Float tank therapy is an effective way to unwind and relax, but for people who color their hair, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. Will the salt water strip color from your hair? Will it permanently damage your hair color?
Whether you use semi-permanent color or you worry about your freshly-dyed professional ‘do running, you don’t want your float therapy to sabotage your looks.
Fortunately, a little preparation can help you float without worrying about your tresses. Here’s everything you need to know about floating and hair color
The Risks of Floating with Colored Hair
The Epsom salt in SoliVana’s float tanks works wonders for rejuvenating the body, but some floaters worry about their colored hair. If you’ve recently dyed your hair with semi-permanent or permanent dye, floating too soon can affect both your hair and the float tank.
The high salt content can strip vibrant colors like red, pink, and purple from your hair. The silver lining? SoliVana float tanks are chlorine-free, so no need to stress about your highlights turning green. Still, floating right after a dye job can fade your color, leading to another pricey salon visit.
Moreover, stripped hair color can damage the float tanks. It alters the water’s chemical composition, necessitating a pod drain. In some cases, hair dye can permanently stain the pod, which is costly to replace.
Rules to Follow
To protect your hair and the pod, follow these guidelines based on your hair coloring routine. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy both a fabulous new hair color and the benefits of floatation tank therapy.
Semi- or Demi-Permanent Hair Color:
Semi-permanent hair colors, including popular fashion shades like pink, green, blue, and bright red, use larger dye molecules that sit on the hair surface, making them prone to washing out quickly, especially within the first two weeks.
Because these colors are more likely to run, it’s best not to float immediately after dyeing. To ensure your color stays intact, wait until your shower water runs clear and your towel shows no color transfer.
Permanent Hair Color:
Permanent dyes penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, providing longer-lasting color. However, it’s still advisable to wait a few days post-dyeing before floating to allow the color to fully set.
At SoliVana, we recommend scheduling your float therapy session once you are confident that your hair color won’t run, ensuring a safe and relaxing experience for both you and our facilities. If you have any questions or need advice on timing, our knowledgeable staff is here to help.
For Red Hair Dye:
Whether semi-permanent or permanent, red hair dye tends to leach color for weeks. To maintain vibrant hair, wait at least 30 days after dyeing before floating.
For Henna Hair Dye:
Henna, a natural dye for dark brown hair, doesn’t bind well. Floating can strip the color and stain the pod, so avoid floating with henna-dyed hair.
For Highlights:
Highlights are safe for floating since they remove color, and our chlorine-free tanks won’t react with bleach. You can float the day after getting highlights.
For Keratin Treatments:
Keratin treatments don’t react well with salt. To avoid damaging your treatment, let your hair grow out before floating.
Tips for Protecting Hair Dye During Float Therapy
Wait 14 to 30 Days After Dyeing to Float:
Generally, wait two to four weeks after dyeing before floating. This ensures semi-permanent dye washes out and permanent dye sets completely. Aim for 14 days for professional color and 30 days for semi-permanent dye. Ensure your shower water runs clear and your hair does not transfer dye to a towel.
Use Clarifying Shampoo After a Float:
Minimize salt exposure. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove salt and buildup. Rinse with warm water, keeping it as cool as possible to protect your color, as heat can damage dye.
Final Thoughts
With the right precautions, floating and hair color can coexist. Always protect your hair from saltwater, especially if you float frequently.
Ready to book your relaxing float session? Book your visit to SoliVana Wellness Spa now!