How to Care for Color-Treated Hair: Expert Tips from Sam & Bill’s Raleigh
Color-treated hair needs special attention to stay vibrant, healthy, and beautiful between salon visits. At Sam & Bill’s Hair Designs in Raleigh, NC, we’ve spent over 50 years helping clients protect their color investments — and we’re sharing our best tips with you.
Why Color-Treated Hair Needs Different Care
Hair coloring processes — whether highlights, balayage, all-over color, or toning — alter the hair’s structure at a molecular level. The cuticle is opened during processing, making colored hair more porous, more fragile, and more prone to fading without the right care routine.
Top Tips for Maintaining Color-Treated Hair
1. Wait 72 Hours Before Washing
After your color service at our Raleigh salon, wait at least 72 hours before shampooing. This allows the color molecules to fully settle into the hair shaft, extending the life of your color significantly.
2. Use Color-Safe, Sulfate-Free Products
Sulfates strip color rapidly. We recommend Pureology Hydrate Shampoo or Redken All Soft — both available at Sam & Bill’s — which are specifically formulated to protect color while keeping hair hydrated.
3. Wash with Cool Water
Hot water opens the hair cuticle and accelerates color fade. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water to keep the cuticle sealed and color locked in.
4. Deep Condition Weekly
Color-treated hair benefits enormously from weekly deep conditioning. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is one of our top recommendations — it rebuilds broken bonds within the hair structure, dramatically improving strength and shine.
5. Protect from Sun and Heat
UV rays fade color just like they fade fabric. Use a UV-protective spray when spending time outdoors in Raleigh’s sunny summers. When heat styling, always apply a heat protectant — we love the Moroccan Oil Treatment for this dual purpose.
6. Schedule Regular Toning Appointments
Blonde and highlighted hair tends to go brassy between full color appointments. A toning gloss service every 6-8 weeks at our Raleigh salon keeps the tone fresh and vibrant without the full color cost.
Shop Professional Products at Sam & Bill’s
All of the products mentioned above are available for purchase at our salon. Our stylists can recommend the exact products right for your specific color and hair type. Browse our professional hair care products or visit us at 109 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh.
Book Your Next Color Appointment
Following these tips will extend the life of your color between visits. When it’s time for a refresh, book your appointment with one of our expert color stylists. Call (919) 832-6393 or book online — we’re here Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM.