Cary Hair Colorist Explains How to Make Your Color Last as Long as Possible

Once you leave the hair salon with your sparkling new highlights, lowlights, ombre hair, or tinted gloss, your first priority (after Instagramming your new look, of course) is making it last as long as possible. Not to worry: We turned to our expert Cary hair colorist for the best advice in the industry on preserving hair color.

Skip the Shower

Once you’ve got a new hair color treatment, you should wait at least 24 hours before taking a shower so that the dye can settle into the hair. After Day 1, try to only shampoo every other day, using a dry shampoo in-between washes to control oiliness. If you still feel dirty, try rinsing your hair gently with cool water, which has less risk of pulling color.

Take Cooler Showers

If you don’t absolutely need your shower to be hot as possible, keep it cooler, and your hair color will benefit. Cooler temperatures will help prolong the brilliance of your color. As for hot baths, try switching to a warm bath, instead (it feels just like being in a heated Jacuzzi, trust us!)

Use Professional Hair Care Products

Many over-the-counter products contain salts, sulfates and detergents which keep their prices cheap, but strip out hair color. Now that you’ve paid so much for your color, it’s a good idea to invest in sulfate- and alcohol-free products instead. Our Cary hair salon carries a wide variety of salon-grade products and our stylists will be happy to recommend the best options for your hair color and texture.

Invest in a Deep Conditioning Treatment

Almost all colored hair will eventually become dry and dull. A deep conditioning treatment adds moisture back into the hair, boosting its natural shine and helping the color stay. Deep conditioning treatments also have the added bonus of reducing flakiness.

Final Thoughts: Avoid Heated Tools, Sun, and Chlorine

Curling irons, hair dryers, and other hot styling tools are all no-gos if you want your hair color to last. Sunlight can fade your color, too, so be sure to wear a hat if you’re spending a day at the beach or in the yard. And lastly, you may want to wear a swim cap if you go for a dip in the pool, as chlorine causes fading, too. It may look a little silly, but hey, you paid a lot for that hair!

If you live in Cary NC and are looking for a Cary hair colorist, stop by Artisan Hair today! Our skilled stylists can’t wait to help you achieve your perfect look. To schedule an appointment, click here!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get my hair colored?

It depends on the service. Root touch-ups are typically needed every 4 to 6 weeks. Full color refreshes can go 6 to 8 weeks. Balayage and highlights can stretch to 3 to 4 months. Your stylist at Artisan Hair Cary will set a schedule that fits your color and budget.

Will salon hair color damage my hair?

Professional color at Artisan Hair Cary is much gentler than box dye. We use salon-grade formulas from Wella, L'Oreal Professionnel, and Goldwell, plus bond-building treatments to protect hair during the process.

What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent color?

Permanent color opens the hair cuticle and deposits color that lasts until it grows out. Semi-permanent coats the outside of the strand and fades over 6 to 12 washes. Your colorist at Artisan Hair Cary can recommend the right option based on your goals.