If you’re coloring your hair regularly, I’m sure you’re using special shampoos and conditioners to take good care of your colored hair. But, despite all the pampering, do you feel that, after a few washes, your hair looks dry, dull, frizzy and damaged? If so, you might not be taking the required steps to prep your hair before coloring. You need to nourish your hair both before and after coloring it. Read on to find out how you can minimize hair damage caused by hair coloring. 

Table of Contents:

Should I condition my hair before coloring?

One of the essential steps for prepping your hair before coloring is to use a nourishing and hydrating hair conditioner. If you do not want to end up with dry, damaged hair after coloring, you cannot afford to skip on using a conditioner beforehand. But, why is a conditioner important? Let us first see what role a conditioner plays in our hair care regimes. The primary purpose of applying a conditioner on hair after using shampoo is to control frizz and get smooth, silky hair. Conditioners hydrate the hair cuticles and lock in moisture. They also have a neutralizing effect on static electricity and reduce friction to give smooth, silky hair. 

Now, let us understand how hair dyes affect the quality of our hair. There are different types of hair dyes based on the chemicals in their composition. Some chemicals have large molecules that cannot penetrate our cuticle, so they give the hair a temporary color. Other hair dyes contain harsher chemicals with tiny molecules that reach the cortex by lifting and penetrating the cuticle and change our natural hair color. Such hair dyes can have adverse effects on the scalp and hair. The most common side effect is dry and damaged locks. The layers of the hair shafts are damaged, and the natural texture of our hair changes. These chemicals can also cause split-ends, hair fall, breakage, dry and itchy scalp, among other things. 

Conditioners are a must for hydrated and smooth hair. So, to protect your hair from chemical damage, you should condition your hair before coloring. It will balance the pH of your hair and will help retain moisture.

When should I use the conditioner before hair coloring?

Many women choose to mix conditioners with hair dyes at home to prevent hair damage. They also apply conditioner to the length of their hair before using a hair dye. It might not be the right thing to do, though.

Many conditioners contain silicone, which acts as a protective layer or barrier that does not allow the color to reach your hair shaft. Also, the chemicals in the conditioner can mix with those present in hair dyes and change your hair color. It can result in uneven coloration (or discoloration) of hair.

So, if you wish to get a beautiful hair color, you shouldn't use a conditioner immediately before applying the dye. It is safe to use a conditioner at least a few days before coloring your hair. The conditioner will keep your hair moisturized and frizz-free and also take care of your tresses.

Which shampoos and conditioners should I use to moisturize my colored hair? 

To treat dry and damaged hair, you should look for hair care products that contain natural nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and proteins. Also, look for silicone-free products. Here are some of our best recommendations.

WOW Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

Moroccan argan oil is the one-stop solution for all your hair problems. The oil contains vitamin E, fatty acids, and plenty of antioxidants that restore moisture in your hair. It helps to control frizz and dryness. The WOW Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and conditioner help make your hair smooth and shiny and also help reduce breakage.

WOW Hair Revitalizer Spray

The WOW hair revitalizer spray is a plant-powered leave-in conditioner that replenishes your hair, detangles it and leaves it soft and smooth. It contains vitamins A, E, B5, B7, F, all of which are essential for healthy hair. 

WOW Coconut Milk Conditioner

Coconut milk is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that nourish the scalp. It is also useful in moisturizing dry, damaged hair. 

WOW Moroccan Oil Hair Mask for Color-treated hair 

The WOW Moroccan Oil Hair Mask can help nourish and moisturize dry and damaged colored hair. It contains argan oil, coconut oil, glycerine, vitamin E, shea butter, wheat and soy protein, and many other natural ingredients that help revive color-damaged hair. Apply this hair mask on the length of your hair, leave it on for about 15-20 minutes, and wash it with cold water.