To keep your colour vibrant and your hair strong after a chemical service, follow these steps:
1. Wait to Wash: Wait at least 48 to 72 hours after your appointment before washing your hair. This allows the cuticle to close fully and trap the pigment.
2. Turn Down the Heat: Always wash with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water opens the cuticle, causing color to fade faster and increasing dryness in bleached strands.
3. Sulphate-Free Products: Use professional sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners. Sulphates are harsh detergents that strip away color and natural oils.
4. Weekly Treatments: Use a deep conditioning mask or a protein treatment once a week to restore moisture and strength lost during the bleaching process.
5. Heat Protection: Bleached hair is more porous and prone to snapping. Always apply a heat protectant spray before using hair dryers, straighteners, or curling irons.
Hair Extensions Aftercare
Proper care is essential to protect both the extensions and your natural hair:
1. Brushing: Use a specialized extension brush (like a loop brush or Tangle Teezer). Start from the ends and work your way up, holding the bonds/top of the extensions with your other hand to prevent tension on the roots.
2. Washing: Never wash your hair upside down over a bath; always wash upright in the shower. Avoid applying conditioner to the bonds or tapes, as this can cause them to slip.
3. Sleeping: Never go to bed with wet extensions, as this causes severe matting. Always dry your hair thoroughly and tie it in a loose, low braid or ponytail before sleep to prevent friction.
4. Separating Bonds: Daily, run your fingers through the roots to ensure the individual bonds or tracks aren't tangling together.
5. Avoid Salt & Chlorine: If swimming, wear a swim cap or keep your hair out of the water. Saltwater and chlorine can dry out the extensions and affect the adhesive or bonds.