There is nothing quite like leaving the salon with beautifully coloured, shiny hair. Whether you have a rich brunette, bright blonde, soft balayage, vibrant copper or a few subtle highlights, you want that colour to stay looking its best for as long as possible.
While some fading is completely normal, the way you care for your hair between salon appointments can make a big difference to how your colour looks and feels.
Washing your hair, heat styling, sun exposure and even the condition of the hair itself can all affect colour longevity. The good news is that a few simple changes to your routine can help keep your salon colour looking vibrant, shiny and healthy for longer.
Wait Before Your First Wash
If you've just had your hair coloured, you may be wondering when you should wash it for the first time.
Rather than giving a strict number of days that applies to everyone, follow the advice your stylist gives you. Different colour services and hair types can require different approaches, and your stylist will know what is best for your particular colour.
Why Does Hair Colour Fade?
Hair colour can fade for several reasons, and some fading is simply part of having coloured hair.
Every time you wash your hair, some colour can be lost, with certain shades such as reds, coppers and fashion colours often more prone to fading. Hot water can also contribute to dryness and colour fading, particularly when hair is washed this way regularly.
Heat styling, UV exposure and the condition of your hair can also play a role.
Hair that is dry, porous or damaged may struggle to hold onto colour as effectively as healthier hair. This is particularly relevant if your hair has been lightened or bleached, as the colouring process can leave the hair more vulnerable to dryness and damage.
This is why maintaining the condition of your hair is just as important as choosing the right colour care products.
1. Don't Wash Your Hair More Than You Need To
One of the simplest ways to help your colour last longer is to avoid washing your hair unnecessarily often.
Shampoo is designed to cleanse the hair and scalp, but frequent washing can contribute to colour fading over time.
If your hair does not need washing every day, try extending the time between washes. How often you need to shampoo will depend on your hair type, scalp and lifestyle, so there is no one routine that works for everyone.
If your hair becomes oily between washes, a dry shampoo can also help you extend the time between shampoos.
2. Use a Shampoo Designed for Coloured Hair
Switching to a professional shampoo designed for colour treated hair is one of the easiest ways to support your colour at home.
Colour care formulas are designed with the needs of coloured hair in mind and can help maintain softness, shine and manageability while you continue with your normal washing routine.
Look for products that are designed to help protect colour and support the condition of the hair.
Our recommendations:
- Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo 300ml – a professional colour care shampoo designed to help maintain shine and protect the look of colour treated hair.
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo 266ml – a moisturising shampoo that is particularly suited to dry, colour treated hair, helping keep hair feeling soft and conditioned.
- Angel Orange Flower Shining Colour Shampoo 400ml – a colour care shampoo designed to minimise colour fade and maintain hair colour at its most vibrant.
3. Turn Down the Temperature
Hot water might feel relaxing, but it is not the best choice for maintaining your salon colour.
Very hot water can contribute to dryness and may accelerate colour fading, particularly when hair is washed this way regularly.
Instead, try washing your hair with comfortably warm water and finishing with a slightly cooler rinse.
Your hair will thank you for it.
4. Use Conditioner Every Time You Wash
Keeping coloured hair well conditioned is an important part of maintaining its overall appearance.
Colour treated hair can become dry, particularly when it has also been lightened or exposed to regular heat styling. When hair feels dry and rough, it can also look dull, making your colour appear less vibrant.
Use a conditioner suited to your hair type every time you shampoo, concentrating on the mid lengths and ends.
For hair that needs additional moisture or care, adding a weekly treatment can also help maintain softness and manageability.
Our recommendations:
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner 300ml – designed to complement the Acidic Color Gloss range and help maintain the shine and condition of colour treated hair.
Pureology Hydrate Conditioner 266ml – a rich moisturising conditioner designed for dry, colour treated hair.
Angel Orange Flower Shining Colour Conditioner 400ml – a colour care conditioner designed to help maintain colour while keeping colour treated hair soft, smooth and conditioned.
5. Don't Overdo the Heat Styling
Heat styling can affect the condition of your hair, and maintaining healthy hair is an important part of keeping your colour looking its best.
If you regularly use a hair dryer, straightener, curling wand or heated brush, always use a heat protectant, such as ghd Bodyguard Heat Protection Spray 120ml.
Try to use the lowest effective temperature and avoid repeatedly going over the same section of hair.
The healthier and smoother your hair feels, the easier it is to maintain that salon finish.
6. Protect Your Hair From the Sun
We often remember to protect our skin from the sun, but our hair can also be affected by UV exposure.
Spending time in the sun can contribute to dryness and may cause some hair colours to appear faded or less vibrant over time.
If you are going to be outside for an extended period, consider wearing a hat or using hair products that offer UV protection where appropriate.
This is particularly worth considering during summer holidays, beach days and long periods spent outdoors.
7. Be Careful With Chlorine and Salt Water
Swimming can be hard on coloured hair, particularly when you are regularly swimming in chlorinated pools or spending lots of time in the ocean.
Chlorine and salt water can contribute to dryness and may affect the appearance of colour.
If you are swimming, wetting your hair with fresh water beforehand can help reduce how much pool or salt water your hair absorbs.
You can also rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water after swimming and follow with a suitable conditioner or treatment.
If you swim regularly, speak to your stylist about the best routine for your particular colour and hair type.
