1. Choose the right shampoo and conditioner
Using the right shampoo and conditioner that’s formulated for your hair type can make a huge difference, so tap into your hair stylist’s wisdom to discover the options that might work for you. Colour-safe shampoos and conditioners can also help to protect your colour from fading and keep your hair healthy.
2. Wash your hair less often
Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and damaged. If you’re a ‘shampoo every day or bust’ kind of girl, it’s worth retraining yourself to embrace the ‘dirtier’ days. Avoid washing over weekends, for example, or only wash every second day to start cultivating healthier, shinier hair. You can use a dry shampoo between washes to absorb excess oil — and anyway, slightly dirtier hair can be way easier to style if you want to experiment with some fun new hairstyles. Hair accessories are your friends! If you simply must wash every day, invest in the best shampoo, conditioner and hair styling products you can afford to keep your crowning glory glowing.
3. Embrace a cold water rinse
Not just good for a quick energy boost in the morning, rinsing your hair with cold water helps to seal the hair cuticle, locking in your colour and preventing it from fading too quickly. Hot water, on the other hand, can open up the hair cuticle and cause the colour to fade faster. Since we know that the skin on our faces much prefer colder temperatures to scalding water, too, it’s a good idea to set your shower to ‘chill’.
4. (Don’t) let the sunshine in
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: the sun can be harmful to your hair, especially if it’s colour-treated. UV rays can cause your hair colour to fade and become dull, and too much sun exposure is bad for your scalp and skin, too. To protect your hair from the sun, wear a hat or use a UV protection spray when you're planning to spend loads of time outdoors.
5. Use a heat protectant when styling
If you use heat styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, or blow dryers, make sure you use a heat protectant spray to protect your hair from damage and keep your colour looking vibrant. Heat can damage your hair and cause the colour to fade faster, so we’d suggest embracing air drying whenever you can. (It frees up time for an extra cup of tea or morning stretch, too!)
6. Cut down on chlorine (and salt water)
Chlorine can be very damaging to colour-treated hair. And, we’re sorry to say, so is prolonged exposure to saltwater (for those of us who just can’t resist an ocean dip!) Both can make hair colour and toner fade much faster, stripping your hair’s natural oils and adding that extra touch of dullness. If you're planning on swimming, wear a swim cap to protect your hair from exposure to chlorine and saltwater. If swim caps just aren’t your vibe, wet your hair with clean water before you get in the pool - this will keep it from absorbing as much chlorine or salt. After a long day at the beach, use a good clarifying shampoo to give your mane some extra TLC.
7. Go easy on the styling products
Styling products like gels, mousses, and hairsprays can build up on your hair and cause it to look dull and lifeless. We say, free your hair! (Especially if you’re trying to cut down on washing it too much…) Try to use styling products sparingly, embracing your natural hair quirks, and make sure you wash your hair thoroughly after heavy styling days.
8. Get regular trims
Yes, even when growing your hair - regular trimming prevents split ends, keeps your style looking good and generally improves hair health. (Also, getting a regular head massage from your favourite hair stylist is a guaranteed mood booster, and who doesn’t want more of that?) Split ends can make your hair look dry and damaged, stealing vibrancy away from your hair colour. Aim to get a trim every six to eight weeks to keep your hair looking its best.
9. Use a colour-refreshing product
If your colour starts to fade between salon visits, try using a colour-refreshing product. These products are designed to boost your hair colour and keep it looking fresh and vibrant. You can find colour-refreshing products in the form of shampoos, conditioners, and masks.
10. Be patient
Lastly, be patient! Hair colour is always a journey. It fades over time, even if you take good care of it. And depending on the hues and tints you choose, some colours can fade faster than others. It’s all about the journey, and embracing a sense of play (and commitment to hair maintenance!) Enjoy your colour while it lasts, and remember, if you’re not happy with it, you can always change it!
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