5 Ways To Keep Processed Hair From Drying Out
One of the most damaging things you can do to hair is to dye it or perm it. Both of these processes involve disrupting the basic structure of the hair shaft and require harsh chemicals for the desired effect. So much so that it’s recommended that you color your hair or perm it, but not both, or you could end up with odd-colored or severely damaged hair.
Permanent dye products raise the protective outer cuticle of the hair to deposit color into the hair shaft. Perms use chemicals to alter the keratin bonds in the hair so that the hair can have a different look. Neither is very forgiving on the hair and can cause dryness. Below are the top five ways to reduce or prevent dryness in processed hair.
#1 Be Religious About After-Dye Conditioners
Most dyes come with conditioners for right after-dye application. Try to opt for dye products that come with them. Follow the instructions, and make sure you keep the conditioner on your hair for the stated time. Many will say two minutes, but try for a bit longer if you tend to have dry hair. If the dye product does not come with a conditioner, use a deep conditioner product for at least five minutes.
#2 Look At Your Conditioning Routine
Make sure you condition every time you shampoo. If you’ve been prone to oily hair in the past, it may be tempting to forgo the conditioner, but processed hair needs all the moisture it can get. Hair can too easily become a frizz bomb before you know it.
To make sure the conditioner is fully saturated, distribute it with a wide-toothed comb. Once per week, add a conditioning mask like Aveda Color Conserve Strengthening Treatment. The less weighted down perms are the better, so for permed hair opt for lighter protein-based conditioners.
#3 Go For The Specific Hair Products
Many lines of shampoo and conditioner will come specially made for dyed or permed hair. Try to find a line specifically to match your dye color, like John Frieda’s Sheer Blonde, Brilliant Brunette or Radiant Red color lines. For permed hair, find specific products like Goldwell Definition Permed and Curly Curl Care Shampoo.
#4 Opt For The Home Treatments
If you’d prefer to keep it natural, you can use one of the common hair conditioning home treatments. Combine olive oil with a few drops of essential oils that are known to be great for hair like peppermint, rosemary or lavender essential oils. After applying the mixture to your hair, you can leave it in for 30 minutes and rinse, or leave in as long as you feel is necessary. You can also use eggs, honey, yogurt, mushed bananas or mushed avocado. Use the ingredients separately, or combine your own mixture.
#5 Wash Less Often
For most hair, daily washes aren’t necessary. If you can get away with it, try to cut back on the washing. This is especially true for permed hair, which needs to be rested two to three days after a perm for the curls to set.
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