Fed Up With Your Hair Colour Fading?

There’s nothing more satisfying than walking out of the salon with your hair revived and refreshed by the skilled hands of your stylist. Whether you’ve chosen to enhance your natural hues or opted for a complete colour change, nothing beats the way fresh colour gives your hair a mirror-like shine.

Unfortunately, this feeling only lasts for so long. After a few washes, you may find that your hair is already starting to look dull and lacklustre. But before you jump to conclusions and rush back to the salon, there may be a few steps you’ve missed in your aftercare routine.

People tend to forget that haircare doesn’t begin and end at the salon – there are some things you need to do to give your hair colour a chance at lasting.

Wash wisely

Have you ever been shocked by the colour of the water running down the plughole during the first wash after a professional colour service? Seeing a lot of colour residue come out in the shower is perfectly normal, but there are ways to help your colour cling on in the weeks that follow.

Washing your hair a little less often than usual is a reliable way to retain your hair colour. Most semi and demi-permanent colours are only made to last a certain number of washes, so the longer you can spread those washes out, the better. And while you’re at it, try turning down the temperature of your water. Hot water causes the cuticle to open and release colour molecules, which accelerates the fading process. Obviously, a cold shower isn’t ideal for everyone, but even a few degrees less will be kinder to your colour.

Heat is a hindrance

Using excessive heat on your hair can cause damage and disrupt colour molecules, making your hair look dry and dull. If you can’t compromise on using straighteners every day, then a heat protector is a must in your styling routine.

Heat protectors coat the hair strands, creating a lightweight barrier against heated styling tools. However, these products aren’t miracle workers, so easing off on the straighteners is still the best way to slow down the fading process.

In the summer months, heat and UV rays from the sun can also play their part in fading your hair colour. Protect your hair as you would your skin with UV protection products, and your colour will continue to shine.

Time to top up

It would be unrealistic to suggest that you return to the salon every fortnight to have your stylist refresh your colour. However, there are plenty of products on the market that can help keep your colour vibrant between visits.

Colour masks and conditioners are formulated with colour deposits that are absorbed by your hair and sit on top of your existing colour. They also help keep hair soft and shiny, especially if it has been bleach-treated, which can dry hair out.

Alternatively, you can ask your hairdresser whether there’s a semi-permanent colour you can apply at home until your roots need professional attention. Your stylist should be happy to recommend something, as it might make their job easier and your next salon bill potentially cheaper. But remember: your stylist knows more about colouring than you do, so follow their recommendation or you could compromise the results.

Cool Blades stocks a wide range of hair colours from brands such as Osmo Ikon, Crazy Color, Wella and more. Browse our selection of professional salon colours to keep your hair colour looking brighter and bolder than ever.