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Having hair professionally dyed is never cheap, so once you get the perfect shade, you want to make it last as long as possible. Dark-dyed hair can notoriously fade well before you want to make another trip to your stylist, but don’t fret. By knowing how to preserve the color in your hair, you can make it last longer!
Steps
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Avoid shampooing for 72 hours. One of the first and biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to dyed hair is to wash it too soon after dyeing. The dyeing process opens the cuticle layer of hair, which is where the dye actually resides in strands of hair. [1] X Research source One of the first steps to preserving color entails giving the cuticle layers of hair enough time to close completely before washing the hair. To do this, you should wait 72 hours after dyeing your hair before ever washing it. [2] X Research source
- As many people already know, the dye will seep out naturally to some degree as the cuticle layers of the hair close. You should wear dark clothing and use dark pillow cases during this period to avoid staining them.
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Wash your hair less frequently. Even after the cuticle layer of hair closes, shampooing causes hair to swell and allows the color to escape. [3] X Research source By simply washing your hair less often, you can help preserve the color. [4] X Research source
- Use dry shampoo in between washes to help keep your hair looking and feeling fresh.
- If you have an oily hair type and would really hate washing less often, take advantage of color-safe dry shampoo. [5] X Research source This will allow you to clean your hair minus the water and suds.
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Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners. When you do actually wash your hair in the shower, use a sulfate-free shampoo specifically formulated to preserve dyed hair. Most companies now offer lines of color-protecting shampoos and conditioners. These products actually help seal your hair cuticles, which help to lock dye inside hair strands. [6] X Research source
- In addition to using color-protecting products, you should also completely avoid clarifying shampoos because they can strip color from hair strands and speed up the fading process. [7] X Research source Some stylists may recommend a clarifying shampoo the day before a color refresh, however, specifically because they help strip the old dye and ready the hair for the fresh dye. [8] X Research source
- Some products contain trace amounts of dye and deposit it on your hair when used, essentially providing a micro-recoloring each time you use them. [9] X Research source Just make sure to find the product appropriate to the color of your hair.
- Make sure to get a good, quality color-safe product, as some cheaper brands may not help protect against color loss.
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Rinse with cold water. It may not sound like a very fun proposition, but using cold water to wet and rinse your hair will help preserve the dye. This is because cold water will close the cuticle. Avoid using hot water as it opens the cuticles, allowing dye to escape. [10] X Research source
- In addition to avoiding hot water, you should avoid excessive rinsing in general. Once you have completely rinsed shampoo and conditioner out of your hair, don’t simply tilt your head back and allow water to continue running through your hair because this can slowly strip dye as well. [11] X Research source
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Blot hair to dry. As many people may have already noticed, towel drying dyed hair is an easy way to ruin a towel. Roughly towel drying your hair scrapes even more dye out of the cuticle layer of hair that is already open from the shower water swelling hair strands. By gently blotting hair and allowing it to air dry as much as possible, you will strip less dye and avoid damaging your hair. [12] X Research source
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Consider installing a water purification system. Most of us live in locations that have mineral-heavy hard water. If you dye your hair often and can justify the purchase, consider installing a water purification system for the shower. This will eliminate minerals and trace amounts of chlorine from treated water, both of which can strip hair dye.
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Avoid overusing curling irons, flat irons, and blowdryers. Colored hair is often more brittle, making it more vulnerable to heat. Try to avoid overusing curling irons, flat irons, and blowdryers when styling your hair to keep the hair healthy and stop fading. [13] X Research source If your style really requires the use of these items, then make sure you apply a heat-protectant spray first. [14] X Research source
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Use color-safe hair products. Many of the common ingredients in hair products can dry, bleach, or strip hair dye. Look for specifically color-safe hair products while especially avoiding products with alcohol, peroxide, or ammonia, which can strip color and weaken hair. In addition to color-safe products, you should use products for your particular hair type—fine, thick, oily, dry, etc.—since these will promote healthier hair and counteract the drying and brittleness that dyeing hair can lead to in general.
