5 ways to prevent color-damaged hair

If you color your hair regularly, you’ve probably already noticed a change in its overall strength and shine. Here’s how to carry on coloring, without the worry of excess damage.

1
```
Talk to your colorist
```
Does coloring your hair damage it? Yes. But if you don’t want to quit your regular color, you need to have a conversation with the professional you’re paying to do it. A good colorist will know how to prevent damage when coloring hair, using specialist in-salon treatments (usually referred to as bond-repairers) that work alongside chemical coloring to minimize its impact on your hair’s health.
2
```
Reach for color-centric products
```
Haircare dedicated to protecting your color exists for a reason, so if fading is your biggest concern, tailor your in-shower routine to prevent it. Dove Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner are sulfate free (certain sulfates can strip the hair and speed up color fade). They also contain keratin repair actives to fortify and strengthen the hair strand, keeping color locked in and vibrant.
3
```
Protect your color
```
UV rays, heat styling and chemical coloring all cause the hair’s outer cuticle layer to raise over time – affecting its ability to lock in essential moisture (and your gorgeous new color). Our Dove Smooth and Shine Heat Protection Spray boosts your hair’s natural defenses against heat exposure – a small step that will make a huge difference to the life-span of your color.
4
```
Take a color break
```
Try extending the time between color appointments (it’ll save money, too). At-home toning products are a good way of refreshing your color and neutralizing unwanted tones. Or you could try a temporary color treatment to touch up your roots. And don’t forget to work a weekly treatment into your color ‘detox’, such as our Dove Mineral Hair Mask Strengthens + White Clay.
5
```
Rethink the bleach
```
When bleach (AKA hydrogen peroxide) is applied to hair, it penetrates the cortex and dissolves your natural color pigments. With the cuticle raised and structural bonds in the hair broken, split ends and breakage are more likely. Going from black to platinum can take a number of sessions, meaning more bleach exposure. Speak to a professional if you’re considering all-over bleach.