How to Soften Hair After Dyeing (Plus When to Use Shampoo)

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A complete guide to caring for your hair after coloring it
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You finally got the color you want—but now the texture of your hair feels more like straw. When you dye your hair, the chemicals damage, dry it out, and weaken it. That's why we're here to explain everything you need to know about washing, conditioning, softening, and caring for your hair after coloring it so it looks and feels amazing.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Condition Your Hair After Dyeing

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  1. Usually, a packet of conditioner comes with the dye product. If there's not, use your usual conditioner, leave it in for at least three minutes, then rinse with cool water. [1]
    • If you had your dye job done professionally, consider booking a conditioning treatment afterward.
  2. Opt for high-quality sulfate-free conditioner . Use products designed to repair damaged or colored hair that are sulfate-free and have added oils for nourishment. [2] Similarly, avoid products with parabens and formaldehyde, as these ingredients strip away color and leave your hair dry and brittle. [3]
    • Avoid products that include polyethylene glycols (PEG), triclosan, synthetic fragrances and colors, dimethicone, and retinyl palmitate, as well. [4]
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  3. In addition to your regular conditioning routine, use a deep conditioner once a week. If you get oily roots, rub the conditioner just into the tips of your hair. After a few minutes, rinse it out. [5]
    • Some conditioners are leave-in. If this is the case with yours, dab or spray it on when your hair is damp from the shower.
  4. Making an egg mask is easy to strengthen and keep your hair from breaking. Eggs contain protein, lecithin, and biotin, which are vital for healthy hair growth. [6] Mix 2 eggs with 1 US tbsp (3.0  tsp) of coconut or olive oil. Apply liberally and leave it in your hair for 30 minutes. Wash thoroughly with cool water and let it air dry. [7]
    • Alternatively, take 1 ⁄ 2   c (8.0 US tbsp) of yogurt, 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of almond oil, and 2 beaten eggs to form a creamy mixture. Apply to the length of your hair, and leave it for 30 minutes. Condition as normal.
    • Use unflavored mayo as a substitute for oil to moisturize your hair. Be sure to rinse it out throughly with cold water.
    • Try biotin supplements if eggs aren’t your thing. [8]
  5. The vitamins and fatty acids in coconut oil helps keep the scalp and hair cuticles soft. [9] Heat 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl and melt until it’s liquified. [10] Allow it to cool so you can touch it. Apply it thoroughly to your hair, and leave it in for at least 4 to 5 hours or overnight in a shower cap. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
    • Alternatively, you can substitute coconut oil with olive, castor, or almond oil. Add a few drops of sweet-smelling essential oils if you’d like.
    • Add 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of honey to the mixture to soften your hair. Honey works well with olive oil. [11]
    • You do not have to apply oil hot. It can be applied as is.
  6. Add ½ an avocado, ½ a banana, 1 large egg, and 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil in a bowl to create a nice hair treatment. Mash all of the ingredients together with a fork or whisk. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water. [12]
    • Bananas help strengthen your hair, while avocado makes it soft and shiny.
  7. Combine 1 ⁄ 2  US tbsp (7.4 mL) of apple cider vinegar and 8  fl oz (240 mL) of water. Rinse your hair thoroughly with the mixture, leave it in for 15 minutes, and wash out. Then, continue your routine as normal. [13]
    • Less of a moisturizer and more of a restoring agent, apple cider vinegar is a home remedy for many problems. It can restore the pH of your hair while stripping away any synthetic products to keep it frizz-free and smooth.
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Section 2 of 4:

How long should you wait to wash your hair after coloring?

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  1. Although some people recommend waiting to wash your hair for 48 to 72 hours, most professional hair colorists will wash your hair after a dye job to remove excess product that can stain and irritate your skin. Stylists say that washing your hair helps lock the color, making it more vibrant after the fact. However, it’s best to use shampoos and conditioners designed specifically for color-treated hair to avoid stripping the color. [14]
Section 3 of 4:

How to Care for Dyed Hair

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  1. Before your next dye job, take proactive measures to ensure your hair stays smooth. For starters, wash your hair the day before or the day off to remove oils and products that prevent the color from adhering properly. Similarly, avoid scrubbing your scalp to avoid skin irritation. [15]
  2. While hot showers feel great, hot water can fade your color. It opens up the cuticles of your hair, rinsing your color out while shampooing and conditioning. Instead, opt for warm water to start with and seal in your conditioner’s moisture with cold water when you rinse. [16]
  3. Washing your hair every day can actually dry it out, so if you can avoid it for a few days, do so. After all, that’s what the ponytail is for! When you shower, throw your hair up and put it in a cap to keep it out of your way. Just because you don’t wash your hair doesn’t mean you’re not showering! [17]
    • Everyone has different needs. Some of people wash their hair every two days, while others can get away with it once a week. Look at your roots: if they’re oily, wash ‘em. If not, bask in the extra time you have to get ready in the morning!
    • If you feel like you need to do something to your hair when you shower, on days you don't wash, rinse, and condition.
  4. If you have dark hair and want a pastel or lighter look, you’ll have to bleach your hair. Bleach lightens your hair by raising the hair cuticle to remove the color. [18] It can cause your hair to become stringy or feel like straw, which is why conditioning is so important. Similarly, semi-permanent or temporary dyes are less damaging to your hair and last up to 6 weeks before needing to be reapplied.
    • While semi-permanent dyes are less damaging, they’ll need to be applied more often if you want to maintain your color. Over time, this can damage your hair. So, if you want a specific color for longer, opt for permanent dyes.
    • Permanent dyes last much longer but the ingredients necessary (oxidizers and ammonia) are more damaging to your hair.
    • Ammonia-free dyes replace the ammonia of permanent dyes with a less damaging compound. However, using too much of this product can still damage your hair, similar to permanent dyes.
  5. Heated tools will only further dry and damage your hair. It'll be a sacrifice, but it can be done. Ponytails, headbands—that frizz can be hidden. Think of it as a short-term solution for a long-term problem. So ditch the iron and go natural a few days a week. You should see improvements in a few weeks unless your hair is seriously damaged. [19]
    • You can also opt for heatless curlers if you’re looking to add some volume and definition to your hair.
    • If you're in a tight spot, try turning the heat down on your curling iron or straightener and avoid styling the same hair more than once so it can rest.
    • Spritz a generous amount of heat protectant spray when applying heat to your hair to prevent damage.
  6. Your hair's ends take the most damage from hair dye; the best way to solve this problem is by getting it trimmed. A trim can even help encourage hair growth. [20]
    Chris McMillan, Celebrity Hairstylist

