Mistake 4: Not Protecting It in the Sun
Remembering to apply a product with UV filters is a great start for protecting your tone, but just like on your body, it needs to be reapplied when you’re spending hours in the sun, says Adams. So bring a spritz like Alterna Bamboo Beach Protective Shine Veil in your beach bag or picnic basket. The other alternative? Get a sun hat. We’re obsessed with the ones from the Marimekko for Target collection.
Mistake 5: Not Color-Correcting
“Obviously your hair is more exposed to the sun in the summer months, so it turns it brassy faster than other times of the year,” says Adams. To avoid this, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo every other week or think back to art school and use tones opposite the unwanted ones in your hair to counteract them. Blondes should look for a purple rinse like Clairol Professional Shimmer Light Conditioning Shampoo, brunettes will do well with a teal or green rinse like Color Wow Brass Banned Correct and Perfect Mousse for Dark Hair, and redheads need to replenish with a fiery hued product like oVertone Vibrant Red Daily Conditioner, $17, overtone.com.
Mistake 6: Using the Wrong Shampoo
We all know sulfate-free shampoos are a must for color-treated hair, right? Galano explains, “They have intense moisturizing ingredients, don't exfoliate the hair, and remove oil and dirt without penetrating the cuticle.” This is especially key for rainbow hues, since it takes several processes to get all those tones. Adams’ recommendation: Christophe Robin Antioxidant Cleansing Milk. And no matter what cleanser you use, Fekkai 5th Avenue colorist Russell Cardali suggests finishing with a cool rinse to seal the cuticle and lock in hydration from your conditioner.
Mistake 7: Ignoring Your Hue Between Sessions
Waiting until your next dye session to refresh your hue is a rookie mistake for non-blonds (the main problem for fair-haired ladies is brassiness rather than fading). Hair dye will lift out of your hair over time, even when you’re doing everything right, say Galano. So reach for a color-depositing shampoos like Joico’s Color Infuse line once a week and you’ll stay looking fresh—even weeks after your last coloring. And a special heads up to anyone new to Team Redhead driven by the rose gold hues of the season: It’s the most difficult color to keep.
Mistake 8: Using the Wrong Styling Products
“When choosing a styling product, you most definitely do not want it to contain alcohol,” says Cardali. “Like it does with your skin, it will dry out hair. That makes it more porous, which can lead to color molecules being lost.” Galano adds that the two biggest culprits here are hairsprays and gels, so if you’re going for one of those, look for alcohol to either be absent or at least pushed down to the middle of the ingredients list. When in doubt, a moisturizing cream is a better bet. One to try: Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk.
