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How to Take Care of Your Hair When There Is a Rinse in It

Apr 14, 2011 / By Eleanor Jewell

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Use color maintenance shampoo after applying a rinse.

Photo: BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images

Confused about hair color rinses? There are two types -- temporary and semi-permanent. Temporary rinses coat the hair and only last until the next shampoo, so no maintenance is required. Semi-permanent rinses actually penetrate the cuticle and last for 6 to 12 shampoos. If you have opted for the semi-permanent rinse, you will need to be extra kind to your hair. Although a semi-permanent rinse is not as damaging as a permanent dye, it can still cause dryness, so show your locks some tender loving care.

Wash your hair with a shampoo made especially for color-treated hair. Color maintenance shampoos are gentle on the hair and cleanse without stripping away the rinse. Choose one made for your color -- red, blonde or brunette -- and keep your color longer.

Slather a moisturizing conditioner over your colored locks after shampooing. A moisturizing shampoo will help rehydrate your hair and smooth the cuticle, giving your hair a sleeker appearance.

Try to let your hair air dry whenever you can. Limiting hairdryer use will help your hair recover from the dryness associated with the semi-permanent rinse. The same thing goes for your curling iron or flat iron. Go natural every now and then to keep your hair and color looking its best.

1.Color maintenance shampoo

2.Moisturizing conditioner

While semi-permanent rinses usually last for 10 shampoos, this is just a general time frame. How long your rinse will last depends on how often you shampoo. In some cases you can stretch the time frame by washing your hair less and sticking to the color maintenance shampoo.