Coloring your hair is a great way to switch up your look and add some personality to your locks. But, if you’re wanting to go lighter after coloring your hair, there are a few things you need to know.
Lightening color treated hair can be a bit tricky, but with the right products and techniques, you can achieve the desired results without causing damage to your locks.
Below are some tips that will help you lighten your color treated hair safely and effectively.
Choose the Right Lightening Products
Not all lightening products are created equal, and this is especially true when it comes to color treated hair. You want to choose a lightening product that is specifically designed to work on colored hair.
Look for products that are labeled “color safe” or “color treated hair.” These products are formulated to lighten your hair without causing damage or stripping away the color.
Avoid Overlapping the Lightener
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to lighten color treated hair is overlapping the lightener. This means that you’re applying the lightening product over areas of your hair that have already been lightened.
When this happens, the hair can become weak and break off. To avoid this, make sure you’re only applying the lightener to areas that haven’t been lightened yet.
Use a Low Volume Developer
When lightening color treated hair, it’s important to use a low volume developer. This is the product that activates the lightening process. A low volume developer will lighten your hair slowly and gradually, which is much safer for your locks. If you use a high volume developer, you run the risk of damaging your hair and causing breakage.
Do a Strand Test First
Before you start lightening your hair, it’s a good idea to do a strand test first. This will give you an idea of how your hair will react to the lightening product. To do a strand test, apply the lightening product to a small section of hair and leave it on for the recommended time. Rinse the product out and see how your hair looks and feels. If your hair feels dry and brittle, you may need to use a deep conditioning treatment before lightening your entire head of hair.
Deep Condition After Lightening
After you’ve lightened your hair, it’s important to deep condition your locks. This will help to restore moisture and prevent breakage. Look for a deep conditioning treatment that is specifically designed for color treated hair. Apply the treatment to your hair and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Rinse the treatment out and style your hair as usual.
Protect Your Hair from Future Damage
If you want to keep your color treated hair looking healthy and vibrant, it’s important to protect it from future damage. Use a heat protectant when styling your hair with hot tools, and avoid using harsh chemicals on your locks. To keep your hair hydrated and moisturized, use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil. By taking good care of your color treated hair, you can keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
In conclusion, lightening color treated hair can be a bit challenging, but with the right products and techniques, you can achieve the desired results without causing damage to your locks. Remember to choose the right lightening products, avoid overlapping the lightener, use a low volume developer, do a strand test first, deep condition after lightening, and protect your hair from future damage. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to beautiful, lighter locks in no time!
