How to prevent colour damage

Hair: Cobella, London
Photography: Stuart Weston

Dear Hair Doctor,

I wanted to ask, I have blonde hair and dye it every 5-6 weeks although the hair at the top of my hair is breaking off - in noticable amounts now! What can I do to prevent it?

Many thanks,

Anon, UK

Hi,

Sometimes hair just needs a break from colouring, styling and brushing, a chance to recondition itself and get the strength back.  Try and be gentle when styling the hair and don't pull it to much. This, along with lightening it, can put pressure on the hair.  My suggestion would be to invest in some hair spa conditioning treatments. Nowadays these should not make the hair feel heavy and will really rebuild the condition from the inside.  They are much more advanced in-salon than you can purchase at a high street shop, and not that pricey either.

Nelson Brown, Browns

Hiya,

It is important when lightening hair that the colour does not overlap onto the existing blonde, as it will over process the colour and lead to breakage. You could either visit an experienced colourist who will paint the colour precisely where it needs to protect the rest, or instead go for more of a highlighted look which is less damaging.

Also, start using a shampoo and treatment masque designed to prevent breakage. The best I've found is L'Oréal Serie Expert Force Vector range.

Michelle Lawley, Royston Blythe

Hi,

Over time when we colour our hair, breakage often occurs. More so on blondes as the products used are slightly stronger than in other shades (brown or red for example). This damage can be minimised by using a gentler product than the one you are currently using and also try not to overlap the root mixture onto the already coloured hair. Overlapping of colour won’t make it lighter but just cause unnecessary damage. This is what colourists call “Banding” and it is never a good look.

I would recommend you find a salon that uses L’Oréal Professionnel INOA, which is a permanent colour that doesn’t use ammonia so is quite gentle. Also a great idea would be to start using products for dry and damaged hair. Kérastase Bain De Force and Vita-Ciment are fantastic on hair at breaking point!

John Clark, Brooks+Brooks

Hi,

If your hair is now breaking, it could be due to the fact that colour is being overlapped through the ends so you need to make sure your colourist is only applying the colour to your natural root area.

If you are constantly blow-drying and straightening your hair, try to keep this to a minimum until your hair feels stronger again and always use a thermal heat protector cream or spray prior to styling your hair.

Finally use a protein treatment mask at least once a week to strengthen your hair from within to prevent any further breakage.

Maria Brand, Cobella

Hi,

I would strongly recommend investing in professional hair care to maintain hair condition and build hair health. Formulated from only the best ingredients and with money pumped into the research and development of these ranges, your hair will get the nutrients and nourishment it deserves.

For added shine and optimum quality, rejuvenate your locks with treatments. Wella’s SP Alchemy treatment (£15.99 @ HOB Salons) is the perfect service to target your hair's exact needs. Targeting two weaknesses at once, this service can enhance volume whilst protecting colour, motivate shine whilst repairing damage and deliver results. This will really help keep your blonde tresses looked after between colour services, whilst avoiding the use of heated styling tools will really help boost condition. By looking after every element of your hair from products to the tools you use, you will start to notice bettered looking locks.

Christel Lundqvist, HOB Salons and Academy