Fresh-from-the-salon colour always looks its best. The good news is that it can last much longer when you care for your hair properly at home. Most fading is caused not by the dye itself, but by small everyday habits.
1. Wait 2–3 days before washing
After colouring, the outer layer of the hair (the cuticle) needs time to close and "lock in" the pigment. Washing straight away rinses some of the colour out. Try to wait about 48–72 hours before your first wash.
2. Use shampoo made for coloured hair
Shampoos with harsh cleansers strip colour faster. Choose a colour-safe or sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner that cleanse more gently.
3. Rinse with lukewarm or cool water
Hot water opens the cuticle and lets pigment escape. Wash with lukewarm water and finish with a cooler rinse.
4. Don't wash every day
The more often you wash, the faster colour fades. If you can, two to three times a week is enough. Dry shampoo helps keep hair fresh in between.
5. Always use heat protection
Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons leave coloured hair dry and dull more quickly. Spray on a heat protectant before styling and use a medium setting rather than the hottest one.
6. Protect it from sun and chlorine
UV rays and pool chlorine are among the main causes of colour fading or shifting. Outdoors, wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection. Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a little conditioner, then rinse right after.
7. Moisturise regularly
Colouring makes hair more prone to dryness. Use a hair mask or deep conditioner once a week to keep hair soft, shiny, and the colour vibrant.
When should you come back to the salon?
Roots usually start to show after 6–8 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and the colour you chose. Come in sooner if:
- the colour looks dull or the tone has shifted,
- your hair feels dry, rough, or breaks easily,
- you'd like to refresh your colour without a full re-colour.
Every head of hair is different. A Mooi stylist can look at your hair and recommend the treatment that suits it best.