Caring for Color-Treated Relaxed Hair

At the ripe old age of 21 I started 'graying'. Due to all that was going on in my life at that time I feel was the main contributing factor to my early stage of graying. High levels of stress in my body for a long period of time. Thankfully I only have gray hair on the top and crown of my head. Now its apart of my regimen.

A little science for ya: 

• Between the ages of twenty-eight and forty hair produces fewer pigment molecules. Gray hair is actually white or clear strands contrasted against the darker surrounding strands.

Any chemical applied to the hair causes stress on the hair. Before you do any chemical service consult a professional but when circumstances prevent this make sure to follow the manufactures instructs. Whether you color your hair at home or in a salon proper care of the hair before, during and after must be maintained to ensure highest results. As with a relaxer, color can be drying on the hair and you lose protein during the process. 3-4 days before do a protein treatment to cover some of the lose received during the process. During the process make sure to apply the manufactures instructs to ensure the safest and healthiest application. Follow up with a slightly acidic, pH-balanced, sulfate-free shampoo. An option is the follow the shampoo with an ACV rinse (1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 2 cups cool water). Rinse well and deep condition with a mild reconstructor for roughly 20 minutes then a moisturizing deep conditioner. Style as desired.

The chemical process can leave the hair dry and rough so applying a clear color can help protect the cuticle and stretch your color longer. This can be done 1-2 weeks after.

I use Wella Color Touch which is demi-permanent along with Wella color shampoo shown here.

Maintenance:

• Wash in warm or cool water.
• Use color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
• Keep your hair thoroughly moisture and protein conditioned.
• Use styling products sparingly. Most contain alcohol that can be drying 

I rotate my color shampoo with my staple Kenra moisturizing shampoo(review), deep condition with my homemade treatments and style. Basically my regimen stays the same other than my shampoo. I'll use my color shampoo after a fresh color app. Video coming soon :)