At-home plant-based hair colouring is attracting more and more people looking for a natural alternative that is closer to their values and respectful of both the hair fibre and the environment. However, even though this natural colouring method delivers luminous and long-lasting results, it also requires great care when it comes to maintenance in order to preserve both its radiance and the overall health of the hair.
Ready to take the leap? Discover today our expert tips and advice to maintain your plant-based hair colour at home and enjoy its shine for a long time.
Why is maintenance crucial after a plant-based hair colour?
Unlike chemical dyes, which penetrate the core of the hair through oxidation, plant-based hair colour coats the fibre and protects it by covering the hair with natural pigments derived from dye plants. This fundamental difference explains why maintenance plays such a crucial role in prolonging the effects of your plant-based hair colour.
An unsuitable hair care ritual may accelerate colour fading, weaken the hair or dry out the lengths. On the contrary, adopting the right habits and a proper routine helps extend the intensity of the shades while strengthening the hair and fully benefiting from the plant-based ingredients used in your natural hair colour.
The right habits to adopt from day one
After applying a plant-based hair colour at home, a few simple rules and steps help fix the pigments and protect both your hair and your freshly applied colour.
- Wait before the first wash: We recommend waiting at least 48 hours after application before your first wash, allowing the pigments enough time to bind durably to the hair fibre.
- Choose a gentle, natural shampoo: Avoid formulas containing sulphates and silicones, which have a “stripping” effect on colour. Opt instead for organic shampoos rich in hydrating active ingredients, such as the high-nutrition shampoo from Rodolphe&Co.
- Avoid rinsing with hot water: Hot water opens the hair cuticle, encouraging natural pigments to escape (as they sit on the cuticle without penetrating the core of the hair). Prefer rinsing with cool or lukewarm water to maintain the radiance of your colour.
- Limit aggressive drying: Air-dry whenever possible, or use a hairdryer on a low heat setting.
The first few days after a plant-based hair colour are the most important, as the colour is still developing. These small but essential steps allow the colour to anchor itself and preserve your hair’s natural shine over the long term.
Which natural hair care routine should you adopt?
Once the post-colouring phase (48 to 72 hours) has passed, it is time to establish a gentle and regular routine to maintain your plant-based hair colour at home.
Gentle washing (2–3 times per week): Two to three shampoos per week are sufficient. Washing more frequently may accelerate colour fading. Use a gentle colour-fixing shampoo made with natural hydrating ingredients or natural molecules and technologies that seal the hair cuticles, such as the patented Keraguard® technology.
Hydrating mask (1–2 times per week): Hydration is key to keeping colour-treated hair healthy. Once or twice a week, apply a hydrating and nourishing treatment to the lengths and ends. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes under a warm towel or shower cap to enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Natural rinse: Rinsing with cold water or apple cider vinegar closes the hair cuticles, fixes the colour and adds shine. A few drops are enough for optimal results.
Neutral henna (once a month): A neutral henna mask can be used to strengthen the hair, add volume and maintain the natural colour’s radiance without altering it.
Bonus tip: apple cider vinegar rinse
Apple cider vinegar is a valuable ally for naturally coloured hair. By slightly acidifying the hair’s pH, it helps tighten the cuticles and boost shine. Dilute two tablespoons in one litre of cold water and use this as a final rinse after shampooing, once a week.
Mistakes to avoid after a plant-based hair colour
Although at-home plant-based hair colouring is gentle and respectful, certain mistakes can compromise the results.
- Shampoos with harsh chemical compositions: formulas containing sulphates, PEGs or alcohol gradually strip away natural pigments.
- Silicone-based treatments: silicones create an artificial coating around the hair, preventing natural actives from penetrating and dulling the colour over time.
- Repeated exposure to external aggressors: UV rays and pollution oxidise pigments and dry out the hair fibre. Remember to apply a protective treatment or rinse your hair with clear water after swimming.
- Chemical colouring after plant-based colouring: chemical dyes can interact with natural pigments and cause unwanted tones. If you wish to change colour, consult a professional specialising in plant-based hair colouring before any new application.
Maintaining your plant-based hair colour at home primarily means adopting gentle gestures and natural, chemical-free products. By respecting processing times, choosing the right treatments and avoiding chemical aggressors, you will enjoy long-lasting shine, colour hold and vitality provided by dye plants.
What if you trusted your plant-based hair colouring expert?
While at-home plant-based hair colouring delivers beautiful results, nothing replaces the expertise of a hairdresser trained in natural techniques. At Rodolphe&Co, our plant-based colour experts guide you in choosing the shades best suited to your complexion and hair type.
You can find all our advice and products on our website, where our complete plant-based hair colouring kits are available for simple, professional application at home. These kits include everything you need: colouring powder, fixing treatment and accessories, for a sensory and hair-respectful experience inspired directly by the rituals of our salons.
Thanks to this synergy between professional expertise and at-home kits, you benefit from a radiant, natural and long-lasting colour, while fully respecting the plant-based philosophy so dear to Rodolphe&Co.
