That fresh-from-the-salon feeling is hard to beat. You love your new hair colour and you want it to last as long as possible. But how long can you actually expect that vibrant shade to stay true before you notice your roots or the colour starts to fade? It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t the same for everyone.
Permanent hair colour is designed to, as the name suggests, make a lasting change. It works by opening the hair cuticle and depositing colour molecules inside the hair shaft. This process permanently alters your hair’s natural pigment. While the colour itself is permanent, its vibrancy and your need for a touch-up are influenced by several factors.
The Typical Lifespan of Your Colour
On average, you can expect a permanent hair colour to maintain its fresh, true tone for about six to eight weeks. This is the general timeframe before regrowth becomes noticeable and the colour may start to look a bit dull. However, this is just a starting point. Your specific experience can vary quite a bit based on your hair’s health and your daily routine.
What Makes Your Colour Fade Faster?
Several everyday habits can shorten the life of your colour. Frequent washing with harsh shampoos strips away the colour molecules. Hot water is another culprit, as it opens the hair cuticle and allows colour to escape. Perhaps the biggest factor is sun exposure; UV rays break down the chemical bonds in the dye, leading to brassiness and fading. Heat styling tools and swimming in chlorinated pools also contribute to colour loss.
Simple Ways to Make Your Colour Last Longer
The good news is that you have a lot of power to extend the life of your colour. Switching to a shampoo and conditioner formulated for colour-treated hair is one of the best things you can do. These are gentler and help seal the hair cuticle. Try to wash your hair less frequently, and when you do, use lukewarm water. Before heading out into the sun, spritz on a leave-in conditioner with UV protection or wear a hat. It’s also a good idea to use heat protectant sprays before styling.
When to Schedule Your Next Touch-Up
Most people find that a root touch-up is needed around that six to eight-week mark. If you’re trying to cover a significant amount of gray hair, you might need to visit the salon a bit sooner, perhaps every four weeks. Listening to your hair is key. When your regrowth becomes noticeable to you and the overall colour doesn’t make you happy anymore, it’s time for a refresh.
By understanding what affects your hair colour and adjusting your routine just a little, you can keep your hair looking vibrant and beautiful for longer. A few small changes can make a big difference in preserving that gorgeous colour you love.