How To Make Hair Color Last

Let’s face it, there’s nothing like a touch of color to update your look. And while some of us prefer the natural approach, studies show that over 70% of women do color their hair. If you’re like me, you probably can agree that nothing beats that fresh hair feeling you have when you leave the salon.

Chances are, you love your new “do” and are willing to try anything to maintain the look for as long as possible. Many of you have asked for suggestions on how to maintain your hair color and after working in a salon for most of high school and during summers in college, I picked up a few tips that I’ve found helpful. In an effort to help you keep your haircolor alive as long as possible, here are five ways to keep your hair from fading:

Wait to Wash

When you color your hair, your stylist should remind you to not wash your hair for at least 48 hours. It’s one of the most common mistakes, but important because the longer you wait before shampooing, the better chance your new color has to settle in.

Find the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

The first step to long lasting color is using a color protecting shampoo. I’ve been using Nexxus New York Salon Care Color Assure Shampoo because it is extremely gentle and sulfate free. I love the way it makes my hair feel and smell! The Nexxus New York Salon Care Color Assure regimen is formulated to protect your color from fading and to keep hair healthy. I also have been using the Color Assure Conditioner and find it very moisturizing, yet it does not weigh my hair down.

One thing that has been very effective is the Nexxus New York Salon Care Color Assure Primer. I have never used a primer before shampooing, but after reading the amazing reviews, I knew I wanted to give it a try. This is a oil, that you put on your hair before shampooing. Apply 5 to 7 pumps to dry hair, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Your hair should feel soft and silky but not saturated. I’ve been using this for the past month and have already noticed a difference. I was a little apprehensive about putting a oil in my hair before shampooing and worried it would cause my hair to loose volume. However, that was not the case. My hair smells great and has a subtle sheen to it.It actually helps your hair repel water! One of my friends (who has red hair) uses this stuff every time she showers and raves about how it keeps her red hair color from fading.

Remember, you do not have to wash your hair everyday. If you can go a day (or two) without washing your hair, it will help retain those natural oils that condition your hair and hold the color.

Avoid Heat (When Possible)

You may remember me talking about this over the summer, but using less heat is one way to keep you hair color from fading (and it’s also better for your hair). When you color your hair, the protective cuticle layer that surrounds each one of our individual strands of hair, gets striped away so the dye has the ability to penetrate into the hair and deposit color. Because this protective cuticle is stripped away during the color process, our hair is much more vulnerable to drying out when we use heating devices.

I highly suggest letting your hair air dry at least once a week and limit the use of your curling iron. I know, it can be hard, but it really make a huge difference in the health of your hair!

Shower Smarter

To prevent water from washing away your vibrant color, adjust your water temperature to lukewarm or cold when rinsing. Hot water lifts the outer cuticle layer which is one reason that color fades. The hotter the water, the quicker the color loss.

Invest in Quality Products

Just like you take care of your skin, you should do the same for your hair. Irons, dryers and styling aids all play a huge role in our hair health. A few of my go to products include this blowdryer.  I use it on days I don’t have time to let my hair air dry and I have fallen in love with how fast it dries my hair. I also use the Nexxus New York Salon Care Promend Heat Protecting Mist for when I use heat. It can used or wet or dry hair before styling and protects the cuticle from heat damage. To finish I use the Nexxus New York Salon Care Encapsulate Serum. This lightweight blend is multi-use. It’s suitable for wet hair to improve manageability and control, yet it can be applied to dry hair throughout the day to smooth and nourish. The unique weightless blend means hair doesn’t get overloaded but retains its response, body, wave and flow.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Blank NYC Leather Panel Drape Jacket (fit: true to size // I am wearing the color grey) | V-Neck T Shirt  (fit: wearing a medium) | Goyard Black and Brown GM Tote c/o | Current Elliot Denim (fit: true to size) | Steve Madden Nude Pumps (on sale // fit: tts) | Celine Sunglasses (similar style under $20) 

images by: mary summers

This post is sponsored by Nexxus New York Salon Care, a product of Unilever. All opinions and selections are my own!