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Introducing Shay Mitchell for OGX®

Tips to Protect and Prolong Color-Treated Hair

Woman shampooing hair to protect and prolong color-treated hair

Color-treated hair doesn’t have to be high maintenance. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or have a regular salon ritual with your colorist, it’s both important and practical to make that color go the extra mile. With the right care and a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can ensure your hair remains vibrant, protected and healthy looking for weeks to come. 

1. Use a Color Safe Shampoo and Conditioner

Using a shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair is essential. While it may seem obvious, many people still use harsh shampoos that can strip away color, leading to premature fading. OGX® shampoos are gentle and safe for color-treated hair, ensuring your mane remains vibrant. 

A color-safe shampoo is formulated without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS is a strong surfactant found in many shampoos that can wash away color molecules. By choosing a shampoo without SLS, you can significantly reduce color loss and help your hair color stay vibrant longer. For optimal results, try pairing the shampoo with your favorite OGX® conditioner. Designed to repair, nourish and strengthen your hair.  

2. Try a Bond Building Routine

Colored hair is prone to damage and breakage due to the chemical processes involved. Bond-building treatments are an effective way to counteract these issues and help keep your hair strong and healthy looking.  

The OGX® Bond Protein Repair line is a comprehensive solution. The line is formulated with dual-action repair technology that rebuilds bond in the inner cortex and binds to damaged sites on the hair cuticle, keeping colored hair strong, smooth, and repaired from damage.  Start with the OGX® Bond Protein Repair Lightweight Shampoo and Conditioner which uses patented technology to deliver targeted repair and effectively clean while respecting the lipid and protein barrier of dry hair. 

For an extra moisture boost, incorporate the OGX® Bond Protein 1 - Minute Treatment Mask into your regimen. This quick and nourishing hair mask protects and smooths dry, damaged hair, adding shine that lasts between washes helping to prevent breakage. Just apply it after shampooing and conditioning, leave it on for a minute, and rinse thoroughly for healthy-looking, more resilient hair. 

When it's time to style, reach for the OGX® Bond Protein Repair 450°F Heat Protect Spray. A weightless mist that delivers targeted repair and protection from heat damage, ensuring your hair stays conditioned and protected up to 450°F. Use it on damp hair before styling to achieve up to 80% less breakage*, making it perfect for those who frequently use heat tools. 

Finally, lock in shine and protect your hair with the OGX® 3-in-1 Bond Protein Repair Multi-Benefit Oil. This versatile hair oil mist provides 24-hour protection and smoothness, helping to prevent breakage and leaving your hair looking healthy and resilient. For an added touch, try the OGX® Bond Protein Repair Sealing Serum before bed. This serum, formulated without parabens, fights frizz and delivers softer, smoother, and stronger hair**. Apply a small amount to your hands, rub them together, and work the serum through your hair from the ends upward, leaving it overnight for optimal results.  

Try a bond-building treatment to elevate your colored hair care routine and keep your locks looking and feeling vibrant wherever you go. 

*Tested on bleached & heat damaged hair, versus untreated damaged hair 

**With use of OGX® Bond Protein Repair System of Shampoo, Conditioner, and Sealing Serum, versus untreated damaged hair 

3. Embrace a Heatless Hair Style

According to the study published in the National Institutes of Health's PubMed Central, heat exposure can lead to significant damage in colored hair by disrupting the structural integrity of keratin proteins, which is already compromised by chemical treatments, resulting in increased porosity and brittleness. 

To keep your color looking fresh, opt for heat-free styling techniques that allow your hair to dry naturally. Air drying is the gentlest option and will help to maintain your hair’s moisture and color. If you have wavy or curly hair, apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to damp hair and scrunch upwards. You could also try ‘plopping’—a technique where you wrap your hair in a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel to help encourage curl formation. 

If you must use heat, keep it to a minimum and prioritize low-heat settings. Always apply a heat protectant spray before using hot tools to minimize thermal damage. Consider incorporating heatless styling tools into your routine, such as foam rollers or flexi-rods, to achieve beautiful curls without the damaging effects of heat. 

By embracing heatless hairstyles, you can prolong the brilliance of your hair color, minimize breakage, and keep your hair looking and feeling its best.  

4. Use a Color Toning Shampoo

To maintain and enhance your hair color, consider using a color-toning shampoo. These products are specifically designed to add a sheer layer of pigment to your hair, intensifying the color and neutralizing any unwanted tones. Infused with purple fig, keratin and iris, our OGX® Color Care + Impecca-Blonde Shampoo works hard to keep your hair blonde longer while moisturizing and getting rid of brassy tones. 

For more hair care tips and tricks, check out our full article on common hair washing mistakes. You might be making some common errors in your hair washing routine, and we can help you correct them for strong, healthy-looking hair. 

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