How To Prevent Dry Hair After Coloring: Expert Tips for Healthy, Vibrant Hair

Keerat Kohli

Keerat Kohli

29 Mar ‘25
UPDATED ON 12 FEB ‘25
Coloured Hair Hair Care Dry Hair Frizzy Hair
Coloured Hair Hair Care Dry Hair Frizzy Hair

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No amount of prep, skill or careful product selection can give you a completely damage-proof hair colouring experience. Hair dyes consist of ammonia, which opens up your hair shaft to deposit the colour. This can lead to a change in the texture of the hair and also dry out the hair. Those touting ammonia-free dyes as a good alternative need to know that such products are to be used in higher quantities and need to be left on for longer, which can still lead to damage.

Understanding why is my hair so dry after dying it is the first step toward effective care. The coloring process can weaken the hair structure and deplete its natural oils, causing dry hair due to coloring. To combat this, incorporating a targeted hair treatment for colored hair is essential. Deep conditioning treatments, hydrating masks, and sulfate-free products can help restore moisture and maintain the vibrancy of color-treated hair.

So, it is safe to say that your hair will get damaged at the end of a colouring session irrespective of how careful you’ve been. However, not all is lost. Post-colouring hair care is the determining factor in whether the hair turns into a dry, knotted and frizzy mess or remains glossy, as intended. Here are a few tips to show you how to take care of colour hair:

10 Proven Ways to Prevent Dryness After Coloring

1. Use sulphate-free products

Use sulphate-free products

Sulphates are added to products as a deep cleansing agent and can be too harsh on colour-treated hair. This is because they can strip your hair shaft of moisture, making colour fade faster and look less vibrant. Switch to sulfate-free products like the TRESemmé Pro Protect Sulphate Free Shampoo and Conditioner. It’s one of the best shampoos for colour-treated hair as it has no sulphates, meaning it will cleanse your hair without drying it out and help maintain the colour for longer. Its conditioner also nourishes damaged hair, so it detangles easily and is also silkier and softer.

2. Protect your hair from harsh elements

Protect your hair from harsh elements

Sun damage is equally harmful to your hair, especially when it is coloured. UV exposure can break down the chemical bonds present in the hair dye and sap the colour out of hair, along with essential moisture and nutrients. You also have to protect your hair from pollution, and harsh water as all of these factors can contribute towards diminishing the integrity of your hair further.

3. Deep Conditioning to Prevent Dry Hair After Coloring

Deep Conditioning to Prevent Dry Hair After Coloring

It is a good idea to start with a damage repair routine as soon as you cross the 72-hour mark post colouring. The sooner you start working on reversing damage, the lesser chances of your hair turning dry and fizzy. Using a deep conditioning and repairing hair mask like the Dove 10 in 1 Deep Repair Treatment Hair Mask is your best bet. It has 1/4th moisturising cream and keratin actives that help deeply nourish and repair damage giving your tresses a new lease of life. Apply it on your hair, leave it for 3 to 5 minutes and rinse off. Do this once or twice a week to give your coloured tresses some much-needed TLC.

4. Avoid Frequent Washing to Prevent Dry Hair After Coloring

Avoid Frequent Washing to Prevent Dry Hair After Coloring

This is how to prevent dry hair after coloring, by extending the time between washes. Your scalp produces natural oils that need to reach the ends of your hair and stay there in order to naturally repair damage and help keep the mane healthy. Stripping your hair off these natural oils will not only make your colour fade faster but also make your hair frizzy and less shiny. So instead, stick to 2-3 washes per week and make sure to brush your hair every day to distribute scalp oil all over your hair.

5. How Heat Protection Helps Prevent Dry Hair After Coloring

How Heat Protection Helps Prevent Dry Hair After Coloring

Heat damage is similar to chemical damage in the sense that it can break protein bonds in your hair and lead to dryness and frizziness. Try to limit heat styling as much as possible, and whenever you use a heat tool, prep your hair with a protective spray like the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray to minimise damage due to heat exposure. It shields your hair from heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while also fighting frizz and boosting shine to give you salon-styled hair at home.

