I recently colored my natural hair red and I absolutely LOVE it! Did it myself…which I NEVER recommend but I’ve been doing my hair for many years so I’m a pro at it. I’m also a licensed cosmetologist. (Which…I still recommend professionals to go see another professional). I did a two-step process that first requires lifting natural pigment then applying a deposit only color. Since my natural hair color is very dark I prefer this method to keep my hair as healthy as possible. Direct hair color is also very conditioning. The downside with direct color is that it fades faster.
I’m going to share with you my top 3 products that have kept my color not only lasting but has kept my hair very soft, manageable, and healthy. The best thing is, the products work great and are also affordable. These products work on all hair types (from fine to coarse) with a slight custom application, which I will share with you.
*Affiliate links are used, which means I receive a commission if you use that link and make a purchase (at no additional cost to you). My content is never influenced by brands, products received, usage of affiliate links, or brand partnerships. XO
**********Disclaimer: This post is to share what products “I” use. When it comes to hair color always consult a professional, never change a stylist’s formula if you are not sure what you are doing. This method adds color so if you get your hair professionally done consult your stylist on what hair color is best. Lastly, there are several factors that come into play when coloring hair, porosity being one of them. Porous hair grabs onto color faster which can give an uneven result if you are not sure of what you are doing.**********
Co-Wash for vibrant color
If you have color-treated hair and are not co-washing…you really should start. Co-washing is using a cleansing conditioner to wash your hair. The difference between a co-wash and traditional shampoo is co-washes are more gentle on the hair. While shampoos will leave the hair feeling clean it will not offer as much softness and moisture. If your hair is fine or tends to get really oily, using co-wash in-between regular shampoos would be a way to get a nice balance without weighing your hair down.
Since I colored my hair I have been co-washing. I haven’t had the need for shampoo or a cleansing mask. I’ve been doing regular natural hairstyles that involve using gel and other styling products. I have not straightened my hair. If I were to straighten my hair with heat tools I would use traditional shampoo in place of co-wash.
The first product I’ve been using is Pantene Gold Series, Deep Hydrating Co-wash. To give it an extra boost of color enhancing properties I add Pravana Vivids hair color into it. I add just enough color to see a tint. About 1/2 fl oz of Pravana Vivids color to the 15.2 fl oz Pantene bottle. I mix the color and co-wash in a bowl then transfer it into an easy to fill container with a lid. I use gloves because the color can stain.
As I cleanse my hair I’m not losing the color deposited, instead, a little color is added.
Conditioner
After using the custom co-wash my hair is soft and clean. Next, I use Creme of Nature, Coconut Milk Detangling & Conditioning Conditioner. Then, mix Pravana Vivids color into the conditioner but I add much more color since this will sit on the hair longer before rinsing. I use about 1 or more fl oz of color to the 12 fl oz bottle. Depending on how vibrant I want the deposit to be, I add more color. I mixed the conditioner and color in a bowl and transfer it into a container with a lid just like the co-wash. Gloves should be used just the same as the co-wash because of staining. Be careful with towels, shower curtains, etc.
I leave this on my hair for 5-10 mins. This conditioner is really nice for detangling as the name suggests.
Custom application
I use the co-wash and conditioner each time I wash my hair to maintain clean hair and scalp, as well as maintain my hair color. My hair texture is coarse and has a mix of type 3 and 4 textures. For hair that is fine or gets oily I suggest using the co-wash only and adding more color into it.
For medium to coarse textures, these products work well.
With color-treated hair the number one best thing to do is to wash your hair less often. If you don’t need to wash your hair every day try not to. For my hair type washing my hair once a week works fine unless I’m at the gym and have an intense workout.
I am a big fan of using what you have. The method of applying color into co-wash and conditioner will also work on other products you have at home. I would suggest not mixing the color into an already color depositing product unless you are confident in color theory. Mixing the wrong colors can ruin your hair color if not done the right way.
Thanks for hanging out!
XO Terreana