Snowy-white locks may seem like a low-maintenance style, but without proper care, those pearly white strands can look like a multicolored rainbow. White hair contains no pigment, so it absorbs color from pollution, styling products, and chlorine found in water. Another hazard is that products made specifically for white hair can actually turn it purple. Preventing the dreaded discoloration requires protecting your strands from the elements and using the right type and amount of products.

Wash your hair daily using a quarter-sized amount of a clear moisturizing shampoo. Rinse your hair well after cleansing to remove all residue. Avoid using shampoos that have colors due to fragrances or dyes. The color can deposit on white hair over time.

Apply a quarter-sized amount of white conditioner to your hair, spreading it throughout. Rinse the product out thoroughly. Use only white conditioners to prevent the color from depositing on your hair.

Wash your hair once per week using a quarter-sized amount of shampoo designed to whiten hair, often called a brightening shampoo. Massage the suds throughout the scalp and strands thoroughly to help remove any small traces of discoloration. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water. Don’t apply this product more than once per week, or your hair can turn purple.

Wear a hat every time you go outdoors, especially if you will be in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Wrap longer hair into a hair elastic and tuck it under the hat to ensure all strands are covered. Ultraviolet light from the sun can cause yellowing in white hair.

Install a water filter either for your entire home, or for the shower that you use most often. Most water supplied by municipalities contains chlorine, which can leave deposits on your hair and discolor it over time.