So, you have invested time and money in achieving the look you want as a redhead. You've emerged from the salon with beautiful, bold, bright-red hair for the first time in your life. Perhaps you have heard that chemically treated red hair is the most difficult to maintain, simply because the color can fade quickly, if you don't know the salon secrets to keeping it bright and vibrant. Take a tip from the experts and listen to your hair stylist. Here are some "do's and don'ts" to keep your red tresses from fading:

1. DO Use the Right Hair Products

If you choose to use one of those cheap, bargain-brand shampoos, the red pigment could get washed down the drain with every rinse. Look for a quality shampoo specially formulated for chemically treated hair. If you can, choose one that is specifically designed for red hair color. Some shampoos actually deposit a splash of red color each time you shampoo. If the shampoo has an added moisturizer, all the better. After you shampoo, use a quality conditioner that is also made for color-treated red hair.

2. DON'T Wash Your Hair Every Day

Doing so will not only strip your hair of its natural oils, but it may make your red hair color fade more quickly. Washing your chemically treated red hair a couple of times a week is the goal you should aim for.

3. DO Wait a Couple of Days After Your Color Treatment Before You Shampoo

Most hair stylists will agree that after having your hair colored, it is best to wait at least 2 days before shampooing your hair. You need that time for the hair color to set. If you shampoo before 48 hours, you may be rinsing the red dye right down the drain. To protect your hair from getting wet in the shower before that time, simply wear a shower cap.

4. DON'T Use Clarifying Shampoo

While clarifying shampoo is fine for natural hair, it is not recommended for dyed hair, especially for hair dyed red. Clarifying shampoos remove more than grime and hair styling products; these formulas contain harsh chemicals that can also strip your hair of the red pigment.

5. DO Protect Your Hair From the Sun and From Chlorinated Pool Water

Both of these elements may cause damage to your processed red hair. When outdoors, wear a hat during sunny days. You might also choose hair products that contain filters to protect your hair from the sun's damaging rays. While in the swimming pool, protect your hair from chlorine damage by tying it up or wearing a swim cap.

For more advice on caring for your chemically processed red hair, speak with a hair stylist at a salon like Town and Country Salon.