Look for masks made for bleached or color-treated hair. Nourishing, deep-conditioning, or reparative masks are also a great option. Most hair masks do not contain sulfates, but double-check the ingredient label.

Apply the hot mask or oil to your hair. Tuck your hair under a shower cap, then wrap the cap with a warm towel. Wait 15-20 minutes before rinsing the treatment out. [3] X Research source Alternatively, you could apply a room-temperature mask to your hair, put on a shower cap, then sit under a hooded dryer for 15-20 minutes for a deeper conditioning treatment.

Wear your hair in protective styles as much as possible, such as cornrows or braids.

If your roots are beginning to show, try a root touch-up kit instead of re-dyeing your hair. [9] X Research source Another option is to use a gloss every so often. It is not as damaging as hair dye and will revitalize your hair color. [10] X Research source

You can use clarifying shampoos before coloring your hair, not after. They strip color too. [13] X Research source

Most labels will state whether or not the product is sulfate-free. If the label does not say anything, check the ingredients for anything that contains the word “sulfate. " If you dyed your hair blonde, choose a sulfate-free blue or purple shampoo to keep it from turning brassy. [15] X Research source

Don’t let anyone else in your household use it—otherwise they’ll end up with colored hair! Only use white conditioner, otherwise you may end up with a different hair color than you desire. For example, if you mix blue dye into yellow conditioner, it will turn green. Be aware that some of the dye may come off on your skin when you use it. Be sure to rinse your hair well afterwards so that you don’t stain your towels.

If your hair tends to get oily, use a dry shampoo on your no-wash days to soak up excess grease. Wear a shower cap whenever you take a shower without washing your hair. This will keep your hair dry and preserve its color. [19] X Research source

Don’t pull your hair into a bun or ponytail before going to sleep, even when it is dry. This will damage your hair further.

Apply the heat protectant before you blow-dry, curl, or straighten it.

Use foam hair rollers in damp hair to create curls. Braid your hair while it is wet to create waves.