Color Safe Products for Your Hair

Here's the deal: if you're going to spend the money on coloring your hair, you need to be prepared to take care of it. Just like using heat on your hair, color does serious damage, but the damage can be controlled if you use products that are designed to protect against said damage. Think about it the same way we think about skincare: you may not see the effects of disregarding your skin right now, but in 10 plus years, you definitely will. The same thing goes for your hair.

I've used a plethora of shampoos/conditioners/treatments. Some leave my hair a tangled mess, some leave my hair feeling greasy, and some dull my hair by the second. However, thanks to my stylist out here in San Francisco, I have finally found a brand that works well for my hair: Kérastase.

Disclaimer: this stuff is not cheap. It was a shock to me at first, but luckily I don't have to wash my hair every day (the benefit of having thick, curly hair!), so it really is lasting me a while. I am going to share my go-to products that I use, as well as some other options that you can look into yourself. Many people I know alternate among products, and I've heard good things about that practice, but I am one of those people who sticks with products when they find stuff that works well.

1. Pre-Shampoo: Kérastase Chronologiste. I use this every other shampoo. It's a pre-shampoo, so don't mistake this for a shampoo substitute. For best results, massage into your scalp and in your roots through the ends and massage for three to five minutes. The point of this product is to prepare your hair and scalp for shampoo and conditioning. I haven't gotten my color touched up in two months and my hair is still incredibly soft and shiny thanks to this product. AND, this product has gold speckles in it. GOLD SPECKLES.

2. Shampoo: Kérastase Reflection Bain Chroma Riche Shampoo. This is made specifically for color-treated hair. It's formulated with UV filters and anti-fading protection. Your color will fade, but this product is wonderful about keeping your color rich for as long as possible. The scent is incredible, too.

3. Conditioner: Kérastase Resistance Ciment Anti-Usure Conditioner. This one doesn't have "for color-treated hair" in its description, but it may as well since it's designed for damaged hair. It is infused with protein that restructures hair and leaves it feeling completely restored. Honestly, my hair feels and looks like it's been treated by the touch of a goddess after I use this product (a bit hyperbolic, but I mean it).

Those are my three go-to products for my color-treated hair. Again, I realize these are expensive, but in my opinion, they are totally worth it. If you're interested in these products but want to spend less, check out the L'Oreal Paris line for color-treated hair. Kérastase is owned by L'Oeal Group, so I think that would be a great place to start. I haven't used any L'Oreal Paris products, but my stylist said they are great for color-treated hair, as well.

Photography: L. Bishop Photography

Hair: Stephanie Argiros of Joseph Cozza Salon

Makeup: Benefit Cosmetics Sutter Boutique

What are some of your favorite products for color-treated hair?