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Home • News

Ask the Experts: Make Your Hair Color Last

Permanent hair color should last a good six to eight weeks before you need to touch it up. Give yours staying power with these pro tips.  For more expert hair color secrets, pick up a copy of our August issue on newstands now!
By Marica Caster · Updated October 28, 2020
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01
Precondition Prior to Color

Optimize at-home results by doing a deep conditioning or protein treatment three to four days before applying color, says SoftSheen-Carson’s Mezei Jefferson. This makes color shinier and richer.

Make Your Color Last
02
Use a Hair Glaze

Shiny hair makes hair color look luminous. Search for glazes that coat strands and reflect light.

Make Your Color Last
03
Wash Carefully

While most of us don’t wash our hair daily, if you’re a naturalista and wash more frequently, limit it to three times a week. Washing rinses color away over time. “Look for hydrating or repairing products for color-treated hair,” says colorist Rita Hazan.

Make Your Color Last
04
Take a Pill

To get rid of any product residue that may be dulling your color, crush an aspirin and mix the powder in with your shampoo before washing. “The salicylic acid in the aspirin will restore the shine to your fading highlights and remove any excess coating on the hair,” says celeb colorist Kyle White.

Make Your Color Last
05
Go For Shampoos That Deposit Color

Go for shampoos that deposit color on hair as you wash. These color-depositing products are perfect if you have a solid color job. We love Redken Color Extend Shampoo ($15.99, Ulta) and Aquage Color Protecting Shampoo ($14, Aquage)

Make Your Color Last
06
Use Less Heat
Every time you use a flat iron or a curling iron, color molecules are being destroyed.
Make Your Color Last
07
Raise a Glass

Enhance your hair’s golden tones and boost shine by combing a glass of leftover champagne through damp hair. The champagne color will bring out any golden highlights, while the carbonation gives volume and shine, says celeb colorist Kyle White.

Make Your Color Last