My Hair Care Routine

Dyeing your hair is a commitment, and requires your constant attention. Since going purple, my hair has taken over my life, but I get a lot of people complimenting me on how healthy it looks, so I thought I'd put together a post all about the products I use and steps I take to keep my in good condition. 

I will say now that the commitment definitely applies more so to those who bleach their hair before dyeing. In fact, in all honesty, if you're not prepared to invest in conditioners and masks and frequent trims to keep your hair healthy, don't do it. Not only will your hair dry out and break, but the colour will look awful as a result. The more effort you put into your hair's health, the more you get out of it. 

Catwalk by TIGI - Headshot

You're probably reading this now and thinking 'There's no way I can afford that!' But before you panic and feel that expensive hair products are your only hair saviors, this product is here to actually inform you of the amazing deals TK Maxx do on hair products. I bought this salon sized bottle from there for just £12.99. When you take into consideration the fact that a small bottle of Aussie conditioner is £5, this is a steal. TK Maxx actually do a variety of salon products, from TIGI and Sebastian to Fudge and Wella, all at majorly reduced prices. Obviously the stock in each store is going to be different, but they do have a good selection online. It's definitely worth putting your money towards products like these. We all come out of a hair salon wishing we could make our hair feel that good at home. It's all down to the products they use, so now you can. I bought this particular bottle because of its intense conditioning qualities. The more intense the better I say! 

Schwarzkopf got2b Guardian Angel Heat Protection Spray

I've been using this product for a good few years now. I don't blow dry, straighten or curl my hair that often, but when I do I know that it's imperative that I use this. Not only does it smell amazing, but my hair doesn't feel brittle or dry after. You wouldn't get something out of the oven without oven gloves, so why apply heat directly to your hair? This is applicable to everyone with hair really, but for us with dyed hair, applying heat actually opens up the hair shaft, so colour can escape. Another one I'd recommend is the Tresemme Heat Protect Mist, as it has colour fade protection. 

Tresemme Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo should be your best friend if you've dyed your hair, particularly if you've gone quite a bright colour. These colours fade so quickly, that sometimes the best way to make the colour last that little bit longer is to postpone washing it. I'm not suggesting you go two weeks without washing your hair, but if you wash your hair every other day, whether it's due to grease build up or just habit, you could maybe push it to once every three days and use dry shampoo in between. Now I know Batiste is probably the most popular, but I just don't get on with it. I find it quite claggy and drying and a bit sticky. Tresemme's is light on the hair and it doesn't feel like I've got anything in my hair after using it. I also find that this one lasts me so much longer than Batiste. 

 L'oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil: Coloured Hair

I wouldn't say this product is a must, but it's definitely handy to have around. There are days when my hair just isn't happy - maybe I've styled it too much or it's been a pretty cold and windy day and it's just been battered around a bit. That's when I use this gem. £10.99 seemed a lot at first, but I know Argan and Macadamia oils are a big thing at the moment and they're something like £12 for a bottle 1/5 of the size of this one. You only really need one pump and a quick ruffle through your hair, paying attention to the ends and you've got a quick moisturising fix. 

Other Steps

Another trick of mine is adding an equal amount of conditioner to the dye every time I dye my hair. Vegetable dyes like Directions are pretty concentrated anyway, so there's no harm in diluting it a bit with some intense conditioner. 

I also add a bit of dye to my conditioner, just so it's getting a top up every time I do wash it, and for a treat - if it needs it - a bit of the L'oreal oil too. 

I hope you've found this post useful, and it would be awesome to hear about any tricks you guys might have for keeping your hair in tip-top condition.