Hair Color: Tips to Avoiding High-Maintenance Headaches
by Bylle Dopps

It takes a long time to achieve the perfect haircut and hair color. And it never fails that soon after achieving that look you spend time in the sun or tanning bed and then notice that your hair has a faded or ashy appearance.

Knowing the secrets to protecting those expensive hair color treatments can save you time and money in the long run, while keeping your hair healthier and luxurious.

Eric Fisher of Eric Fisher's Salon in Wichita, Kan., says that advancements in professional hair color and services have helped clients achieve desired looks that last much longer than they did even 10 years ago.

In fact, more people than ever color their hair for one reason or another. The question today no longer is "Does she color her hair?" The question is "Of course she does, and where does she get it done?"

Fisher notes that new chemicals and protective mechanisms in colors today, make it is easier to have regular hair treatments and change color regularly without damage to the hair.

Tip 1: Find a Professional

When looking for a color technician, Fisher says to do your homework. Rely on experience and seek out those individuals who are educators in their field. Leadership is very important in your relationship with your specialist.

Your salon professional should teach you how to protect your color, how to dry it, when to have it treated, what products to use and answer any questions you might have. Someone who is vague with you may not know as much as you need him or her to, regardless of what color your hair is when you leave the salon.

Take notice as to whether the technician is listening to your concerns and desires. You must feel comfortable that he or she clearly understands what you want and they have a solid plan of execution. Only then should you proceed to the next step.

Tip 2. Choose the Right Treatment

When it comes to professional salon services, there is a wide variety of treatments you can choose from depending on how long you want them to last.

Semi-permanent color is recommended for those who never have had color treatment and are unsure of which tones will enhance their appearance. This treatment usually lasts between four and six weeks and fades with each shampoo.

A demi-permanent color lasts longer--eight to 10 weeks--depending on the number of shampoos and your environment.

A permanent color is, of course, permanent and can be enriched with toners. Color tends to soften the hair, so be prepared for a change in texture with any of these selections.

Tip 3: Don't Wash

No matter how much you want to jump in that steamy shower, don't wash your hair. Professionals agree that washing your hair within 24 to 48 hours after a color treatment is one of the worst things you can do for the life of the color. The product needs ample time to set on your hair before washing too frequently. Wearing your hair up or in a hat for the first couple of days will pay off in the end.

Tip 4: Use Quality Products

Once you receive your hair treatment, the products you use at home during your daily routine are equally important. Harsh drug store or supermarket shampoos are loaded with alcohol, which can strip the hair of your new look. Selecting a proper shampoo and conditioner with your technician is the best approach.

Professional products containing sunscreen also can help shield your crowning glory from harsh sunlight. Protein Protective Spray from Tony and Guy, a London-based international salon chain, contains sunscreen that helps protect hair against fading under extreme circumstances. Many companies also make a treatment shampoo containing antioxidants that should be used before and after exposure. Fisher recommends Aquage's smoothing shampoo and healing conditioner to keep your hair luxurious and healthy.

Additionally, Aveda has approached the issue of color maintenance with a line of color enhancing shampoos and conditioners. Bixa imparts copper highlights to red and brunette hair, or Blue Malva adds silvery brightness to gray hair.

Altima moisturizing conditioner from Joico restores lost moisture and renews vibrancy for thirsty and limp hair.

Tip 5: Protect Your Investment

Dana Dhermeska at Tony and Guy Salon recommends running your locks under normal tap water to seal frail ends before you dive into a chemically treated pool or harsh, salty ocean. Experts also agree that wetting your hair and then putting it up under a towel before tanning will help protect it from fading.

Hats and scarves are extremely useful when you know you are going to be in the sun for a great length of time, and using a leave-in conditioner will protect it from dryness.

Tips to Avoiding High-Maintenance Headaches