Coloring your hair is not only a fun form of self-expression - it’s also a big commitment (in regards to both time and money). Once you’ve left the salon with your beautiful new hue, of course you want to keep your hair looking as vibrant as possible, for as long as possible. That’s why learning how to properly care for and protect your color-treated hair at home will go a long way in helping your color really go the extra mile in between appointments.

How does heat damage cause color fade?

There are many factors in your daily routine that can cause your hue to fade fast: using products that contain stripping sulfates, UV damage, overwashing, and a big one—heat damage. 

Yes, your favorite blow dryer, curling iron, and flat iron are some of the number one causes of color fade. The heat from these tools can lift the hair cuticle and expose the cortex (aka, where the color lives), which leads to damage and fading. Color-treating your hair is already a drying, damaging, and stripping process, which means your strands crave extra protection from heat styling. 

How to protect your hair from heat damage 

Before you style your color-treated hair with hot tools, it’s important to always use protection! 

Enter our new Color Me Brilliant™ Mushroom + Bamboo Color Protect Primer, which packs a one-two punch to protect color vibrancy. Not only does it feature our Color Protection Complex, (a synergistic blend of Turkey Tail Mushroom and Bamboo Leaf Extract that help to preserve hair color and prevent fading), but it also provides naturally derived heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 

To use, simply apply to damp, freshly washed hair (remember to use a sulfate-free shampoo, like our Color Me Brilliant™ Mushroom + Bamboo Color Protect Shampoo and Conditioner), comb through to ensure even application, and style as normal.