I colored my hair for the very first time back in October 2024, and if there's anything I've learned in the months since doing so, it's that taking care of color-treated hair isn't for the weak (or the lazy, in my case). I have type 4, naturally coily hair, and while it took me nearly a decade after going natural to finally settle on a simple, pared down hair-care routine that's hydrating, takes less than three hours to get through, and ultimately works for me, I knew that my routine was going to need some adjustments the second I stepped into my salon and asked for a single-process color change.
Color can be a little harsh on the hair, especially when you're lifting your natural hair color up a few shades like I did. In the span of a four-hour appointment, I went from my natural dark brown color to a lighter, cinnamon brown, and while I can't say my current color is as high-maintenance as blonde hair, I can say that I've still had to make some tweaks to the shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments I use in my color care regimen.
Here’s everything I've added to my routine in the last nine months to keep my color looking vibrant and my strands hydrated in between root touch-up appointments.
Hydrating Shampoos Are My Go-Tos
Hair that's naturally curly in texture is already more prone to dryness, and throwing color into the mix can strip the hair of even more of its natural oils. A hydrating shampoo is the first step in making sure your strands are getting the proper amount of moisture.
I use this color-safe formula during most of my wash days because it lathers beautifully and cleanses my hair without stripping it. It's also made with hyaluronic acid and squalane to help the hair attract moisture and retain it.
This hydrating formula is strong enough to give thicker, denser textures a thorough cleanse, but it's also infused with proteins that moisturize and help strengthen hair strands that may experience slight damage from color and chemicals.
Color-Safe Conditioner Is a Must
There's obviously no such thing as a wash day without a conditioner to follow. These formulas are not only color-safe, but they have amazing slip and make my curls feel ultra-soft.
After struggling with some inevitable dryness during my first few months with my new hair color, I couldn't believe how soft and hydrated this conditioner made my hair feel. Leaving it on for a few minutes in the shower also made detangling my hair post-shampoo so much easier.
Using this biotin-infused formula has helped me strengthen my hair and reduce dryness-induced breakage.
Don't Skip the Masks
A mask can provide a little more moisture than what a traditional conditioner can offer, and they're also meant to be worn for a bit longer. Try using a heat cap or a hooded hair dryer to warm up the formula and help it penetrate better.
This deep conditioner has been a staple in my routine for years. A small amount can go a pretty long way (which is music to my thick hair's ears) and it has some of the most amazing slip I've seen in a deep conditioner—plus, it softens the hair and takes the hassle out of detangling.
For hair that's been slightly damaged by bleach, color services, heat, or all of the above, this four-minute mask works to repair the damage on a molecular level by repairing the bonds that are damaged or broken during harsh styling practices.
Heat Protection Is Essential
I blow dry my hair once a week and get it professionally straightened every two to three months. While, for the most part, I make sure that I'm using tools with adjustable or minimal heat settings, heat protectants are still non-negotiables.
The key to mastering a blow-dry and getting your curls to a state that's as silky as possible lies in the serum you apply beforehand. While this one has an oily texture, it smooths the hair without making it feel greasy or weighed down, and it's very easy to evenly distribute throughout the thickest of hair. A pea-sized amount will go a long way.
You can never go wrong with a weightless drugstore formula that protects against heat damage and frizz. This one is under $10 and can protect against temperatures of up to 450 degrees.
Seal It All In With a Leave-In Conditioner
If you haven't figured it out by now, moisture is your color-treated hair's best friend. These leave-in treatments will help (literally) seal the deal.
My colorist applies this before blow-drying and straightening my hair, and I promise I never see an ounce of frizz for at least a few week after.
My gripe with some leave-in products is that they can sometimes build up on the hair and leave it flaky, but I'm happy to say that I've never had that problem with this product from Pardon My Fro. Whether I'm applying this to dry or wet hair, my curls generally soak it right up.
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