Caring for Colored Curls

Already, proper hair care is paramount for non-color treated hair.  If you decide to color your hair, it's even more crucial to commit yourself to a hair care regimen tailored to colored curls.  As with any hair type, chemical hair dyes can be taxing on natural tresses so before any dye service is performed, it's imperative that the hair is in its most healthy state possible. Ends should be in good condition (no splits or knots) and the hair overall should have a proper balance of protein and moisture. 

If you're experiencing any issues with your hair (shedding, breakage, dryness, etc.) you shouldn't attempt permanent color as it could only serve to turn a mild issue into something severe.  I repeat, permanent color is drying to the hair thus intensive moisturizing and deep conditioning is required thereafter.

Sulfates, Mineral Oil & Petroletum

Sulfates not only have the potential to exacerbate problems with dryness but as well can fade your color causing it to look dull and lifeless.  Mineral oils and petroletum coat the hair shaft contributing to dryness as it keeps moisture from being able to penetrate the hair shaft. This is especially bad for those with porous hair as it's already harder to retain moisture.  It's best to either stay away from products containing these ingredients or strictly limit their use.

Deep Conditioning

Routine deep conditioning  and alternating between a restorative conditioner and a moisturizing conditioner will bring chemically dyed hair back to life.  Colored curls will greatly benefit from deep conditioning sessions each time you wash.  Skipping sessions can ultimately be detrimental to the hair as deep conditioning will help replenish moisture to brittle hair and make detangling easier while preventing split ends.

Great Deep Conditioners
Organic Roots Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner

Pantene Curly Hair Deep Moisturizing Treatment.

Curls Curl Ecstacy Hair Tea Deep Conditioner

Moisturize & Protect

Not properly moisturizing is one of the biggest colored curl pitfalls.  Dry curls are more suseptible to tangles, knotting and breakage.  Chemical hair dye weakens the hair shafter but regular moisturizing, conditioning and occassianal protein treatments can help to strengthen the hair and make it more pliable.

In order to keep your colored coils in tact, spritz it with water and apply a water-based moisturizer every 1 to 3 days depending on your hair's needs.  If your hair feels like it's lacking moisture or beginning to knot and tangle, it's definitely time to moisturize.  If you moisturize with a product as opposed to plain old water be sure that the moisturizer is water-based.

Wrap your hair up at night with a satin/silk scarf or cover it with a bonnet.  If you choose to wear a bonnet be sure that the elastic is covered with the same satin/silk fabric as your bonnet and is not exposed. The exposed elastic can cause friction around the hair line and thin your edges.  Be sure that the bonnet does not fit too snug.

Also, consider switching to a satin pillowcase in the event that your bonnet or scarf slips off during the night (it's happened to me many times).  Cotton pillowcases will suck the moisture right of your hair and can even cause breakage and split ends.

Great Moisturizers

Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-in

Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In

Giovanni Direct Leave-in

Can Heat Applances Be Used After Color?

Many say not to use heat and have completely sworn it off after going natural and especially after coloring their curls.  I, for one, beg to differ.  I've had bleach blonde highlights and every shade of red you can imagine on relaxed hair and I've bleached, colored and henna's my natural hair all without adverse effects.  I've even used heat styling methods at least once every two weeks at some points in my relaxed & natural hair journey with no issues with dryness or breakage.  It can all be done but caution & proper care thereafter must be execised.

If you're not willing to commit to an effective healthy hair care regimen that caters to your colored curls, don't color it or you'll regret it.

Coloring Rules of Thumb

1. Never subject your hair to more than two processes at any one time. It's very damaging and will result in dried out hair, excessive shedding and breakage.

2. If your hair is dark, don't try to go platinum in a single application.  You'll end up with brassy color which no one wants.  If you plan on lightening your hair color more than 3 levels, you should plan to do it over a period of time. 

3. Never, never skip a deep conditioning treatment.  Every time you wash, you should also deep condition and apply protein treatments on a quarterly basis.

{images sourced from google}