• The less frequent, the better! Once a week is optimal, with daily brushing in between washes. If currently washing every day, try to gradually space out 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 down to one wash per week. Rinsing the hair on non-wash days can help lessen the icky feeling, just go through the motions of shampooing without the actual shampoo! Dry shampoo can help get through just one more day without washing!

• If the hair or scalp is very oily, reducing shampooing frequency may help the scalp regulate oil production. 

• Don't forget to brush, brush, BRUSH! Brushing helps move the oils off of the 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 the Wet Brush.

• Using professional shampoos and conditioners- preferably those designed specifically for color treated hair- increases the chances that color or toner will last. Professional brands may cost more than the drugstore variety (but not by much these days) and they are typically of 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 absolutely 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 shampooing daily to every few days, or every other wash if shampooing weekly. Corresponding conditioners for neutral and platinum/silver/gray, or use any conditioner made for color-treated hair can be used as well.

• Regular deep conditioning treatments are game changers! They can be used as often as desired, but at least once a month should be the minimum. If the hair is feeling particularly dry or flyaway, try substituting a deep conditioning mask for regular conditioner. 

• Even after using regular conditioner or a deep conditioning mask, it's a good idea to apply a leave-in conditioner to the 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 (and thinning of the hair). 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 must!

• Cool to lukewarm water helps smooth the cuticle to lock in 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... If there isn't a water-softening system in the home, I recommend investing in a shower filter to soften at least the shower water. There are many benefits to the skin, hair, and even the shower/bathtub! Here are links to shower filters:

​AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter

MakeFit Filtered Shower Head

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

• ​Again, heat is the enemy! Blow drying and using a hot iron (especially when using both) can fade color faster, not to mention dry the hair out. Hot irons can even turn gray hair yellow! Air dry whenever possible, and if blow drying is absolutely necessary, use the coolest setting possible, or wait until the hair has dried naturally (to about 75%) before blow drying. If still craving curls, let the hair air dry instead of blow drying before ironing so that the heat isn't doubled.

• One of my favorite tools of all time for my own hair- that dries, volumizes and lightly curls- comes in two sizes, and both have cool settings:

For shorter lengths (above shoulders)​

For longer lengths (past shoulders)

• With hot air stylers, letting the hair air-dry naturally to just lightly damp first (about 75% dry) prevents overexposure to heat, takes less time and adds more shine. These hot air stylers get HOT!

• Try heatless curl/wave methods to get a great finish that's friendlier to the tresses. Just search "heatless curls" on Google, YouTube or TikTok and there are a ton of tutorials! 

• If it's impossible to put down the flat iron or curling iron, opt for a lower temperature (250-300 degrees), and thinner sections of hair.

• Every time heat is used to style, whether blow-drying or ironing, be sure to apply a heat protectant beforehand!

• Some styling products can cause color or toners to fade, such as those that contain larger amounts of alcohol or acidity. Some home "remedies" for dry hair, such as coconut oil and olive oil, actually penetrate the cuticle and push color out! Opt for professional brands of oils, creams and serums, or natural, pure oils that mimic natural scalp oils and sit on the surface of the hair to seal in moisture, such as argan oil or jojoba oil.

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