Dyeing Techniques

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By: Jude

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Lasting Colour

Thu 15 January 2004

If only the permanent unnatural colours were actually permanent. There's no such thing as a permanent blue or purple so redyeing is just part of the package. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your hair colour.

Let's assume you have followed the dyeing instructions, carried out all the tips for getting a good colour and your hair looks great. Now you want to keep it that way. Start with the basics.

Shampoo & Conditioner
They don't make shampoos and conditioners for coloured hair for no reason. These shampoos are formulated to cleanse your hair without removing too much colour so if you don't use a huge amount of styling products I recommend this kind of shampoo. The conditioners are also great. Since coloured hair is usually damaged these conditioners are extra rich to protect your hair. Many of these contain UV filters which is also a bonus.

Styling Products
Products containing a lot of alcohol have a tendency to drain the colour. Unless you use a lot of these products it's not going to make too much difference to your hair colour but if you can switch gel for wax or styling cream you may get a few days longer out of your hair colour.

Environmental Factors
The fastest way to fade your hair colour is to spend a few days out in the sun. Unnatural colours are particularly photosensitive and tend to fade out quickly in strong sunlight.
What can you do about this? Well, there are some UV resistant gels available to protect your hair or you can just wear a hat.

You may also find that swimming either in the sea or in a pool can drain the colour from your hair so if possible avoid getting it wet.

Replacing the Colour
You can try replacing the colour you loose through washing by adding some of the unnatural colour to your conditioner. It's ok to do this with Special Effects, Manic Panic, Directions, Crazy Colour, Punky etc. but not all dyes are safe to do this with. By doing this it's possible to dye your hair a little bit each time you condition it. You won't stop the fading process but it will slow it down.

Comments

	Glampyre says: "the brand does a lot too..crazy colors fades away with no reason, i've done a trial without washing em or exposing em to the sun and without using anything on them for a week and the color still fades... trying with directions now. We'll see..." Aug 25, 20075 p.m.
	walkingcontradiction says: "I've heard that if you use a mixture of white vinegar and water to rinse out your hair the color will stay longer. I've never tried it myself because I would rather my hair not smell like vinegar..." Dec 12, 20073:43 a.m.
	hannalectric says: "my friends mom is a hair stylist, and puts pink in his hair, and green in his brothers. i asked her about how to keep it in longer, and she said to use a hot flat iron on the hair while the dye is on the hair, and the heat helps it bond to the hair better. She also said she uses her 300 dollar straightener to do this, and it's not dirty or harmed. I then went to ask my hair care professional (lol) and she said that my friend's mom was right, and that would definitly make semipermanent non natural colours stay in longer. pink stays in wicked long." Dec 15, 20075:57 p.m.
	Monochrome says: "If you rinse with a couple tablespoons of lemon juice, a little bit of cold water and about 8 oz or so of pulpless orange juice (chilled), it really increases the longevity of color. I've used it on reds, blues, purples, pinks, and oranges and it greatly decreases the amount of stains and run-off too. Be careful not to use too much lemon juice, as it can start to damage your hair - and don't forget to condition afterwards. I've tried white vinegar diluted with water and it doesn't work too well - stings my eyes and forehead when using it. Also smells pretty bad during and after I use it." Jun 12, 20088:48 a.m.

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