Experts Reveal The Truth Behind Common Misconceptions (NAPSA)—Forthe 60 percent of women whocolor their hair, keeping it rich is no easy task. In fact, whetherthey choose to becomebold blondes, beautiful brunettes or ravishing redheads, women whocolor their hair say their biggest complaint is fading andlack of vibrancy. Many theories on how to reducecolor-fade and enhancecolor exist, but keeping color vibrant can be simple once you separatefact from fiction. “Hair color is an important part of a woman’s identity, and for those who choose to color their hair, figuring out how to maintain color or give it a boost can be confusing,” says Celebrity Colorist Rita Hazan, who manages the manes of A-Listers such as Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson. “Womenreceive hair color‘tips’ from a variety of sources, which can lead to conflicting advice,” said Principal Scientist for Pantene Cheri McMaster. “But the truth is, maintaining and enhancing color is easier than you think.” Here, Hazan and McMaster distinguish between hair color “fact and fiction” and offer simple tips for keeping color rich and enhancing yourhue. FACT OR FICTION:Chlorine turns blondehair green. FACT: The combination of chlorine and copperions, found in most pool water, creates a green film on all hair colors, but it is most noticeable on light hair. To avoid discoloration, wet hair prior to swimming and apply a_ leave-in conditioner to help repel the copper chloride and always shampoo hair after a day of swimming. Lather twice with a shampoo containing moisturizing ingredients to wash awaythe copperions without stripping hair of essential moisture. Follow with a conditioner. FACT OR FICTION:Haircolor will go down the drain if you wash hair right after a color treatment. FICTION: If the color is permanent, using a shampooortreat- ment afterward will not alter the hue. To reduce the appearance of color fade over time, use products specifically designed for colortreated hair. New Pantene Pro-V Blonde Expressions, Brunette Expressions and Red Expressions are customized color-care collections that contain shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling products that keep hair healthy and strong while maintaining rich-looking color. Plus, the noncolor depositing formulas won’t alter your shade. FACT OR FICTION: Everyone’s tresses naturally lighten in the summer. FACT: Natural hair tends to take on subtle highlights from the sun but processed hair can turn brassy and lose luster. For healthy hair that keeps its original color, create a hair “sunblock” with a wide-brimmed hat made from a tightly woven Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) fabric that can serve as a protective barrier from the sun’s harmfulrays. FACT OR FICTION: Lemon juice is a fast way to get sunkissed highlights. FICTION: While it is true lemon juice lightens hair, it is highly acidic and creates straw- like strands. For healthy, lighter locks, try a leave-in conditioner and head outdoors—hair will naturally lighten while remaining hydrated. To learn more about maintaining and enhancinghair color, log on to www.pantene.com.
