How To Make Hair Color Last Longer? Tips To Help You Fight Fading

Published June 29, 2024

Whether you’ve just stepped out of the salon with a fresh new hue, or you’ve perfected your color at home, there’s one question on everyone’s mind: how can I make my color last longer? Vibrant and long lasting hair color is more than just about the dye itself. It’s about the care and attention you give your locks every day. 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything about the best practices on how to make your hair color last longer. From choosing the right products to adopting smart hair care routines, we got you. Let’s start. 

How Long Does Hair Dye Last?

1. Temporary hair dye. Suppose you’re just experimenting with changing your hair color. It’s best to start with this. It fades after one or two shampoos. Temporary dyes have a super short lifespan. They sit on the surface of your hair rather than penetrating the hair shaft. It’sThis is a low-maintenance, low-commitment move. 
2. Semi-permanent hair dye is still temporary but crafted to last a bit longer. Semi-permanent formulas plant pigment onto the hair’s surface, changing its tone rather than color. They wash out after four to 12 washing sessions. 
3. Demi-permanent hair dye is similar in formula to semi-permanent hair dye, but it penetrates through the first year of the hair culture. The hair dye is slightly absorbed into your hair. For this reason, it lasts around 12 to 24 shampoos. 
4. Permanent hair dye. It is when you’re locked in long-term. It is at least until you grow out, chop off, or re-color your dyed strands. Permanent dyes use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or ammonia to lighten or darken hair permanently. The chemicals pierce the hair’s cuticle to alter the melanin in your strands. These formulas alter the actual structure of your hair. Thus, the color won’t be out. It is through the wear and tear that it fades.  

How To Make Your Hair Color Last Longer

1. Wait for at least three days before showing post-treatment 

It’s crucial to give your mane time to seal in the hue. It is done so it doesn’t wash out too quickly. 

2. Use color-toning shampoos and conditioners. 

Shop for this variation of shampoos and conditioners. These pigmented products will eliminate unwanted yellow, orange, or red tones that can appear in color strands over time. Purple shampoo and purple conditioners are non-negotiable for lightened locks, which tend to turn brassy yellow over time. They dump violet pigments that neutralize yellow ones, so your shade stays vibrant and authentic to its intended color. 

3. Stick to color-safe products.

Color-safe means a product has been acknowledged as free of harsh chemicals that trigger color fading. Sulfates are one of the biggest enemies when it comes to stripping color. It’s best to shop for sulfate-free shampoos. 

4. Space out your shampoos

Spreading out wash days will help you preserve your hair dye longer. Keep a good dry shampoo in your vanity for the in-between time. A texturizing spray can also help boost volume and revive limp locks between shampoos. 

5. Skip the hot water

Hot water opens up the hair’s cuticle, letting color leak. Before rinsing your hair, turn the temp to lukewarm. Cool or cold water is even better if you can handle it. It’s also healthier for your skin. 

6. Apply a deep conditioner.

Healthy hair is happy hair. And happy hair will cling and hug your hair color. It holds onto it better than dry, damaged locks. Think of your hair shaft as a pine cone. It has layers surrounding the shaft to protect it. A healthy crowing glory has those layers smoothed down and flat to feel soft and shiny. 

7. Stay on schedule

Ruling out how frequently you want to color and adhering to it is a great way to avoid hot roots. Ensure to refresh your roots when regrowth is around an inch long. Doing so helps ensure an even color and prevents “banding.” Banding happens when new roots overlap or extend over old colors. It may make your locks appear darker than the color solely applied to new hair growth, creating a band of lighter color at your roots. 

8. Heighten shine and protection with a hair oil. 

A lightweight hair oil will be your best friend. It can help seal in moisture and give an extra layer of protection for color longevity. It also introduces shine, making your hue look brighter and healthier. 

9. Protect against chemicals and minerals.

We’re talking about the pool here. Plunging your hair into a chlorine body isn’t a thrilling idea. Don’t swim in pools with chlorine, as it will fade your color. Yet, if you do, use a leave-in condition to reduce fading. 

Mix conditioner and water in a spray bottle. Spray it before and after dipping in the pool or ocean water. 

10. Scale back on heat styling. 

Hot tools can actually accelerate the process of color fading from your hair. That is why it’s advised to limit the use of heated styling tools. It is also best to do this, especially in the first few weeks after getting your hair down. 

When you need to use them, turn the temperature down to prevent the heat from pulling the color from your hair. And when you do use the heat, always use hair protection.