If you opted for sun-kissed locks this summer, it’s time for some needed post-summer TLC.  It’s a well-known fact that adding colour to your tresses can have a drying effect, especially if bleach is involved. It’s important to establish a hair care routine for bleached hair that will keep your hair hydrated and looking healthy. So our hair fairies have devised the ultimate guide to the best hair care for bleached hair so that you can celebrate well-conditioned locks all year round.

Why does bleached hair need more care?

Hair that is regularly bleached needs more care because the process can affect the hair’s structure. In very basic terms, the bleaching process makes it more porous (which is why bleached hair can sometimes feel rough and frizzy). Porous hair isn’t only likely to feel dry, it is also more likely to break and take on other colours in ways you wouldn’t want.But it’s not all bad news, with the correct after care for bleached hair you can enjoy blonde tones that look luscious and full of life.

9  ways to care for bleached and dyed hair

Avoid bleaching the ends of your hair 

The ends of the hair are often the most prone to breakages. When bleach is applied to the whole shaft, the older hair at the ends is likely to have been subjected to multiple applications of bleach or dye and is therefore weaker.If you want to learn how to take care of bleached hair at home, then our top tip is to opt for a toner, rather than bleach, to pep up your blonde locks and avoid further split ends and breakages. Of course, keeping on top of regular trims also ensures that the tips of your hair aren’t over-coloured.

Wash your hair less frequently

Every time you wash your hair, you’re washing away a little more colour and your hair’s natural oils, so experiment with limiting your hair washes to three times a week to lock in the colour. If you want, you can go even less frequently; it takes some practice but soon your hair will adjust. Dry shampoo is a great way to freshen up your hair and revitalise the colour in between washes to help prevent your hair looking dull and greasy. Again, avoid applying it to the ends, and just use it to target any greasy scalp areas whilst your hair adjusts to a new washing routine. 

Purple shampoo is a blonde’s best friend

We can’t sing the praises of purple shampoo highly enough. It’s produced for light hair and has a purple hue that neutralises harsh brassy and yellow tones, leaving hair looking vibrant and shiny.  If you’re interested in the science behind purple shampoo, take a look at this colour wheel to understand the relationships between colours and how purple can tone down yellow hues.We recommend the latest branch of Kerastase's coveted Blond Absolu range, the Cicaexteme collection, which uses a new Hyaluronic Acid formula that leaves hair even more deeply hydrated and up to 94% stronger. We're particularly excited about their new hybrid shampoo cream, Le Bain Cicaextreme (£23.50, kerastase.com), and deep-treatment conditioner, Masque Cicaextreme (£36.40, kerastase.com).If you are a brunette with highlights, it’s also worth investing in a purple shampoo to help maintain your colour. Trust us, purple shampoo is your bleached and dyed hair friend!Use sulphate-free shampoo and conditionerSulphates are a detergent that is found in many shampoos to produce suds and lather. It’s what gives you a foamy wash. But really that’s not needed at all and lather does not equal clean. If used on bleached or dyed hair, sulphates can make locks appear ‘frazzled’. If you’ve just spent time and money at the salon to achieve the perfect golden hue (or in your own home with a Secret Spa hairdresser!), look for a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair in tip-top condition. 

Wash your hair in tepid water

Turn down the thermostat in your shower to benefit from healthier bleached hair. Washing your hair with hot water opens up the hair’s cuticles, allowing the colour to wash out and fade.Keep your colour bright by shampooing with lukewarm water and rinsing the conditioner with cool water to seal the cuticles and stop your colour from going down the drain.

Have a break from hot styling tools

Scary though it sounds, we are recommending giving your hair a mini-holiday from heated tools. Applying heat to already dehydrated locks can put the hair under further stress. Don’t worry, we’re not saying that you shouldn’t ever plug in your hair tongs ever again. But when you do, make sure your hair is protected with a heat treatment spray or conditioning mist.And if you really can’t face the world without your trusty straightening irons, make sure you treat your hair afterwards with a lightweight hair oil for a sleek, stylish finish.

Avoid chlorine!

If you’re lucky enough to have a holiday booked this September, we are sure you’re excited to take a dip in the hotel pool. However, it’s important to prep your locks before you dive in. We recommend slathering your hair in leave-in conditioner before exposing your hair to chlorine, or better still, invest in a stylish swimming cap! 

Have regular trims 

Split ends do not hold colour well and will fade quickly. Book an appointment with a hairstylist every six to eight weeks to rid your tresses of dead ends and maintain your locks.

Leave it to the professionals…

Our mobile hairdressers provide a hairstyling service for you in the comfort and safety of your own home. So, whether you want a full recolour, your roots touching up, or a fresh new highlighted look for Autumn, you can book online and leave it in the hands of our elite hairstylists. Follow our ultimate guide on how to take care of bleached and dyed hair and keep your golden tresses looking sun-kissed and healthy all year round.Want more hairstyling tips and tricks for luscious locks? Visit our Secret Spa magazine to discover more.