Why Your Hair Color Is Fading Fast?
Hey there, lovely readers! Today, I want to dive into a topic that's close to my heart as a color specialist: color maintenace. Believe me, I've seen it all, and I'm here to help you unlock the secrets to maintaining vibrant, long-lasting color. So, grab a cup of tea and let's get down to business!
Hair color fades when the cuticle opens and releases pigment, which happens faster with hot water, harsh shampoos, UV exposure, chlorine, overwashing, and skipping conditioner. Understanding what's stripping your color helps you fix the problem and get more life out of every salon appointment, whether you're dealing with blonde that goes brassy, red that turns muddy, or brunette that loses its depth.
I'm Brianna, one of the color specialists here at The Warehouse Salon in Fairfield. When clients come back frustrated that their color faded in two weeks, it's almost never the color itself. It's what they're doing at home between appointments.
Why Does Color Fade So Fast for Some People?
A client named Vanessa came to see me last summer completely frustrated. She'd been getting her hair colored at different salons for years, and no matter where she went, her red always faded within two weeks.
"Brianna, I'm spending $200 every month on color and it's gone by the time I get my credit card statement," she said. "I've tried different salons, different brands, different shades of red. Nothing lasts. I'm starting to think my hair just can't hold color."
I looked at her hair. It was dry, a little rough at the ends, and the red had already faded to a washed-out copper even though she'd colored it ten days ago.
"Tell me about your routine," I said.
"I wash my hair every day. I like really hot showers. I use whatever shampoo is on sale. And I blow dry every morning because my hair looks flat otherwise."
I nodded. "I found your problem. Actually, I found about four of them."
She looked surprised. "What do you mean?"
"Every single thing you just described opens your hair cuticle and lets the color escape. Daily washing, hot water, harsh shampoo, heat styling without protection. Your hair can absolutely hold color. You're just washing it out."
We colored her hair that day, and I sent her home with specific instructions: wash every other day max, lukewarm water only, sulfate-free shampoo, and heat protectant before blow drying.
Two weeks later, she texted me. "Brianna. My red still looks RED. This has literally never happened before."
A month later: "I just realized I haven't needed a color touch-up yet. My hair still looks like I just left the salon. I can't believe the difference."
Six weeks after her appointment: "My coworker asked if I got my hair done this week. I told her it's been six weeks. She didn't believe me."
Vanessa's color didn't change. Her habits did. Here's what was causing her problem, and probably yours too.
Overwashing
We all love clean hair, but washing every day strips away the natural oils that protect your color. Every time you shampoo, you're opening the cuticle and letting pigment escape. Aim for washing every other day, or every two to three days if you can manage it. Use a dry shampoo in between if your roots get oily. Vanessa went from daily washing to every other day and that single change made a noticeable difference.
Using Harsh Shampoos
The shampoo you use matters more than you think. Products with sulfates and harsh detergents strip color fast. Look for sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos that are formulated to protect your investment. The cheap drugstore shampoo might save you a few dollars, but you'll spend it on more frequent color appointments.
Hot Showers and Styling Tools
Hot water opens the cuticle. So do hot styling tools. When the cuticle is open, color escapes. Vanessa loved her steamy showers, and they were destroying her red. Try rinsing with lukewarm or cool water, especially at the end of your shower. And always use a heat protectant spray before blow drying or using a flat iron. Your color will thank you.
Skipping the Conditioner
Conditioner seals the cuticle and locks in moisture. When you skip it, your hair stays porous and the color fades faster. Use a conditioner designed for color-treated hair after every wash. Let it sit for a couple minutes before rinsing. This step takes 30 seconds and makes a real difference in how long your color lasts.
Ignoring UV Protection
The sun fades your hair just like it fades fabric. UV exposure breaks down color molecules and causes damage. If you're spending time outside, wear a hat or use a UV protection spray. This is especially important for reds and fashion colors, which fade faster than natural shades.
Chlorine and Saltwater
Summer pool days and beach trips are tough on color. Chlorine and saltwater both strip pigment and dry out your hair. Before you swim, wet your hair with regular water and apply a leave-in conditioner. Your hair can only absorb so much water, so if it's already saturated with conditioned water, it won't soak up as much chlorine or salt.
Overprocessing
It's tempting to touch up your color the moment you see roots, or to constantly experiment with new shades. But overprocessing weakens your hair and makes it harder to hold color. Damaged hair is porous, which means color washes out faster. Give your hair time between coloring sessions and invest in treatments that strengthen and repair.
Poor Aftercare
Color-treated hair needs extra attention. Use color-protecting masks once a week. Add a leave-in treatment or serum to your routine. These products maintain moisture, boost shine, and create a barrier that helps your color last longer. Think of it as protecting your investment.
Your Color Fading Questions Answered
Why does red fade faster than other colors?
Red pigment molecules are larger than other colors, so they don't penetrate the hair shaft as deeply. That makes them easier to wash out. If you're a redhead, following these tips is even more important.
How often should I wash color-treated hair?
Every other day is ideal for most people. If you can stretch to every two or three days, even better. Use dry shampoo at the roots if you need to refresh between washes.
Does water temperature really matter?
Yes. Hot water opens the cuticle and releases color. Lukewarm or cool water keeps the cuticle sealed. This was one of the biggest changes for Vanessa, and she noticed the difference immediately.
Can I fix already-faded color at home?
Color-depositing conditioners and glosses can help refresh your shade between appointments. But if your color has faded significantly, it's better to come in for a professional refresh rather than trying to fix it yourself.
What products do you recommend for color-treated hair?
Sulfate-free shampoo, a good conditioner for color-treated hair, heat protectant, and a weekly mask. Check out these blogs for specific recommendations:
- Hair Color Maintenance: A Guide to Keeping Your Color Fresh
- Best Ways to Maintain Your Hair Color | The Warehouse Salon
Still Struggling with Fading?
If you've fixed your routine and your color is still fading fast, come see us. Sometimes there's an underlying issue with hair porosity or damage that needs professional attention. We can assess your hair, recommend the right products, and make sure your next color actually lasts.
Stop by The Warehouse Salon in Fairfield. We're at 1275 Bloomfield Ave, Building 1, Unit 3, near Pio Costa and Cutting Board Deli. Call us at 973-500-4536, or book your next appointment online. Let's get your color lasting the way it should.
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About the Author
Brianna Thompson
Brianna is a highly skilled and licensed cosmetologist, stylist, and color expert at Studio 360 Salon in Chatham, NJ. She possesses a thorough understanding of hair products and the science behind hair and hairstyling.
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