As lovely as coloured afro hair is, it needs extra care. Since having ombre applied to my hair, the ends are much drier.
Because I don’t want my hair falling out or the colour twirling down the plug hole, I’ve had to reassess my hair care routine. I first had ombre done at the Darren Scott Salon in June 2012, but by November the colour had faded considerably. I had it redone at Daniel Mikhael in November 2012. As this was the first time I had put colour onto my hair, I hadn’t been taking care of it as well as I should have, so I had to had a fair bit cut off the ends.
L – Ombre at Darren Scott Salon
R – Ombre at Daniel Mikhael Salon
Since then I’ve been much more aware of the health and condition of my hair and have been using the following products to keep it in tip top condition.
Fushi Really Good Hair Oil Pre Shampoo Treatment – £15.95
With all natural ingredients like organic sesame, coconut, sweet almond, argan and avocado oils, this strengthens and rejuvenates hair. For maximum results, apply to hair and scalp, cover with cling film or a hot towel and leave for 20 minutes.
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Range – from £16.95
I use their sulfate free moisturising lather shampoo, a detangling keratin cream rinse and a repairing keratin intensive treatment. Sulfate free means it won’t strip essential oils from the hair or cause it to dry out. It leaves your hair glossy, soft and strengthened.
Ojon Super Sleek Blowout Perfector – £21.50
Its hair suicide to apply heat to your hair without some kind of protection and I find Ojon Super Sleek Blowout Perfector shields my hair from heat damage without being too heavy.
Moroccanoil and Ojon Rare Blend Oil – from £29.99
Before straightening with irons, I rotate between Moroccanoil and Ojon Rare Blend Oil. If my hair looks and feels really fried, I’ll use the Ojon oil as it’s slightly heavier and more nourishing. If my hair looks and feels ok, I’ll use the Moroccanoil. Both add shine, provide extra protection from heat and can be used on dry hair in between washes to add extra gloss.
Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Split End Protection Cream – £4.79
The ends of my hair are the driest. Regular trims are essential to prevent your hair splitting and breaking. I asked celebrity stylist and Herbal Essences Ambassador Ben Cooke (clients include Leona Lewis, Minnie Driver, David and Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole) what ladies with ombré ca do to keep their hair healthy.
He said: ‘Hair that has been coloured especially dip dyed or ombré is going to have lost moisture and could be dry and brittle towards the ends. This is a great time to make sure you have your Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Split Ends Serum in your handbag. Instead of fiddling and messing with your already dry end apply the serum as often as needed to help tame any frizz and instantly add moisture.’
I use these products pretty much every wash and when I’m religious about it, my hair does look and feel better for it.
What do you use to care for your coloured afro hair?
