There’s nothing quite like the lustrous look of freshly-coloured blonde, brunette or red strands. But for many people, their luscious shade starts to fade within weeks of stepping out of the salon.

Certain factors can affect how long your hair color lasts, including the temperature of your shower water (hot water raises your cuticles and allows dye to rinse away easily) and how well hydrated your strands are. Beauty Land SP expert hair color service unlock the perfect shade, whether blonde, brunette or red for you.

How Much Damage Does Hair Dye Cause?

Permanent hair dyes work by opening up the hair cuticle and depositing pigment inside. That’s why they last so long it’s technically impossible for them to wash out completely. However, they do fade over time, and the way in which they do so varies from person to person.

Your client’s hair washing habits are a major factor in how long their new shade lasts. The more often they shampoo, the quicker their color will start to fade. Additionally, the minerals in your client’s water can also affect how well their hair holds on to the color molecules.

Hair porosity is another important factor: textured or curly hair tends to have higher porosity than straight, so it may be more likely to wash out the dye faster. And if your client’s hair is damaged, their strands might be raised or open, allowing the dye to wash out more easily.

If your client opted for a semi- or demi-permanent dye instead, their hue should last up to 24-ish washes since it’s deposited around the hair rather than inside. However, these kinds of dyes aren’t free from harmful chemical ingredients that can still cause damage to the hair and scalp. And they’re still at risk of fading due to daily aggressors like scorching sun and chlorine from the ocean or swimming pool.

How to Prevent Hair Dye Fading

While permanent hair dye technically never leaves, the color molecules can be displaced by other elements and your strands will start to lose their vibrancy over time. That’s why it’s important to do everything you can to prolong the life of your new hue.

The key is in your routine, which includes not only how often you wash your hair (and when), but what hair products you use and how frequently you style it. The type of dye you choose plays a big part too darker shades tend to last longer than lighter shades, which fade faster as they naturally attract and absorb less light. Your hair’s porosity and natural color also play a role. More porous strands grab onto dyes easier and soak them up, but are also more prone to colour fade because they have gaps in their cuticles that allow water, moisture, nutrients and you guessed it colour pigments to rush out.

The number one way to prevent premature colour fade is to limit your washing to twice or thrice a week, and opt for shampoos that are safe for coloured hair. Use lukewarm or cooler water because hot temperatures can swell your strands and lift their scale-like cuticles, causing colour pigments to escape. Finish every wash with a cool rinse to close the cuticles, which helps reduce fade and promote shine.

Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

If you want to play with your hair color without making a permanent commitment, semi-permanent hair dye is the way to go. You can find everything from pastel pinks to vibrant blues, and even bold red hues. You’ll typically have 4-6 weeks before the shade starts fading.

Unlike demi or permanent hair dye, which is mixed with a developer to penetrate the cuticle and reach your hair’s inner pigment, semi-permanent hair dye works more like a stain. It deposits pigments that sit on top of the hair and fade with each wash. The best way to extend the lifespan of a semi-permanent dye is to limit washing it and avoid harsh products that can strip your strands. You can also try limiting chlorine and saltwater exposure to avoid accelerating the color’s fade.

It’s also important to follow the product instructions for processing time, as leaving it on too long may result in a darker shade, and not enough time can leave your hair with a faded or patchy finish. Rinsing with lukewarm or cool water will also help to minimize color bleeding and extend the lifespan of your new hue. Finally, using sulfate-free and color-safe shampoos and conditioners to nourish your hair will also extend the longevity of your dye.