    Get haircuts frequently for healthy hair. "Cut your hair more often. If you have short hair, you need a trim every four to six weeks; long hair needs a cut every three months."

  7. If your body doesn't have enough nutrients to go around, it's certainly not going to give any to your hair! So ensure you get your protein, zinc, iron, vitamins, and minerals. Your hair, skin, and nails will look better for it. [21]
    • Drinking lots of water helps, too. Like apple cider vinegar can cleanse your tresses, water cleanses your entire body. The more hydrated you are, the healthier you are as a whole.
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Section 4 of 4:

How long should I wait to dye my hair again?

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  1. This time frame is the general recommendation by professional hair colorists. However, how long you should wait depends on the health of your hair, how fast it grows, the type of dyed use, and your natural hair color. For instance, redyeing may be safe if you use a semi-permanent color, the color fades faster than anticipated, and you have healthy hair. However, use caution and maintain proper hair health before and after dyeing. [22]
    • Speak to a professional hair colorist if you have any concerns.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I leave coconut oil in my hair overnight to soften it?
    Ashleigh Grounds
    Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
    Ashleigh Grounds is a Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist based in Austin, Texas. Ashleigh has over 11 years of cosmetology experience. She studied cosmetology in Dallas, Texas and completed a two-year hair salon apprenticeship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with Toni & Guy Hair Salon. She is accredited by the International Board of Cosmetology, is a certified Babe Hair Extension Professional, and is a certified Brazilian Blow Out Professional. Ashleigh was voted the best Hair Stylist in Austin for 2012 by RAW Artists and was voted in the top 20 salons for 2020 in Austin by Expertise. Ashleigh's work has been featured in Talentmagazines, BlogTalkRadio, KXAN, and Studio 512.
    Ashleigh Grounds
    Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can put coconut oil in your hair and sleep with it overnight. The next day your hair will be softer, shinier, and less tangled.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    How long after you dye your hair can you wash it?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    After the initial shampoo to remove the color, you should wait at least 48 hours before washing hair again.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 23
  • Question
    Can you apply oil on colored hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Absolutely, you can apply warm or room-temperature oil as a treatment on color-treated hair, just rinse it with tepid water.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/tips-healthy-hair
      2. ↑ Gina Almona. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 February 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.genesiscareer.edu/8-ingredients-to-avoid-in-your-shampoo-and-conditioner/
      4. ↑ https://www.genesiscareer.edu/8-ingredients-to-avoid-in-your-shampoo-and-conditioner/
      5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/tips-healthy-hair
      6. ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
      7. ↑ https://www.saudereggs.com/blog/egg-hair-mask-ideas/
      8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/biotin-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20062359
      9. ↑ https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/a28874813/coconut-oil-hair-masks/
      1. ↑ Ashleigh Grounds. Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9231528/
      3. ↑ https://florida-academy.edu/diy-hair-masks-treatments/
      4. ↑ https://health.unl.edu/apple-cider-vinegar-good-your-skin-and-hair
      5. ↑ https://theglamhouse.com/the-glam-house-blog/why-do-salons-wash-your-hair-after-coloring
      6. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/washing-hair-before-coloring/
      7. ↑ https://theeverygirl.com/how-to-maintain-color-treated-hair/
      8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-dirty-truth-about-washing-your-hair
      9. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30229956/
      10. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3229938/
      11. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a33448/haircuts-how-often-trim-hair/
      12. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/skin-and-hair
      13. ↑ https://avedafi.edu/blog/how-long-to-wait-before-coloring-hair-again

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To soften hair after dyeing, mix a teaspoon of oil with mashed avocado and banana and apply it to your hair for 30-60 minutes. You can also slather on honey, let it sit for 30 minutes, and rinse it out. To hydrate and strengthen you hair, mix eggs with honey and coconut oil. Apply this mixture to your hair and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before washing. To restore the pH balance of your hair and strip away any synthetic products, douse your hair with a vinegar and water solution. To learn how to maintain good hair condition, keep reading tips from our Beauty reviewer!

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