• The less frequent, the better! Once a week is optimal, with daily brushing in between washes. If you're used to washing every day, try to gradually space out your washes to every other day for a few weeks to a month, then every 2-3 days for a few weeks to a month, and repeat this process until you are down to one wash per week. Rinsing your hair on your non-wash days can help lessen the icky feeling, just go through the motions of shampooing without the actual shampoo! Dry shampoo can get you through just one more day when you really need it!

• Don't forget to brush, brush, BRUSH! Brushing helps disperse the oils on your scalp, and get it to the ends where it's needed (plus, it feels great and is good for blood circulation in the scalp). I recommend this brush.

• Using professional shampoos and conditioners purchased from a salon or directly from the manufacturer- preferably those designed specifically for color treated hair- is the only way I can guarantee your color or toner will last. Professional brands may cost more than the drugstore variety (but not by much these days) and they are higher quality- meaning you use less to get the same or better results. This shampoo and conditioner is what I use on my own hair (even though I don't color my hair anymore- I just love the fragrance)!

• For highlighted or all-over blonde hues, there are toning shampoos and conditioners that will help maintain light, neutral shades, to platinum, silver or gray shades, in between salon appointments. These should be used no more than once a week if you shampoo daily to every few days, or every other wash if you shampoo weekly. You can use the corresponding conditioners for neutral and platinum/silver/gray, or use any conditioner made for color-treated hair.

• Regular deep conditioning treatments are your best friend! You can do this as often as you want, but try to get one in at least once a month. If your hair is feeling particularly dry or flyaway, try substituting a deep conditioning mask for your regular conditioner. 

• Even after you use regular conditioner or a deep conditioning mask, it's a good idea to apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair after towel-drying to add more moisture. A leave-in conditioner for fine hair sounds counterintuitive, but will help prevent over-drying, which leads to breakage. A leave-in conditioner for thick or textured hair  helps to detangle and reduce frizz. On hair that is going to be heat-styled, a leave-in conditioner with heat protection is a game-changer!

• Cool to lukewarm water helps smooth the cuticle to lock in your color or toner. I know its harder in the winter months not to step into a piping hot shower, but try your best!

• San Antonio has some pretty hard water... I recommend investing in a shower filter to soften your water. There are many benefits to your skin, hair, and even your shower/bathtub! Here are links to shower filters that have great reviews:

​AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter

Sprite SL2-CM Slim Line 2 Universal Shower Filter

• Swimming... it's hard not to try to cool off in Texas, but chlorinated water and salt water can do some interesting things to color-treated or lightened hair! Keep your head above water if possible, but if you're going all in, wet your hair, saturate it with conditioner and braid it first, or wear a swimming cap. These won't 100% prevent the negative effects, but will definitely reduce them.​