Celebrity hairstylist Jacob Schwartz—his clients include Margot Robbie, Megan Fox, Chloe Fineman, Alex Cooper and Lana Del Rey—may be based in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean he’s a fan of the city’s water.
“One possible reason for hair color to look washed out is, of course, due to color fading, but it can also be mineral build-up,” he explains. “This happens with the hard water conditions that exist in Los Angeles, for example.”
His solution: A somewhat high-tech—yet easy to install and use—shower fix: “I am a fan of using a shower filter to help make your tap water more palatable for your hair, scalp and skin when washing and conditioning. I have one on my shower from Jolie Skin Co. and I really love it. It works well and keeps hair from turning ‘blah’ and from it being stripped—or even green—from mineral deposits. If you don’t drink from the tap, why not do the same for skin and hair health!”
The makers of “green-reducing” filtered showerhead considers itself a “beauty-wellness company” and claim its little device will not only help your hair health and hair color, but also lessen skin conditions such as acne, rashes and even eczema.
Of course, starting at the source in the salon also doesn’t hurt when it comes to avoiding the wash-out.
“A washed-out appearance could be due to picking a shade that doesn’t match one’s skin tone properly,” Schwartz says. “I also find that if someone gets their hair colored in a single-process or single-tone, it can appear very one dimensional and flat. If your hair has been over-bleached or solid, I recommend requesting that your colorist consider low lights and highlights for you. This should bring the appearance of depth and accentuate the shape of your cut and face.”
For another specific Schwartz-approved recommendation: “I love to use a Redken Shades EQ Gloss because there’s such a broad-color spectrum and I love that they provide so many options! Shades EQ is also beneficial in that it is extremely gentle on the hair and conditions avoiding the stripping that can occur with hair color. If the natural color tones of someone does not compliment their eyes and skin, you may want to try a Gloss to get a better overall tone in the color. Or if roots are too warm, I love using permanent color like Redken Color Gels Oils ABN and NAs to combat the red.”
