“Why does my hair dye fade so fast?”. We know the pain of washing your hair and watching your color slowly fade away. It’s like watching your money go down the drain! So, in this post, we will discuss tips and tricks to help you maintain your hair color and make it last longer. Whether you’ve recently dyed your hair or you’re looking to refresh your existing color, we’ve got you covered. We’ll cover everything from prepping your hair before coloring, to post-coloring maintenance, and even offer advice on the best products to use to keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy. By following these simple steps, you can extend the life of your hair color and enjoy a fresh, vibrant look for longer. So, let’s get started!
I. What Effect Will Color Have On My Hair?
The location of the color on the hair shaft will vary depending on the color product you use. Permanent colors sit deep within, settling in the cortex, whereas more temporary colors will lie on the cuticle. This explains how quickly the color will fade depending on the absorption into the hair. Bleach removes color through a process called oxidation, raising the cuticle every time it is used. So if you’re looking to significantly lighten your color, it’s vitally important to prepare the hair with care.
II. How To Prepping Your Hair Before Coloring?
Before your next color appointment, it’s a good shout to prep your hair by using a clarifying shampoo and a deep conditioning mask. Hot oil treatment is another great way to condition hair around a week before your color service. You also want to skip using your hair products, especially heavy ones that can build up on your strands. This will ensure that your stylist has the best base for applying the color and that it’ll go on evenly without any patches.
On the day of coloring, don’t wash your hair. Having natural oils present will help the stylist achieve a more even color result. Although if you are having highlights, keep your hair clean to help the color lift. Your last wash before coloring the hair should be with a clarifying shampoo. This will help to remove any product build-up and ensure your hair is clean. This may not sound like a big deal but having a clean base could make a big difference in how long your color lasts.
Besides, keeping hair in great condition with regular trims will ensure the ends of your hair take on color with the same intensity as the rest of the hair shaft.
III. The Golden Tips To Extend The Life of Your Hair Color
Tips #1: 72-Hour Rule
To deposit color onto your strands, hair dye works by lifting the cuticle. However, cuticles can take up to three days to fully close, so if you wash your hair too soon, you may be washing your new color away. You’ll still want to wash your hair as little as possible after 72 hours to keep it from fading. Washing your hair too often fades color-treated tresses. So, how often should you wash colored hair? We recommend washing no more than 2 to 3 times a week to help preserve your shade and natural oils, and you can freshen up your roots with dry shampoo in between washes.
Tips #2: Pick The Right Shampoo
Picking the right shampoo is one of, if not THE most important thing if you want to maintain your color. Shampoos that contain sulfates will strip your hair like nothing else so you’ll definitely want to avoid those and go for a gentle alternative. There are loads of shampoos that are specifically formulated for your hair color and that will deposit color pigments onto your strands to keep them looking fresh. We’d definitely recommend checking out the John Frieda Brilliant range which has specific products for every color, including shampoos and styling products.
Tips To Make Hair Color Last Longer #3: Put Away The Hot Tool
Hot tools can actually speed up the process of color fading from your hair. That’s why we recommend limiting your use of heated styling tools, especially in the first few weeks after getting your hair done. When you do style your hair just make sure that you’re using a thermal heat protectant and try not to hold the heat on your hair for too long.
Tips #4: Keep It Hydrated
Dry and damaged hair won’t hold onto color and as the dyeing process can be quite damaging you want to make sure you’re regularly pumping your strands with moisture. Using a hair mask once a week and a leave-in conditioner will make a massive difference; not only to how long it lasts but also to the overall health of your hair. We’d recommend the Olaplex No.3 hair protector for this, which will help to rebuild and strengthen your hair.
Tips To Make Hair Color Last Longer #5: Use An SPF
Now that the weather is warming up, this is something you should definitely consider! The sun will quickly fade your dye job, so make sure you have a barrier in place, especially if you’re going to be sunbathing. We recommend the Ultra Sun Daily UV Hair Protector for this, which is a lightweight spray that protects your color from the sun while leaving it soft and shiny.
IV. Conclusion
Thank you for reading! By following these tips, you can keep your hair color looking fresh and vibrant for longer. Remember to use color-safe products, protect your hair from the sun and heat, and nourish your hair with regular treatments. With a little bit of effort, you can make your hair color last longer and enjoy beautiful, healthy-looking hair.