How to Keep Colored Hair From Fading

Whether you color your hair at home or get it done at a salon, you've paid a lot of money for the perfect hair color. Now you'll want to keep it in the best shape possible between touch-ups.

This article will give you tips on maintaining colored hair.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sun protection
• Mild, color-friendly shampoo
• Color-friendly conditioner
• Color-depositing shampoo or rinse (optional)

1. 
   Don't shampoo every day.

   The first rule of maintaining salon-fresh hair color is to limit the amount you wash your hair. Every day is too much; washing your hair every two or three days not only keeps your hair color fresh, it is better for your overall hair and scalp health. If you must wash every day, consider alternating dry shampoo with regular shampoo.

2. 

   Use a mild shampoo, and if feasible, one especially designed for colored hair. There are a variety of options, from drugstore brands (like L'oreal) to luxury brands (like Kerastase). Choose the best option you can afford.

3. 

   Your conditioner, too, should specifically indicate that it is meant for colored hair.

4. 
   Rinses help keep red tones fresh.

   If your hair color fades quickly, or loses its red or gold sheen, try color-depositing shampoos (Artec makes one) or color-restoring rinses. These are available at specialty beauty stores, but can also be found in drugstores and online.

5. 
   The best sun protection.

   Finally, don't forget daily sun protection. Think of how much the sun fades a book or picture you've left out. Now remember that your hair, being on the top of your head, receives the lion's share of those damaging UVA rays! Where possible, cover up with hat or scarf. If that is not possible, use hair products and treatments with UVA protection built in.

Tips & Warnings

• This may go without saying, but never wash your hair right after you color it. Wait at least 24 hours, and preferably more, so that the color will set entirely.
• In general, anything that is bad for your hair (dryness, chlorine, salt water, etc.) is bad for your color. So continue to use any moisturizing treatments, and wear a cap when swimming.