Posted by Tiffany Overby on June 14, 2010 10:43 a.m.
My hair has been dyed a multitude of colors. I’ve tried various reds, browns, and even an intense blue-black. Unfortunately I haven’t always been able to enjoy the color for very long. Even the most vibrant of hair colors can fade into ruddy or dull shades after a while. Numerous factors like harsh shampoos or overexposure to the sun can contribute to dull, lackluster hair color. Even those with natural undyed hair can go through this. On more than one occasion I’ve heard friends lament over their hair color not looking quite the same as it did during childhood. Whether your color comes from a bottle or from Mother Nature, sometimes it just takes a little boost to bring your color back to its full potential. Give your color a pick-me-up with one of these products.
Clear Glaze: Shiny hair reflects light and will make any hair color look better. Frederic Fekkai’s Salon Glaze Clear Shine coats the cuticle with clear gloss, enhancing your color without weighing hair down.
Color Enhancing Depositing Shampoos and Conditioners: Color depositing shampoos and conditioners contain pigments to give your current shade a richer, more vibrant tone. Since they’ll slightly tint your hair, they help extend the life of your color so that you can go longer periods between dye jobs. Color enhancing shampoos and conditioners do not deposit color to your hair. Instead they will help bring out your color’s full potential or your natural highlights by removing dulling build-up and increasing shine. Many also provide UV protection to keep the sun from wreaking havoc on your tresses.
Highlights: This is a great method for brightening your current color without a full color change. You can go the subtle route with just a few face framing highlights, or brighten up your color all over with a full head of highlights. This is great for anyone whose natural hair color has dulled or darkened over time. Stick to highlights that are only a shade or two lighter than your current color for a more natural look. After highlighting, don’t forget to use a rich deep conditioner to avoid a dried-out over-processed appearance.
If you have freshly dyed hair, prevention is key to prevent fading. Use products that offer UV protection, and use gentle shampoos whose labels say they are safe for color-treated hair. Shampoos that are sulfate-free or at least low in sulfates cleanse without stripping color. If you plan on swimming in a chlorinated pool, dampen your hair beforehand and coat it with conditioner. This will minimize the amount of chlorinated water your hair absorbs.
With a variety of ways reverse dull, flat hair color, no one has to put up with lackluster locks!