Styling for color-treated hair: how to preserve the color and protect the strands
Styling colored hair always requires heat protection and a maximum temperature of 150–160 degrees. High heat opens the cuticle layer and accelerates color fading, while low heat and a cool finish lock in both moisture and color pigments for longer-lasting color.
Colored hair is more porous than uncolored hair. The cuticle layer was opened during the coloring process and never closes quite as tightly again. This means that heat, UV radiation, and mechanical friction affect colored hair more than uncolored hair. The right styling technique is therefore essential for preserving the color for longer. Read more about the complete routine in our complete guide to colored hair.
Heat and colored hair: why temperature matters
High heat opens the cuticle layer significantly and drives color pigments out of the hair shaft’s cortex. For bleached hair, high heat can also give the strands a permanent yellow tone. Always keep hair dryers and flat irons at a maximum of 150–160 degrees and always use heat protection. Finish with cool air to close the cuticle layer and lock in the color.
Blow-drying colored hair correctly
Start with towel-dried hair; never squeeze it with a coarse terry towel. Blow-dry with a round brush on low heat and direct the airflow downward along the strand to lay the cuticle layer flat. Finish each section with cool air. For colored hair, the cool finish is especially important: it seals the cuticle layer and gives the color more depth and shine.
Flat irons and curling irons on colored hair
Always use heat protection before using a flat iron or curling iron. A maximum of 150 degrees for bleached or damaged hair, and a maximum of 160 degrees for normally colored hair. Work in thin sections and do not let the tool remain in the same place for too long.
Protecting your color every day
UV radiation breaks down color pigments just as it bleaches textiles. Protect your hair in the sun with a hat or UV spray. Avoid prolonged exposure to chlorinated water. Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and moisture loss during the night.
Styling guide for colored hair
| Step | What to do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Drying | Use a microfiber towel; squeeze gently | Rubbing with a terry towel |
| Heat protection | Apply to wet hair before blow-drying | Styling without heat protection |
| Blow-drying | Low heat, airflow directed downward | Over 160 degrees |
| Finishing | Cool air to seal in the color | Finishing with warm air |
| Sun | Hat or UV spray | Prolonged sun exposure without protection |
| Night | Silk pillowcase | Cotton fabric |
Read more about the complete routine for colored hair in our complete guide to colored hair.