Hair colour can look amazing when it is fresh, and it is frustrating when it fades in a few weeks. Below are plain answers to the questions people ask most about caring for colour-treated hair.
Why does my hair colour fade so fast?
Hair colour sits inside the hair. Every time hair is washed, heated, or exposed to the sun, a little of that colour can escape. Some of the most common reasons colour fades quickly are:
- Washing often. Each wash can take some colour with it.
- Hot water. Hot water opens up the outer layer of the hair, letting colour out more easily.
- Harsh shampoos. Strong cleansers can strip colour along with oil.
- Sun. UV light can fade and dull colour.
- Heat styling. Hot tools can speed up fading.
- Hard water and chlorine. Minerals and pool water can change and dull colour.
Some shades, like reds and bright fashion colours, tend to fade faster than others.
How long should I wait to wash my hair after colouring?
Many colourists suggest waiting a couple of days after colouring before you wash. Ask your colourist what they recommend for your colour, since it can depend on the type of colour used.
How often should I wash colour-treated hair?
Washing less often can help colour last longer. Many people with colour-treated hair wash two or three times a week. If your scalp gets oily fast, you may need to wash more often, and that is fine with a gentle shampoo made for coloured hair.
Use lukewarm or cool water, and finish with a cool rinse if you can.
What makes hair colour fade faster?
- Washing every day with a strong shampoo.
- Very hot showers.
- Spending a lot of time in the sun without protecting your hair.
- Swimming in pools or the ocean without rinsing after.
- Using hot tools on high heat.
- Using a clarifying shampoo too often.
What should I look for in a shampoo for colour-treated hair?
- Made for colour-treated hair. The label should say it is for coloured hair or helps reduce colour fade.
- Gentle cleansing. You want to clean the hair without stripping it.
- A matching conditioner. Colour-treated hair is often drier, so conditioner matters.
- Something for your shade. Blonde, grey, and highlighted hair can benefit from a purple shampoo now and then to reduce yellow tones.
For example, SACHAJUAN Colour Protect Shampoo is formulated for colour-treated hair and developed to reduce colour fade. It is made for gentle cleansing and supports smoothness, bounce and shine.
The matching SACHAJUAN Colour Protect Conditioner offers protection for colour-treated hair, supports detangling and a smoother feel, and improves manageability and softness.
Does colour-treated hair need conditioner every time?
Yes, for most people. The colouring process can leave hair drier and rougher. Conditioning every time you wash helps keep it soft, smooth, and easier to detangle. Focus conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends.
How do I protect my hair colour in the sun?
- Wear a hat when you are out in strong sun for a long time.
- Use a hair product with UV protection.
- Rinse your hair with clean water after swimming.
- Condition well after a day in the sun or water.
How long does hair colour usually last?
It depends on the type of colour, your shade, and how you care for it. Many people find their colour starts to look less fresh after four to eight weeks. A colour-safe routine can help it look fresh for longer between salon visits.
Is it bad to wash coloured hair every day?
It is not bad, but it can make colour fade faster. Each wash takes a little colour with it. If you need to wash every day, use a gentle shampoo made for colour-treated hair, keep the water lukewarm or cool, and condition every time. On days you do not need a full wash, rinsing with water or using a dry shampoo can help.
Does heat make hair colour fade?
Yes, heat can speed up fading. Hot water, blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can all dull colour over time. Use a heat protectant before styling, turn your tools down to a lower setting, and try to give your hair days off from heat styling when you can.
Can I swim with colour-treated hair?
You can, with a little care. Chlorine in pools and salt in the ocean can dry hair and change colour, especially on blonde and light shades. Wet your hair with clean water before you swim so it soaks up less pool or sea water. Rinse well after swimming, then wash and condition as soon as you can.
Should I use a clarifying shampoo on coloured hair?
A clarifying shampoo removes buildup, but it can also take some colour with it. If you use one, keep it to once in a while, and follow with a good conditioner. For regular washing, a shampoo made for colour-treated hair is usually the better choice.
Does dry shampoo fade hair colour?
Dry shampoo does not wash colour out, so it can help you go longer between washes. Use it at the roots on days in between.
A simple routine for colour-treated hair
- Wait a couple of days after colouring before your first wash, or follow your colourist's advice.
- Wash with lukewarm water and a shampoo made for colour-treated hair.
- Condition the mid-lengths and ends every time.
- Finish with a cool rinse.
- Use heat protection and lower heat settings when styling.
- Protect your hair from strong sun.
Colour will always fade a little over time, but steady, gentle care helps it look fresh and shiny for longer.