How to Make Hair Color Last Longer

Despite the fact that it's expensive and time consuming, between 20 percent and 40 percent of American women color their hair. Developing "roots" as the hair grows is unavoidable, but there are some things you can do to protect your hair color from fading.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sunscreen (SPF 25 or higher)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Club soda
• Conditioner
• Hat or other head covering

1. Protect your hair from the sun. You can wear a hat or other head covering. If that is impractical for you, mix 1/2 cup water with 1/2 teaspoon sunscreen (at least 25 SPF). Spritz the mixture on your hair while it's still damp. There are also a wide range of spray on products that you can purchase that will protect your hair from the sun.
2. Don't use dandruff shampoo. The chemicals in dandruff shampoo will strip the color from your hair. The jury is still out on the wide range of shampoos and conditioners designed to protect hair color. However, some stylists suggest salt free shampoos to their customers who color.
3. Keep chlorine away from your hair. This bleach, which is found in almost all swimming pools, will discolor your hair and can leave it with an unattractive tinge. Apply a deep conditioner to damp hair before you submerge. After your swim, rinse your hair in apple cider vinegar, then with club soda. The carbonation in the club soda will lift excess salt and chlorine out of your hair before it has time to damage the color.
4. Wash your hair in cold water. If you can't tolerate water that's too cold, make it lukewarm. Hot water will also remove the color from your hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Try not to wash your hair every day. If your hair becomes unruly when you sleep on it, you can dampen it and then restyle. Frequently washing causes your hair color to fade.