If you’re anything like us, the year-end beckons a couple of things. The merry time of the year goes without saying, but perhaps it’s the runway to it that makes it triple the fun. Between outfit shopping, gift hunting and party prep, there’s also the joy that comes from a good pamper. The mantra ‘treat yourself’ has never rung truer, for we all do so deserve it after the endless hustle and grind.
For some, a good pamper might be derived from a luxurious spa session. For others, a fresh new manicure or aesthetic treatment you’ve been waiting on might be the way to go. Then there are also those who would be looking to feel transformed—think new year, new you—only January feels a little too long of a wait. So to that end, aspirational haircuts, a head of softly tousled locks or even a bold new dye will do the trick. The latter option, has clearly been the pick of the lot for a trove of celebrities recently, from the autumn-red mane Dua Lipa’s been strutting around with to the honey-blonde tresses spotted on Rihanna.
A fresh dye does, however, require its own fair share of maintenance, especially when it’s a vibrant hue that one will be hoping to bring into the new year. The list of after-dye care products to utilise run the gamut; think shampoos specially formulated for coloured hair, hair masks and leave-in serums to ensure your locks retain the sheen of your new hairdo as much as possible. To best advise on in-shower aftercare routine for freshly-dyed hair, Vogue Singapore has consulted Den Ng, celebrity hairstylist and director of Prep Luxe Salon, for some certified tips on how to maintain a new hair colour for as long as possible. Below, a masterclass on taking care of freshly-dyed tresses and Ng’s product recommendations for the long road.
How should you take care of your freshly-dyed hair?
Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo—one specifically formulated for colour-treated hair. Sulphates can strip the colour and dry out your hair. Take care to wash your hair with cool or lukewarm water as hot water can cause the dye to fade away more quickly. Avoid using heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers for too long or too often, as it can damage your hair and cause the colour to fade.
How long should you wait before your first shampoo wash after a dye appointment?
Wait at least 24 hours before washing your hair after dyeing. This allows time for the dye to set in and helps to minimise colour fading.
Any additional tips for nourishing one’s coloured and bleached tresses to make sure it doesn’t look dry or frizzy?
Treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask once or twice a week. It will be good to look for masks that are specifically formulated to provide moisture and nourishment to dry or damaged hair. After washing your hair, make sure to apply a leave-in conditioner to help lock in the moisture and provide extra hydration throughout the day. Massage the product into the ends of your hair, where dryness tends to be more prominent.
Ng’s product recommendations:
1 / 4
Shampoo: L'Oréal Serie Expert Prokeratin Liss Unlimited Shampoo, $26.90
Available at iShopChangi.
2 / 4
Conditioner: Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, $51
Available at Sephora.
3 / 4
Hair mask: L'Oréal Professional Serie Expert Metal Detox DX Masque, $63
Available at Kimage.
4 / 4
Leave-in serum: Goldwell Kerasilk Taming Balm, $46
Available at Yeonghui Beauty and selected Kerasilk salons.
