Maintaining Salon Color at Home

You spent the time and money to get your hair colored at the salon, so of course you want it to last! Here are some ways to maintain your salon color at home and keep it from fading. How long your hair color typically lasts depends on what type of dye you or your stylist used (learn more here), but we'll assume you're using permanent dye for the sake of this post.

1. Wait before you wash: Try not to wash your hair for 72 hours after your color treatment. This will give your hair time to seal in the color and keep it from washing out too quickly.

2. Use color-toning shampoos and conditioners: These are specific products that cancel out those unwanted yellow, orange, or red tones that show up in dyed hair over time. Purple shampoos and conditioners are good for lightened locks to keep the brassiness at bay. They deposit purple pigment in the hair to counteract the unwanted yellow tones to keep your color looking great longer.

3. Keep it color safe: Using products marked as color safe ensure that you're not using products that have any harsh chemicals that can dull your color (sulfates are the main culprit, so aim for sulfate-free products).

4. Wash less: Yep, we said it--don't wash your hair as often. Most people can get away with washing their hair 2-3 times per week, depending on their hair type and texture. Keep some dry shampoo handy for those in-between wash days.

5. Use lukewarm water: We know, there's nothing quite as relaxing as a hot shower, but those hair cuticles will tell you otherwise. Hot water opens up the hair's cuticle, which lets color leak out, so make sure to turn your water temperature down when you're ready to rinse your hair.

6. Max out the moisture: Color on dry, damaged hair fades faster, so make sure to keep that hair hydrated by putting a moisturizing mask on it 1-2 times per week, depending on your hair type and texture. Add a moisture mask especially after the first time you shampoo your hair after your color treatment to rehydrate. Leave-in conditioners are also your new best friend. You can also add a few drops of a lightweight hair oil to seal in the moisture and add an extra layer of protection; it will also make your hair shiny and help combat frizz.

7. Watch your water: The water that comes out of your shower head, your pool water (chlorine), or ocean water (saltwater), can all lead to unwanted tones in your hair and color damage. If you have hard water at home, consider installing a shower head filter. A hair mask post-shampoo can also help offset the drying effects. Keep your hair from absorbing too much chlorine or saltwater by soaking your head with regular water before you swim.

8. UV protection: Heat can damage the hair and fade color, and one heat source we tend to forget about is the sun, so throw on a hat or scarf before you hit the beach or ballgame. Some hair products contain UV-protectants, which can help too.

9. Heat styling: Heat can damage the hair and fade color (yep, we said that already), so air dry as much as possible and try heatless styles to keep that color looking great. If you must heat style, see if you can turn down the temperature and make sure you put on a heat protectant.

Still have questions? Ready for a color refresh? Call (815) 223-8643 to schedule an appointment with Salon Patrice, or find all of our hair services here.