Page 23 - Indulge May 2017

Prolong
the life

hair colorofyour

Men and women have been coloring their hair for color to help keep the overall shade fresh, and others that
centuries, experimenting with different materials don’t add color but help seal the cuticle so that existing
and chemical combinations to achieve their desired looks. color will not fade away. The Good Housekeeping Research
In the mid-1800s, chemists began to work with non- Institute tested nine brands, including 24 products, and
natural dyes for the textile industry. At least one of the found most of the products, such as color shampoos, helped
chemicals used in a dye derived from coal tar formed a dyes last longer than regular shampoos.
color when exposed to air. This molecule, called para- n Protect against the sun. Your skin is not the only part of
phenylenediamine, or PPD, eventually would go on to the body that needs to be shielded from the sun. Ultraviolet
form the foundation for many permanent hair dyes. light can cause premature fading of hair color. Look for a
Both men and women color their hair, but women tend product that defends against UV damage, and wear hats
to be more avid colorists. Many women stick to a strict when out in strong sun.
schedule of color maintenance, returning to the salon n Head back to the salon. Some salons offer free or
every four to six weeks for touch-ups. At an average cost inexpensive glossing treatments. This 10-minute service can
of between $50 and $80 for a single-process permanent extend the life of your hair color.
color, according to polling by Angie’s List members (foil
treatments and balayage highlights can cost more), the Blow Dry • Make Up • Upstyling • Hair Treatments • World Domination
price of keeping color looking fresh and vibrant can add
up. It’s understandable that women would be interested (We’re working on it…)
in prolonging the life of their color to help stretch out
their budgets. Explore the different ways to extend the 27 N. 7th St., Allentown • 610.351.1301
life of hair color and enjoy healthier-looking locks. ReViveDryBar.com
n Understand the difference between products. Hair color may 2017 • indulge | 23
can come in different formulations. Semi- and demi-
permanent colors deposit color without lightening and will
wash out gradually after a certain number of shampoos.
Permanent hair colors use a combination of components to
open up the hair cuticle so that natural hair color can be
lightened and color deposited as well. Someone unsure of
a color may want to try a semi-permanent formulation and
then look to the permanent equivalent when satisfied so that
the color will last longer.
n Wash with cooler water. Keep color longer by turning down
the thermostat in the shower. Hot water can cause the hair
shaft to expand and lead to more dissolution of hair color
molecules. Washing and rinsing with cool water can lock in
the color longer.
n Skip the sulfates. Sulfates are detergents used in
shampoos that produce those lush suds many people equate
with cleanliness. Sulfates can strip dyes from the hair and
lead to premature fading.
n Use a color-extending product. Color-extending products
come in two varieties: those that deposit small amounts of