Keeping your hair colour vibrant for as long as possible after getting it done at the hair salon is something everyone would want. Knowing how to maintain hair colour plays a huge role in how long your colour stays vibrant and stunning. Hair colour naturally fades over time, but with the right habits, products and care routine, you can maintain its vibrancy and prevent fast fading.
Below, we’ll explore why hair colour fades, essential after-care tips, recommended salon treatments, at-home hair care routines, and common mistakes to avoid. If you want to maintain hair colour easily and effectively, be sure to follow our tips below!
Why Hair Colour Fades Over Time
Have you ever wondered why your hair colour tends to fade over time, even though your hairdresser used the most premium product? These are some of the main reasons why:
1. Hair Porosity
Coloured hair tends to be more porous. This means your hair cuticles open more easily, allowing pigment molecules to escape faster whenever you wash or expose your hair to heat.
2. Sun Exposure
If you’re always spending time under the sun, the harmful UV rays can break down the hair colour pigments. This can cause fading and dryness, especially for red, brown, and fashion hair colours.
3. Washing too Often
Frequent washing with shampoo can strip away the natural oils of your hair, including the colour pigments. The more you wash your hair, the quicker the colour will fade.
4. Use of Harsh Products
Using harsh products like shampoo with sulphates or hair styling products with alcohol can quicken the process of your hair fading.
5. Heat Tools
Those who use heat styling tools often will notice fading quickly as the heat can weaken the colour molecules. This includes using curling irons, blow dryers or hair straighteners.
6. Water Temperature
Yes, the water temperature does affect your hair colour. Hot water lifts the hair cuticle, allowing pigments to escape. This can cause dullness and fading.
Essential Tips to Maintain Hair Colour
Thankfully, there are several ways you can ensure your hair colour doesn’t fade too much! Check out some of these effective ways on how to maintain hair colour:
1. Use Colour-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
This is the number one rule to maintain hair colour. Regular shampoos may contain sulphates, parabens, and harsh detergents that strip away dye quickly.
Some of the factors you should look for in a colour-safe shampoo would be a sulphate-free formula, hydrating ingredients like argan oil, UV protection and gentle cleansing. A colour-safe conditioner also helps seal the cuticle, lock in moisture, and prevent tangling, which reduces breakage and colour loss.
2. Reduce Washing Frequency
Wondering how to maintain hair colour? Washing your hair too often is actually one of the fastest ways to fade your salon colour. The ideal washing schedule to maintain hair colour would be 2 to 3 times per week.
You should also use dry shampoo in between washes to keep it looking fresh. Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water instead of hot water. As long as you maintain fewer washes, you can maintain its vibrancy.
3. Avoid Hot Water When Washing
Hot water opens the hair cuticle, causing pigments to leak out. The best practice would be to wash and rinse hair with lukewarm water. You can also finish off by rinsing your hair with cool water to seal the cuticles. This simple method to maintain hair colour can greatly improve how long your hair colour lasts.
4. Protect Hair from Sun Exposure
The sun is one of the biggest reasons why fading happens to your coloured hair. UV rays cause colour fading, brassiness, dryness, and frizz. To protect your hair outdoors, you can wear a hat or scarf. Besides that, you can also use UV-protection hair sprays or apply leave-in conditioners with sun filters.
Avoid outdoor activities during peak sunlight if possible. This is especially important if you have red colour, ash colours, or blonde highlights.
5. Limit Heat Styling
Heat styling increases moisture loss and causes colour pigments to break down. To preserve your shade and maintain hair colour, you should use heat tools only when necessary and always apply heat protectant. You can also lower the temperature settings and air-dry if possible.
Recommended Salon Treatments for Colour Longevity
To give your coloured hair long-lasting vibrancy and shine, incorporating professional salon treatments makes a big difference. These treatments are formulated to strengthen hair, repair damage, and lock in colour molecules more effectively.
1. Colour Gloss or Toning Treatment
This treatment is great for blonde, brown and ash shades. Glossing treatments refresh the tone, neutralise brassiness, and add shine. They help your colour look fresh between appointments.
2. Bond-Repair Treatments
Treatments like Olaplex, K18, or salon-grade bond builders repair damaged hair and reinforce its structure. Healthy hair retains colour better and keeps pigments locked in longer.
3. Deep Moisturising Treatment
Hydration is essential because dry hair fades much faster. A salon hydrating mask or steam treatment replenishes moisture and strengthens the hair cuticle.
4. Scalp Detox Treatment
A healthy scalp promotes stronger hair growth. Detoxing the scalp removes buildup that can make hair dull or heavy, making your colour appear more vibrant.
Homecare Routine for Coloured Hair
Maintaining your colour at home isn’t that difficult. Follow this simple weekly routine to keep your coloured hair healthy and vibrant:
For Daily Care
- Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner
- Use hair serum to protect against humidity and dryness
- Avoid rough brushing of hair
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction
For Weekly Care
Use a hydrating hair mask (1 to 2 times a week). Choose a mask designed for coloured hair with nourishing ingredients like keratin, coconut oil, or amino acids.
For Monthly Care
- Do a Bond-Repair Home Treatment: Bond repairers strengthen hair and reduce breakage.
- Trim Your Hair Ends: Split ends make colour look dull and uneven. Regular trims help maintain a clean look.
Common Mistakes That Cause Colour Fading
Even with the best hair products, certain everyday habits can ruin your colour fast. Avoid these common hair mistakes to avoid fading and maintain hair colour:
- Washing Hair Immediately After Colouring: Always wait 48 to 72 hours to allow pigments to settle fully.
- Using Sulphate Shampoos: Avoid using these shampoos as they strip oils and fade colour quickly.
- Skipping Heat Protectant: Any heat tool without protectant can cause instant colour damage.
- Not Protecting Hair from Chlorine: Pool water contains chlorine, which can turn blonde hair greenish, cause fading in all colours and dry out the hair. Use a swimmer’s cap or apply a protective conditioner before swimming.
- Overusing Clarifying Shampoos: These shampoos are meant to remove buildup but also remove colour pigments. Use only once every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Overprocessing Hair with Repeated Colouring: Too many chemical processes weaken hair, leading to colour fading and damage.
Conclusion
Maintaining your freshly coloured hair doesn’t have to be too troublesome. As long as you follow the right tips and habits on how to maintain hair colour, such as using colour-safe products, protecting your hair from heat or UV rays, and keeping your hair moisturised, you can maintain the vibrancy and shine of your colour for weeks or even months.
If you’re ready for a fresh colour, a touch-up, or professional treatments to help maintain hair colour, visit M Concept Hair Salon in Melaka or M Concept Hair Salon in Johor Bahru for professional hair colour services! We guarantee that your hair will be in good hands with us!
