Essential Steps After Colouring
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Use colour-safe shampoo and conditioner: Switch to products formulated for coloured hair — ideally sulphate-free. Sulphates are harsh and strip colour faster, so a gentler, colour-safe formula is the single easiest thing you can do to hold your colour for longer.
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Wash with cooler water: Hot water opens the hair’s cuticle and lifts colour out faster. Rinsing with lukewarm or cool water helps keep the cuticle sealed, locking the colour in and keeping hair looking glossy.
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Wash less often, especially at first: Try to leave your hair a couple of days before the first wash after colouring, and don’t over-wash after that — every wash fades colour a little. Dry shampoo is useful for stretching the time between washes.
Tips by Colour
Different colours have slightly different needs:
- Blondes: A purple toning shampoo counteracts the brassy, yellow tones blonde hair tends to develop. Used sparingly — our guide to what purple shampoo actually does explains how, and how easy it is to overdo. If warmth has already crept in, our post on brassy hair covers the fix.
- Brunettes: Colour-depositing or colour-enhancing products help keep brunette tones rich and prevent them looking flat as they fade.
- Reds: Red is the fastest-fading colour of all — the pigment molecules are larger and wash out quickly. It needs the most diligent care: cool washes, colour-safe products, and minimal sun exposure.
Treatments for Coloured Hair
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Deep conditioning masks: Colouring can leave hair drier, so a regular nourishing mask helps restore moisture and condition. Concentrate it on the mid-lengths and ends, which are oldest and most prone to dryness.
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Leave-in conditioners and serums: These add ongoing moisture and a layer of protection against environmental stress — sun, heat, pollution — all of which help colour last longer.
Keeping Colour Fresh Between Salon Visits
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Professional treatments: In-salon treatments give coloured hair a deeper level of care than home products alone. The most effective ones support colour longevity and give hair a real injection of moisture when it needs it most — bond-builders like Olaplex are particularly good for hair that’s been lightened.
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Be careful with heat: Hot tools damage coloured hair and can dull the colour. Always use a heat protectant, keep the temperature moderate, and give your hair heat-free days where you can.
Good aftercare is the difference between colour that fades fast and colour that stays looking salon-fresh for weeks. If you’d like to understand why colour fades in the first place, our post on why hair colour fades is worth a read — and if low upkeep matters to you, the most maintainable colour services covers choosing colour with aftercare in mind. We’re always happy to recommend the right products for your colour at your appointment.
