If you're someone who follows a strict beauty routine — hair salon touch-ups every four weeks, monthly facials, weekly manicures — then social distancing is likely affecting your schedule greatly. Nail salons [1], hair salons [2], and beauty stores are closing [3], forcing everyone to take matters into their own hands with DIY facials [4], at-home mani-pedis [5], and most importantly, DIY [6] hair color touch-ups.
If you're in the same boat and currently stressing about how you're going to keep your hair dye [7] from looking like it hasn't been refreshed in weeks (when that's exactly the case), we asked a colorist to share a few of her favorite tips on how to maintain your color at home [8] until your next salon visit, ahead.
Hair Color Tip #1: Hide Your Roots by Changing Your Part
"Unfortunately, our roots don't know we're on lockdown," said Karissa Schaudt [9], colorist at Maxine Salon. "Try temporarily 'masking' them by creating a deep side part. This will redirect the focus of any regrowth." By moving where you part your hair, you'll be able to conceal some of the grown-out color. This will also add some body at your roots.
Hair Color Tip #2: Reach For a Root Concealer Spray
If you want a bit more coverage on your roots, try a temporary hair dye concealer like a spray or a powder. "My favorite is the Oribe Root Concealer Spray [10] ($32) because it rinses out after shampooing and won't affect future salon touch-ups," she said. "They have a variety of shades from black to blond that will work for almost anyone." Another option is the Madison Reed Root Touch Up [11] ($30).
Hair Color Tip #3: Wash Your Hair Less
Every time you wash your hair, it strips a little bit of the color away. "You can maintain your color by minimizing your washes, ideally shampooing two-to-three times per week and always using a color-safe shampoo," said Schaudt. Try the Kérastase Reflection Sulfate Free Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair [12] ($31).
Hair Color Tip #4: Avoid Sun Exposure
The sun is a major enemy when it comes to colored hair because the harmful UV rays can fade hair dye over time. "Keep sun exposure to a minimum," Schaudt said. "Always wear a scarf or hat to cover your hair when you go outdoors."
Hair Color Tip #5: Use the Right Hair Color Products
Now more than ever it's important to use color-safe products on your hair to increase the amount of time your dye lasts. "Sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free products ensure color longevity," said Schaudt. "Ideally, using a heat protectant shielding 400 degrees or more and quality heat tools preserve the luster in hair." Hair masks can help, like the Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask - Baby Blonde [13] ($53).
Hair Color Tip #6: Wait to See a Professional
Nobody wants to hear it when their roots have grown out an inch, but patience is key now more than ever. "Honestly, wait and consult a professional," she said. "A majority of the time box dye or self-bleaching leaves clients too dark or unevenly spotted. It's a quick mistake, but not as quick to fix."
Hair Color Tip #7: As a Last Resort, Reach For Demi-Permanent Dye
But if waiting just isn't in the cards for you, you have options. "If you're adamant, use a demi-permanent rinse, as it's the most noninvasive pigment," said Schaudt.