Color Oops is a popular hair color remover that can help strip out unwanted permanent hair dye. It works by reversing the oxidation process that occurs when you color your hair. Many people have questions about how to care for their hair after using Color Oops, especially whether or not you need to condition.
What is Color Oops?
Color Oops is a hair color remover product made by L’Oreal. It is designed to remove permanent hair dye by reversing the oxidation process. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
- Color Oops contains two separate solutions – Solution 1 (bleach) and Solution 2 (remover).
- When mixed together, these solutions work to strip the artificial pigments from your hair shaft.
- The process causes the cuticle to swell and release the dye molecules.
- Color Oops breaks the bonds that attach the artificial dye to your hair.
So in summary, Color Oops removes permanent hair color by reversing the oxidative process that occurs during coloring. This allows the artificial pigments to be washed away.
Should You Condition After Using Color Oops?
The short answer is yes – you should absolutely condition your hair after using Color Oops or any hair color remover. Here’s why it’s highly recommended:
- Color Oops is essentially a bleaching process, which can cause dryness and damage if not properly conditioned.
- The swelling and lifting action in the cuticle can leave hair feeling rough and porous.
- Conditioner helps smooth down the cuticle and restore moisture levels after the harsh process.
- It replaces some of the natural oils that are stripped away during color removal.
- Conditioner acts as a detangler, which can help prevent breakage to fragile strands.
So in short, conditioning is a very important follow-up step after using Color Oops or any type of hair color remover. It helps restore hydration and smoothness to maintain the health of your strands.
When Should I Condition My Hair After Color Oops?
Ideally, you should condition your hair immediately after rinsing out the Color Oops treatment. Here are some tips on when to condition:
- Shampoo your hair first – use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to clear away the remover solutions.
- Apply a thick, moisturizing conditioner from roots to ends.
- Let the conditioner soak in for 2-3 minutes before rinsing clean.
- You may want to apply conditioner again and leave it in as a treatment.
- Use the conditioning product that works best for your hair type.
Conditioning immediately after shampooing ensures your hair gets the moisture it needs following the harsh color removal process. You may also want to apply regular conditioning treatments in the weeks after to nurse your hair back to health.
What’s the Best Conditioner to Use After Color Oops?
Look for a conditioner that replenishes hydration and smooths the cuticle. Here are some great options to use after Color Oops:
| Conditioner | Key Features |
|---|---|
| It’s a 10 Miracle Conditioner | Keratin, vitamins, oils; lightweight yet ultra-hydrating |
| Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner | Repairs bonds and prevents damage; hydrating |
| Pureology Strength Cure Conditioner | For damaged hair; vegan and sulfate-free |
| SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner | Intense hydration for very dry hair; certified organic and fair trade ingredients |
| Verb Hydrating Conditioner | Quinoa, coconut oil, and shea butter; color-safe and smoothing |
Look for keywords like “hydrating,” “moisturizing,” “frizz control,” “damage repair,” and “bond restoring” when choosing a conditioner for post-Color Oops hair.
Tips for Conditioning Hair After Using Color Oops
Here are some additional tips for deep conditioning after using Color Oops:
- Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends first, then work up towards the roots.
- Comb the conditioner through with a wide-tooth comb or wet brush.
- Put your hair in a shower cap and let the conditioner sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Avoid applying conditioner to the roots if you have oily hair.
- Use a leave-in conditioner or mask for extra hydration.
- Get occasional deep conditioning treatments at the salon.
- Limit heat styling until your hair feels stronger.
Be as gentle as possible when conditioning post-Color Oops to prevent excess tangling or breakage. penetrating the lengths and ends.
What If I Don’t Condition After Using Color Oops?
It’s highly recommended to always condition after using Color Oops or other color removers. Here’s what can happen if you skip this step:
- Hair can become extremely dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
- Lack of moisture causes frizz and an unmanageable texture.
- Hair may become tangled and difficult to comb.
- The rough, porous cuticle remains opened without conditioning.
- Ends can split without the lubrication and protection from conditioner.
- Overall hair health declines over time without proper conditioning.
In rare cases, some people don’t condition after Color Oops with no issues. But for most hair types, lack of conditioning can exacerbate dryness and damage from the harsh process.
Other Post-Color Oops Hair Care Tips
In addition to conditioning, here are some other tips for caring for your hair after using Color Oops:
- Avoid washing hair for 48 hours after. This gives the cuticle time to close back down.
- Use a hair mask or hot oil treatment once a week.
- Take biotin supplements or prenatal vitamins to support hair growth.
- Use a leave-in conditioner and heat protectant before heat styling.
- Get regular trims to snip away split ends.
- Switch to gentle, nourishing hair products free of sulfates and silicones.
- Apply a deep conditioning hair mask overnight.
- Reduce frequency of hair washing to avoid over-stripping oils.
Being extra gentle and focusing on moisture is key to nursing your hair back to health post-Color Oops. Avoid excessive heat styling or chemical processing until your hair regains its strength.
Professional Post-Color Oops Conditioning Treatments
For added conditioning benefits, you can also get in-salon conditioning treatments after using Color Oops such as:
- Olaplex – Bond-building 3-step treatment to repair damage.
- Protein treatments – Strengthen and fortify weakened strands.
- Moisturizing masks – Hydrate and smooth dry, brittle hair.
- Keratin treatments – Seal down the cuticle for sleeker hair.
- Deep conditioning – Penetrate moisture into the cortex.
Professional-grade conditioning treatments can help rebuild your hair’s strength from within. They provide longer-lasting nourishment compared to drugstore conditioners. Ask your stylist what intensive conditioning is best for your hair after Color Oops.
Conclusion
Conditioning is a critical step after using a harsh hair color remover like Color Oops. It helps restore moisture levels and smooth down the lifted cuticle after the intensive process. Be sure to use a reparative, hydrating conditioner immediately after cleansing post-Color Oops. Deep condition regularly in the weeks after and get professional conditioning treatments if needed. Proper conditioning minimizes dryness and damage and helps maintain your hair’s health after removing permanent dye.
