I was recently getting my hair colored by my hair colorist extraordinaire, Kari Ann from Juut Salon.  It is one thing (amongst others) that I will not skimp on during this horrible recession.  I get highlights every other time and then overall color the other times and she does a fabulous job at both.

I asked Kari Ann to give my readers some tips on maintaining your color longer – if you can extend the weeks between hair coloring, then maybe that can be your savings instead of going to the box at the drugstore.

Here are a few simple tips to maintain that beautiful new color:

Have your colorist apply a gloss right after your color. It helps to seal in the color.  She explained what it does with a comparison to a piece of hardwood.   The hardwood is like your hair – you apply stain to hardwood (hair coloring) and then you seal the hardwood with a poly coating (the gloss) and that helps to maintain the stain color in your hardwood longer – just like the glossing works on your hair.

Don’t use hot water on your hair. I’ve never heard this to help maintain hair color.   I’ve heard to not use hot water on your skin as it dries it out, but it’s good to know that it can also damage your hair color.  Done – no more steaming hot showers!

Use a color protective shampoo and conditioner. I’m sure you’ve all heard this before, but I always wondered if it was true or a gimmick for the hair people to get us to buy different products.  She explained that the color that is applied to your hair is acidic.  Color treated hair needs these specific shampoos and conditioners because they maintain the ph balance in your hair, thus maintaining the color longer.

If you are outdoors a lot, use a suncare product on your hair. Ideally, if you are going to be outside for an extended period of time a hat would be great, also for your skin.  But a suncare product to prevent drying and sun damage will maintain your color longer.  Aveda is coming out with a suncare line very soon, and I’ll be sure to let you all know when that hits store shelves.

So ladies (and men) these are fabulous, easy tips in maintaining beautiful hair color longer.  Thanks Kari Ann!