How to Make Hair Color Last Longer, According to Pro Colorists
Updated: Apr. 17, 2024
Follow these expert-approved stay-vibrant tips to make your hair color last longer
Don’t let your hair color fade
There’s nothing quite like strolling out of the salon with your hair freshly colored. Whether you’re achieving the best hair color for your skin tone, getting new highlights or just covering a few grays, fresh color can make you feel renewed, refreshed and like the best version of yourself. But something that feels not-so-good: Waking up a week later to find your color has faded. Whether you touch up your roots at home or spend hours in the salon chair, hair coloring can be time-consuming and costly, which means learning how to make hair color last longer will not only serve your strands but also your wallet.
On average, permanent color should make it four to six weeks before fading begins. Wondering how to make your hair dye last longer? “My best advice is to limit situations that fade your color as much as possible,” says Meaghan Phelps, a colorist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger in New York. “That said, you don’t need to go crazy doing everything.”
We spoke with Phelps and two other professional colorists to learn about the most common hair-color mistakes to avoid. Ahead, learn the simple tips to make your hair color last longer.
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About the experts
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Boost hair health before coloring
Healthy and well-conditioned hair will receive color better. So if your hair is damaged, you’ll want to get it in the best possible shape before dyeing it. You can use hydrating products to boost moisture or try a bond-building treatment, which helps to repair polypeptide chains within your strands, says Tracey Cunningham, a celebrity colorist and Olaplex global brand ambassador. Bond-building treatments are essentially very concentrated deep conditioners that work to repair damage.
Wait a few days before washing
After you’ve gotten your color treatment, wait a bit before jumping in the shower to shampoo. While washing your hair the next day won’t necessarily ruin your fresh color, waiting may give the color a better chance at holding on for longer. “I always recommend waiting two to three days to wash your hair to allow the color to settle in,” says Phelps. Need help stretching it out? A spray or two of dry shampoo can help revive hair that needs a wash.
Avoid overwashing your hair
While we’re on the topic of washing, let’s talk about frequency. You’ve probably heard that shampooing daily can dry out your strands. In fact, overwashing your hair is one of the biggest hair-washing mistakes you can make.
That daily washing habit can fade your color faster too. “A simple rule of thumb to remember is that the more you wash, the quicker the color will fade—especially with semipermanent color and glosses,” says Phelps. So how often should you shampoo?
“Color-treated hair should be washed every two to three days—and if your hair can go longer without being washed, that’s even better,” says Cunningham. “Limiting washes will help preserve the color of your hair.”
Be wary of hard water
No matter your hair-washing routine, make sure you’re also paying attention to your water. Hard water contains chlorine, minerals and calcium that are hard on hair—and they can mess with the chemicals in your color.
One way to check if you have hard water is to simply wash your hands. Did you notice a film on them after washing? Your water is probably hard. You may also notice spots on your drinking glasses after washing them. If you suspect you have hard water, there’s an easy fix. “A showerhead filter can be beneficial in removing these minerals, resulting in softer water that will help preserve hair color vibrancy, reduce damage and improve hair health,” says Abby Haliti, a colorist and the owner of Abby Haliti Color Studio in New York. Most home improvement stores sell showerhead filters.
Don’t shower in hot water
If you’re asking how to make hair color last longer, you’ll want to be sure your water temperature isn’t scorching. While a hot, steamy shower can be relaxing, it’s not the best thing for your dye job. “Hot water opens up the hair cuticle, allowing color to wash out more easily,” says Haliti. “It’s recommended to use lukewarm or cool water to help seal the cuticle and preserve color.”
Can’t break up with hot water? You can still suds up your body with it. Just turn the water down when wetting your stands, shampooing, conditioning and rinsing.
Choose shampoo for color-treated hair
At the bare minimum, you want to select a shampoo that is right for your hair type, specifically one that says it’s for color-treated hair. “Using shampoo designed for colored hair is important because these formulas are typically gentler and free of harsh detergents, like sulfates, which can strip color from your hair,” says Haliti. “They also often contain ingredients that protect and nourish colored hair.”
Use low-alcohol products
If you want to make your hair dye last longer, be mindful of all products you’re using on your hair. Leave-in conditioners, serums and styling products should all be appropriate for color-treated hair. And that means there are a few ingredients you’ll want to steer clear of. “Alcohol can dry hair, which will then look faded, so choose low-alcohol products,” says Haliti. She says that parabens can also accelerate color fading, so it’s wise to avoid those as well.
Limit your use of hot tools
If you use a blow-dryer, curling iron or flat iron often, consider limiting your use, especially if you’ve stripped your hair to go lighter. Using hot tools right after a lightening treatment or on dyed gray hair can further dry out strands. Even if you go darker, being careful with hot tools is wise. Using high temps on your hair can cause dehydration, and this will fade color.
One tip: Use heat protectant sprays when you do use hot tools. These can help prevent damage, maintain color and retain moisture, says Phelps.
Protect your hair from the sun
You protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays, so why not give your hair the same protection? “UV rays will fade your color,” says Haliti. To avoid this, she suggests simple solutions such as wearing a hat, limiting sun exposure or using hair products that have UV protection built in, such as scalp and hair sunscreens.
Beware of chlorine and saltwater
Sunny vacations can offer much-needed relaxation and vitamin D. But if you plan on taking a dip in the ocean or lounging in the pool, consider keeping your hair dry. Swimming in the ocean or a pool won’t do any favors for your color. Saltwater is super drying, while chlorine and pool chemicals can cause dehydration and strip your hair.
Having newly colored hair doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little time in the water, though. “Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before you swim to protect your hair,” says Haliti. “You should also rinse your hair as soon as you finish swimming.” Another option: Wear a swim cap!
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts in their industry. For this piece, Bethany Heitman tapped her experience as a lifestyle writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience, and our editors gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. For this piece, we relied on reputable primary sources, including three well-regarded professional hair colorists. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Tracey Cunningham, celebrity colorist and Olaplex global brand ambassador
- Abby Haliti, colorist and the owner of Abby Haliti Color Studio in New York
- Meaghan Phelps, colorist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger in New York
Originally Published: October 18, 2016
