That fresh-from-the-salon feeling is unbeatable. You love your new hair colour and naturally, you want it to last as long as possible. But how long can you actually expect your vibrant hue or subtle balayage to stay looking its best? The answer isn’t a simple number of weeks, as it depends on a beautiful, complex mix of factors.
The Lifespan of Different Hair Colour Types
Not all colour is created equal. Permanent hair colour, which lightens your natural shade and deposits new pigment, typically lasts until your roots grow out, about 6 to 8 weeks. However, the colour can fade over time. Demi-permanent colour, which adds shine and tone without lightening, gracefully fades over 12 to 24 washes. Semi-permanent colour, which simply coats the hair shaft, is the most temporary, often lasting only 6 to 12 shampoos.
Why Your Colour Fades Over Time
Fading is a natural process. The main culprit is washing your hair. Shampoo, especially if it contains harsh sulfates, opens the hair cuticle and washes the colour molecules right out. Hot water does the same thing. Other major factors include sun exposure, which acts like bleach, and heat styling, which can rough up the cuticle and allow colour to escape.
Making Your Colour Last Longer
The good news is that you have a lot of power to extend the life of your colour. It starts in the shower: switch to a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for colour-treated hair. Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot, and try to stretch the time between washes. When you do style, always use a heat protectant spray. For an extra boost, a weekly deep conditioning mask helps seal the hair cuticle, locking in your colour and keeping your hair healthy.
Caring for Vibrant or Fantasy Colours
If you have a bold shade like pink, blue, or purple, your routine needs a little extra love. These direct dyes fade faster. To keep them vibrant, use colour-depositing shampoos and conditioners made for your specific shade. These products add a tiny bit of colour back with every wash, helping you maintain that pop for much longer.
With the right knowledge and a gentle haircare routine, you can absolutely prolong the life of your coloured hair. It’s all about protecting your investment and enjoying your beautiful colour for as long as possible.