Let’s be real: There’s nothing quite like walking out of the salon with that fresh, vibrant hair color. But as the days go by, we all know that gorgeous shade can start to fade, and those roots begin to peek through. No one wants to deal with dull, lackluster hair in between salon visits, right?
As an expert hairstylist, I’m here to help you keep that color popping for as long as possible — all while keeping your hair healthy and shiny. So if you’re ready to rock your color between appointments, here’s everything you need to know to maintain your vibrant hair color and keep it looking fresh for longer.
1. Use Color-Safe, Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner
The Mistake: Washing your hair with regular shampoo and conditioner can strip the color and leave your hair looking faded. Sulfates (found in many shampoos) are harsh detergents that remove oils and moisture, and they can cause your color to fade much faster.
How to Fix It: Switch to sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are designed to preserve color. These formulas gently cleanse your hair while keeping your vibrant hues intact. Look for shampoos specifically labeled color-safe to protect your investment and keep your color lasting longer.
Best Products:
Shampoo: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo – This sulfate-free shampoo is gentle on color and packed with moisturizing ingredients to keep hair hydrated.
Conditioner: Redken Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner – This conditioner is formulated to lock in color and add shine without weighing your hair down.
Pro Tip: Try washing your hair less frequently (2-3 times a week), as shampooing too often can accelerate color fading. When you do wash, use lukewarm water instead of hot water to preserve your color.
2. Deep Condition Weekly to Keep Hair Healthy and Hydrated
The Mistake: Color-treated hair can be more prone to dryness and damage. If your hair starts to feel brittle or frizzy, your color will start looking dull and lifeless.
How to Fix It: Add a deep conditioning treatment to your routine once a week. These treatments will replenish moisture, restore softness, and protect your color from damage. Look for products with keratin, vitamin E, or argan oil to repair and nourish your hair while locking in that color.
Best Products:
Deep Conditioner: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector – A cult favorite that strengthens and repairs color-treated hair.
Hydrating Mask: Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask – This mask is packed with hydrating ingredients that keep hair soft, shiny, and vibrant.
Pro Tip:If you want to give your hair even more TLC, apply a deep conditioner, wrap your hair in a towel, and leave it on for 15-30 minutes while you relax. Your hair will soak up all the goodness!
3. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling (Or Protect It!)
The Mistake: Excessive heat styling can cause color to fade quicker and can lead to dry, damaged hair. Using heat tools without protection makes the problem worse.
How to Fix It: Limit the use of hot tools like curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers to a few times a week. When you do use them, always apply a heat protectant spray. This forms a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing damage and keeping your color vibrant.
Best Products:
Heat Protectant Spray: Living Proof Restore Instant Protection – A lightweight spray that protects your hair from heat while keeping your color intact.
Smoothing Serum: Moroccanoil Treatment – This lightweight serum nourishes, smooths, and protects from heat, while giving you that glossy finish.
Pro Tip: When using heat tools, keep the temperature low to medium. If possible, use heat-free styles (braids, air-drying, etc.) on the days you’re not styling.
4. Shield Your Hair from the Sun
The Mistake: Exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause hair color to fade and lead to dry, damaged strands. If you're spending a lot of time outdoors, your color may suffer.
How to Fix It: Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using UV-protectant hair products. Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from harmful UV rays. Look for products that contain UV filters to safeguard your color from fading.
Best Products:
UV Protectant: Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil – This product shields your hair from UV damage, preventing color fading and dryness.
Leave-In Conditioner: Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer – A lightweight leave-in conditioner that offers UV protection while adding softness.
Pro Tip: After swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater, rinse your hair with fresh water immediately to minimize damage. You can also use a hydrating mist with UV protection to keep your strands protected.
5. Get Regular Touch-Ups (Because Roots Are Real)
The Mistake: Letting your roots grow out for too long can make your color look uneven and dull, even if your mid-lengths and ends are still vibrant.
How to Fix It: Book regular touch-up appointments every 6-8 weeks to keep your color fresh and vibrant. Whether it’s root touch-ups or refreshing your highlights, regular salon visits will keep your color looking flawless.
Pro Tip: If you’re in between salon visits, you can use a root touch-up spray to cover those roots temporarily. It’s a quick fix that can make your hair color look fresh until your next appointment.
6. Use a Silk Pillowcase (For Beauty Sleep)
The Mistake: Regular cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to frizz, breakage, and even color fading. If your pillowcase isn’t the right material, you may be damaging your hair overnight without even knowing it!
How to Fix It: Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials cause less friction, keeping your color-treated hair from becoming frizzy or dull while you sleep.
Pro Tip: If you want an extra level of protection, consider using a silk hair wrap to keep your hair intact while you sleep.
Conclusion: Keep Your Color Fresh, Bold, and Beautiful
Maintaining vibrant hair color doesn’t have to be difficult. By using the right products, protecting your hair from heat and environmental damage, and getting regular touch-ups, you can keep your color looking fresh and vibrant for longer — all while keeping your hair healthy and shiny.
At Coast Hair, we’re passionate about providing you with expert color services and the tools to maintain your perfect shade. Whether you're looking to refresh your color or learn more about at-home care, our team of stylists is here to help! Book your appointment today and let us help you keep your hair looking fabulous!
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