That moment you walk out of the salon or finish your at-home colour session is pure magic. Your hair looks vibrant, shiny, and perfectly you. But as the weeks go by, you might notice that initial brilliance starting to soften. This leads to the big question: just how long can you expect that gorgeous colour to stick around?
Permanent hair colour is designed to last, but it isn’t truly forever. The typical lifespan for a permanent dye is anywhere from six to eight weeks before a noticeable regrowth appears. However, the vibrancy of the colour itself, especially on the lengths of your hair, can begin to fade after about 28 washes. The exact timeline depends on a beautiful, complex mix of factors that are unique to you.
What Determines Your Colour’s Lifespan?
Think of your hair colour like a favourite pair of jeans—how you care for it directly impacts how long it stays looking great. Your natural hair colour and the shade you chose play a huge role. Going much lighter or darker than your base creates more contrast, making regrowth more apparent sooner. Fine hair also tends to absorb colour faster but can release it quicker than coarse hair.
Your daily routine is another major player. Frequent washing, especially with harsh shampoos and hot water, strips colour molecules right out of the hair shaft. Heat styling, sun exposure, and swimming in chlorinated pools can also accelerate fading, leaving your colour looking dull.
Making Your Hair Colour Last Longer
The good news is that you have a lot of power to extend the life of your colour. It all comes down to a gentle, colour-conscious hair care routine. Start by switching to a shampoo and conditioner formulated for colour-treated hair. These are designed to be gentle and help seal the hair cuticle, locking in your hue.
Try to wash your hair less frequently, and when you do, use lukewarm water instead of hot. Before stepping into the sun or reaching for your hot tools, apply a protective spray or serum to create a barrier against damage. Incorporating a weekly deep conditioning treatment or a colour-depositing mask can also work wonders to refresh your shade and add shine between appointments.
When It’s Time for a Touch-Up
You’ll know it’s time to revisit your colour when your regrowth becomes noticeable, usually around that six-week mark, or when the overall tone of your hair looks faded and lacks its original depth. For a seamless look, most stylists recommend touching up your roots every four to eight weeks. If you’re mainly concerned with the faded ends, a gloss treatment can be a fantastic way to revive shine and tone without a full colour application.
While permanent hair colour won’t last forever, a mindful approach to hair care can keep it looking vibrant and fresh for as long as possible. By understanding what affects your specific colour and adjusting your routine, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting results.