Here are seven hair care tips 'to dye for' from royal hairdresser Richard Ward!
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Many of us notice pesky grey hairs standing out more than ever.
It's a natural part of life, but we don't have to wave the white flag yet.
Royal hairdresser Richard Ward, who has styled the locks of the Princess of Wales, shared his insider tips to help us maintain that fresh salon look and how to keep the greys at bay!
Going red? Think twice
Red may be the colour of passion, but it's also the colour that fades the fastest.
Richard warns that the large molecules of red pigment do not penetrate the hair deeply, leading to a quicker fade.
If you're considering a dramatic change, remember that the darker you go, the more noticeable the fading will be.
Blondes have a bit more leeway, especially when bleach is applied.
Even then, the colour can become dull over time, and the hair is more prone to damage.
Choose a low-maintenance style
Your hair colour should match your complexion, lifestyle, and budget.
High-contrast colours will show regrowth faster and require more frequent salon visits.
Richard suggests opting for techniques like balayage, which allows for a more natural grow-out—making it a win for your schedule and wallet.
Upgrade your shampoo
The secret to long-lasting colour could be in your shampoo bottle.
Richard advises investing in a high-quality shampoo free from harsh stripping ingredients like sodium laureth sulphate.
These premium products may cost more upfront, but they help preserve your hair's colour and health in the long run.
Turn down the temperature
Hot showers may be relaxing, but they're not doing your hair any favours.
Cold water helps keep the hair cuticles closed, locking in colour for longer.
If you can't bear the thought of a cold shower, lukewarm will do.
Water quality should also be considered—hard water can build up on your hair, leading to discolouration.
A shower filter can be a game-changer, as it removes minerals like calcium and chlorine that dull and damage hair.
Style with care
Heat styling is often a necessary evil, but it can wreak havoc on coloured hair.
Richard recommends minimising heat exposure by using protection sprays and opting for the lowest heat setting possible.
Try heatless styling methods like overnight curlers to keep your colour vibrant.
Protect your hair from the elements
Richard can spot a regular swimmer a mile away—chlorine is notorious for turning hair into a colourist's nightmare.
Along with chlorine, excessive sun exposure and salt water are the arch-enemies of coloured hair.
Protect your hair from the sun with UV sprays and a stylish hat.
A protective treatment and swimming cap are essential for swimmers to prevent chlorine damage.
Use colour-saving products
In between salon visits, root touch-up products can be lifesavers.
Colour wands, pens, and sprays help conceal root growth, while colour glosses and toners can revive your shade and correct brassiness.
These quick fixes are perfect for extending the time between colour appointments.
By incorporating these seven royal tips into your hair care routine, you can keep your colour looking salon-fresh for longer and save time and money.
The key to beautiful hair is the colour you choose and how you care for it afterwards.
So, embrace these tricks and enjoy vibrant hair that would make anyone envious.
Have you tried any of Richard's tips? Do you have any hair care secrets of your own? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
It's a natural part of life, but we don't have to wave the white flag yet.
Royal hairdresser Richard Ward, who has styled the locks of the Princess of Wales, shared his insider tips to help us maintain that fresh salon look and how to keep the greys at bay!
Going red? Think twice
Red may be the colour of passion, but it's also the colour that fades the fastest.
Richard warns that the large molecules of red pigment do not penetrate the hair deeply, leading to a quicker fade.
If you're considering a dramatic change, remember that the darker you go, the more noticeable the fading will be.
Blondes have a bit more leeway, especially when bleach is applied.
Even then, the colour can become dull over time, and the hair is more prone to damage.
Maintaining coloured hair can be a tricky task, but with the right washing practice, styling and hair care products, your hair will be at its healthiest form. Image Credit: Pexels/Cottonbro Studio
Choose a low-maintenance style
Your hair colour should match your complexion, lifestyle, and budget.
High-contrast colours will show regrowth faster and require more frequent salon visits.
Richard suggests opting for techniques like balayage, which allows for a more natural grow-out—making it a win for your schedule and wallet.
Upgrade your shampoo
The secret to long-lasting colour could be in your shampoo bottle.
Richard advises investing in a high-quality shampoo free from harsh stripping ingredients like sodium laureth sulphate.
These premium products may cost more upfront, but they help preserve your hair's colour and health in the long run.
Turn down the temperature
Hot showers may be relaxing, but they're not doing your hair any favours.
Cold water helps keep the hair cuticles closed, locking in colour for longer.
If you can't bear the thought of a cold shower, lukewarm will do.
Water quality should also be considered—hard water can build up on your hair, leading to discolouration.
A shower filter can be a game-changer, as it removes minerals like calcium and chlorine that dull and damage hair.
Style with care
Heat styling is often a necessary evil, but it can wreak havoc on coloured hair.
Richard recommends minimising heat exposure by using protection sprays and opting for the lowest heat setting possible.
Try heatless styling methods like overnight curlers to keep your colour vibrant.
Protect your hair from the elements
Richard can spot a regular swimmer a mile away—chlorine is notorious for turning hair into a colourist's nightmare.
Along with chlorine, excessive sun exposure and salt water are the arch-enemies of coloured hair.
Protect your hair from the sun with UV sprays and a stylish hat.
A protective treatment and swimming cap are essential for swimmers to prevent chlorine damage.
Use colour-saving products
In between salon visits, root touch-up products can be lifesavers.
Colour wands, pens, and sprays help conceal root growth, while colour glosses and toners can revive your shade and correct brassiness.
These quick fixes are perfect for extending the time between colour appointments.
By incorporating these seven royal tips into your hair care routine, you can keep your colour looking salon-fresh for longer and save time and money.
The key to beautiful hair is the colour you choose and how you care for it afterwards.
So, embrace these tricks and enjoy vibrant hair that would make anyone envious.
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