Vibrant hair colours are arguably more popular than ever. From bold reds to pastel pinks, people young and old love experimenting with eye-catching hues.
Keeping that colour fresh and full, however, is often a bit of a challenge for people – especially ones without access to a regular stylist or a good background in hairstyling training. Fortunately, as an aspiring stylist, you can play a vital role in helping clients maintain stunning colour in between their salon visits.
This guide covers the essential tips and techniques to help your clients maintain vibrant coloured hair. Understanding the science of hair colour, mastering aftercare, and recommending the right products are key to ensuring your clients leave the salon not only satisfied but equipped with the awareness they need to keep their colour looking fabulous.
Hair Colour and Its Challenges
Colouring our hair is an interesting process.
For most haircolor when we apply it,molecules penetrate the cuticle layer of the hair and settle into the cortex, where the colour is held. Once there, the overall health and condition of the hair, as well as its pH balance, play significant roles in how well the colour is absorbed and retained.
Not all hair colours are as easily absorbed as others, mind you. Vivid colours, particularly those on the spectrum of reds, blues, and pastels, are prone to fading faster than natural hues.
Hair colouring will also naturally fade over time. Though, factors in the environment, such as heat and even moisture can contribute to more rapid colour loss.
Best Practices for Long-Lasting Colour
As a hairstylist, it’s important to educate clients seeking hair colouring services and to set realistic expectations for how long their colour will last and what it will take to maintain it.
Before colouring, it’s essential to assess the condition of their hair. If the hair is damaged, or if they are suffering from split ends, a pre-colour treatment might be needed. A simple trim or even a bond builder or a protein treatment might be needed to strengthen the hair and make it more recpetive to the colour.
As well, avoiding excessive heat styling in the days leading up to the colour application can also help ensure better colour absorption.
Choosing the right products is another crucial step for long lasting results. Professional-grade hair colour products applied by professional stylists are formulated to last longer and provide more vibrant results than those found in drugstores.
During application, the hair will need to be fully saturated and sectioned properly to ensure even coverage.
Aftercare Tips for Clients
Once the client leaves the salon, the real work begins.
Aftercare is very important for maintaining vibrant colours. Everything from the type of shampoo and conditioner your client uses can make or break their colour. For best results, advise them to use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed specifically for colour-treated hair. (Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip colour from the hair, leading to faster fading.)
Additionally, washing coloured hair with cooler water can help retain its vibrancy as hot water can open the cuticles and allow molecules to escape.
Other tips include:
- Using heat protectant sprays before any heat styling to shield the hair from damage and preserve the vibrancy of the colour.
- Minimizing the use of heat styling tools altogether can also help the colour last longer.
- Using hair products with UV filters or to wear hats when spending extended time outdoors as sunlight can also lead to faster fading.
Lastly, regular touch-ups are necessary to maintain the vibrancy of the colour.
Wrapping things up
As an aspiring hairstylist, understanding how to maintain vibrant coloured hair is a valuable skill that will set you apart in the beauty industry. Whether you work in an established salon, operate your own home business, or even just offer advice on YouTube or TikTok, your ability to guide clients through the process of preserving their colour will not only keep them coming back but also enhance their overall satisfaction with your services.
Eager to expand your expertise in colour maintenance and other advanced techniques? Consider exploring the specialized hairstyling courses offered at Modern College. Together, we can keep the world vibrant, one client at a time.
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