How to Keep Red Hair Color from Fading

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If you love the way you look as a redhead but you hate how quickly the color fades, you're not alone. Red hair coloring is notoriously the hardest to maintain. [1] Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to keep sporting your crimson locks a little longer between touch-ups.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Taking Care with Washing

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  1. If you wash your hair too soon after coloring it, the cuticle can lift and your hair color can seep out, causing the color to fade almost immediately. By waiting for about 48 hours after coloring to wash your hair, the dye will have time to saturate the strand. [2]
    • Because color processing can strip the natural oils from your hair, you probably won’t have to worry about your hair becoming oily during the 2 days after you get your hair colored. However, if your roots do seem oily, you can spray them with a little dry shampoo to make them look cleaner.
  2. [3] Products designed for processed hair are alcohol- and sulfate-free and are made to be extra gentle to help protect the color of your hair. [4] They may also contain vitamins and antioxidants to nourish and protect your hair.
    • If you like, you can use a shampoo or conditioner designed to deposit additional color onto your hair every time you wash it. However, keep in mind that this can change the appearance of your hair color.
    • Avoid clarifying and anti-dandruff shampoos, which can strip the color from your hair. [5]
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  3. Dyed hair tends to be extra dry and brittle, which will make your hair color look faded and dull. In addition, dry hair tends not to hold color as well. A good conditioner formulated for color-treated hair will give your fiery locks a much-needed moisture boost and will protect your hair in the future. [6]
    • Color-depositing conditioners can help add a boost of red to your hair each time you wash. Just make sure to match the shade to your color.
  4. [7] Hot water causes your hair to expand, which opens the cuticle on each strand, allowing water and shampoo to penetrate deeper into the hair and wash out more color with every rinse. Cool water seals the cuticle and locks in moisture. [8]
    • In addition to preserving the color, rinsing your hair with cold water will make it look shinier.
  5. Try co-washing instead, or washing your hair using just conditioner. [9] Apply conditioner to the roots of your hair and massage your scalp for several minutes to loosen any dirt or oil, then rinse your hair. [10]
    • Washing your hair with conditioner will help it look shinier and will help preserve your hair color.
    • Co-washing works best on dry hair. It also works well on curly hair. If your hair is both curly and dyed red, co-washing will keep your color from fading and keep your hair moisturized and frizz-free.
    • If your hair tends to be oily, you will probably see better results by using a gentle shampoo.
  6. [11] The more often you wash your hair, the faster your color will fade. Try to limit washing your hair to once or twice a week to preserve the bright red color of your hair as long as possible. [12]
    • When you shampoo every day, your scalp produces excess oil. At first, when you skip a day shampooing, your hair may seem very oily; however, over time, your scalp won’t produce as much oil and you won’t need to wash your hair as often. [13]
    • Use dry shampoo if your roots get oily between washings. Dry shampoo can help absorb dirt from your roots, helping your hair look cleaner. [14]
    • If you exercise every day, spritz a little dry shampoo on your roots after your workout. If you can, try waiting until your hair is almost dry. The product will distribute more evenly, giving you cleaner-looking hair.
  7. Keeping your hair moisturized is the most important thing you can do to keep your color looking vibrant longer. A deep conditioner, like a hair mask or a hot oil treatment, will pump your hair full of moisture and nutrients to keep it looking healthy, strong, and bright. [15]
    • If you like, you can make your own deep conditioner by blending avocado, egg, honey, coconut milk, and half a banana. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it in cool water.
  8. Normal tap water contains minerals, sediments, and additives like chlorine, all of which can dull your hair and strip its color. Choosing a shower head with a filter will ensure that you’re washing your hair in only the purest water. [16]
    • Remember to change out the filter on your shower head every 6 months or so to continue getting soft, clean water.
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Quiz

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Never underestimate the power of truly great hair. The perfect color can boost your confidence, improve your mood, and help express your personal style. So how do you find the best shade for you? You want a color that’s physically flattering but fits you personally, and we’ve got all the intel you need. Take our quiz and discover the best hair color for you.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Protecting Your Color from the Elements

