Whether you’re a fiery redhead, a bombshell blonde or a cool color queen, nothing is more satisfying than freshly colored tresses. Along with providing vibrancy, coloring your hair can accentuate texture while imparting irresistible shine. Sure, you’ll inevitably have to retouch your roots or change up your hue — but there are a few easy measures to help keep your color looking salon fresh for as long as possible. Ahead are seven pro tips for setting yourself up for success.
7 Ways to Make Your Color Last Longer
Not using the correct products, UV exposure, and overusing hot tools are among the main reasons hair color doesn’t last as long as it could. The good news is it only takes a few tweaks to keep your tresses looking vibrant for the long haul. Let’s get into it.
1. Use a Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Avoid using shampoos and conditioners that are not formulated to protect hair treated with hair color.
- Look for products specifically formulated to help preserve color-treated hair, such as Biotera® Color Care Protective Shampoo, which extends the life of hair color* when used with Biotera® Color Care Protective Conditioner.
*When using Biotera Color Care Shampoo & Conditioner after 18 washes.
- If you’re sporting a bold hue, Biotera®’s Ultra Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner work together to gently cleanse and prolong the vibrancy of vivid color-treated hair up to 89 percent* while keeping tresses nourished and conditioned.
*When using Biotera Color Care Shampoo & Conditioner after 18 washes.
- Opt for the brand's Anti-Frizz Intense Shampoo and Conditioner if you have medium to coarse, unruly color-treated hair. This formula hydrates, nourishes, and locks out frizz for three days — even in high humidity*.
*When using Biotera Anti-Frizz Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave-In vs. untreated hair
- Pro Tip: While conditioning is vital for hair health (especially when color-treated), ensure you’re thoroughly rinsing out the product so that your color remains bright and shiny versus dull and lackluster.
2. Watch Your Water Temperature
Hot water is one of the biggest culprits of fading hair color because it lifts the hair’s outer cuticle layer. Adjust your water temperature to tepid or cool when shampooing and conditioning your color-treated tresses.
3. Wear a Swim Cap
Chlorine and saltwater may cause color and toner to fade faster, and prolonged exposure may cause dryness and damage. But there’s no reason to skip a dip! Simply sport a swim cap to preserve your color.
Source: New Africa/Shutterstock.com
4. Use a Heat Protectant
When your tresses are dry, hair color looks less vibrant because it loses its luster. If you’re unwilling to completely give up on your blow dryer or hot tools for the sake of color (though we highly suggest taking a break from them now and again), use a heat protectant such as Biotera®’s Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner. It provides an extra dose of hydration and defrizzing power for three days and protects against heat-styling tools up to 450˚ F*.
*When using Biotera Anti-Frizz Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave-In Conditioner vs. untreated hair.
5. Choose Your Brush Wisely
To help protect hair color from fading during styling, choose a wooden brush with natural bristles versus a metal brush with synthetic bristles. Metal brushes can become too hot when using tools like a blow dryer, causing vivid, vibrant hair color to fade more quickly.
6. Opt for Color-Safe Styling Products
Even your styling products can have an adverse effect on color-treated hair, so opt for alcohol-free formulas such as Biotera®’s Mousse, and Defining Gel to take your look to the next level without zapping your color or drying out your strands.
7. Tone If Necessary
If your hair becomes brassy, there’s no need for a redo. Simply apply a brass-reducing toner to eliminate unwanted warm tones. Follow the directions on the package to determine which developer you’ll need and how long to process. Check every five minutes until the desired result is achieved. AGEbeautiful® ULTRA BOND™ Blonde Care Purple Shampoo and Conditioner is an excellent option as well.
Get the Most Out of Your Color
Understanding how to make hair color last longer will help you achieve a vibrant color for a longer period of time. It all comes down to using these tips along with the proper products to protect color-treated tresses. You’re already giving yourself salon-worthy color results at home, so you’ve got this!
