Q&A for How to Keep Dark Dyed Hair from Fading

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Question

How long does hair dye typically last?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Permanent color should stay rich and vibrant for 6-8 weeks or longer. After about 6 weeks it will have a significant outgrowth at the root and will need to be retouched.

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Question

Does permanent hair color fade?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Permanent colors can fade or change over time. Vibrant reds are especially prone to fading. Cool tones often oxidize over time, becoming warmer.

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Question

How can I make my hair color last longer?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

The simplest way to improve the longevity of your hair color is to shampoo less frequently and make sure you use a color-safe shampoo. Rinsing with cold water after you shampoo also helps preserve the color.

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Question

What color of hair dye lasts the longest?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Dark dyes tend to last for a long time if applied correctly to healthy hair. If your hair fades quickly, you may need to fill the hair by adding a lighter warm color under your desired shade to help it hold.

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Question

I have my hair dyed half dark blue and half dark purple. What do I do to make the color last a long time?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

As the article states, you can use dry shampoo versus regularly shampooing your hair, especially if you shampoo everyday. It is also wise to invest in a good color care shampoo and conditioner. These steps will help your color last as long as possible, before fading.

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I recently dyed my hair dark blue and it bled in the shower. It is still dark, but I am a scuba diver and I have to dive today. Will my hair be ok?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Unfortunately, your hair will not be okay. I'm sure that the water you're swimming in has chlorine in it, and you'll need to shampoo with a clarifying shampoo to remove the chlorine. That will most likely strip some of your color.

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Question

Can I go swimming in fresh or spring water?

Community Answer

Yes, you can go swimming in a fresh water spring. Try to stay away from pools and beaches as the water there can cause bleaching effects to your hair.

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Question

How can I go swimming in a pool?

Community Answer

Apply some oil to form a protective layer on your hair before you enter the pool. It is suggested that you stay away from chlorine for a week or more after you dye your hair. Wear a swimming cap when you enter the pool. Try not to stay in the pool for a really long time. Use good hair care products and color protectant creams or sprays before entering the pool.

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Question

I am a swimmer, but I need to dye my hair. What do I do to keep it from fading?

Community Answer

Wear a swimming cap!! Do your hair in a bun and pop on the cap. It is bound to keep your hair dry and safe from chlorine!

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Question

How can you keep your hair looking nice after you dye it?

Community Answer

Invest in a color protect shampoo and expect to re-dye your roots every 8 weeks or so.

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Question

What if I have to use dandruff shampoo?

Community Answer

Perhaps contact your doctor and ask for a type that is color-safe, or consider using the shampoo less frequently and leaving it in for longer. Always use cold water!

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Question

Is it safe to use hairspray on dyed hair?

Lord_Tommo

Community Answer

Yes it is. Make sure you wash it out the next time you shower, as your hair can get weak and break easier.

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Question

How can I keep my black-dyed hair from fading?

Community Answer

Put your hair in a shower cap, and wash it every other day. Use a color-protecting shampoo/conditioner/after-shower product.

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Question

What hair products are safe to use for newly highlighted hair?

Community Answer

If bleach was used to highlight your hair, any product with strong color has a high chance of staining your hair. One way to avoid this is to let your hair grow out and then cut the bleached parts off. Also make sure to use heat protection whenever you apply anything with heat to lessen the hair damage.

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Question

What would happen if I took a shower right after dying my hair?

Lord_Tommo

Community Answer

Nothing really. A lot of dye will come out onto the shower floor, but your hair will still look the same. Also, be careful as dye will also most likely get on and stain your towel.

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Question

After my hair has been dyed, do I wash the residual hair dye out with plain water, or can I use a little shampoo?

Community Answer

You should wash it with shampoo that is made for colored hair. This kind of shampoo will protect the new coloring and prevent it from dulling or washing out.

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Question

Would the dye come out of my hair and show up in the pool or does the color just fade in my hair?

Community Answer

The color will just fade in your hair as long as you wait at least a week before getting in the pool with your dyed hair.

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Question

Can you recommend a black hair dye which doesn't look brown or red in the sun

Community Answer

Anything with a blue-ish tint to it will work. Otherwise, just use a toner after dying your hair.

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Question

I play football. Would sweat or my helmet ruin the dye?

Community Answer

It depends on the dye; permanent dye won't be affected, but semi-permanent colors like Manic Panic may rub off in your helmet or run a bit when you sweat.

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Question

I dyed part of my hair ash, and it bled on the bleached part. What causes that?

Community Answer

It could be that you washed it too soon, or the quality of the dye wasn't good.

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Question

About how long will it take until my hair dye comes out?

Community Answer

That will depend on the quality of your hair dye product you are using and the color. If you are using a product listed as permanent, and a bright color like blue or red, it will start to fade somewhat within the first few weeks (but shouldn't completely fade for at least another month). You can help it last longer by washing it less frequently and using color-protecting hair products.

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