How to Make Color Streaks in Hair Last Longer

Highlights and streaks, whether done in large chunks or blended for a natural look, brighten up your face, and can turn even plain hair into vibrant, shiny locks. But as will all hair color, hair streaks tend to fade for a number of reasons. Here are some ways that you can protect your highlights, and make your color last longer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Color-safe shampoo and conditioner
• UV protection product
• Heat protection product
• Swim cap

1. Buy a high-quality shampoo made specifically for color-treated hair. Avoid those marked "clarifying" as they can strip off the color.

2. Don't shampoo every day, unless you absolutely have to do so. Hair can usually go a day without shampooing, and this will help preserve your hair streaks.

3. Select a good conditioner made for color-treated hair. As chemically processed hair is more fragile than untreated hair, yours might be brittle or dry. Hair that is well-nourished also looks better, as healthy strands reflect the color better.

4. Use a haircare product, like a leave-in conditioner or shine emollient, that has UV protection. The sun fades hair color faster, but using UV protection adds a buffer between your hair and the elements.

5. Apply a heat-protection spray when curling, straightening or blow-drying your hair. Heat causes the color to fade prematurely, so you should use a product to protect it from heat.

6. Wear a swim cap when swimming. Chlorine in swimming pools can alter the color of your hair streaks and strip the color from them.