Hair color. We all know it can really make or break your overall look. But sometimes maintaining your dye job just isn’t possible. Especially with the ongoing health crisis. Whether you’re constantly jet-setting, can’t afford regular touch-ups or just don’t have the time to sit in a chair for hours on end to maintain your color, we hear you. Which is why we turned to Bumble and bumble colorist Luis Ayala to get the top hair color tips. That way your shade can keep looking fresh and gorgeous. Even if you just so happen to be a low-maintenance kind of gal.
For starters, it’s best to be honest as soon as you sit down in the chair. Your colorist needs to know everything from your lifestyle activities to how you style your hair every day. Once you divulge, they’ll be able to give you a hair color that works with your very own maintenance plan.
Ready to learn the secrets of maintaining your new shade? From what to say to products that will keep your hair color looking fresh, check out this foolproof guide featuring hair color tips from Ayala that will help you keep your dye job in check.
The Low Maintenance Guide to Keeping Your Dye Job in Check
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Know Before You Go
Be sure to describe your lifestyle when you first meet with your colorist, notes Bumble and bumble colorist Luis Ayala. This way, your colorist will be able to determine a process that's right for you. If you're an every six months kind of gal, bleaching your dark hair is not ideal. And while you may love the white-blond look, it will require frequent salon visits and lots of cash. Being upfront is the best way to get a hair color you'll be able to manage in between visits.
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Keep Lifestyle Activities in Mind
As Ayala mentioned, you'll want to disclose any details that may affect your hair. "If you’re a swimmer, going blonde is not recommended if you’re low-maintenance because the chlorine can strip the color," he adds. Being outside for extended periods of time can also wreak havoc on your hair. Think discoloration, split ends and more, which can impact your color.
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Keep True to Your Roots
If visiting a salon every couple of weeks isn't your cup of tea, choose a shade that's similar to your natural hair color. "Asking for a color that is close to your natural hair color will also require less touching up," Ayala relays. While not a drastic change, choosing a color that's slightly darker or lighter will give you a refreshing update.
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Stick to Highlights or Ombre
If all-over color isn't in your upkeep regimen, Ayala says that highlights and ombre hair color are great options. "They can be placed softly around the root to allow for growth," which will save you a fair amount of money and time, but will give you an updated look.
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Don't Overdo It With Shampooing
There's a reason stylists and colorists warn against shampooing too often. It really can strip your color if you're not careful. Ayala notes to keep it at a minimum and to try not to wash your hair more than three times a week. "If you need to extend your style in between, try a dry shampoo," he says. Bonus points for formulas with added benefits like volumizing or a two-in-one that doubles as a hairspray or texturizer.
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Use the Right Shampoo
It's true, a shampoo formula can make or break your color. "It’s important to use a shampoo that doesn’t strip color but provides gentle cleansing for the hair to extend the life of your hair color," Ayala says.
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Protection Is Key
Whether full-on dye job or subtle highlights, it's important to protect your color. "A general rule of thumb is to stay out of the sun to protect your hair color, but that’s not so easy to do," Ayala says. "When possible, look for products with UV protection, such as our Hairdresser's Invisible Oil UV Protective Dry Oil Finishing Spray." By using a UV formula on a daily basis, your hair color will always look top-notch.
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Root Touch-Up Products Are Everything
These days, root touch-up products are everywhere. Whether in stick or powder form, they help disguise roots in between salon appointments. Bb.Color Sticks are "good for brightening up the area around your hairline," Ayala notes.
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