When you do wash your hair, Goodman recommends sticking with shampoos free of these color-unfriendly chemicals. Sulfates (harsh detergents) can strip your color, while parabens build up on the hair shaft. "This not only makes the hair look dull and lifeless, but also prevents any of the hydrating or nourishing ingredients in shampoo or conditioner from penetrating and getting into the cuticle," she explains.
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Rethink How You Brush
Next time you're at the salon, pay attention to how your stylist brushes your hair. Hint: They don't start at the top. "When you brush from the scalp down, you're just pushing any tangles into more tangles," points out Yekulis. "This puts more strain on the hair and ups the likelihood of breakage, especially when the hair is wet and already more likely to snap," she adds. The best bet is to start brushing at the ends, gradually moving your way up. And if your hair is wet, using a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush may also help prevent unnecessary damage.
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Grab a Mask
For a fast fix, turn to a hair mask or deep conditioner. Typically loaded with hydrating and strengthening ingredients, these products may noticeably improve the look and feel of your hair after just one use. Yekulis suggests using one weekly, applying from mid-shaft to ends, and letting it sit for at least 10 minutes, longer if you have the time. Heat will help open the cuticle and allow all those good-for-your hair ingredients to better penetrate, so consider applying the mask, covering hair in a plastic shower cap, and letting it do its thing for a few hours before rinsing. Netflix and hair mask, anyone?
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Shield Strands From Heat
Your blow-dryer, straightener or flat iron all take a major toll on your tresses, especially if this kind of styling is part of your daily routine. "The heat blows open the cuticle, making hair more porous and susceptible to both color fading and future damage," notes Yekulis. Mitigate this tress stress by using a heat protectant every time you reach for a hot tool, while turning down the temperature to no more than 400 degrees, recommends Goodman.
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Try a Toning Shampoo
When your color is no longer quite on-point, toning shampoos and conditioners are a great way to keep your hair looking like you just stepped out of the salon, says Goodman. Made for all different hair colors, these can remedy everything from yellowish blond to brassy highlights to faded red, she adds. They contain temporary pigments that work to neutralize, tone and balance the shade of your strands.
