How to Protect Colour-Treated Hair & Fight the Fade
How to Protect Colour-Treated Hair & Fight the Fade
You've invested time and money in your salon colour — the last thing you want is to watch it fade within weeks. The good news is that with the right routine and the right products, you can keep your colour looking fresh and vibrant for significantly longer between appointments.
Here are our stylist-approved tips for protecting colour-treated hair.
Why Does Hair Colour Fade?
Colour fades when the dye molecules escape from the hair shaft. This happens faster when:
- The hair cuticle is open (from hot water, heat styling, or harsh shampoos)
- Hair is exposed to UV rays from the sun
- You're using sulphate-heavy shampoos that strip colour
- Hair is over-washed or towel-dried roughly
The fix is simple: keep the cuticle closed, use gentle colour-safe products, and protect your hair from heat and UV.
The Colour-Treated Hair Routine
| Step | Frequency | What to use |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoo | 2–3x per week | Colour-protecting, sulphate-free |
| Condition | Every wash | Colour-safe conditioner |
| Deep mask | Once a week | Reparative, moisture-rich mask |
| Heat protect | Before every tool | UV + heat protectant spray |
| Tone (blondes) | Every 1–2 washes | Purple/violet shampoo |
1. Wait 48 Hours Before Your First Shampoo
After colouring, aim to wait at least 48 hours before washing. This gives the hair cuticle time to close fully, locking the colour molecules in place. It's one of the simplest — and most effective — things you can do to extend the life of your colour.
2. Switch to a Colour-Protecting Shampoo & Conditioner
Everyday shampoos can strip colour with every wash. Colour-protecting formulas cleanse gently while preserving vibrancy. For a complete colour-safe wash routine, we recommend:
- Moroccanoil Colour Care Shampoo & Conditioner 500ml Duo — a brilliant mid-size option for regular use
- Paul Mitchell Colour Protect Shampoo 1000ml + Conditioner 500ml — salon-size value for daily colour protection
- Paul Mitchell Colour Protection Bundle — everything you need in one box
3. Deep Condition Weekly With a Hair Mask
Colour-treated hair is more porous and prone to dryness — a weekly mask is non-negotiable. Look for formulas with reparative proteins and hydrating oils:
- K18 Hair Mask 15ml — a molecular repair treatment that works in just 4 minutes, ideal for chemically processed hair
- K18 Hair Damage Shield Protective Conditioner 250ml — daily protection that prevents future damage
- Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask 500ml — a deeply nourishing salon-size mask for dry, colour-treated hair
4. Always Use a Heat Protectant
Heat styling is one of the fastest ways to fade colour and cause damage. Before using any heated tools, apply a heat protectant to shield your hair. The Paul Mitchell 15 in 1 Spray & Mask Duo is a versatile option that protects against heat while conditioning — ideal for colour-treated hair that needs extra care.
5. Banish Brassiness With Purple Shampoo (Blondes & Highlights)
Blonde, silver, and highlighted hair tends to go brassy over time. Violet-tinted shampoos neutralise warm yellow tones to keep colour cool and fresh between salon visits:
- Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Purple Shampoo 1000ml — a salon-size staple for blondes
- Olaplex No.4P Toning Shampoo 1000ml — tones and repairs in one step
- Moroccan Oil Purple Oil 50ml — a lightweight toning oil for subtle tone correction
Use purple shampoo once every 1–2 washes, not every wash — overuse can leave a violet tint.
6. Wash in Cool Water
Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing colour molecules to escape. Rinsing in cool or lukewarm water helps seal the cuticle and lock in colour — a small habit that makes a significant difference over time.
7. Protect Your Hair From the Sun
UV rays are a major cause of colour fade, especially for blondes and vibrant fashion colours. Look for leave-in treatments with UV filters when spending time outdoors, and consider wearing a hat on particularly sunny days. The Maria Nila Colour Refresh range also helps refresh and maintain tone between salon visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash colour-treated hair?
Ideally 2–3 times per week. Over-washing is one of the main causes of colour fade — the less you wash, the longer your colour lasts.
Can I use regular shampoo on colour-treated hair?
You can, but it will accelerate fading. Most standard shampoos contain sulphates that strip colour with every wash. Switching to a colour-safe formula is one of the most impactful changes you can make.
How long does salon colour last?
Typically 4–6 weeks before noticeable fading, though this varies by colour type. Semi-permanent colours fade faster than permanent; blondes and vivid fashion colours tend to fade quickest.
Does purple shampoo damage hair?
No — but overuse can leave a violet tint, especially on very light blonde or white hair. Use it once every 1–2 washes and leave it on for 2–5 minutes.
Is salon-size worth it for colour-care products?
Yes — if you're washing 2–3 times a week, a 1000ml shampoo will last significantly longer and typically saves 15–20% versus standard sizes.
Shop Colour Protection at Bohairmia
Browse our full range of colour-protecting products — from sulphate-free shampoos to reparative masks and toning treatments. All from the professional brands your colourist trusts.
