We all love the transformation that a fresh hair color can bring—whether it’s a subtle balayage, bold highlights, or a full-on hair color change. But one of the biggest challenges that comes with coloring your hair is keeping it vibrant and fresh between salon visits. Hair color can fade quickly due to exposure to sun, heat, and environmental factors. So, how can you make sure your new hue stays as vibrant as the day you walked out of the salon? Here’s your ultimate guide to protecting your hair color and keeping it looking gorgeous for weeks to come.
Why Does Hair Color Fade?
Before diving into the best ways to protect your hair color, it’s important to understand why it fades in the first place:
- Shampooing
Frequent washing can strip your hair of its color, especially if you’re using regular shampoos with sulfates. Sulfates are harsh detergents that break down the hair shaft, causing the color molecules to wash out. - Sun Exposure
Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by UV rays. The sun’s rays break down the hair cuticle, causing color to fade faster. If your hair is color-treated, this process can be accelerated. - Heat Styling
Styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause color to fade more quickly. The heat opens the hair cuticle, allowing color to escape.
Swimming
Chlorine and saltwater can strip hair color, leaving it dull and faded. These chemicals can also cause dryness and damage to the hair.
Tips for Protecting Your Hair Color
1 Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
One of the easiest ways to keep your color vibrant is by using color-safe hair care products. These shampoos and conditioners are specially formulated to be gentle on color-treated hair and prevent fading. Look for sulfate-free products that hydrate and protect your hair while preserving the color.
2
Wash Less Often
The less you wash your hair, the longer your color will last. Try to wash your hair 2-3 times a week, and use dry shampoo on non-wash days to keep your hair fresh and voluminous.
3 Rinse with Cool Water
Hot water can open the hair cuticle, allowing color to escape. When washing your hair, rinse with cool or lukewarm water to help seal the cuticle and lock in your color.
4 Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from UV rays. Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection to shield your strands from sun damage. There are also sprays available that help protect hair color from fading due to sun exposure.
5 Limit Heat Styling
Heat styling is one of the biggest culprits in causing color to fade. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray to create a barrier between your hair and the styling tools. Try to limit the use of heat tools to special occasions, and embrace your natural texture on other days.
6 Get Regular Touch-Ups
Hair color naturally fades over time due to hair growth and environmental exposure. Schedule regular touch-ups with your stylist to maintain a fresh, vibrant look.
7 Deep Condition Your Hair
Coloring your hair can lead to dryness, so it’s essential to keep your hair moisturized. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to nourish your hair and keep it soft and shiny. Look for products designed specifically for color-treated hair, as these provide extra hydration and protection.
8 Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater
If you’re swimming in a pool or the ocean, try to protect your hair by wearing a swim cap or applying a leave-in conditioner beforehand. Chlorine and saltwater can strip the color from your hair, leaving it dry and faded.
9 Use a Color-Depositing Conditioner
Color-depositing conditioners are a great way to refresh your hair color between salon visits. These conditioners deposit a small amount of color onto your strands, helping to maintain the vibrancy of your hue.
Sleep on Silk or Satin
Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, which may lead to color fading and hair breakage. Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase, which will be gentler on your color-treated hair and help preserve your style.
How Appearances Salon Can Help Protect Your Hair Color
At Appearances Salon, we know how important it is to maintain your color and keep it looking fresh and vibrant. Our expert stylists can recommend the best products and techniques for your specific hair color, and we offer professional deep conditioning treatments and color touch-ups to keep your locks looking stunning.
Ready to extend the life of your hair color? Call (217) 546-3777, book online, or stop by Appearances Salon to schedule a consultation or touch-up today! Let us help you keep your hair vibrant and beautiful for as long as possible.
