How to Help Hair Color Last Longer

To help hair color last longer, it helps to know what takes it away. Color molecules leave the hair a little at every wash, and heat, sunlight and pool water speed up the loss. You cannot stop fading completely, but a few habits can add weeks to a fresh color.

Why color fades

Which colors fade fastest

• Reds and coppers tend to fade quickest.
• Fashion shades such as pink, blue and purple are usually semi-permanent and wash out within weeks.
• Blonde does not "fade" but turns yellow or brassy.
• Dark brown and black last longest, though they can fade to a reddish tone.

Washing habits that protect color

1. Wait 48 to 72 hours after coloring before the first shampoo, or as your colorist advises.
2. Wash less often if your scalp allows it. Dry shampoo at the roots can add a day.
3. Use a color-safe shampoo and apply it to the scalp only. See Color-Protecting Shampoo: What to Look For.
4. Turn the temperature down. Lukewarm water for washing and a cooler rinse.
5. Always condition. Smooth, conditioned hair holds color better.
6. Avoid clarifying and anti-dandruff shampoos in the first weeks unless you need them. They can strip color faster.

Protect color from heat

• Let hair air dry when you can.
• Use a heat protectant and moderate temperatures.
• Avoid passing a flat iron over the same section again and again.

Protect color from sun and water

• Wear a hat or scarf in strong sun, or use a hair product with UV filters.
• Before swimming, wet your hair with tap water and apply conditioner, so that it absorbs less pool or sea water.
• Rinse straight after swimming.
• If you live in a hard-water area, a shower filter or an occasional chelating shampoo may help.

Refresh the tone between appointments

• Color-depositing shampoos, conditioners and masks add a little pigment at each use and suit reds, coppers, browns and fashion shades.
• Purple shampoo counteracts yellow tones in blonde, silver and gray hair. Use it about once a week. Overuse can leave a lilac tint and dry the hair.
• Blue shampoo counteracts orange tones in lightened brown hair.
• A gloss or toner at the salon refreshes shine and tone without a full color.

Keep the hair healthy

Healthy hair with a smooth cuticle holds color longest.

• Use a weekly mask.
• Trim dry ends.
• Space out lightening services.
• Avoid stacking several chemical treatments close together.

Bleached hair is especially porous and loses toner fast. See Bleached Hair Care: Washing and Conditioning Tips.

Choose a shade that suits your routine

Color that is close to your natural shade grows out more softly and needs fewer touch-ups. Vivid shades need the most upkeep. If low maintenance matters, discuss it with your colorist. How to Choose a Hair Color for Your Skin Tone helps you choose a flattering shade, and the Hair Color Planner estimates the upkeep.

A simple weekly plan

1. Shampoo two or three times a week with a color-safe shampoo.
2. Condition at every wash.
3. Use a mask once a week, and a toning product once a week if you need it.
4. Use heat on as few days as possible.

For the full routine, see Color-Treated Hair: A Simple Care Routine.

Related on ArniSun

• Color-Treated Hair: A Simple Care Routine
• Color-Protecting Shampoo: What to Look For
• Bleached Hair Care: Washing and Conditioning Tips
• How to Choose a Hair Color for Your Skin Tone
• Hair Color Planner: Explore Shades and Upkeep

Sources and further reading

• American Academy of Dermatology: Coloring and perming tips for healthier-looking hair
• US Food and Drug Administration: Hair dyes
• American Academy of Dermatology: Tips for healthy hair