Getting a fresh hair color can be a great feeling, but keeping that vibrant salon shade from fading too quickly requires a little extra care and attention in your routine. Here are some tips to help you maintain that pricey hair color and keep the color lasting as long as possible!
1. Watch the Water Temperature
Hot water is one of the biggest culprits of color fade. High temperatures open up the hair’s cuticle, allowing the color molecules to escape.
- The Fix: Wash your hair with lukewarm water. For the final rinse, turn the temperature down to cool or cold to help seal the cuticle, which locks the color in and boosts shine.
2. Choose Color-Safe, Sulfate-Free Products
Your choice of shampoo and conditioner makes a significant difference. Harsh ingredients can strip the hair of its color and essential oils.
- The Fix: Switch to products specifically labeled as “color-safe” and “sulfate-free”. Sulfates are a major culprit for stripping color. Additionally, consider using pigmented, color-toning shampoos and conditioners (like purple shampoo for lightened hair) to neutralize unwanted brassy tones over time.
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3. Wait to Wash
That first shampoo after a color treatment is crucial. Washing too soon can cause the color to bleed and fade prematurely.
- The Fix: Wait at least 48 to 72 hours after your coloring session before your first shampoo. This gives the color molecules time to fully set and seal into the hair shaft.
4. Reduce Your Washing Frequency
The more often your hair gets wet, the faster your color will fade. Excessively washing also strips away the natural oils that help protect your color and keep your hair conditioned.
- The Fix: Try to limit washing your hair to two or three times a week. Use a good dry shampoo on the in-between days to refresh your roots, absorb oil, and add volume.
5. Limit Heat Styling and Use Protection
Excessive heat from styling tools weakens the hair shaft and makes it more susceptible to color loss.
- The Fix: Opt to air dry your hair as much as possible. If you must use a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron, always apply a heat protectant spray first to create a barrier. Try turning down the temperature on your tools to reduce damage.
6. Boost Hydration with Masks and Oils
Dry, damaged hair fades color faster than hair that is well-nourished.
- The Fix: Incorporate hydrating hair masks into your routine (once a week is a good goal) for deep conditioning and to lock in luster. A lightweight hair oil can also be used to seal in moisture, add shine, and provide an extra layer of protection.
7. Shield Your Hair from the Elements
The sun, as well as chemicals in water, can damage your color.
- The Fix for Sun: Protect your hair from heavy UV rays, especially in the summer. Wear a hat, scarf, or wrap when you know you’ll be spending a lot of time outside.
- The Fix for Water: Minimize your hair’s exposure to harsh chemicals like chlorine and saltwater by saturating your hair with clean, regular water before taking a swim. You can also consider a shower head filter to protect against hard water minerals.
