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Chemical processes open up the cuticle of the hair, so it's important to avoid shampooing for at least 48 hours while the cuticle settles back down. This will lock in and ensure a longer-lasting vivid color.
If your hair gets sweaty or dirty within this time frame, just rinse with the coldest water temperature you can stand, and condition the mid-lengths to ends.
**Always avoid swimming (whether the water is chlorinated or salty) and heat styling, but especially for the first 48 hours!**
Making vivid color last longer can be achieved with a bit of effort! The most important thing to remember is that FREQUENT WASHING and HEAT (hot water, hot tools, direct sunlight) fades vivid color faster, and should be avoided whenever possible!
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When washing, the water should be as COLD as possible, as heat fades color faster and is more likely to dry the hair out.
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The less frequently the hair is washed, 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 the spacing out of wash days!
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If the hair or scalp is very oily, reducing shampooing frequency may help the scalp regulate oil production. Use a color-safe clarifying shampoo to soften and add shine to the hair if it's looking dull due to buildup.
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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). This brush is gentle on the hair, but also gets the job done!
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Using professional shampoos and conditioners- preferably those designed specifically for color treated hair- increases the chances that vivid color 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 color-protecting shampoo and conditioner is what I use on my own hair (even though I don't color my hair anymore- I absolutely love the feel and the fragrance)!
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For vivid color, there are color-depositing shampoos and conditioners that will help maintain a rainbow of colors 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.
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Because vivid color typically requires that the hair is lightened (bleached) first, regular deep conditioning treatments are essential to keep the hair in a healthy state! 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.
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There are also deep conditioning masks that deposit color, if you want to multitask!
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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, as it depletes with the double-process of vivids. 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. If your hair sustained any damage from lightening, a reparative leave-in conditioner can be beneficial. On hair that is going to be heat-styled, a leave-in conditioner with heat protection is a must!
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Cool to cold water helps smooth the cuticle to lock in color. I know its harder in the winter months not to step into a piping hot shower, but try your best!
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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
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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.​
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​Again, heat is the enemy! Blow drying and using a hot iron (especially when using both) can fade vivid color, not to mention dry the hair out. 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.
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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!
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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.
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Every time heat is used to style, whether blow-drying or ironing, be sure to apply a heat protectant beforehand!
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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, can actually penetrate the cuticle and shift color by pushing it 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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for trims: After some time, you'll notice your hair gets a little more tangled, a little more frizzy, flyaway, or flat, or just a little less cooperative in general... this is an indicator that it's time for a trim! The exact time frame is different for each individual, but on average, 3-5 weeks for shorter hair, 4-6 weeks for medium-length hair, and 6-8 weeks for long hair is a good time to start planning a salon visit for a trim. If your hair is long and damaged, use the medium-length time guideline to keep split ends from forming and eventually taking over!
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how do I know when to refresh my vivid color? This is completely subjective-there is no rule! However, if you are using a color-depositing product and it doesn't seem to be adding enough vibrancy anymore, it's a good indicator that it's time to refresh in the salon.
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for lightener touch ups: The hair grows about 1/4-1/2 inch per month, on average. Many vivid clients wait to retouch their roots until their vivid color needs to be refreshed, which on average is around the 12-week mark. You can retouch or refresh sooner or later than that, depending on your preference, by booking from the Vivid Refresh Sessions menu.
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I know life gets busy, and sometimes remembering when to book an appointment can get put on the back burner, but no worries! I will be sending you a standard reminder, based on your individual services and preferences discussed upon your initial visit. You are welcome to book sooner or later than that at your leisure, of course. I look forward to seeing you again!
