There’s nothing more exciting than stepping out of the salon with fresh, vibrant hair color that makes you feel like a million bucks. But how do you keep that rich color from fading after just a few washes? As a stylist, I’ve seen countless clients with gorgeous color that loses its luster all too quickly. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way!
I’ve compiled some tried-and-true tips to help you make your hair color last up to three times longer. From simple tweaks to your routine to must-have products, these tricks can make all the difference.
Also, I know I'm going to sound like I'm on an Oribe infomercial, but I swear I’m not getting paid! I’m just here, living my best life, one luxurious hair product at a time. If there were a support group for Oribe addicts, I’d probably be the president!
The Importance of Protecting Your Investment
When you spend hours in a salon chair (and a good chunk of your budget) for that perfect color, it’s crucial to protect your investment. Whether you’re daring with that bold fashion shade or enhancing your natural tones, here’s how to make your color pop for as long as possible.
1. Choose the Right Products for Color-Treated Hair
First things first, you need to be using the right products. Generic shampoos and conditioners are often filled with harsh chemicals that strip away your color over time. The sulfates that create that satisfying lather? They’re also the culprits that wash away your color faster. "I know everyone loves a good deal—who doesn’t? But remember, sometimes a ‘great bargain’ is just a fancy way of saying, 'Welcome to the land of regret!' You get what you pay for, folks—cheap hair products might just turn your luscious locks into a haystack!"
Pro Tip: Always opt for sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. They’re much gentler on your hair and help preserve the vibrancy of your color.
I personally recommend Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for maintaining beautiful color. Oribe’s products are designed to nourish and protect color-treated hair while keeping it shiny and vibrant. Just be sure to purchase from an Oribe salon or directly from Oribe to ensure you’re getting the real deal—there are lots of counterfeit versions online that don’t deliver the same quality. Your color is an investment, so treat it with the best!
2. Wash Your Hair Less Often
If you’re someone who washes their hair every day, this is the hardest but most crucial habit to break. The more often you wash your hair, the faster the color fades. Water alone can dilute and wash away the pigment, so cutting back on washes can significantly prolong the life of your color.
Pro Tip: Try washing your hair just 2-3 times a week. If you feel greasy in between washes, a good dry shampoo and a messy bun is your best friend.
I highly recommend Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo—it’s one of my personal favorites! It absorbs oil while refreshing your hair without the need for water, all while being super lightweight and leaving no residue. Plus, it smells heavenly. With this dry shampoo in your routine, your hair can stay fresh and your color can last much longer!
3. Beware of Overusing Purple Shampoo
If you're a blonde or someone who loves cool tones, you're probably no stranger to purple shampoo. It’s amazing for neutralizing brassy tones and keeping your color looking fresh between salon visits. But here’s the thing—overusing purple shampoo can actually dry out your hair and, in some cases, dull the vibrancy of your color.
Pro Tip: Use purple shampoo sparingly—once or twice a week at most. On other days, stick to a gentle, color-safe shampoo to prevent over-toning. I personally recommend Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo.
Sorry, ladies—even that purple shampoo you love could be doing more harm than good! I know, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but too much of a good thing can actually work against you. So, if you’re noticing that your hair feels dry or looks a little dull, try cutting back on how often you’re using it. Your color will thank you!
4. Rinse with Cool Water
This might sound like torture for those who love a hot shower (trust me, I’m one of them), but rinsing your hair with cool or lukewarm water can make a huge difference. Hot water opens up the hair cuticle, which causes color to slip out. On the other hand, cool water helps to seal the cuticle, locking in your color and keeping it from fading as quickly.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to freeze yourself for your entire shower! Just switch to cool water when rinsing out your shampoo and conditioner. Your hair will thank you
5. Limit Heat Styling
We all love the sleek look of a flat iron or the bouncy curls from a curling wand (especially me because im a natural curly hair girl), but frequent heat styling can take a serious toll on color-treated hair. Heat opens up the cuticle, just like hot water, which leads to faster fading and dryness.
Pro Tip: If you can’t avoid using heat, always use a heat protectant spray or balm before styling. Luckily, all of Oribe's products contain heat protection, so you’re already covered if you're using their shampoos, conditioners, or styling products.
My personal favorite for heat styling is Oribe’s Balm d'Or Heat Styling Shield. It not only protects your hair from high temperatures but also smooths and nourishes your strands, giving them that sleek, shiny finish we all love. Remember to buy from an Oribe salon or directly from Oribe to ensure you’re getting the real product and the full benefits!
6. Stay Out of the Sun (Or Protect Your Hair!)
Just like your skin, your hair can suffer from UV damage. The sun’s rays can bleach and fade your hair color, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Blonde shades are particularly prone to brassiness, while darker hues can lose their richness.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of defense, I personally recommend Oribe Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray. It’s lightweight, offers UV and heat protection up to 450°F, and shields your hair from environmental pollutants—all without weighing your hair down. After living in Florida, avoiding the sun would mean I’d have to never come out of my apartment! Between the intense sun and Florida’s water, my hair color didn’t stand a chance. I learned this lesson the hard way, watching my gorgeous color fade way too fast. Now, I never go anywhere without using UV protection, and my color loves me for it!
7. Avoid Chlorine
If you love swimming, especially in the summertime, this tip is for you. Chlorine can be a nightmare for color-treated hair, causing discoloration and damage. Blondes, in particular, may notice their hair turning a greenish tint after a swim in a chlorinated pool.
Pro Tip: Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner to create a protective barrier. Think of your hair like a sponge—if you wet a sponge with clean water first, it won’t soak up as much pool water. This trick works the same way with your hair: wetting it with clean water prevents it from absorbing as much chlorine.
If you swim often, consider using a swimming cap to keep your hair dry and safe from chlorine. This extra step can be a lifesaver for your color!
8. Get Regular Touch-Ups
Finally, to keep your color looking fresh, regular touch-ups are key. Whether you go in for root maintenance or a gloss treatment, keeping your color in tip-top shape means fewer full-on dye sessions, which are often more damaging.
Pro Tip: Schedule a salon appointment for a gloss or toner treatment every 6-8 weeks. This will not only refresh your color but also keep your hair shiny and healthy.
Final Thoughts
Making your hair color last longer doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By making a few small changes to your routine—like using the right products, washing less often, and protecting your hair from heat and sun—you can keep your color looking fresh for much longer. Trust me, once you start incorporating these habits, you’ll see the difference, and you’ll thank yourself for protecting your investment.
"Let’s face it: investing in quality hair care isn’t just about looking fabulous; it’s about those bonus therapy sessions with your hairstylist! Forget paying for a therapist when you can get life advice, gossip, and beautiful hair all in one sitting. It’s the ultimate multitasking—just don’t be surprised if you walk out with both fabulous hair and a whole new outlook on life!"
Now, go rock that fresh color with confidence!
How do i make my color last longer?
In A Nutshell
Choose the Right Products for Color-Treated Hair
Wash Your Hair Less Often
Rinse with Cool Water
Limit Heat Styling
Stay Out of the Sun (Or Protect Your Hair!)
Beware of Purple Shampoo
Avoid Chlorine
Get Regular Touch-Ups
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