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How to Maintain Your Hair Color While Salons Are Closed

If you're someone who follows a strict beauty routine — hair salon touch-ups every four weeks, monthly facials, weekly manicures — then social distancing is likely affecting your schedule greatly. Nail salons, hair salons, and beauty stores are closing, forcing everyone to take matters into their own hands with DIY facials, at-home mani-pedis, and most importantly, DIY hair color touch-ups.

If you're in the same boat and currently stressing about how you're going to keep your hair dye from looking like it hasn't been refreshed in weeks (when that's exactly the case), we asked a colorist to share a few of her favorite tips on how to maintain your color at home until your next salon visit, ahead.

Hair Color Tip #1: Hide Your Roots by Changing Your Part

"Unfortunately, our roots don't know we're on lockdown," said Karissa Schaudt, colorist at Maxine Salon. "Try temporarily 'masking' them by creating a deep side part. This will redirect the focus of any regrowth." By moving where you part your hair, you'll be able to conceal some of the grown-out color. This will also add some body at your roots.

Hair Color Tip #2: Reach For a Root Concealer Spray

If you want a bit more coverage on your roots, try a temporary hair dye concealer like a spray or a powder. "My favorite is the Oribe Root Concealer Spray ($32) because it rinses out after shampooing and won't affect future salon touch-ups," she said. "They have a variety of shades from black to blond that will work for almost anyone." Another option is the Madison Reed Root Touch Up ($30).

Hair Color Tip #3: Wash Your Hair Less

Every time you wash your hair, it strips a little bit of the color away. "You can maintain your color by minimizing your washes, ideally shampooing two-to-three times per week and always using a color-safe shampoo," said Schaudt. Try the Kérastase Reflection Sulfate Free Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair ($31).

Hair Color Tip #4: Avoid Sun Exposure

The sun is a major enemy when it comes to colored hair because the harmful UV rays can fade hair dye over time. "Keep sun exposure to a minimum," Schaudt said. "Always wear a scarf or hat to cover your hair when you go outdoors."

Hair Color Tip #5: Use the Right Hair Color Products

Now more than ever it's important to use color-safe products on your hair to increase the amount of time your dye lasts. "Sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free products ensure color longevity," said Schaudt. "Ideally, using a heat protectant shielding 400 degrees or more and quality heat tools preserve the luster in hair." Hair masks can help, like the Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask - Baby Blonde ($53).

Hair Color Tip #6: Wait to See a Professional

Nobody wants to hear it when their roots have grown out an inch, but patience is key now more than ever. "Honestly, wait and consult a professional," she said. "A majority of the time box dye or self-bleaching leaves clients too dark or unevenly spotted. It's a quick mistake, but not as quick to fix."

Hair Color Tip #7: As a Last Resort, Reach For Demi-Permanent Dye

But if waiting just isn't in the cards for you, you have options. "If you're adamant, use a demi-permanent rinse, as it's the most noninvasive pigment," said Schaudt.