Preserving hair colour is a common concern for hair colourists. Natural ingredients play an important role in this process by offering gentle but effective solutions to keep hair colour vibrant.
Natural ingredients have attracted a lot of attention in hair care due to their properties. These ingredients are often considered to be gentler on the scalp and hair, and therefore a welcome alternative to harsh chemicals.
The main causes of hair colour fading
Hair colour fading is a natural phenomenon caused by various factors. One of the main causes is the oxidation process, which breaks down the molecules of hair dye colour.
Other factors often discussed by researchers include:
- UV rays: breaks down pigment molecules, leading to faster colour loss [1].
- Frequent washing: Shampooing too often can strip your hair of colour-protecting oils and pigments [2].
- Forming by heat: the frequent use of hairdryers, straighteners and curling tongs and the high heat they generate can damage the hair cuticle, thus breaking down colour molecules [3].
- Direct-acting chemicals: Chlorine in swimming pools and harsh hair styling products (containing sulphates and parabens) can also contribute to colour fading [4].
To reduce the effects of these factors and preserve hair colour for as long as possible, it is worth turning to products enriched with natural ingredients.
Efficacy and benefits of natural ingredients
Natural ingredients are often a gentler alternative to the harsh synthetic chemicals found in some hair care products. They can reduce scalp irritation and promote overall hair health, making it ideal for sensitive scalps and coloured hair.
It is important to note that many natural ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish and strengthen the hairthus promoting overall hair health.
Natural ingredients often are sustainably sourced and biodegradableand is therefore a frequent choice for consumers who prefer organic products.
Natural ingredients help to preserve hair colour in a multifaceted way by acting on several key factors that cause fading:
- Antioxidant protection: Many natural ingredients are rich in antioxidants – molecules that neutralise free radicals. Free radicals can damage hair and accelerate colour fading.
- Moisture retention: Healthy, moisturised hair retains colour better. Natural oils such as coconut oil and shea butter can help retain moisture in the hair follicle.
- UV protection: Certain natural ingredients, such as orange blossom extract, can provide UV protection and shield hair from sun damage.
- pH balance: Natural ingredients often have pH-balancing properties that help maintain the hair's natural acidity, which is essential for maintaining colour.
Choosing hair care products that contain natural ingredients can help you enjoy vibrant, long-lasting hair colour while promoting overall hair health.
14 natural ingredients to help maintain hair colour
- Vitamin E: a well-known antioxidant that protects hair from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays, thus preventing colour fading [5].
- Grape extract: like vitamin E, rich in antioxidants such as proanthocyanidins, it can protect against oxidative stress and contribute to colour preservation [6].
- Orange blossom extract: although traditionally used to grow hair, studies show that it has UV-absorbing properties and can therefore protect against sun damage, which is the main culprit of colour fading [7].
- Flaxseed: they are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that can contribute to hair health and shine, which can enhance colour vibrancy [8].
- Chamomile flower extract: can add shine to the hair and improve the overall appearance of colour [9].
- Arnica extract: has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the scalp and protect the hair follicles, thus promoting a healthy environment for vibrant hair colour [10].
- Nettle extract: Rich in vitamins and minerals, it strengthens the hair shaft and stimulates scalp circulation, ensuring optimal delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles and maintaining long-lasting hair colour [11].
- Sage leaf extract: contains antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that protect the scalp and hair from environmental damage and maintain a healthy pH balance, preventing colour fading [12].
- Pine bud extract: rich in phenolic compounds, provides antioxidant protection to hair cells, reduces oxidative damage and preserves hair colour [13].
- Nasturtium flower extract: contains sulphur compounds that improve scalp health and stimulate hair growth, providing a strong foundation for vibrant hair colour [14].
- Burdock root extract: helps to detoxify the scalp and stimulate blood circulation, resulting in better absorption of nutrients and better colour retention [15].
- Lemon peel extract: rich in vitamin C and citric acid, lemon peel extract cleanses the scalp, removes accumulated dirt and increases colour brightness, prevents dullness and fading [16].
- Ivy leaf extract: the saponins in the formula cleanse the scalp and hair, removing dirt and residues that can fade colour and weigh down hair [17].
- Calendula extract: Soothes and moisturises the scalp, reducing inflammation and irritation that can affect hair condition and colour retention [18].
These natural ingredients work synergistically to protect hair colour by providing antioxidant protection, nourishing the hair shaft, maintaining scalp health and enhancing colour vibrancy for long-lasting, vibrant hair colour.
Choose hair care products that protect hair colour: