Buzz
With the abundance of products, tips, and tricks available for cleansing color-treated hair, determining the most effective approach can be daunting. However, there are several reliable methods you can employ to rid your locks of buildup while maintaining their color integrity. From gentle solutions to more intense treatments, we've got you covered. Since buildup can compromise color retention, addressing it is essential. Here's all you need to know to restore your hair's vibrancy!
Procedures
Opt for products formulated for color preservation.
Choose products—from shampoo to styling gel—that are specifically labeled as color-safe. There's a wide array of color-safe options available for every hair product category. To maintain your hair color, it's crucial to use brands and products designed to safeguard color-treated hair. If you're unsure about which products are suitable for your hair type and color, consult your hairstylist for personalized recommendations!
- This is particularly crucial for your shampoo and conditioner, as these are the products you likely use most frequently.
Use clarifying shampoo to eliminate buildup.
For most cases, this method effectively removes any buildup. Invest in a clarifying shampoo specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Follow the instructions on the label for washing your hair. After rinsing out the clarifying shampoo, condition your hair as usual.
- Regardless of the cause, this is the most effective approach to addressing buildup. However, regular clarifying shampooing can strip color, so opt for a color-safe version!
- You can typically perform this once a week without significantly affecting your hair color. However, avoid using clarifying shampoo more frequently than that.
Consider apple cider vinegar as a natural alternative.
Although riskier than clarifying shampoo, apple cider vinegar may be effective. While some individuals have had success with apple cider vinegar, others have experienced color stripping. If you prefer to avoid clarifying shampoo, apple cider vinegar can effectively remove buildup. During your shower, shampoo your hair as usual, then mix 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of apple cider vinegar with 5 tablespoons (74 mL) of water. Massage the mixture into your hair, leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse and condition.
- Be cautious, as apple cider vinegar may cause skin irritation. If you experience any discomfort or reaction to the vinegar, rinse it out immediately.
Use club soda to rinse away buildup from tap water.
Eliminate mineral buildup from tap water by rinsing thoroughly. Each time you wash your hair with tap water, it retains minerals from the tap (especially chlorine and magnesium). To remove these minerals after washing, tilt your head over a sink and pour club soda through your hair. This helps prevent buildup from settling into your hair.
- If preferred, you can use distilled water instead of club soda.
- Rinsing tap water from your hair is crucial, especially if you live in an area with hard water (tap water high in minerals). Look for crusty, white deposits around sinks and drains, which indicate hard water.
Experiment with a baking soda scrub for a more intense solution.
Baking soda effectively removes buildup but may affect hair color. While baking soda is a potent cleanser ideal for combating buildup, it may also strip hair color. Create a thick paste by mixing 1 part baking soda with 2 parts water. Massage the diluted baking soda into your hair, leave it on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- If dealing with oily buildup, consider applying pure baking soda to dry hair and combing it out.
Utilize a micellar product to dissolve buildup and soften colors.
Micellar water-based buildup removers are effective but can fade hair color. Whether you've used too much dye or aim to soften your hair color, opt for a buildup removal product containing micellar water. While micellar water efficiently eliminates buildup, it may also strip away some hair color. Follow the product instructions for best results.
- Ensure the product is specifically designed for hair, not skin, as micellar water is a common ingredient in skincare routines.
- Micellar water acts as a potent cleanser, attracting and trapping dirt and oil, making it ideal for eliminating product buildup in hair.
Opt for sulfate-free products to protect your hair color.
Avoid sulfate-containing hair products as they can strip away hair color. While it might seem tempting to use products that provide a deep clean sensation, those containing sulfates can compromise your hair color. Always check product labels to ensure they are sulfate-free before making a purchase.
- Choosing sulfate-free options promotes healthier hair.
Maintain a clean hairbrush to prevent buildup reintroduction.
Ensure your hairbrush remains free of product and oil buildup. Regularly clean your hairbrush to prevent reintroducing removed buildup back into your hair. There are various methods to achieve this, but a simple approach involves using warm water and shampoo to wet the brush, then scrubbing between the bristles with a toothbrush. Rinse the brush thoroughly and allow it to air dry.
- If you have naturally oily hair, the buildup may consist of sebum, a natural oil produced by your body. Regular brushing and maintaining a clean hairbrush can effectively address this type of buildup.
- Cleaning your hairbrush at least once a month can help keep it free of buildup.
- Opt for a brush with a combination of boar bristles and nylon fibers to protect your hair color, as these materials are adept at evenly distributing natural oils along each hair shaft.
Lower the temperature of your showers to preserve hair color during washing.
Opt for cooler water temperatures to prevent color stripping while removing buildup. Adjusting the water temperature to the coldest you can tolerate helps prevent unintentional color removal during buildup removal. Minimize heat exposure on your hair, especially if it's colored or treated, by reducing the use of flat irons and curling irons, and always use the lowest heat setting on your hair dryer.
- Applying heat protectant can mitigate heat damage, but using too many products can lead to buildup.
Enhance your conditioner with a hint of dye.
If regular buildup removal affects dye retention, consider adding a teaspoon of dye to your conditioner. To maintain color while caring for your hair, mix 1 teaspoon of your hair dye with sulfate-free conditioner. For professional color treatments, consult your stylist or colorist for assistance. After shampooing, use the tinted conditioner to refresh your color with each wash.
- Your stylist may recommend a pre-tinted conditioner, in which case, refrain from adding extra dye.
Consult your stylist for persistent issues.
If you're experiencing hair concerns, schedule an appointment with your stylist! Resolving buildup in color-treated hair can be challenging depending on its composition. If color is inadvertently stripped, a stylist or colorist can rectify the issue. If you're unable to eliminate the buildup, your stylist can diagnose and address the problem.
- Regular touch-ups are often necessary for color-treated hair, so it might be time for your routine appointment!
