The age-old question with a simple answer— no, hair color does not damage hair. It is one of the biggest myths and here are some tips for keeping colored hair hydrated and healthy.

It’s definitely a myth that color damages hair. It’s not the color, but the person using it. It’s important to know how to control the damage. The colorist is in charge of the color process, and over processing should never happen with a skilled colorist. Some people over color their hair—coloring the same hair over and over again, and doing it every three or four weeks will cause damage. You have to respect the process. Touching up roots is fine, you don’t need to color all of your hair every time.

Don’t be afraid of bleach. I add oil, such as Phyto Huile, to the actual color when mixing it. I like doing this because it is easier on the hair. Then I use my Weekly Remedy conditioning treatment to keep the hair hydrated. I always do a conditioning treatment once the color is completed and use shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair to prevent damage.

The most important part of having healthy color is at-home maintenance. If you color your hair you probably go to the salon every two months, so you have to maintain it at home. We torture our hair. Between shampoo, straightening and blow-drying, you have to add nutrition back into the hair.

Good color starts with healthy hair. I tell my clients to shampoo, gloss, then condition when washing their hair. My Ultimate Shine Color Gloss should be used every time, and my Weekly Remedy deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week. Look for shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair because others can be stripping.
 
About the Expert
Rita Hazan is a well-known color expert with a line of hair care products and a salon in New York City.
More info: http://www.ritahazan.com/