Product Review: Matrix Keep Me Vivid

I've had many questions about how I keep my hair colour vibrant. As someone with vivid hair colour, it is definitely a challenge, even with professional grade products. The only product line I've used that reduces colour bleeding (when washing hair) is Keep Me Vivid from Matrix. The key player in this lineup is the Colour Lamination Spray (pictured in the middle in the photo above.) This is a pH balanced product that helps seal the hair cuticle, preventing colour fade out.

Generally, when hair is lightened, the cuticle is open and the hair is porous. This affects the way the hair retains colour. Think of the cuticle as a shield for your hair from the outside environment. When it becomes damaged through bleaching, it becomes porous, or full of holes. There are hair treatments and bond builders like Olaplex that can help cover these holes in the cuticle, though the results only last as long as the product is used. These holes in the cuticles are what allows hair colour to go in and out of the hair strand. This is why we have to pre-lighten hair before depositing the desired hair colour. Likewise, after the desired tone has been deposited, the holes in the cuticles still exist (and always will once the hair has been bleached) and the colour will wash out of the hair strand over time. This product lineup has been the most effective at preventing that fade out for me, personally.

In addition to using this product line, I subscribe to the following rules of vibrant hair:

1) Never wash hair in hot water. Lukewarm or even cool water is best for preventing colour bleeding.

2) Don't overwash hair. I only wash my hair once or twice a week. Dry shampoo is your best friend, especially if you have an active lifestyle or workout often. If you swim, use a cap because the chlorine will affect your colour too.

3) Schedule a toner and treatment service after coming back from a tropical vacation. The added sun exposure will affect hair's vibrancy and may look washed out when you return.

4) Limit heatstyling, and use heat protection when you do. Keep your hot tools settings on low/medium heat. Anything above 200 degrees Celsius is too hot!

5) Finally, make sure you're using salon quality products. Stay away from drugstore or supermarket shampoos! They're cheap because they're full of fillers and silicone that will fade your colour faster. Even if they claim to be colour safe, they are likely to interfere with future chemical services if you continue using them, so please be wary.

To see the products in action and to see my honest review, please watch the video below.