Coloured hair is naturally more fragile than unprocessed hair because the colouring process lifts the hair cuticle and alters the internal structure. When heat is added on top of this—whether from straighteners, curling wands, or even frequent blow-drying—it accelerates colour fading, causes brittleness, and makes strands prone to breakage.
The good news: with the right techniques and product routine, you can style your hair confidently without sacrificing vibrancy or health. Below is a complete guide on how to protect coloured hair from heat damage and maintain long-lasting shine.
Start with Proper Hydration and Prep
Healthy hair begins long before the styling tools switch on.
Coloured hair needs moisture, nourishment, and pH balance to stay resilient under heat.
Tips:
- Use a sulphate-free shampoo to avoid stripping colour and natural oils.
- Follow with a hydrating conditioner enriched with ceramides, amino acids, or shea butter.
- Detangle gently using a wide-tooth comb on damp hair to reduce mechanical stress.
Well-prepped hair absorbs less damage when exposed to heat because the strands are already moisturised and less porous.
Always Apply a Heat Protectant—No Exceptions
Heat protectant is the single most important product for coloured hair. It forms a lightweight, invisible barrier that reduces moisture evaporation and prevents the cuticle from cracking under heat.
What to look for in a good protectant:
- Heat resistance up to 220°C
- Ingredients like grapeseed oil, hydrolysed proteins, and botanical extracts
- A lightweight spray for fine hair or a cream/serum for thick or textured hair
Apply it evenly from mid-lengths to ends before every blow-dry or heat tool, even on “low-heat” settings.
Lower Your Styling Tool Temperature
Higher heat doesn’t always mean better results. In fact, coloured hair suffers more at high temperatures because the cuticle is already slightly lifted from the colouring process.
Recommended temperature ranges:
- Fine or damaged hair: 120–160°C
- Medium hair: 160–180°C
- Thick or coarse hair: 180–200°C only if necessary
A lower temperature extends your colour life, prevents brassiness, and keeps hair shiny rather than dull.
Use Bond-Repair and Strengthening Treatments Weekly
Colouring weakens the internal bonds of the hair, making it less resilient to heat. Weekly strengthening treatments rebuild these bonds and dramatically reduce breakage.
Choose masks or treatments containing:
- Bond-building technology (similar to plex treatments)
- Protein blends for resilience
- Hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid and sea kelp extract
Regular deep conditioning also preserves colour depth and slows fading.
Dry Hair Properly Before Using High Heat
Wet or damp hair is more vulnerable to damage. Even if a straightener claims to be “wet-to-dry,” using it on moist hair is extremely damaging—especially for coloured hair.
To protect your colour:
- Gently squeeze water out with a microfiber towel.
- Use a blow dryer on medium heat to bring hair to at least 80–90% dryness.
- Avoid rough towel-drying, which can cause frizz and disrupt the cuticle.
Starting with a properly dried base reduces the amount of time hot tools need to stay on the hair.
Try Heatless Styling Options When Possible
Limiting heat exposure is one of the easiest ways to preserve your colour for weeks longer.
Heatless styling ideas:
- Silk ribbon curls
- Braids for natural waves
- Flexi rods or foam rollers
- Loose buns for volume and shape
These methods create beautiful texture with zero damage and work especially well on freshly coloured hair.
Choose the Right Professional Products and Advice
Tailored guidance can make a big difference, especially if you style your hair often or maintain blondes, reds, or fashion colours. Many clients also consult beauty professionals such as Makeup Artists near me in Islington who work closely with coloured hair during events and shoots, keeping it healthy under heat-heavy styling. Hair experts like hairdressers in Islington can also recommend personalised routines, toning products, and protective treatments based on your hair’s specific needs.
Maintain Protective Daily Habits
Small habits contribute massively to long-term hair health:
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
- Use a UV-protective hair spray when outdoors—UV rays fade colour fast.
- Avoid overwashing; colour lasts longer when washed 2–3 times a week.
- Use cool water for the final rinse to seal the cuticle.
These everyday steps help maintain long-lasting vibrancy and shine.
Read more: Top Hair Colour and Cut Trends in London for 2025
FAQs
How often can I use heat on coloured hair?
For best protection, limit heat styling to two or three times a week. More frequent use can lead to dryness, fading, and breakage.
Does using a heat protectant completely prevent damage?
It won’t prevent 100% of damage, but it significantly reduces it—often by more than half. It is absolutely essential for anyone with coloured or bleached hair.
What temperature is safest for coloured hair when using styling tools?
Aim for 160°C or below whenever possible. Only thick or coarse hair types should go higher, and even then, heat should be used sparingly.
Can heat make my hair colour fade faster?
Yes. Heat opens the hair cuticle, causing colour molecules to escape. Using high heat frequently is a major reason coloured hair loses vibrancy early.