Colouring your hair during the winter months can be tricky. The cold, dry air and indoor heating can affect your hair’s health and the way your colour turns out. To achieve vibrant, long-lasting results without damage, it’s essential to understand and avoid common mistakes made during this time of year. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to avoid and how to ensure your at-home colouring experience is successful.
1. Skipping the Strand Test
Why it’s a mistake:
In winter, your hair’s condition may change due to the cold air outside and dryness indoors. Skipping the strand test can lead to unexpected results, especially if your hair is more porous or dry.
What to do instead:
- Perform a strand test on a small section of hair to see how your chosen colour develops.
- Leave the dye on for the recommended time and rinse to check the results before applying it to your entire head.
Smart Beauty Product Highlight:
Use the Smart Beauty Platinum Blonde Kit if you’re looking to lift your colour without brassiness—it’s especially popular for its gentle, conditioning formula that helps prevent dryness.
2. Using Hot Water to Rinse Hair
Why it’s a mistake:
Hot water strips the hair’s natural oils, causing it to become dry and brittle. For colour-treated hair, it can also lead to faster fading.
What to do instead:
- Rinse your hair with lukewarm water after applying the dye.
- Finish with a final rinse of cold water to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture and shine.
Celebrity Insight:
Emma Stone’s gorgeous copper tones are maintained with gentle washing routines and cool water rinses to preserve vibrancy.
3. Overprocessing Hair with Bleach or Harsh Lighteners
Why it’s a mistake:
Bleaching in winter can cause more breakage and damage due to the season’s dryness. Overprocessing can leave your hair feeling brittle and prone to breakage.
What to do instead:
- Use Smart Beauty’s Plex Creamy Blonde Lightener—it contains a bond-repairing technology that protects hair strands during the lightening process.
- Space out lightening sessions and always follow up with a deep-conditioning treatment to restore hydration.
Pro Tip:
For subtle brightness, try balayage-style highlights that grow out naturally and don’t require frequent touch-ups.
4. Not Moisturising Before and After Colouring
Why it’s a mistake:
Dry hair absorbs colour unevenly, leading to patchy or dull results. Winter weather already reduces moisture levels, making this an even more crucial step.
What to do instead:
- In the week leading up to your colouring session, apply a hydrating hair mask or treatment, such as the Smart Beauty Plex Hair Mask.
- After colouring, continue with a weekly deep-conditioning routine to lock in moisture and enhance your colour’s longevity.
5. Using the Wrong Dye for Your Hair Type and Goals
Why it’s a mistake:
Choosing the wrong type of dye—whether permanent, semi-permanent, or toner—can lead to disappointing results or damage.
What to do instead:
- Permanent Dyes: Best for covering greys or dramatic colour changes (e.g., from brown to blonde).
- Semi-Permanent Dyes: Ideal for enhancing tones or trying fun colours without commitment. Smart Beauty’s Semi-Permanent Pastel Colours offer playful hues like lavender and rose gold.
- Toners: Use after bleaching to neutralise unwanted brassiness or add cool tones.
Celebrity Tip:
Billie Eilish often uses semi-permanent dyes for her signature bold looks, which fade gracefully and allow her to switch colours often.
6. Neglecting Post-Dye Protection
Why it’s a mistake:
Once your hair is coloured, neglecting aftercare can lead to quick fading, especially with reds and fashion colours.
What to do instead:
- Avoid washing your hair for 48 hours after dyeing to let the colour set.
- Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for colour-treated hair.
- Protect your hair from the sun and environmental stress by using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection.
Recommended Product:
Try the Smart Beauty Silver Plex Toner Kit to maintain platinum and ash blonde shades while keeping your hair soft and shiny.
Avoiding these common winter hair colouring mistakes can make all the difference in achieving vibrant, healthy hair throughout the colder months. With the right preparation, application techniques, and aftercare, you can maintain beautiful colour without compromising your hair’s health.
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