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Use a hair mask once a week. Keeping in moisture and preventing over-drying of colored hair is important to keeping the hair healthy. By using a hair mask once a week, you can help protect dark-dyed hair. Make sure the product you use is paraben free with aloe, and leave the hair mask on for a full hour with a shower cap over it to help it most effectively penetrate your hair.
- If you prefer hot oil treatments to hair masks, you can substitute these instead, but avoid using both unless you have extremely dry hair since both can leave your hair looking greasy.
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Avoid too much sun. UV rays are some of the biggest enemies of hair dye. While you no doubt want to show off your lustrous locks in the sunshine, you should still try to minimize sun exposure. [15] X Research source Use this as an excuse to show off some of your best sun hats.
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Use leave-in treatments with UV absorbers. Obviously, no one wants to permanently avoid sunshine. Though less effective than a hat or simply avoiding UV rays, you can use a leave-in hair treatment with UV absorbers to help filter the UV rays. [16] X Research source
- For effective UV absorbers, look for products with benzophenone-3 or -4, polyquaternium-59, cinnamidopropyltrimonium chloride, or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane. [17] X Research source
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Stay away from chlorine. Especially during the summer, the draw of pools and hot tubs can prove too strong even though you know the chlorine is terrible for dyed hair. In these instances, rinse your hair with fresh water before going swimming. By wetting the hair with regular water first, you will limit the chlorine absorption in the pool. Rinsing chlorinated water out of your hair as soon as you get out of the pool or spa will help as well, but you’re still better off avoiding chlorinated water completely when you can.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow long does hair dye typically last?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.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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QuestionDoes permanent hair color fade?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.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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QuestionHow can I make my hair color last longer?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.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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Tips
- No matter what steps you take to preserve it, red hair colors will fade the fastest simply based on the chemistry. Crimson pigments are larger than those of browns and blacks and are more unstable. [18] X Research sourceThanks
- Preparing your hair for color before dyeing it is also important. A deep conditioning treatment the week before dyeing and a clarifying shampoo the day before dyeing are both great ways to prep your hair for color.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Color-protecting shampoo and conditioner
- Paraben-free hair masks or hot oil treatments
- Color-safe hair products
- UV-absorbing treatments
References
- ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/ruining-dyed-hair
- ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/ruining-dyed-hair
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/colored-hair-protection
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/colored-hair-protection
- ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/ruining-dyed-hair
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/colored-hair-protection
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/colored-hair-protection
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/colored-hair-protection
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/colored-hair-protection
- ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/ruining-dyed-hair
- ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/ruining-dyed-hair
- ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/ruining-dyed-hair
- ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/ruining-dyed-hair
- ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/ruining-dyed-hair
- ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/ruining-dyed-hair
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/colored-hair-protection
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/colored-hair-protection
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/colored-hair-protection
About This Article
Article Summary
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You can keep your dark dyed hair from fading by washing and styling it the right way. Try washing your hair less frequently, since shampooing your hair causes dye to fade faster. Use cool or lukewarm water when you rinse your hair. This will prevent your cuticles from opening and dye from escaping. When you get out of the shower, gently blot your hair dry with a towel instead of rubbing it, since rubbing can actually make dye come out of your hair. You should also limit your use of curling irons, straighteners, and blow-dryers. Heat causes hair color to fade faster. If your hair is still fading a lot, consider using a hair mask once a week, which will help moisturize your hair and protect the color. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, including how to protect your dyed hair for the first 72 hours, read on!
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- "I'm about to dye my hair so I decided to do some research. This is of great help for those who are new to dying hair and whatnot. This has definitely helped." ..." more
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"I'm about to dye my hair so I decided to do some research. This is of great help for those who are new to dying hair and whatnot. This has definitely helped."
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"The toweling is good because I tend to roughly dry my hair, as I didn't know that hot water can damage hair. I always use hot water."
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