Permanent hair color should be permanent, right?
Unfortunately, even the most permanent hair color won’t last forever. While it is typical to start seeing your color fade after about five weeks, if you have dry or porous hair, it might happen even sooner. But there are a few things you can do (and avoid) to delay fading of your glorious color. Read on for our five best tips!
1. Go for the Cold
As tempting as it is to relax in a hot bath or shower, be aware of the water temperature. Hot water tends to open your hair cuticles, allowing the color to release easier. If cold showers just aren’t for you, try rinsing your hair in lukewarm water. The cooler the water is used on your hair, the longer that color holds up.
2. Delay the Shampoo
Postpone shampooing until a full 24 hours have passed after your color treatment. If you can wait 48 hours, that’s even better!
Limiting how often you shampoo is also a good idea. Try freshening up your color-treated hair with dry shampoo. When you do wash that new ‘do, be sure to use a color-safe, PH-balanced product.
3. Keep it Conditioned!
Keep your hair color vibrant and shining with a color-safe brand of conditioner designed for colored hair.
To give your hair an extra special treat, do a deep-conditioning treatment. Normal conditioner quickly rinses out in a shower, but a good deep conditioner can be left on your hair for an hour or more. These treatments give your hair a chance to refresh and repair. Treat yourself at a salon or DIY at home.
4. Rethink the Pool
Chlorine is notorious for causing fading or distorting color. It’s best to put off swimming for at least 24 hours after your color treatment. The longer you wait, the better.
Before and after swimming, it’s smart to rinse your hair with cool water. And if you’re super serious about minimizing color fade, wear a swimming cap as an extra precaution.
5. Practice Sun Safety
Sunscreen isn’t just for your skin! If you’ve color-treated your hair, you’ll want to guard against UV rays. But be sure to use sun protection specially designed for hair (don’t just go slathering a bunch of Banana Boat all over your locks).
Following these tips might help your gorgeous color from fading, but sometimes, it can still happen much faster than we’d like. So love your color while it lasts, and when it’s faded out, time to rock something new and fresh!
