I used to dye my hair darker every fall. I loved adding richness to my strands, leaning into the cozier aesthetic, and creating contrast with my light eyes. It never occurred to me that I could keep my dark hair vibrant and healthy through the warmer months, too. I was afraid my dyed hair would fade in the sun or dry out with salt water. Then I caught a glimpse of NYC-based content creator Kate Bartlett's silky-smooth, espresso-toned tresses for summer.
Bartlett doesn't have time for frequent dye touch-ups or frazzled strands—she's constantly on camera—so I needed to know her secret to keeping her locks so fresh. She credits Revlon's ColorSilk™ After Color Conditioner ($10) as the secret to her shiny, strong, and vibrant strands.
If you've ever tried Revlon's ColorSilk™ Dye ($7), you're likely familiar with the conditioner that also comes in the box. Fans found this conditioner so effective that Revlon decided to sell it separately. You can use it twice daily—leave it in for up to two minutes for a hair-mask vibe—to ensure your colored hair stays smooth, hydrated, and vibrant. No worrying about fading, breakage, or damage.
At just $10, this conditioner seemed a little too good to be true, so I asked Bartlett to break it down for me. Here's why she swears by it.
What inspired you to dye your hair ahead of summer?
Summer feels like the perfect time for a refresh, and changing my hair color is one of my favorite ways to do that. I love how a new color can make everything feel more exciting heading into a new season. I've actually been box-dyeing my hair myself for seven years. I first tried Revlon Box Dye my first week of living in NYC. My friend and I box-dyed my hair jet black in the sink of our dorm room—it's a memory I will never forget. I've gone lighter, darker, and tried different tones over the years, but at this point in my life and hair journey, I have decided I will forever be a dark-haired girl.
After-care is an important part of keeping colored hair healthy and vibrant. Why do you recommend ColorSilk™ After Color Conditioner?
My first impression was how soft and nourished my hair felt immediately after using it. Sometimes after coloring, my hair can feel a little dry, but this left it feeling smooth, hydrated, and easy to manage. I also loved that it didn't weigh my hair down or leave any residue behind.
After using it for a week, I definitely noticed that my hair looked shinier and felt healthier overall. It stayed soft and manageable, and my color continued to look rich and fresh rather than dull or faded. I also spent the week traveling and being out in the sun quite a bit, and I was impressed that I saw virtually no fading. My hair felt hydrated without losing volume, which can sometimes be a challenge with moisturizing products.
So is this my green light to dye my hair without ruining it?
Absolutely. If you're coloring your hair and want to keep it looking healthy, shiny, and vibrant afterward, I think [the After Color Conditioner] is a great addition to your routine. It helped my hair feel nourished while maintaining the richness of my color, and I especially appreciated how lightweight it felt. It's an easy way to help extend that fresh-from-the-salon look and feel. And the price point? Incredible!
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