If you’ve recently coloured your hair or are a seasoned colour enthusiast, you know how transformative the right shade can be. But maintaining that vibrant, fresh-from-the-salon look requires a bit of extra care. Whether you’ve gone for a bold hue or subtle highlights, the following tips will help you preserve your colour and keep your hair healthy and shiny.

1. Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Sulfates are common cleansing agents found in many shampoos, but they can be harsh on color-treated hair. These ingredients strip away natural oils and moisture, which can cause your color to fade faster. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner that’s specifically formulated for coloured hair to help retain your shade and keep your hair hydrated. 

2. Wash Hair Less Frequently
Frequent washing can fade your colour more quickly. Try washing your hair every 2-3 days instead of daily to keep the colour intact. If your roots get oily or you want to freshen up between washes, a dry shampoo is a great option to maintain volume and absorb excess oil without rinsing out your colour.

3. Use Cold or Lukewarm Water
Hot water can open up the hair cuticle, which leads to colour bleeding and fading. Whenever possible, wash and rinse your hair with cold or lukewarm water to lock in the colour. This also helps maintain your hair's moisture levels, giving it a shiny, healthy look.

4. Deep Condition Regularly
Colouring can dry out your hair, so it’s important to nourish it with a weekly deep conditioning treatment or hair mask. Look for treatments that are specifically designed for colour-treated hair and contain ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter. This will restore moisture and help repair any damage from the colouring process.

5. Protect Your Hair from Heat
Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause colour-treated hair to become dry and brittle. Always use a heat protectant spray before applying heat to your hair, and try to limit how often you use hot tools. Air-drying your hair when possible will also help maintain its colour and health.

6. Shield Your Hair from the Sun
Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays, causing your colour to fade. If you’ll be spending time outside, wear a hat or use a UV-protectant hair product to block harmful rays and prevent colour fading. Some leave-in conditioners also come with built-in UV protection, offering a two-in-one solution.

7. Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater
Chlorine and saltwater can be harsh on coloured hair, leading to dryness and colour fading. If you’re going swimming, wet your hair with clean water beforehand and apply a leave-in conditioner or wear a swim cap to protect your strands. After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water to wash away any chlorine or salt residue.

8. Schedule Regular Touch-Ups
No matter how well you care for your colour-treated hair, roots will eventually grow out and your colour may need refreshing. Depending on the type of color you have, schedule touch-up appointments every 4-6 weeks to keep your colour looking its best. In between visits, you can also use root touch-up sprays to temporarily cover regrowth.

Color-treated hair requires a bit more attention, but by following these simple steps, you can keep your colour looking fresh and vibrant for longer. Invest in the right products, protect your hair from damage, and be mindful of how you treat your locks day-to-day, and you’ll enjoy beautiful, healthy colour that lasts.

Have questions about how to care for your specific hair colour? Contact us at Emme Hair, and we’ll help you create a custom care routine!