Here’s How I Keep My Pink Hair Healthy
I dreamed about having cotton candy pink hair like Hailey Bieber for the longest time. But when I finally decided to go for it, I didn’t realize how much my hair routine had to change to accommodate it. To be fair, my hair went through a lot. I went from virgin brunette to platinum icy blonde to pink hair in the span of a week. I knew if I wasn’t careful, I could end up with tons of breakage and a nasty sandpaper-like texture to my hair. So here is what I did to keep my hair healthy and make the pink hair color last as long as possible.
“It was the softest my hair had felt. Like, ever.”
Cold Shower.
They’re not amazing. In fact, they’re quite terrible. But there’s a reason your stylist drills this into your head: it actually does help preserve your hair color. Hot water strips color out of your hair, and since fun colors like pink are notorious for washing out quickly, a hot shower just isn’t worth it. I wash my hair once, maybe twice a week, so the cold water discomfort isn’t too bad. Plus, I crank the heat when I’m not washing my hair to make up for lost time.
Scalp Scrub.
If you have dandruff, you know it’s the worst. If you read my post on Nizoral, you know it’s changed my dandruff-filled life. That said, I can’t use it now that my hair is pink because it’s not color-safe. Instead, I use the dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub ($38). It’s great because it exfoliates my scalp and removes build up (from my dandruff, product, and dead skin). It does have a noticeable apple cider vinegar scent, but it’s the first step in my shampoo routine, so it doesn’t linger long enough to bother me.
Color-Safe Shampoo.
Duh, right? The easiest way to guarantee your shampoo is color-safe is to look at the label. Brands like Olaplex, Ouai, and dpHUE are all have color-safe haircare products. My current pick is Living Proof Triple Detox Shampoo ($28) because it removes buildup and nourishes the scalp without stripping color.
Hair Mask.
The biggest game changer for me has been swapping out my conditioner for a hair mask. I had a hair mask in my routine before I colored my hair, but now it’s a necessity. I need the moisture. Hair masks are like a conditioner on steroids, so I don’t bother wasting the conditioner when I know the mask will do everything my conditioner did and more. Plus, I only wash my hair once or twice a week now which is the typical recommended usage for most at-home hair masks anyway.
The NatureLab Tokyo Repair Treatment Mask ($18) is my go-to right now. It’s deep conditioning and leaves my hair soft, shiny, and healthy. The Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 ($28) is awesome, too. When I went in to the salon for a color refresh, my stylist used a professional Olaplex mask. It was the softest my hair had felt. Like, ever. So I love that there’s an at-home version to use too!
Heat Protection.
It’s a must for everyone who uses heat to style their hair, but especially someone with colored hair. When I blowdry and style my hair, I always prep with color-safe heat protection. The NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Haircare Smooth Blowout Lotion ($12) is a color and heat protectant that strengthens and smooths your hair as well as protects it from environmental stressors that can damage your hair too. I also love that it doesn’t make my hair feel like it has product on it after I rinse it out. No one wants that!
Hair Oil.
Hair oil was something I used to see as a luxury, but now it’s a necessity. Right now I’m obsessed with the OUAI Hair Oil ($28). It’s color-safe (obviously), protects from heat and UV damage, and fights frizz. It smells so good (I know, I know, but it’s for my hair! Let me live!) and I’m convinced it could make any hair type look smooth and glossy.
Supplements.
I actually started taking the Briogeo B. Well Vegan Omega 3, 6, 9 + Biotin Supplements ($38) before I colored my hair as preparation and fell in love. They’re vegan, which is great because finding vegan supplements is harder than you think, and these use a unique algae derived omega-3 complex to help keep your hair strong and healthy.
After following all these tips and products, I’m happy to report that my hair is still soft and looks really healthy. I can run my fingers through it without constantly fighting knots and clumps. It’s healthy and feels like the same hair I had months ago, only it looks way, way more fun.
How do you care for your hair? Let me know in the comments!
Curious about Susan Yara’s hair routine? Watch this to find out:
