6 Tips on How to Maintain Your Hair Color

Do you have colored hair? If so, you'll probably want to make it last. It's frustrating when you spend the time, as well as money, to color your hair, only for it to fade back to its original color just a few weeks later. You can maintain your hair color for a longer length of time, however, by following these six tips.

#1) Don't Wash For 72 Hours

Avoid washing your hair for at least 72 hours after getting it colored. It takes a while for the dye to fully penetrate your hair. If you wash your hair too soon, you may inadvertently strip the dye before it sets.

#2) Choose a Professional Hair Coloring Service

For the greatest protection against premature fading, choose a professional hair coloring service rather than an at-home DIY hair coloring kit. DIY hair coloring kits are convenient and easy to use, but they don't offer the same quality of color as professional hair coloring service. Your hair color will last longer if you choose a professional hair coloring service.

#3) Watch the Heat

You should watch the heat when taking baths and showers. Exposing your colored hair to scalding-hot water causes the cuticles to open. And when the cuticles open up, dye may leak out.

#4) Avoid Sulfates

Along with heat, you should avoid exposing your colored hair to sulfates. Sulfates are harsh chemicals that speed up the fading process of coloring hair. They are often found in shampoos and other common hair products. If a product contains sulfates, you shouldn't use it on your colored hair. Otherwise, it will cause your hair color to fade more quickly.

#5) Allow Your Hair to Dry Naturally

Rather than using a blow dryer, allow your hair to dry naturally after washing it. As previously mentioned, heat causes colored hair to fade -- and heat from a hairdryer is no exception. Your hair color will last longer if you air dry your hair instead.

#6) Use a Conditioner

Conditioning your hair can help protect and preserve its color by creating a protective layer over the cuticles. There are even some conditioners that are designed specifically for colored hair. When used, they'll form of a protective layer that prevents the dye from leaking out. Just remember to choose a sulfate-free conditioner if your planning to use it on colored hair.