Coloring natural hair is a great way to switch up your look and express your individuality. However, it’s important to take proper care of your hair and follow certain dos and don’ts to prevent damage and maintain the health of your hair. Here are some tips for coloring natural hair for black women.
Dos:
Do Deep Condition Before and After Coloring: Coloring natural hair can be a drying process, so it’s important to deep condition your hair before and after coloring to add moisture and nourishment. Use a deep conditioner with protein like the Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment to strengthen your hair and prevent breakage.
Do a Strand Test: Before coloring your hair, do a strand test to see how your hair will react to the color. This will help you avoid any unwanted surprises and ensure that the color comes out the way you want it to.
Do Use a Professional Stylist: Coloring natural hair can be a tricky process, so it’s best to consult a professional stylist who has experience with natural hair. They can help you choose the right color and technique that works best for your hair.
Do Use a Semi-Permanent Hair Color: Semi-permanent hair color is less damaging to natural hair than permanent hair color because it does not contain harsh chemicals like ammonia or peroxide. Try the Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color for a vibrant and long-lasting color without damaging your hair.
Do Use Heat Protectant: If you plan on using heat styling tools like a flat iron or curling iron after coloring your hair, make sure to use a heat protectant to prevent damage. A great option is the Cantu Thermal Shield Heat Protectant.
Don’ts:
Don’t Use Box Dye: Box dye can be tempting because it’s affordable and easy to use at home, but it can be damaging to natural hair. Box dyes often contain harsh chemicals that can dry out and damage your hair. It’s best to leave coloring to the professionals.
Don’t Color Over Previously Colored Hair: Coloring over previously colored hair can lead to uneven color or damage to your hair. Make sure to wait until the previous color has grown out or been cut off before coloring your hair again.
Don’t Overlap Color: Overlapping color can cause damage and breakage to your hair. Make sure to apply color only to the roots and avoid overlapping onto previously colored hair.
Don’t Wash Your Hair Immediately After Coloring: It’s best to wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair after coloring to allow the color to set and prevent fading. When you do wash your hair, use a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent further damage.
Don’t Skip Regular Trims: Coloring can weaken your hair, so it’s important to get regular trims to prevent split ends and breakage. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair healthy and strong.
In conclusion, coloring natural hair can be a fun and exciting way to change up your look, but it’s important to follow the dos and don’ts to prevent damage and maintain the health of your hair. With these tips, you can achieve a beautiful and vibrant color while keeping your hair healthy and strong.
