In the realm of hair coloring, the transformative magic performed by skilled professionals with the right products and techniques can be a thrilling experience. The process itself, when executed with expertise, is not inherently harmful to your locks. Yet, the aftermath of color-treated hair can be fraught with vulnerability, as the chemical treatments involved may compromise the bonds holding each strand together. Neglecting proper post-appointment care often culminates in hair that lacks luster, succumbs to frizz, and endures breakage.
Jenna Perry, a distinguished celebrity hairstylist and Redken ambassador, sheds light on this matter. “Your hair boasts three distinct types of bonds: hydrogen, ionic, and disulfide,” she explains. “Disulfide bonds, integral to your hair’s structural integrity, are susceptible to breakdown when exposed to chemicals found in hair coloring and lightening processes. This can alter your hair’s pH and render it vulnerable.”
Enter bond-strengthening products, the saviors of your color-treated hair, fortifying those depleted connections. Perry describes them as “an insurance policy for your hair color.” In this guide, she shares the key aspects to consider in five different categories, ensuring that your color-treated hair remains resilient, voluminous, and healthy.
1. Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Sulfate-Free Conditioner
Perry recommends hunting for shampoo and conditioner formulas that target these bonds without the inclusion of sulfates, notorious for their color-fading and hair-drying tendencies. She firmly advocates for the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo and Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Conditioner as her ultimate duo. “These products are game-changers—they strengthen while they condition,” she emphasizes.
Crafted with an acidic pH, these products are specifically designed to guard against the potential damage caused by color treatments, heat styling, and hard water. Studies conducted by the brand reveal that when used together, they result in hair that is 11 times smoother, with a remarkable 56 percent reduction in breakage and an astounding 82 percent decrease in visible split ends.
2. Lightweight Conditioner
For those with fine hair, Perry recommends substituting a lightweight, rinse-out conditioner into your routine. Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Lightweight Liquid Conditioner, in particular, keeps your hair well-hydrated and smooth, sans the weight. “It maintains the shine in your hair,” she points out. The fast-absorbing, spray-on formula not only aids in detangling but also enhances volume, bestowing 48 hours of body and lift.
3. Moisturizing Hair Mask
Incorporating a weekly hair mask, in lieu of your regular conditioner, is essential to preserving the lustrous appeal of your hair between color appointments. Perry advises, “Masks can provide hydration and offer protection against environmental stressors.” Her top recommendation is the ultra-conditioning, reparative Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask, a quick and effective solution for hydration, strengthening, smoothing, and detangling. What’s more, it imparts a dazzling shine for up to three days post-use, delivering a salon-quality look without breaking the bank.
4. Leave-in Treatment
For an added layer of defense against damage, integrate a leave-in treatment into your post-shower regimen. Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment, as Perry suggests, “encourages hair regrowth and balances pH levels,” reducing the risk of breakage and split ends. The formulation’s silicones and fatty alcohols condition, add shine, and combat frizz, while citric acid reinforces weakened bonds. Applied to damp hair before styling with heated tools, it ensures protection against temperatures of up to 450°F.
