A quick overview of when to use 4 types of hair care products after dyeing!

Post-dyeing hair care product type 1: Shampoo

Shampoos with various functions like oil control, anti-dandruff, moisturizing, and deodorizing can be selected based on your scalp condition. However, if you have sensitive scalp issues due to an irregular lifestyle or frequent bleaching and dyeing, such as dryness, tightness, redness, itching, or dandruff, avoid using strong deep-cleaning shampoos. Instead, opt for a mild, moisturizing shampoo to protect and cleanse your sensitive scalp.

Color-protecting shampoo

After dyeing your hair, your scalp may become sensitive. In addition to using a moisturizing shampoo, a color-protecting shampoo is an excellent choice for post-dye care to prevent fading while also cleansing. Since dyed hair tends to be more alkaline, color-protecting shampoos typically have a neutral pH and contain gentle moisturizing ingredients. This helps prevent excessive cuticle opening during washing, which can lead to significant color loss, and also enhances scalp hydration during the shampooing process.

When to use?

You can start using a color-protecting shampoo immediately after dyeing your hair, especially if you've bleached your hair and dyed it a very light or unique color. Once your hair begins to fade, you can switch to a deep-cleansing or moisturizing shampoo. Many people confuse the differences between color-protecting, color-depositing, and toning shampoos. To learn more about their differences, check out the article titled “What’s the Difference Between Color-Depositing, Color-Protecting, and Toning Shampoos?”.

Post-dyeing hair care product type 2: Color-depositing series

Color-depositing products are essential for maintaining vibrant hues in bleached hair. Since bleached hair tends to lose pigment with every wash, these products help replenish lost color, preventing drastic changes from your original shade. Light shades like pastel pink, light milk tea, lavender, or periwinkle blue can fade significantly after just 2-3 washes, making color-depositing products crucial for preserving these delicate tones.

Color-depositing shampoo & hair mask

Color-depositing products include both shampoos and hair masks, each serving different purposes and delivering varying levels of color intensity. Color-depositing shampoo is ideal for achieving light, misty shades, while the thicker consistency of a color-depositing hair mask is perfect for more targeted applications, such as "ear loop highlights" or gradient effects at the hair ends. For techniques like balayage or streaking, where precision is key, the shampoo is recommended.For more detailed usage instructions, please refer to the article titled "Six Common Questions About Color-Depositing Shampoo: Which Color to Choose? When to Start Using It?".

When to use?

After coloring your hair, start using color-depositing products about one to two weeks later, when the color has slightly faded. This timing helps avoid color buildup, which can lead to an overly saturated look. Use the color-depositing shampoo once every 2-3 washes for maintenance. If you prefer to keep your color vibrant, you can begin using it with your first post-dye wash and continue with each wash thereafter.

Post-dyeing hair care product type 3: Rinse-out hair care

When washing your hair, the cuticles open slightly, especially if the hair is damaged, making it more prone to dryness and tangling. Rinse-off hair treatments provide essential nutrients to strengthen and improve hair elasticity. These treatments also help close the hair cuticles, leaving the strands smooth and manageable while creating a protective layer on the hair’s surface. This process is crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of colored hair.

Conditioner & hair treatment & hair mask

Common rinse-off hair treatments include conditioners, which have a lotion-like texture and work by smoothing the hair cuticle layer, making the hair easier to detangle. Next are hair treatments, which provide nourishment and moisture to the hair. Lastly, hair masks offer the highest level of hydration and nourishment, making them ideal for bleached or dyed hair.

You don't need to use all three; just choose the one that best suits your needs. For guidance on choosing a rinse-off treatment, you can refer to the “Hair Care Product Selection Guide.”

When to use?

Rinse-off hair treatments are used after washing your hair. Conditioner is suitable for daily care of healthy hair, while damaged hair may require a hair treatment or mask depending on the severity. Regardless of the type of rinse-off treatment you use, avoid applying it to the scalp, and ensure you rinse thoroughly. Residue left on the scalp can cause excessive oiliness.

Post-dyeing hair care product type 4: Leave-in hair care

Leave-in hair care is the final step in post-color hair care. Its primary function is to repair the hair's surface and protect both the scalp and hair from damage caused by blow-drying or heat styling tools. Applying a leave-in treatment before blow-drying creates a protective barrier that minimizes the impact of heat, keeping your hair and scalp healthy.

Hair oil & scalp tonic

Scalp sprays or tonic act like a serum for the scalp, ideal for those who frequently color their hair and experience dryness, redness, or itchiness. They help balance oil production and boost scalp hydration, relieving discomfort.

Hair oil, usually an oily substance, provides heat protection, shielding hair strands from the damage caused by styling tools. Depending on your needs, you can choose a lightweight, non-greasy oil, especially if heavier oils tend to weigh your hair down. If you're still searching for the perfect hair oil, you might want to check out the article titled "Lightweight Hair Oil Recommendations to Avoid Greasy Hair." It features firsthand experiences from a fine-haired blogger who shares tips on finding a hair oil that doesn't weigh down your hair or make it overly greasy.

When to use?

After washing your hair, apply an appropriate amount of scalp tonic to your scalp before blow-drying. Gently massage with your fingertips. Then, apply 1-2 drops of hair oil to the strands, starting from the ends and working your way to the mid-lengths. Applying hair oil before blow-drying helps protect your hair from heat damage. After drying, apply another layer of hair oil to smooth frizz and reduce static. Always start from the ends and work upwards to avoid greasiness at the roots.

Hair care routine

Step 1. Cleansing Time: Start by washing your hair with a color-protecting shampoo or a regular cleansing shampoo.

Step 2. Color Maintenance: Use a color-depositing shampoo or hair mask to maintain hair color.

Step 3. Repair Time: Nourish hair with a rinse-out conditioner to smooth and close the cuticles.

Step 4. Pre-Blow-Dry Care: Apply scalp tonic to the scalp and hair oil to the strands before blow-drying.

Step 5. Blow-Dry Time: Avoid using high heat, as it can cause color fading.

Step 6. Post-Blow-Dry Care: After drying, apply hair oil again to smooth frizz and add shine.