When you get your hair dyed, it looks amazing, but the color and vibrancy fades quickly after your appointment.
There are multiple reasons your hair color can fade, like over-washing, heat styling, sun exposure and everyday product build-up. There are ways to keep your hair color vibrant and true to color for longer…
Why Hair Color Fades So Quickly
Fresh hair color looks rich and glossy at first, but everyday factors immediately start to break down the color, and start to wash it out.
Hair color relies on tiny color molecules, which are lodged inside your hair shaft. When your hair cuticle lifts, those color molecules slip out quickly, which leaves your hair color looking dull or brassy.
Your natural hair porosity also plays a role in how quick your color fades. If your hair is highly porous, it absorbs hair color fast, but it also loses color fast, as the hair cuticle acts like an open door. Heat styling, chemical treats and rough handling of your hair, all increase your hair porosity over time.
UV exposure also affects your hair color, as sunlight degrades the color molecules, so your hair color fades even when you’re not washing it.
Start With A Color Safe Shampoo
Many of your daily habits strip color molecules from your hair, and the shampoo you use makes a big difference.
You need to be using a shampoo that is specifically designed for dyed hair, as they contain color safe ingredients which will gently cleanse your hair, rather than scrubbing the pigment away.
Look for sulfate free shampoos, as strong sulfates create a big lather, but also open your hair cuticle, letting the color leak out faster.
Look for moisturizing shampoo formulas. If your hair is hydrated, it keeps the cuticle smoother, so your hair looks shinier and less dull.
Check the label for a balanced pH balance, ideally slightly acidic, which helps to keep the cuticle sealed and your color locked in.
Wash Your Hair Less Often
Even if you’re using color-safe shampoos, washing your hair too often will also fade your shade faster.
Reduce the amount of color lost with each hair wash, but spacing your shampoos to every few days or even weekly, depending on your scalp.
When you’re drying your hair, gently squeeze the water out with a microfiber towel, and let your hair air-dry when possible, to reduce any stress on your hair’s cuticle.
Also, wear protective hairstyles, like braids, buns or sleek ponytails to disguise any oil, reduce the friction and stop the ends from rubbing on your clothes.
Turn Down The Water Temperature
If the water is too hot, it opens your hair cuticle wide, which lets the color molecules wash down the drain. Higher water temperatures also speed up the heat damage, leaving your hair rough and dull, and more likely to fade after salon color treatments.
Cooler water helps your hair cuticle lie flatter, improving your hair’s moisture retention, so your hair feels softer and reflects more light. It can also help your scalp with less dryness and irritation.
Plus, when your hair’s cuticle is smoother, leave-in products, serums and color-protecting formulas coat the hair more evenly.
