Dyed hair always looks its best when it’s freshly coloured, right out of the salon. But let’s face it, that vibrancy doesn’t last forever. With each wash, it eventually starts to fade.
If you’re tired of your vibrant hair colour turning into a dull shadow of its former glory faster than you can say ‘root touch-up’, we’ve got your back with six expert-approved tips to help you keep that colour locked in for the long haul. Say goodbye to premature fading and hello to hair that stays bright and salon-fresh!
What causes your hair colour to fade?
Hair colour can fade due to various factors, including frequent shampooing with harsh products or hot water, exposure to UV rays from the sun, chemical treatments like bleaching or perming, excessive heat styling, swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater, mineral buildup from hard water, and the use of hair products containing ingredients that strip away colour. By being mindful of these factors and taking the steps outlined below, you can help prolong the vibrancy of your hair colour.
- Avoid shampooing immediately after
- Use colour-friendly hair products
- Avoid hot showers
- Use hair masks
- Air dry your hair
- Use heat protectant
1. Avoid shampooing immediately after
Photo: Freepik
Avoid washing your hair for 24 to 48 hours after colouring, or extend this period as much as possible before shampooing. This crucial waiting period allows the colour to penetrate and settle into the hair strands, minimising the risk of premature fading. Although your stylist may have cleansed your hair prior to colouring, if you feel compelled to give your hair another wash post-colouring, opt for a cold water rinse to maintain colour vibrancy.
2. Use colour-friendly hair products
Not all hair care products are created equal, especially when it comes to preserving your colour. If you’ve dyed your hair, it’s essential to invest in a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for colour-treated hair. Choosing products designed for coloured hair helps prolong the vibrancy of your colour. Regular shampoos often contain strong cleaning surfactants that can compromise your colour’s longevity. Additionally, colour-treated hair is prone to damage and moisture loss, so opt for products with special colour-protecting formulas that nourish and hydrate your strands.
3. Avoid hot showers
Photo: Pixabay
Hot relaxing showers may be tempting, but they’re no friend to your hair—especially if it’s been treated with colour. Steaming hot water not only strips moisture but also opens the hair cuticle, causing colour to fade faster. To protect your colour’s vibrancy, opt for lukewarm water instead when washing your hair.
4. Use hair masks
The chemicals used in hair colouring can strip away its natural oils, leaving it rough, stretchy, and limp without proper aftercare. That’s where hair masks come in — replenishing lost hydration and restoring softness, gloss, and vitality. Packed with natural oils, humectants, and emollients, hair masks help prevent moisture loss and keep your locks looking their best. If you’ve lightened your hair and are worried about brassiness, a colour-treated hair mask can help neutralise those unwanted yellow tones. Bottom line: Moisturised hair holds onto its colour better, so make sure your hair care routine includes a nourishing mask for long-lasting vibrancy.
5. Air dry your hair
Minimise heat exposure to extend the lifespan of your hair colour by air drying whenever possible. Heat styling tools can accelerate colour fading, so embracing air drying can help prolong the time between colour touch-ups.
6. Use heat protectant
Photo: Freepik
When heat styling is unavoidable, prioritise heat protection every time you style your hair, whether blow-drying or using hot tools like flat irons or curling wands. Not only does heat damage lead to dryness and brittleness, but it also compromises the seal of your hair colour, hastening colour fading.
Apply a heat protectant to wet hair before blow-drying, and add another layer before using hot styling tools on dry hair. Additionally, shield your locks from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can alter hair colour and damage proteins. Layering a physical barrier, such as a stylish scarf or hat, over a protective product further enhances sun protection for your colour-treated hair.
Incorporating these tips into your hair care routine can make all the difference in maintaining the vibrancy and health of your dyed locks. From using colour-friendly products to minimising heat exposure, each step plays a crucial role in preserving your desired hue. Remember, while at-home care is essential, nothing beats the expertise and personalised attention of a professional stylist. So, when your locks are craving some extra love and attention, don’t hesitate to book an appointment at NK Hairworks for expert care tailored to your unique hair needs.