It seems you were just in the salon when you start to notice that your once beautiful vibrant hair color has started to become dull, lacking shine. For some it is not only the fading that we struggle with around 3 to 4 weeks but the root (your new growth) has started to show. We can not take a pill for this just yet, however there are a few things you can do to have beautiful vibrant hair color.
When keeping up with the maintenance, some hair grows faster than other hair – every person is different. If in 3 weeks you start to see the new growth, there’s not too much that can change this. Try a one process hair color to camouflage with temporary colors or do a partial touch up. The stronger the contrast between your natural color and your hair color of choice, the sooner the new growth will be obviously noticeable. I have clients who I see every two and a half weeks for hair color touch ups.
Camouflaging the root with temporary products need to be applied daily. Root extenders or color extenders do tend to be more matte, lacking shine but they do give you the blending needed to extend the color for a short time. I have met clients who are able to extend the life of their color up to 2 weeks with these products. Quick Tip: On the day of your hair color appointment, you do not want any product in your hair. It creates a barrier and can affect the end results of your hair color in a negative way.
The next two options go without having to give much explanation. It is pretty easy to get on a time schedule knowing how long before your new growth will be unbearable. I recommend figuring this cycle out and pre-booking these appointments so that there is no delay or lapse in maintaining your color. A partial touch up is going to put you in the salon more often and it will only get you an additional 2 weeks. Rather than doing a touch up on your entire head, the color is applied in the hairline and through the parting line so that the visible effects of the new growth are minimized. Some hair colorists offer this service and some do not, so ask your colorist if this is a option for you.
How to Make Your Hair Color Last Longer?
The second obstacle in your way? Fading. There are many different areas that we can focus on to slow down or control the fading in your hair color. Keep in mind this process is ongoing and may only give you minimally noticeable results. The only way to truly get back that shine and intensity that you see within the first week of receiving your hair color is to apply hair color again. Here are a few things you can do to slow down the fading.
Use the best shampoo & conditioner for your hair. The right product can make all the difference — use color enhancing shampoos and conditioners. Some of these products actually add pigment back into the hair, helping maintain the integrity of your color for an extended period of time.
Lets face it: hair color fades sometimes more than we like. Caring for the condition of the hair returning color in one step can extend your color between color services. Also make sure you stay away from shampoos that are known to remove color from the hair. Shampoo less often. Try 2-3 times a week rather than daily. Dry shampoo is your friend! Use it to soak up oil on your scalp so you can stretch out your shampoo sessions.
Schedule regular appointments rather than addressing your maintenance when the problem arrives. When you stay on top of your color maintenance, you most likely will stay ahead of any of the challenges mentioned in this article. Plan, plan, plan. Before starting to color your hair, discuss with you what type of services will be needed to maintain. It is possible for your colorist to plan out what type of services will be needed to maintain a color you’re interested in. I don’t know about you, but before I make a commitment I want to know what is involved in the maintenance of that commitment.
Find a hair colorist who cares. It’s perfectly normal to have two different stylists – one that focuses on cutting and one that focues on just coloring (if you can find a stylist you love that does both to your liking, GREAT!). A colorist focuses only on color, day in and day out. They definitely want you to look your best. Your hair color is a representation of their work. Let them know when it is not working for you.
I do not like surprises, especially when it comes to your hair color. So often I have clients come in for their appointment only to find that we have not scheduled enough time to complete the look they had in mind. I recommend planning at least 1 to 2 appointments out. Know seasonally when your are thinking about making changes. At the end of November, I start to discuss spring hair color & cut changes with my clients. Some booked their appointments and we have a rough plan with pictures ready for those appointments. This type of communication and planning helps both stylists and clients!
If you expect something from your hair colorist, tell them. If they can not help, at least you know before you have invested that time. Do everything you can to take care of your color and it will last longer. always ask your hair colorist for their help in making sure your color lasts between visits. If after a couple tries your colorist can not help with your color, it may be time to work with someone else.
Product picks: Wella is an amazing line for color care. Their color products are separated by hair type, so you can customize your hair care routine to your exact hair type. Our favorites are linked below. Give them a try – with vibrant color that lasts, you’ll be glad you did!
