By Alexa Grzych
Picture this: You are on your much-needed vacation, hanging out by the water, sipping a nice beverage. The sun is bright, the breeze feels fantastic, the ocean is beautiful, the pool is just the right temperature, and all is well. That is until you go back to your hotel room, and you realize the beautiful color you just got with your favorite stylist has faded! You are not sure if it was the pool water, the shining sun, the ocean, the lack of a hat, or a combination of everything, and then some!
If you are looking to maintain the glorious color you just received or jet-setting off to paradise, at Gordon Salon we are here to give you tips and tricks for the longevity of your hair color.
- Cool Showers, Hot Hair ❄️💆♀️
Let’s start with the washing! When you rinse your tresses, you should shampoo them in cooler water, not warm water. Now, that’s a little harder to do especially during colder months in the Chicagoland area, but it is really good for your hair! Scouts honor! The science behind the cooler water is that it closes your cuticle, whereas warm water busts the hair shaft open, which can lead to hair color bleeding out. Cooler water can also trap moisture making your locks smoother and softer, making your hair look shinier, improving scalp circulation, and providing some relief from itchy, dry scalps.
- Suds, Shower, and Shine 🧖♀️
While you are washing your beautiful hair, it is also recommended to use salon-quality shampoo, conditioner, and hair masks. Sulfate-free is always a huge plus as sulfates can strip hair of natural oils, clog pores on your scalp, and potentially lead to protein removal and sometimes contact dermatitis. Almost all of our Aveda shampoos and conditioners at Gordon Salon are color-safe, meaning the products won’t strip or fade color. We recommend the Color Control from Aveda for all color-treated guests– from blonde to red to green and everything in between. It is also recommended to wash your hair less often to prevent color from fading.
- Post-Shower Magic ✨💇♀️
Once out of the shower, we recommend a leave-in conditioner suitable for most hair types. My go-to is the Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner. This is a light-to-medium weight spray you put in when your hair is still wet. It’s great for all hair types, has thermal protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, has a built-in detangler, and has UV protection. Perfect for keeping your fresh color radiant and long-lasting!
- Keeping Your Locks Luscious Post-Splash! 🌊💁♀️
If you are jumping in any body of water, I would consider applying color-safe conditioner or a hair mask to your mids and ends. This will help prevent any chemicals or drying agents from permeating the cuticle of the hair, and it can also help with detangling after a dip in the water. This step will help maintain soft, touchable hair no matter what your plans are after splashing around!
- Sizzling Style 🌡️🔥
Speaking of heat and thermal protection, you should always use a heat protectant on your hair especially if you are using a hot tool. Yes, this includes blow dryers as well! Aveda’s Heat Relief is a perfect addition to your arsenal to stop your color from fading! Spray each section of dry hair about 6-8 inches away from your head and enjoy an uplifting aroma as you style your hair as desired.
- Embrace the Sun, But Don’t Forget Your Hair! 🏖️👒💁♀️
If you are someone who loves being out and about in the sun, consider a UVA/ UVB defense mist. Sun Care Protective Hair Veil is Aveda’s version of sunscreen for your hair! It helps reduce dryness and protects your hair color from sun exposure! The scent is one of my favorites from Aveda. It uplifts and invigorates with a blend of fruity citrus. You can spray on dry or damp hair, just remember to reapply after swimming! Also, consider some sort of visor or hat to help with direct sun exposure, and remember to put sunscreen on your scalp to help prevent burning and flaking!
- 🌿💇♀️ Put Some Shine On Your Tresses, Naturally! 🌍💖
Glosses and/or toners are also a good option just to freshen things up intermittently, depending on your color and your desired result. The Aveda color we use at Gordon Salon is 93 – 99% naturally derived, so we work with the most gentle and plant-based formula on the hair color market. Aveda color is completely customizable, leaves hair feeling soft and luscious, the shine quality is out of this world compared to other formulas on the market, and the best part about Aveda color is it contains no harsh chemicals! That’s a win for you, for us, and the environment!
If you are worried about any fading and want to maintain your beautiful, shiny color, or have product questions, please visit any of our award-winning six Chicagoland and Northshore salons to speak with a talented stylist today. Or send us a text at 847-241-1188 or call 847-266-7777 to speak with a knowledgeable front desk coordinator about the hair color of your dreams.
By Alexa Grzych
