How to maintain colour treated hair and make it last longer!

Your ultimate guide to keeping your color vibrant, shiny, and healthy.

Coloring your hair is an investment of time, money, and creativity. Whether you’re rocking bright blonde, rich brunette, a dimensional balayage, or a bold fashion shade, proper care can mean the difference between color that fades in two weeks… or color that stays vibrant for months.

Here’s exactly how to maintain color-treated hair to have your results lasting as long as possible.

Wait before you wash.

One of the simplest ways to protect your new color? Don’t wash immediately after your appointment.

Best practice:

• Wait 24–48 hours before your first wash after a color service.

• Especially important for reds, coppers, and vivid tones.

Use a Sulfate-Free, Color-Safe Shampoo

Sulfates strip oils, causing fading and dryness.

Choose:

• Sulfate-free shampoo

• Color-safe, salon-grade formulas

• Moisturizing or bond-building shampoos for damaged or lightened hair

Your stylist’s recommendations matter. Professional products contain specific ingredients which protect your colour from fading, hair from drying out and overall protect the hair from being stripped of excess oils and moisture.

Wash Less Frequently

Water alone fades color, so the more often you wash, the faster it disappears.

Try:

• Washing 2–3 times per week

• Rinsing with cool water, which helps keep the cuticle sealed

Hot water = quicker fading.

Deep Condition Weekly

Color-treated hair tends to be more porous and needs extra moisture to stay smooth and shiny.

Use a mask once per week to:

• Re-hydrate

• Improve elasticity

• Boost shine

• Keep color from looking dull or dry

Look for masks labeled hydrating, repairing, or color-protecting.

 Protect Your Hair From Heat

Heat styling is one of the biggest culprits behind fading.

Before any heat tool:

• Always apply a thermal heat protectant

• Keep temperatures below 350°F / 180°C when possible

• Limit flat-ironing to 1–2 passes per section

Even blow-dryers can fade color if used every day without protection.

Book Glosses and Toner Refreshes

A gloss or toner refresh every 6–8 weeks keeps color looking:
✔ Fresh
✔ Shiny
✔ Balanced
✔ Corrected (goodbye brassiness!)

This is especially crucial for blondes, brunettes with highlights, copper tones, and vivid hues.

Protect Your Color From the Sun

UV rays break down pigment and dry out your hair.

Defend your color by using:

• UV-protectant sprays

• Hats or scarves during long sun exposure

• Styling products with built-in UV filters

Your hair needs SPF just like your skin.

Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater (or Prep Properly)

Chlorine, ocean water, and hard water can dull or distort color.

Before swimming:

• Wet your hair with clean water first (it absorbs less chlorine)

• Apply a leave-in conditioner or mask

• Wear a swim cap, if possible

After swimming:

• Rinse ASAP

• Shampoo with a chelating or clarifying formula once a week (but not daily)

Keep Up With Regular Trims

• Healthy ends hold color better. Dry or split ends fade faster and look dull.

• A trim every 8–12 weeks keeps your hair looking fresh, even as your color grows out.

Follow Your Stylist’s Custom Care Routine

• Every color service is different—your hair might need:
  ✨ Bond repair
  ✨ Hydration
  ✨ Protein
  ✨ Purple or blue shampoo
  ✨ Low-heat styling
  ✨ Glossing appointments

• Following personalized recommendations is the best way to stretch the longevity of your color.

Maintaining color-treated hair doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right products, smart habits, and regular salon visits, your color can stay vibrant, glossy, and beautiful for far longer between appointments.