8. Look After the Condition of Your Hair
Colour longevity is about more than just shampoo.
The condition of your hair can have a big impact on how your colour looks between appointments. Hair that is dry, porous or damaged can be more difficult to keep looking smooth and shiny.
This is particularly important for blonde, highlighted and lightened hair.
Adding a strengthening or repairing treatment to your routine can help support the overall condition of your hair between salon visits.
Our recommendations:
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector 100ml – a pre shampoo treatment designed to help improve the condition and strength of damaged hair.
K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask 50ml – a leave in treatment designed to help restore strength and improve the condition of damaged hair.
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment 150ml – a treatment designed to help strengthen and condition damaged hair.
9. Choose Products That Suit Your Colour
Not every colour needs exactly the same routine.
A blonde may need a purple shampoo to help manage unwanted yellow tones, while a vibrant copper or fashion colour may benefit from products specifically designed for maintaining vivid shades.
Brunettes may need a different approach again, particularly if the goal is to maintain richness and shine.
Our recommendations:
Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Shampoo 250ml – a purple toning shampoo designed specifically for blonde and grey hair that hydrates as it cleanses.
Olaplex No.5P Blonde Enhancer Purple Conditioner 250ml – a purple toning conditioner for blonde and grey hair that neutralises brassiness while repairing everyday damage.
For a personalised recommendation, complete our FREE Online Hair Consultation to receive personalised product recommendations and expert advice from our experienced salon stylists, tailored to your hair type, concerns and hair goals.
10. Don't Forget About Your Salon Appointments
Even the best home haircare routine cannot completely replace your salon appointments.
Depending on your colour, you may need regular toning, glossing, root touch ups or other maintenance to keep your colour looking its best.
Your stylist can also assess the condition of your hair and recommend adjustments to your home routine as your colour and hair needs change.
How Often Should You Refresh Your Hair Colour?
There is no one size fits all answer, as it depends on your colour, the service you've had and how quickly your hair grows.
Some colours require more regular maintenance than others. Root regrowth can also become noticeable at different rates depending on your natural colour and the contrast with your salon colour.
Your stylist will be able to recommend a maintenance schedule based on your individual colour and how quickly your hair grows.
In between appointments, the right routine can help you get more from your salon colour and keep it looking fresh for longer.
What About Colour Depositing Products?
Colour depositing shampoos, conditioners and masks can be useful for certain hair colours.
They can help refresh or enhance tones between salon appointments, which can be particularly helpful for colours that tend to fade quickly.
However, they are not suitable for every colour or every person. Using the wrong shade can affect the result you are trying to achieve.
If you are considering a colour depositing product, complete our FREE Online Hair Consultation. We can help you understand which colour depositing product is right for your hair.
So, How Can You Make Your Hair Colour Last Longer?
You cannot stop your hair colour from ever fading, but you can help slow the process and keep your hair looking healthier between appointments.
The most important things to remember are:
- Wash your hair only when needed
- Use a professional colour care shampoo and conditioner
- Avoid very hot water
- Use heat protection when styling
- Limit unnecessary heat exposure
- Protect your hair from prolonged sun exposure
- Take extra care when swimming
- Use regular treatments if your hair needs additional care
- Choose products suited to your specific colour
- Keep up with your recommended salon appointments
Looking after coloured hair does not have to mean completely changing your routine. A few simple swaps and habits can make a noticeable difference to how your hair looks and feels between salon visits.
And if you are unsure what your colour treated hair needs, complete our FREE Online Hair Consultation. We can recommend a routine that works with your colour, hair type and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop my hair colour from fading so quickly?
You cannot completely prevent colour fading, but you can help slow it down by washing your hair less frequently, using colour care products, avoiding very hot water and protecting your hair from heat and excessive sun exposure.
What shampoo is best for coloured hair?
A professional shampoo specifically designed for colour treated hair is a good place to start. Redken, Pureology, and Angel en Provence all offer options for different colour treated hair needs.
Should I wash my hair less after getting it coloured?
If your hair does not need frequent washing, extending the time between washes can help reduce colour fading. However, your ideal washing frequency depends on your scalp, hair type and lifestyle.
Does hot water fade hair colour?
Hot water can contribute to colour fading and dryness, particularly when hair is washed in very hot water regularly. Washing with comfortably warm water is a better option for colour treated hair.
Does heat styling fade hair colour?
Regular heat styling can affect the condition of coloured hair and contribute to dryness. Using a heat protectant and avoiding unnecessarily high temperatures can help reduce the impact of heat styling.
How can I keep blonde hair looking fresh between appointments?
Blonde hair can benefit from a colour care routine designed specifically for blonde or lightened hair. Depending on your blonde and the tones you are trying to maintain, your stylist may recommend a purple shampoo or other colour enhancing product.
Is K18 or Olaplex good for coloured hair?
Both K18 and Olaplex offer treatments designed to support the condition of damaged hair. They can be particularly useful for hair that has been coloured, lightened or regularly exposed to heat styling. Your stylist can recommend which treatment is best suited to your hair.
Can I use colour depositing shampoo at home?
Yes, colour depositing shampoos and conditioners can be useful for maintaining certain shades between salon appointments. However, it is important to choose the correct shade for your hair, as the wrong product can affect your colour. If you are unsure, ask your stylist before using one.
