What Does 'Color Safe' Mean, Anyway?
"Color safe" is a marketing term with which we are all familiar, but what does it mean?
The term "color safe" has to do mostly with the pH of a product. Generally speaking, we want the pH of our hair care products in a range that's slightly acidic (4.5-5.5) for a few reasons.
Our hair is naturally acidic
This means that if that delicate pH balance is disrupted the cuticle of the hair will raise and fray, inhibiting the hair shaft's ability to hold onto color. Think about a porous surface versus a sealed surface. The seal is going to hold on better to color, right? The same notion applies to the hair shaft.
If left unchecked, improper pH over time causes damage
It can even lead to irreparable cuticle damage i.e. permanent hair damage, which means we have to cut away the damaged strands and start over. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
The maintenance of this balance is so incredibly important for our hair health, as our hair is not a living part of our body; it cannot heal and renew itself. Hair can only grow!
Color treating our hair puts it through the wringer as it is
So, if you're one to rock vivids, cover up grays, or just like to mix it up, you absolutely must take the necessary steps to care for your hair outside of the salon.
Seek out hair cleansing systems that are designed to condition the hair (smooth the shaft to prevent snags and tangles that cause damage), replenish proteins (strengthening and fortifying that cuticle), and maintain healthy hair pH of about 4.5-5.5.
Now will your shampoo bottle say the exact pH of the product?
Probably not, but that "color safe" verbiage should indicate that it's where it needs to be. From there, you can simply peruse the ingredients list and you should be good to go!
If you're on the hunt for some nourishing, ingredient-conscious, pH balanced hair cleansing products, check out our selection. Even if you've never tried shampoo bars before, you'll be a convert soon enough. I worked for two years perfecting these formulas, and I'd put them up against any shampoo and conditioner out there!
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Talk soon!
Courtney B