Real hairstylists get real honest.

The trick, however, is keeping things that way once you dive back into your routine hair care.

No biggiejust attempt to avoid the things your hair colorist wishes youd stop doing at home.

blond highlighted hair

Photo:Marina Demeshko/Getty Images

Here are the biggest no-nos, according to professional stylists.

Instead of foregoing them altogether, professional hairstylist Laurent Saint-Crocq suggests dialing back the temperature.

Washing Too Frequently

Theres definitely a balance when determining theright frequency to wash your hair.

Too much, though, and you risk faded color and dryness.

Instead, try a cleansing conditioner in place of at least one shampoo per week.

Invest in a salon blowout so that you’re able to avoid any surprises.

Plus, youll leave with your hair looking gorgeous.

Stretching out time between appointments is fine, but Saint-Croq says to skip the box dye when doing so.

Box color typically contains harsh metallic salts, high ammonia, and chemicals that can damage your hair.

Unless you know theyll be completely supportive, Minardi says to hold off.

Everyone has an opiniononly yours matters, she says.

Embrace and adjust to your new hair color privately.

View your color in different light sources: outside in natural sunlight insight and in various locations.

Then, allow your friends and family to admire your hair without your need for their approval.

Do not rake non-moisturized hair with a metal brush post highlighting.

Your hair will break and won’t look expensive, he says.

Instead, you should use a shampoo specifically formulated for color-treated hair.

Quality shampoo makes a big difference in maintaining hair health and color.

It creates breakage and flyaways and is not necessary.

Hitting the Pool Right Away

Try not to schedule your color appointment before a pool party or tropical vacay.

And if you do, avoid getting your strands wet.