hair, to prevent colour fading. The sulfate-free shampoo doesn’t lather much, but it makes your hair shiny and feels incredibly soft.

I haven't had my hair colored in a while, but I often use purple shampoos to eliminate any brassy blonde tones. I feel that the Phyto Paris Colour-Enhancing Shampoo has helped me use purple shampoo less frequently, as it has kept my silver tones looking vibrant for longer.

Phyto Paris Cleansing Care Cream

Since I typically leave purple shampoos on for a while, it can leave my hair feeling dry and brittle. The Phyto Paris Cleansing Care Cream has been much more effective at keeping my hair soft and moisturised compared to my usual conditioner.

This cleansing care cream is suitable for those with ultra-damaged, brittle, or dry hair. It contains botanical keratin, baobab oil, buriti oil, and Saponaria extract. Apply the cream to sections of wet hair, smoothing it in from the roots to the ends, and leave it on for 2 to 5 minutes, or longer for an intensive treatment to repair and regenerate your hair.

If you want to maintain salon-worthy hair for longer, investing in Phyto Paris haircare is definitely worth it to prevent colour fading and keep your hair soft and manageable.

Update: Since writing this post, I have had the privilege of representing the Phyto UK team at the Phyto Summer Festival in Corsica.

To conclude

Taking care of colour-treated hair is all about being thoughtful and consistent to keep it looking and feeling great. Using products made for coloured hair and going easy on styling are key steps to reducing damage and boosting your locks. Hydrating and nourishing your hair is super important, so be sure to treat it well from the outside with good products and from the inside with a balanced diet.

Cutting down on heat styling and protecting your hair from environmental stressors can really help prevent further issues. Regular trims and some professional advice will keep your hair in good shape, too. These simple habits not only make your hair easier to manage but also help your colour last longer and look vibrant.

Just keep in mind, even little changes can really add up over time! Whether it's using a weekly deep conditioning treatment or switching to a wide-tooth comb, every bit helps your hair bounce back from chemical treatments. Stick with a hair care routine that works for you, and you'll see your hair gain moisture, strength, and shine, making it look its absolute best.

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