Just like a new car or those shoes you’ve been eyeing, your hair color is an investment. After putting in the time and money to get that perfect hue, it’s worth taking a few extra steps to keep your color fresh and vibrant. Knowing how to care for color-treated hair is key to avoiding fade and damage. One of the top questions we get: How long should you wait after coloring to wash your hair?
Wait 72 Hours Before Washing
Giving your color at least 72 hours to settle into your hair’s cuticle can help it last longer. Washing too soon opens the cuticle and allows color molecules to slip out, leading to a duller result. So, to keep that color vibrant, it’s best to hold off for a few days before your first shampoo.
Use a Low-Lather, Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Low-lather, sulfate-free shampoos are formulated to clean without stripping away hair’s essential oils and pigment. Traditional shampoos with sulfates can lead to quicker fading, especially with vibrant or darker shades. A gentle shampoo, along with reducing washes to just 1-2 times per week, can keep your color fresh for longer. We recommend using a gentle shampoo like SITCH’s Everyday or Moisturizing formulas or co-washes like Hairstory’s New Wash.
Rinse with Cool Water
Using hot water may feel relaxing, but sadly, it opens the hair cuticle and allows color to escape more easily. When washing your hair, use cooler water to rinse. This locks in color, reduces frizz, and gives your hair a natural shine. Think of it as giving your hair an extra layer of protection each time you rinse.
Limit Heat Styling and Use Heat Protection
Heat styling tools can speed up color fading, especially if your hair is already porous from coloring. Using a heat protectant spray is a must if you’re reaching for the blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron. Whenever possible, limit the use of hot tools and opt for air drying or gentle styling techniques to protect your color. We love SITCH’s Detangler Spray and Smoothing Lotion, which both have the addition of heat protection to the list of their other benefits.
Deep Condition Regularly
Colored hair often has a more porous texture, which makes it prone to dryness. Deep conditioning once a week helps replenish lost moisture and keeps hair soft and shiny. A good deep conditioner or mask can make all the difference in keeping hair healthy and prolonging the life of your color. One we always hear a lot of buzz about is Amika’s Soul Food Nourishing Hair Mask
Add a Color-Depositing Mask or Conditioner
Color-depositing products, like masks or conditioners, are perfect for adding a little extra vibrancy between appointments. They deposit a small amount of pigment to refresh your shade or neutralize unwanted tones. For vivid colors, these products can help you achieve that freshly colored look even weeks after your salon visit. We love Wella’s Color Fresh Maks
Protect Your Hair from Sun Exposure
Just like your skin, hair needs protection from UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure can cause color to fade, especially with reds and pastels. Use a UV-protectant spray or cover your hair with a hat when you’re outside for long periods. It’s an easy way to extend the life of your color. SITCH’s lineup offers UV protection in the Detangling Spray, Curl Lotion, Leave-In Treatment, Smoothing Lotion and Volumizing Spray!
Avoid Chlorine and Salt Water
Chlorine and salt can be harsh on colored hair, leading to dryness and fading. Before swimming, wet your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner or a protective spray. Rinse it with clean water immediately after to prevent chemical buildup that can fade your color.
Avoid Reapplying Permanent Color on the Ends
Despite the name, applying a permanent color to the ends repeatedly will make them more porous, leading to a dull opaque hue, breakage, and color that fades quickly. Instead, we use glosses or demi-permanent dyes on the ends to maintain a fresh look without unnecessary damage. This keeps the hair vibrant and natural while reducing damage.
Investing a little extra time in color aftercare can make a big difference in how long your color lasts. These simple practices can help keep your hue looking as fresh as it did the day you left the salon. Ready to get that dream shade or learn more about maintaining it? Book a consultation with us at MOD Hair Salon, and let’s make a plan to keep your color vibrant and beautiful!