Buzz
Image: Vasilina Popova/Getty ImagesThere's nothing like the fresh-from-the-salon feeling: your hair color is rich, shiny, and full of life, and you walk out with a little extra confidence. But as the weeks pass, that vibrant glow starts to fade. Why? Well, there are some key steps you can take to ensure your hair stays looking its best. Keep reading for expert-approved tips on how to maintain that salon-fresh look for as long as possible.
1. Skip the Wash for 48 Hours
You might not feel the urge to wash your hair right after a fresh cut, color, and style, but in case you’re tempted to jump in the shower, we recommend holding off. Celebrity stylist Cody Renegar suggests waiting so the pigment can fully settle into your hair. “Washing too soon can cause the color to fade,” Renegar cautions. And, of course, avoid exposing your hair to hot tubs or pools—those can be even worse!
2. Limit Your Shampooing
Even permanent hair dye fades with time, and frequent shampooing is a major factor in that. We're not suggesting you skip shampoo entirely, but reducing how often you lather up (and using less shampoo overall) will definitely help. “Try washing your hair no more than two or three times a week,” advises Glenn Ellis, a celebrity stylist. “This can significantly extend the life of your color.”
3. Invest in High-Quality Shampoo
Ask any stylist what mistake clients most often make, and many will point to “using the wrong shampoo.” (Overuse of heat tools is also a common culprit, but we’ll save that for later!) When you spend money on a professional color job, it only makes sense to invest a bit in your hair care products too.
“Color-treated and chemically processed hair is often dry,” says Renegar. “It’s essential to use a moisture-rich shampoo to hydrate and rejuvenate the hair while preserving its tone. These shampoos are also gentle on the hair, making them ideal for maintaining healthy strands and preventing your color from fading.”
4. Rinse Your Hair with Cold Water
In addition to frequent shampooing, washing your hair with hot water can accelerate color fading. “Hot water speeds up color loss, particularly with vibrant hues,” explains Ellis. Rinsing with cool or cold water not only reduces fading but also helps seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and keeping your scalp and strands hydrated.
5. Protect Your Hair from the Sun
The sun can damage just about anything, including your hair, says Ellis. “Prolonged sun exposure will cause your color to fade, so try to limit it.” This doesn’t mean you have to become a recluse, but wearing a stylish hat, using an umbrella, staying in the shade, and using hair products with UV protection are smart ways to shield your color from the sun’s harmful rays.
6. Always Use a Heat Protectant
Color-treated hair is already more vulnerable to damage, which makes it even more important to shield it from heat styling tools. “A heat protectant creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing color from fading,” explains Renegar. “It also helps avoid dryness, which can lead to frizz and split ends.” He suggests applying the protectant while your hair is still damp after shampooing.
7. Book a Toning Treatment
No matter how well you care for your color, it will naturally fade over time. To keep that just-done feeling, consider scheduling a toning or glazing treatment between salon visits. This semi-permanent toner helps eliminate brassiness, while enhancing your color’s vibrancy and shine. Plan it for a day when you could also enjoy a fresh blowout to maximize the results of the treatment.
