Have you ever wanted to interview a beauty editor? Or ask someone who has used them all for tips on the best cosmetics? You’ve arrived at the proper location. Hana Hong, our beauty editor, responds to the most frequently asked questions from Real Simple readers about skincare, hair care, and makeup in a weekly series. For a chance to be featured, tune in every Tuesday and submit your own pressing beauty queries here.
Reader inquiry My hair is already a different color than when I left the salon even though I had a permanent color professionally applied two months ago. Why is this taking place?
In a perfect world, the hair color you choose at the salon would also be the one you keep at home. Unfortunately, in the actual world, hair color oxidizes and changes with time, or fades.
In chemistry class, you may have learned about oxidation, which occurs when clear formulae (or meals) are exposed to environmental irritants and change color to a brownish hue. Your hair is the same way: Hair color molecules can lose electrons at the microscopic level, starting a chemical reaction that causes brassy-looking hair.
Your hair’s color will affect how the brassy colour appears. Blonde hair will look yellow or orange, while brunettes or those with black hair may start to notice that their locks are beginning to resemble orange or red. Numerous factors, some of which are unavoidable and inevitable, such as exposure to harsh water and UV radiation, or simply going about daily activities, can cause this. But don’t worry—by following sensible hair maintenance techniques, starting with avoiding the faults listed below, you can stop your color from changing.
Hair Color Corrections
Avoid using improper shampoo and conditioner
Avoid using hot water to wash
Avoid misuse of hot tools
Reduce regularly swimming
Make use of a toner
