If you want to dye your locks, it's best to have a professional apply the new hair color. You can rest easy knowing you'll get the precise shade desired without damaging your mane. After the appointment, sticking to the following upkeep tips and avoiding certain hair care habits will prevent fading and additional concerns. 

Do:

Use color-enhancing hair products. 

Applying hair color causes locks to lose their natural pigment as well as moisture and water-retaining proteins. This can leave tresses feeling dry, so invest in alcohol- and sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. You won't have to fret about chemicals depleting your hair of natural oils. 

The products should also be formulated to preserve your new shade to minimize fading. Purple shampoo neutralizes brassy tones in blonde hair and balayage highlights, while blue shampoo counteracts orange tones in brown locks. 

Wear a swimmer's cap in the pool. 

Hair dye and chlorine don't mix well. The bleaching agent bonds with the pigment to strip hair of its new color. For this reason, you should put on a swimmer's cap before diving into the pool this summer. This will stop your vibrant blonde locks from turning a murky, green hue and stop dark tresses from becoming lifeless and dry. 

If you don't have a cap, wet the locks and apply a conditioner. The water molecules will fill the strands, leaving no room for chlorine molecules. The conditioner will help hair retain moisturizing oils.

Don't:

Shampoo too often.

Cut daily shampooing down to two to three times a week and don't drench your locks, as water rinses out some of the color. In fact, you should wait 72 hours before the first shampooing after the coloring treatment since the cuticle layer of your strands opened to absorb the color and will need time to close completely. 

If you shampoo too soon, the color will rinse out considerably. When you do shampoo, also use a conditioner to replenish the moisture lost when shampoo strips away the grease and natural oils.

Overheat your locks. 

Heat will also cause hair color to fade. Put flat irons, hair dryers, and other heat-generating styling tools on lower settings to avoid this problem. Before you use the tools, spritz the locks with a heat-protectant spray to create a barrier between your hair and the heat. The product will also keep the tresses from drying out from heat exposure. Rinse hair in lukewarm water, as hot H2O causes the outer cuticle layer to become brittle and porous.

If you're interested in a new hair color, let the professionals at Bloom Beauty Lounge in New York City help you find the perfect hue. This Chelsea-based salon will help you choose a shade that complements your complexion and puts your best facial features in the spotlight. The stylists use formaldehyde-free, organic hair products to prevent breakage and scalp irritation. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (212) 255-9355 to book an appointment. Check out the stylists' work on Instagram.