Damaged hair after coloring – How to save your hair

Coloring your hair is a popular way to update your look, but it can also lead to damage if not treated properly. Many people find that their hair becomes dry, brittle and loses its natural shine after coloring. This is due to the chemical processes that hair dyes go through to change the pigment in the hair shaft.

But what do you do once the damage has occurred? And how can you prevent your hair from taking too much damage from future colorings? In this guide, we delve into why coloring can damage hair, which products can help restore it, and how to best care for your hair in the future.

Why does hair get damaged after coloring?

Hair dye contains chemicals that open the hair cuticle to change the color. This can affect the natural structure of the hair and make it more vulnerable over time.

Some of the most common reasons why hair is damaged after coloring include:

• Oxidizing agents like ammonia and peroxide: These ingredients open the hair cuticle, which can result in dry and brittle hair.

• Over-dyeing: Repeated dyeing at short intervals can break down the hair's keratin structure.

• Lack of care after coloring: If you don't rebuild your hair with the right products, it can lose its elasticity and become weak.

• High temperatures from styling tools: Colored hair is more susceptible to heat damage, which can lead to split ends and breakage.

When you understand what is damaging your hair, it is easier to take the necessary steps to rebuild it.

The natural balance of hair and why it is affected by coloring

Hair has a natural balance of proteins, lipids and moisture that is essential for its health. When this balance is disrupted, hair becomes more fragile and susceptible to damage. The surface of the hair, also called the cuticle, consists of small protective cells that cover the hair shaft and protect it from external influences.

Under normal circumstances, these cells lie flat, giving your hair a smooth and shiny surface. When you color your hair, the chemicals in the hair dye force the cuticle to open up to allow the color pigments to penetrate. However, this process can make your hair porous and lead to moisture loss. If the cuticle doesn’t close properly after coloring, your hair will feel dry, tangle more easily, and lose its natural elasticity.

An imbalance in the hair's moisture and protein content can also lead to over-elasticity or hair that breaks at the slightest stress. To restore this balance, it is important to provide the hair with the right nutrients that can rebuild it from the inside, including proteins, natural oils and moisturizing ingredients.

What does damaged hair look like?

If you've recently colored your hair and find that it no longer feels soft and healthy, it could be a sign of damage.

Signs of damaged hair include:

• Lack of elasticity – hair breaks easily when you pull on it

• Split ends that make hair look worn out

• A rough and dry texture, especially in the lengths

• Dull and lifeless hair that lacks shine

• Increased hair loss or broken hairs

When your hair shows these signs, it may be important to act quickly to prevent further damage.

Reconstruction of damaged hair after coloring

Use a deep-acting hair mask

One of the most effective ways to restore hair can be to use an intensive hair mask that adds moisture and nourishment.

👉 Try one Deep treatment mask to rebuild your hair from within.

When choosing a hair mask, you should look for ingredients such as:

• Keratin: Strengthens hair structure and reduces breakage.

• Hyaluronic acid: Binds moisture in the hair and gives it a healthy shine.

• Argan oil: Provides deep nourishment and seals moisture in the hair.

By using a hair mask once or twice a week, you can gradually restore damaged hair.

Apply hair oil daily

In addition to hair masks, hair oils are a must for damaged hair after coloring. Oils can help seal in moisture and protect it from further drying out.

👉 Find a nutritious hair oil or serum here to care for your hair.

Benefits of using hair oil include:

• Reduces the appearance of split ends

• Gives hair a beautiful, natural shine

• Reduces frizz and frizz

• Protects hair from external influences such as sun and pollution

Hair oils can be used on both wet and dry hair to add extra care and protection.

Avoid harmful styling habits

If you frequently use hot styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, or blow dryers, you can make the damage worse.

To protect your hair you should:

• Use a heat protection spray before styling.

• Use lower temperatures on your styling tools

• Let your hair air dry as often as possible.

If you are addicted to hot styling tools, try finding alternative ways to style your hair, such as using heat-free methods like braids or foam rollers.

How do you avoid damage during future coloring?

Although damage can occur after hair coloring, there are several things you can do to minimize it:

• Choose a gentler coloring method: Semi-permanent or ammonia-free hair colors are gentler than permanent colors.

• Give your hair a break between colorings: Allow at least 6-8 weeks between each coloring to reduce stress on the hair.

• Use a protein treatment before coloring: This strengthens the hair and makes it more resistant to damage.

• Rinse your hair in cold water after washing: This helps close the hair cuticle and retain moisture.

By following this advice, you can ensure that your hair remains healthy and strong, even after repeated coloring.

Natural treatments for damaged hair after coloring

While professional hair products can make a big difference to damaged hair after coloring, there are also natural treatments that can help rebuild hair's strength and shine. Many natural ingredients contain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that nourish the hair without burdening it with unnecessary chemicals.

A popular method is to use coconut oil as a deep conditioning treatment. Coconut oil has the ability to penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss, making hair stronger and more resilient. Another effective ingredient is aloe vera, which is known for its moisturizing and soothing properties. Aloe vera can be used as a leave-in treatment or mixed with your regular conditioner to add extra moisture. Additionally, a hair treatment made from egg yolks can be beneficial, as eggs contain proteins and biotin, which contribute to hair health.

By combining natural treatments with professional hair products, you can give your hair the best possible care and ensure that it remains strong and healthy, even after repeated coloring.

The importance of diet for hair health after coloring

While external hair care is essential to repair damage, it's just as important to support your hair from the inside out. Hair health is closely linked to what you eat, and a nutritious diet can help strengthen hair strands and make them more resistant to damage from coloring. Protein is especially important, as hair is primarily made up of keratin, a type of protein.

A diet rich in lean meats, eggs, beans and nuts can help rebuild hair structure. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, walnuts and chia seeds, can improve hair elasticity and prevent dryness. Vitamins and minerals such as biotin, iron, zinc and vitamins A, C and E also play an essential role in hair growth and repair.

If you find that your hair is extra fragile after coloring, it may be worth looking at your diet and considering supplementing with vitamins that support healthy hair.

How to keep your hair healthy after coloring

Damaged hair after coloring can be frustrating, but it is possible to restore hair health with the right care. By using deep-acting hair masks, hair oils, and avoiding harmful styling habits, you can gradually improve the condition of your hair.

Also remember to prevent damage by choosing gentle coloring methods and giving your hair the care it needs between colorings.