Hair extensions are more prone to “color fading” than natural hair, leading to uneven and dull-looking color. Once the color becomes uneven, the natural look of the extensions is significantly compromised. Don’t worry! We’ve consulted professional hairstylists and compiled three simple and effective daily color-preserving tips for you. Master them, and your hair extension color will stay vibrant and “locked in”!
Why do prebonded hair extensions fade?
Before learning how to preserve color, we need to understand the structural differences between hair extensions and natural hair:
Prebonded hair extension structure:
Natural hair structure:
Conclusion: Due to the different rates of pigment loss, a color difference will quickly appear between hair extensions and natural hair. Therefore, our color protection strategy must be more targeted.
Secret 1: Adjusting “Water Temperature and Formula” – Slowing Down Color Loss Through Hair Care
Shampooing is the fastest way for hair color to fade. The right hair care routine can significantly slow down the fading process.
Wash with Cooler Water (Low Temperature for Color Retention)
Always wash your hair with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water opens the hair cuticles, causing significant color loss. The lower the water temperature, the less damage to the cuticles, and the better the color retention.
Choose “Sulfate-Free and Alcohol-Free” Shampoo (Formula for Color Protection)
Sulfate-Free: Sulfates have strong cleansing power, but they can excessively strip away hair color. You must choose a gentle, sulfate-free color-protecting shampoo.
Reduce Shampooing Frequency (Frequency Control)
Try to wash your hair every two or even three days. You can use dry shampoo to cleanse your scalp and absorb oil, avoiding unnecessary wet washing.
Secret 2: Targeted “Sun and Heat Protection” – Avoiding External Factors that Accelerate Oxidation
External environmental factors (sunlight and heat) are the biggest enemies of hair pigment.
UV Protection (like sunscreen)
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight break down pigment molecules in the hair. When spending extended periods outdoors, it is recommended to wear a hat or use a hair spray containing UV protection ingredients, focusing on spraying the hair shaft and ends.
Heat Styling Protection (isolating from high temperatures)
Before using a hairdryer, curling iron, or straightener, you must apply a heat protectant spray. When setting the temperature of the styling tool, try to keep it below 180°C (350°F), and ensure the tool does not come into contact with keratin bond extensions.
Secret Three: Use “Color-Correcting Products” – Actively Balance Color Discrepancies
For hair that has already become discolored or faded and yellowed (especially in cool-toned hair extensions), active color correction is necessary.
- Color-Correcting Shampoo (Precise Color Correction):
Principle: To neutralize yellowing (warm-toned residue), use a purple or blue shampoo.
Professional Usage (Key!): Only for the hair extensions! Lather the color-correcting shampoo in your hands first, then evenly apply it to the noticeably faded hair shafts and ends of the extensions. Let it work for 1-3 minutes before rinsing, avoiding applying it to your natural hair or the extension bonds for too long to prevent excessive color buildup. - Color-Depositing Hair Mask (Deep Nourishment):
Method: Periodically (e.g., every two weeks) use a color-depositing hair mask with a slight pigment. It gently replenishes lost pigment while nourishing the hair shaft. Again, avoid applying it to the extension bonds.
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Maintaining the color of hair extensions is a long-term process, but it’s not complicated. With these three professional secrets—from low-temperature washing and conditioning to heat protection and periodic color correction—you can maximize the vibrancy and evenness of your hair color. Keep your keratin hair extensions looking salon-perfect with lasting shine and color!
