How To Make Your Hair Colour Last Longer

Getting your hair coloured is in itself a bold move for many. Not too many of us are comfortable with the idea of applying chemicals to our hair and changing our natural look. But let's be honest, once you've taken the step and leave the salon with perfectly coloured hair, you really can feel like you're on top of the world. Before you know it, you're addicted to getting your hair coloured exactly the way you like it. Here's the thing, though, getting your hair coloured at the salon requires spending a decent amount of money - and having the hair colour fade away sooner than you'd anticipated can be a downer. What if we told you there were ways in which you can make that colour last longer (and save your money, obviously)? Here are a few simple things to remember that could save that colour from fading away sooner than you'd like.

1. Avoid hot water showers

Taking a hot water shower can not only dry out your skin, but it can also deplete your hair of moisture and decrease the life of your hair colour. Hot water causes your cuticles to open, hence letting out that moisture and colour. Instead, switch to a warm water shower for your body and try to use room temperature water to wash your hair. After washing, apply a conditioner and rinse off with cold water. This ensures that your cuticles seal shut.

2. Skip a shampoo

No, we're not asking you to let your hair stay greasy and dirty - but yes, we are asking you to put off shampooing your hair for as long as you possibly can. Decreasing the frequency of shampooing your hair can be a boon to newly coloured hair. The less often you wash your hair, the longer your hair colour is likely to last. So if you have the urge to wash your hair everyday, try fighting it and wait at least 48 hours before you shampoo away.

3. Take a break from your hair straightener

And your curling tong. Also your hair dryer. We're serious. We get that you love these tools and sometimes, using them is absolutely necessary. But when you're not in dire need of a hair lift, avoid them. Using these hot tools on your hair too often can lead to your hair colour fading away sooner. Especially in the first week to ten days after getting your hair colored, avoid using these heat producing machines.