Buzz
Whether you’re embracing your natural silver locks or you’ve gone for a platinum blonde inspired by Marilyn Monroe, maintaining white hair can be a challenge. It's prone to yellowing and dullness, especially if it's color-treated. Follow these steps to keep your white hair looking vibrant and healthy: Choose the right hair products, get regular trims, and protect your hair from damage. With proper care, you can maintain that stunning icy shine for longer!
Steps
Opting for the Correct Shampoo
Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), are commonly found in many cleaning products and can cause hair to become dry and frizzy. A sulfate-free shampoo offers a gentler cleansing action, helping to preserve the delicate nature of white hair without stripping it of moisture.
Avoid alcohol-based ingredients in your shampoo and hair products. Ingredients like isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, or ethanol can exacerbate dryness, leading to breakage and frizz. Check product labels carefully to steer clear of these drying agents.
Incorporate a purple-toned shampoo into your routine every other week. Purple-hued shampoos are designed specifically for white hair, helping to neutralize any yellow tones that may develop. However, be cautious not to overuse them, as they can impart a blue or purple hue to your hair with frequent use.
Hair Washing Techniques
Limit hair washing to every other day at most. White hair tends to be more prone to dryness, so frequent washing can exacerbate this issue, leading to frizz and loss of shine. Consider using dry shampoo between washes if your scalp tends to get oily.
Opt for lukewarm water when washing your hair. Hot water can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Using lukewarm water helps open the hair cuticles for effective cleansing and allows conditioner to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft.
Finish your hair rinse with cold water. Cold water helps to close the hair's cuticles, sealing in conditioner for added shine. Ensure thorough rinsing to prevent residue buildup. Consider using apple cider vinegar as a weekly treatment to further seal the cuticle and enhance shine.
Incorporate deep conditioning into your routine once or twice weekly. Choose a rich conditioner containing natural oils like vitamin E or coconut oil. Leave it on for optimal hydration, either during your shower or overnight for intense nourishment. Rinse with cold water afterward for best results.
Protecting Your Hair Day and Night
Avoid excessive heat styling. Protect fragile white hair from heat damage by minimizing the use of blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. Opt for air drying or use foam rollers for styling. Prior to heat styling, apply a heat protectant product to safeguard your hair.
Shield your hair from the sun with a hat. Prevent sun damage, which can lead to yellowing, dryness, and breakage, by wearing a hat or using an umbrella when spending extended time outdoors. This is especially crucial for maintaining the health of white hair.
Upgrade to a satin pillowcase. Opting for a satin pillowcase isn't just about luxury—it's also beneficial for your hair health. Unlike rough materials, satin reduces friction, preventing hair breakage caused by movement during sleep.
Quit smoking if you're a smoker. Smoking is a major contributor to yellowing and hair follicle damage, leading to thinner hair. Gradually cutting back or using nicotine patches can help improve hair appearance.
Regularly trim your hair every four to six weeks. Since white hair tends to be dry and prone to frizz, regular trims are essential to maintain a sleek and healthy appearance.
Tips
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Consult your stylist about using a hair toner to eliminate yellow tones from white hair. Hair toner is a temporary treatment lasting approximately six to eight weeks, leaving hair with a glossy finish.