6. Incorporate Nourishing Hair Masks

Incorporate Nourishing Hair Masks

Deep conditioning treatments and hair masks play a crucial role in restoring hydration. Using a nourishing mask like Tresemme Keratin Smooth Deep Smoothing Mask regularly can significantly improve hair texture. This intensive treatment not only smooths frizz but also enhances the softness and shine of color-treated hair. It’s a must-have for those looking for an effective treatment for dry frizzy colored hair.

7. Regular Trims

Regular Trims

Scheduling regular trims is essential to remove split ends and prevent further damage. This practice keeps your hair looking healthy and can prevent dryness from spreading up the hair shaft.​ Ideally, trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks helps maintain its strength and prevents brittle, damaged ends from making the hair appear dull and lifeless.

8. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Your hair's health is influenced by your diet. Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports hair strength and shine. Foods high in beta carotene, like mangoes, are essential for keratin production, which is vital for hair health. Additionally, including protein-rich foods like eggs, nuts, and fish can promote hair growth and prevent excessive dryness. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water also helps maintain hair moisture from within.

9. Gentle Handling

Gentle Handling

Treat your hair with care to avoid unnecessary breakage. Use wide-tooth combs to detangle, starting from the ends and working your way up. Avoid brushing wet hair, as it's more susceptible to damage.​ Instead, use a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt to gently blot excess moisture after washing, reducing friction and minimizing frizz.

10. Protect from environmental factors

Protect from environmental factors

Environmental factors like sun exposure and humidity can affect your hair's moisture balance. Wearing hats or using hair products with UV protection can shield your hair from these elements, helping to maintain its health and vibrancy.​

 

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively address how to treat dry hair after coloring and maintain the luster of your color-treated hair. Consistent care and the right products are key to enjoying beautiful, healthy hair post-coloring.

DIY Home Remedies to Prevent Dry Hair After Coloring

Coloring your hair can leave it feeling dry. Here are some DIY home remedies to prevent dry hair after coloring:

  1. Coconut Oil: Apply warm coconut oil to damp hair for 30 minutes to restore moisture.
  2. Avocado & Olive Oil Mask: Mix mashed avocado with olive oil and leave on for 20-30 minutes to nourish hair.
  3. Honey & Yogurt Mask: Combine honey and yogurt for a moisturizing mask, leave on for 20 minutes, and rinse.
  4. Aloe Vera Gel: Apply aloe vera gel to your hair and scalp for 15-20 minutes to hydrate and soothe.
  5. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water and rinse after shampooing for added shine and moisture.
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Common Mistakes That Cause Dry Hair After Coloring

Coloring your hair can leave it looking fabulous, but certain mistakes can lead to dryness. Here’s a look at what NOT to do to prevent your hair from becoming damaged:

  1. Using Hot Water: Hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Always rinse your hair with lukewarm or cool water to help retain moisture and preserve your color.
  2. Skipping Heat Protectant: Using heat styling tools like flat irons or blow dryers without a heat protectant can cause serious damage. Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum before styling to shield your hair from heat-related dryness and breakage.
  3. Using Harsh Brushes: Brushing your hair roughly or using harsh brushes can cause breakage, especially when your hair is damp. Opt for a wide-toothed comb or a brush designed for wet hair to detangle gently without causing damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Why does my hair feel dry after coloring?

A. Coloring can strip natural oils, leaving hair dry and porous.

Q. What is the best way to prevent dryness after dyeing hair?

A. Use moisturizing treatments, limit heat styling, and choose sulfate-free products.

Q. How often should I wash color-treated hair to avoid dryness?

A. Wash 2-3 times a week to avoid stripping moisture.

Q. Can I use coconut oil on colored hair to prevent dryness?

A. Yes, coconut oil helps lock in moisture and restore shine.

Q. Which shampoo is best to prevent dry hair after coloring?

A. Sulfate-free shampoos designed for color-treated hair are ideal for hydration.

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Keerat Kohli

Keerat Kohli

Keerat Kohli is a beauty and lifestyle writer who often boasts her expertise as the self-proclaimed beauty guru of her friend group. She specialises in all things content- from social media strategy to creation.