9 Hair Care Mistakes to Avoid After Coloring Your Hair

1. Dialing Up the Heat on Your Hot Tools

2. Washing Too Frequently

3. Trying to Leave the Salon With Wet Hair

4. Touching Up with Box Color

5. Going Straight to Others for Opinions

6. Brushing Strands With a Bit Too Much Gusto

7. Reaching for Low-Quality Shampoo

8. Using a Flat Iron on the Hairline

9. Hitting the Pool Right Away

Salon Secrets: 9 Mistakes to Avoid for Vibrant, Healthy Hair After Coloring

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Walking out of a salon with freshly dyed hair can feel like a million bucks. The vibrant color and bouncy strands are hard to beat. However, maintaining that salon-fresh look can be a challenge once you return to your daily routine. Professional stylists share the biggest mistakes to avoid to keep your hair looking its best.

1. Dialing Up the Heat on Your Hot Tools

While hot tools are essential for styling, excessive heat can lead to breakage and dryness. Stylist Laurent Saint-Crocq recommends lowering the temperature to between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit and always using a heat protectant spray before styling.

2. Washing Too Frequently

Finding the right washing frequency is crucial. Over-washing strips hair of color and moisture, while under-washing can lead to irritation and oiliness. Celebrity stylist Keith Shore suggests using a cleansing conditioner at least once a week to maintain balance.

3. Leaving the Salon with Wet Hair

Rushing out of the salon with damp hair might save time, but it can lead to unexpected results. Hair color expert Beth Minardi advises investing in a blowout to ensure you see the true color and leave the salon looking fabulous.

4. Touching Up with Box Color

While it may be tempting to stretch time between salon visits with box dye, it can cause more harm than good. Saint-Croc warns that box colors often contain harsh chemicals that can damage your hair. Instead, opt for professional treatments and temporary root cover-ups.

5. Seeking Opinions Too Soon

After a major color change, it’s natural to want feedback from friends and family. However, Minardi advises waiting until you’ve had time to adjust to your new look. Trust your instincts and evaluate your color in different lighting before seeking outside opinions.

6. Brushing Too Vigorously

Post-coloring, hair is particularly vulnerable. Shore cautions against aggressive brushing, which can lead to breakage. Instead, use a leave-in conditioner and a gentle brush designed for wet hair.

7. Using Low-Quality Shampoo

Investing in quality hair products is essential for maintaining color vibrancy. Avoid shampoos with sulfates, which can dry out hair and fade color. Saint-Croc recommends using products specifically formulated for color-treated hair.

8. Flat-Ironing the Hairline

While flat irons can be helpful, they should be used with caution, especially on the delicate hairline. Shore suggests avoiding this area altogether or using a round brush and blow dryer for styling.

9. Hitting the Pool Right Away

Planning a color appointment right before a pool party? Think again. Minardi advises scheduling your appointment at least a week in advance to avoid chlorine damage. If you must swim, keep your hair dry to protect your new color.

By steering clear of these common pitfalls, you can enjoy vibrant, healthy hair long after your salon visit. Remember, your hair is an investment—treat it with care!