The first few days after colouring
Many colourists suggest waiting a couple of days before the first shampoo after colouring. Follow the product's aftercare advice, and use the conditioner that comes with box colour, which is formulated to close and smooth the hair after dyeing.
How to wash coloured hair
- Wash less often. Every wash removes some colour molecules, and dry shampoo between washes helps.
- Use cooler water. Hot water lifts the cuticle and lets colour escape faster, so wash in lukewarm water and rinse in cool.
- Choose a gentle shampoo. Sulfate-free or "colour-safe" formulas tend to be milder than strong cleansing shampoos.
- Save clarifying shampoo for when you need it. It strips build-up and colour together, which makes it useful for removing over-toning and too harsh for every wash.
Heat styling and colour fade
High heat fades colour, especially reds and toned blondes, and can turn blonde hair warmer. Use a heat protectant, choose the lowest temperature that works, and avoid passing straighteners over the same section repeatedly. Let hair partly air-dry before blow-drying when you can.
Sun and brassy hair
UV light breaks down both natural and artificial pigment, which is why hair goes brassy over a summer. Wear a hat for long days outside, or use a hair product with UV filters.
Protecting coloured hair from chlorine and hard water
- Wet hair with clean water before swimming. Hair that's already full of fresh water absorbs less pool water.
- Add a leave-in conditioner or a swim cap for longer sessions.
- Rinse straight after. Then use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
- Watch for a green tinge on blondes. Copper in some pool and tap water can tint light hair green. Swim or chelating shampoos are designed to remove these minerals.
Hard water can leave mineral build-up that makes colour look dull or brassy. A shower filter or an occasional chelating wash can help.
Refreshing tone between colours
Blondes
A purple or blue shampoo once a week, or when you notice warmth. See brassiness.
Reds and coppers
Colour-depositing conditioner in a matching shade. Reds fade fastest of all.
Brunettes
A blue or green-tinted shampoo can calm red-orange warmth, and a gloss restores shine.
Condition the hair itself
Damaged, porous hair holds colour poorly. Regular conditioning, gentle detangling and trims for split ends help colour last and look better. Lightened hair especially benefits from a weekly mask. For refreshing toner itself, see toning and toners.
Colour care questions
How long should I wait to wash hair after colouring?
Many colourists suggest a couple of days. Follow the aftercare advice for your product.
Why did my blonde hair turn green after swimming?
Copper in some pool and tap water can tint light hair green. Swim or chelating shampoos are designed to remove those minerals.
Which hair colours fade fastest?
Reds fade fastest. A colour-depositing conditioner in a matching shade helps between colours.