I just read that 60% of hair color damage happens during the rinse-out step

I found this in a trade journal from the American Board of Certified Haircolorists. It blew my mind because I always thought the processing time was the main culprit. For years, I'd focus on the formula and timing, then just blast the color out under warm water. The article explained that rough rinsing, especially with hot water, swells the cuticle and strips way more protein than necessary. Now I use a cool, gentle stream and a pH-balancing conditioner immediately after. It's made a huge difference in my clients' hair feel the very next day. Has anyone else changed their rinse-out routine because of this?

3 comments

3 Comments

perry.joel2mo ago

Oh man, I feel that, I was doing the same thing for years!

xena_miller312mo ago

Ugh, it's the worst, right?

the_kim13d ago

Oof yeah, that part about hot water really got me too. @xena_miller31 I think a lot of us just assume more heat means cleaner, but ngl it's totally the opposite with color.