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  1. Fresh water is fine for swimming, but swimming in a chlorine pool will bleach out your hair and can drastically change the color, and saltwater is extremely drying and may dull your hair’s fiery shine. [17]
    • If you do decide to go swimming in chlorine or saltwater, wear a swimming cap or don't put your head in the water.
    • If you do get chlorine on your hair, you'll need to wash it out with a clarifying shampoo, which will fade your color.
  2. Heat can dry out your hair, which will make the color look dull and faded. Occasional blow-drying or straightening is fine, but it shouldn’t be done every day. [18]
    • If you do use heat tools like a blow-dryer or a curling iron, spray your hair with a thermal protectant first so the heat doesn’t damage your hair.
  3. UV rays can damage your hair and dull your color. It’s already a good idea to wear a hat to protect your face from sun damage, but covering your hair can help keep your color looking new longer. [19]
    • You can also spray your hair with a UV-protecting spray before you leave the house if you know you’re going to be in the sun. [20]
    Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

    Actively protect colored hair. "I always suggest using a UV protectant on the hair to protect color from fading or environmental damage. Moisturize and beware of sun damage — it can tarnish your strands and lead to frizz or color fadage."

  4. A glaze is a treatment that will boost the vibrancy and shine of your hair for about a month. You can either have this done at the salon or you can purchase an at-home glaze. [21]
    • If you’re glazing your hair at home, follow all of the instructions on the packaging. Consider asking a friend to help you to ensure even coverage.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I keep my hair vibrant?
    Martin Nepton
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Martin Nepton is a Professional Hair Stylist and Colorist at Bang Bang LA in Los Angeles, California. With over 11 years of experience, Martin specializes in helping clients express their Queer identity through hair. Martin offers personalized haircuts and color and style services with non-gender prices based on hair length. Martin holds a BA from the University of Québec at Montréal and is a Licensed Hair Stylist in California.
    Martin Nepton
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Avoid washing your hair with shampoo every day. Just rinsing it with water will work in between washes.
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Why does my red hair dye keep washing out?
    Martin Nepton
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Martin Nepton is a Professional Hair Stylist and Colorist at Bang Bang LA in Los Angeles, California. With over 11 years of experience, Martin specializes in helping clients express their Queer identity through hair. Martin offers personalized haircuts and color and style services with non-gender prices based on hair length. Martin holds a BA from the University of Québec at Montréal and is a Licensed Hair Stylist in California.
    Martin Nepton
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Try switching to cold water rinses instead of using hot water. Hot water can make the color fade a lot faster.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
  • 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
    When it comes to reds, natural copper reds last longer than cool reds or very vibrant ones. You can minimize fading by reducing the frequency of your shampoos.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 11
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g1693/how-to-keep-red-hair-from-fading/
      2. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g1693/how-to-keep-red-hair-from-fading/
      3. ↑ Martin Nepton. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.
      4. ↑ Gina Almona. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 February 2021.
      5. ↑ http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/hair/red-hair-2-91700
      6. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/tips/a25379/ruining-dyed-hair/
      7. ↑ Martin Nepton. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.
      8. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/benefits-of-a-cold-hair-rinse
      9. ↑ Martin Nepton. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.
      1. ↑ https://thebeautydepartment.com/2014/08/keep-red-hair-from-fading/
      2. ↑ Martin Nepton. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.prevention.com/beauty/stop-washing-your-hair-every-day/slide/4
      4. ↑ https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/stylist-approved-hair-tips-help-you-break-shampoo-cycle
      5. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g1693/how-to-keep-red-hair-from-fading/
      6. ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/news/g29826/colored-hair-tips/
      7. ↑ http://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-shower-filter-review.html
      8. ↑ https://thebeautydepartment.com/2014/08/keep-red-hair-from-fading/
      9. ↑ https://thebeautydepartment.com/2014/08/keep-red-hair-from-fading/
      10. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g1693/how-to-keep-red-hair-from-fading/
      11. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g1693/how-to-keep-red-hair-from-fading/
      12. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g1693/how-to-keep-red-hair-from-fading/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To keep red hair color from fading, wait at least 2 days after dyeing your hair before you wash it. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner formulated for color-treated hair, and rinse your hair with cool water to help seal the hair’s cuticle and protect the color. Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater, as these can dramatically fade red hair coloring, and wear a hat if you’re going to spend a lot of time in the sun. In addition, you can protect your red hair color by having your hair treated with a glaze every 4 weeks. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like what styling products to avoid, keep reading the article!

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      • Irene S.

        Mar 20, 2016

        "Thanks for the great color maintenance tips! I always thought it necessary to shampoo my red hair after dying it ..." more
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