Myjellybean.com

Dear Concerned Brunette,

Color processing can be rough on hair, so it's wise to take some extra steps to maintain its health and strength. Not only will this prevent breakage, it will also minimize frizz and help your hair look better - which, of course, was your intention in coloring it in the first place.

Colored hair does require more daily maintenance. You should be using a color-protecting shampoo with UV protection. This is especially important as the sun gets stronger with the warmer weather. Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Shampoo is excellent, but there are other good brands too, so visit the drugstore or your hair salon and see what's on offer. In addition, use a color-protecting conditioner (it can, but doesn't have to, be from the same brand name as the shampoo) each time you shampoo. Once a week, do a deep conditioning treatment for color-treated hair (such as Pantene Pro-V Repairing Color Damage Care) to add vibrancy and and build the strength of your strands.

In addition to product care, you'll want to take it easy with the styling products for a while, to allow your hair to rest and repair. Do your best to minimize heat damage, by letting your hair air-dry, or blow-drying less often. Skip the flat iron and curling iron if you can. You can always pull your hair into a ponytail, or tuck it under a headband, if it doesn't look perfect.