10 Key Ways to Maintain Your Hair Color For Longer

How to maintain your hair color for longer? In this article, we will share our professional tips straight from the experts on how to keep your hair color longer.

Dying your hair is a beautiful form of self-expression, and we are absolutely living for it! From ravishing reds to sun-kissed blondes, each hue tells a unique story - but how to keep your hair color longer?

In this article, we will share with you our most essential tips and tricks for keeping hair color from fading that go beyond the salon.

So, without further ado, let's get right into it!

What makes hair color fade faster?

If your hair is losing its color, there are a few factors that could be contributing to it - let's take a look:

• Oxidation - one of the main culprits of hair color fading faster is oxidation. Exposure to air and sunlight leads to oxidative reactions that break down color molecules, causing fading.
• Harsh shampoos - shampoos that contain parabens and sulfates are generally aggressive to hair, especially dyed hair. They can strip the color by opening the hair cuticle and releasing color molecules.
• Excessive heat styling - excessive thermal heat styling, especially if you are going up to 450 degrees, can also make hair color fade faster. That's because high temperatures open the cuticle, accelerating the loss of color from the hair shaft.
• Environmental factors - environmental factors like pollution and chlorine can contribute to fading over time, especially if you are spending more time outdoors. UV rays can also be damaging to your color - that's why it's important to protect your hair in the sun during the summer months.
• Hard water - mineral deposits in hard water can interact with color molecules, causing them to become less vibrant. Washing your hair with excessively hot water can also be damaging to your hair color.
• Poor hair health - dry and damaged hair is more susceptible to color loss, as the damaged cuticle allows color molecules to escape. It's important to regularly moisturize your hair to maintain your hair color for longer.
• Frequent washing - over-washing can lead to faster color fade, as it removes color molecules and essential oils from the hair.

Considering all of these factors, it becomes obvious that hair color can fade a lot faster if you are not taking the right preventive measures, as well as the proper post-care measures.

So, if you are looking for tips on how to maintain your hair color for longer, let's take a look at some of the things that you can do:

How to maintain your hair color for longer: 10 tips

1. Use your heat styling tools properly

One of the most important things you can do if you want to maintain your hair color for longer is to use your heat styling tools properly. 

First and foremost, make sure to use your flat iron or curling wand at lower temperatures whenever possible - ideally, between 200°F and 300°F (90°C - 150°C).

If your flat iron doesn't have temperature control settings, we highly recommend investing in one to avoid damage and color fading - such as the NuMe Megastar Flat Iron.

Made with tourmaline plates, this flat iron emits more negative ions than hair straighteners made with other materials, locking in moisture and reducing dryness and loss of color.

Avoiding multiple passes on your hair strand is also essential to avoid damage and fading - a good flat iron will provide optimal results more efficiently without causing unnecessary damage.

2. Avoid excessive hair washing

If you want to maintain your hair color for longer, keep in mind that excessive hair washing can also contribute to color fading. The act of washing itself can strip away color molecules from the hair shaft.

The more frequently you wash your hair, the more opportunities there are for the color to be washed out.

In addition, shampooing can open the hair cuticle, the outer layer of the hair shaft. This makes the hair more porous, and allows color molecules to escape more easily.

3. Protect your hair from environmental factors

If you want to maintain your hair color for longer, make sure to protect your hair from environmental factors such as UV rays and pollution. Environmental pollutants can accumulate on the hair, stripping away color and contributing to a dull appearance.

Regular cleansing and protective measures help mitigate this.

In addition, sun exposure can cause oxidative stress, leading to the breakdown of color molecules. UV rays weaken the hair structure, making it more susceptible to color fading. 

Using a thermal heat protectant like NuMe Watch Me Werk can help protect your hair from the absorption of UVA and UVB rays, reducing the rate of color fading. Wearing hats and not going out during peak sun hours is also essential.

4. Rinse your hair with cold water

Rinsing your hair with cold water helps against color fading by closing the hair cuticle. The hair cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, and it consists of overlapping scales. Hot water can cause the cuticle to open, making the hair more porous and prone to color loss.

Cold water, on the other hand, helps to close the cuticle, sealing in the color molecules and preventing them from escaping.

This protective effect minimizes the risk of color fading and helps maintain the vibrancy of your hair color for a longer period.

5. Use a shampoo without parabens and sulfates

Shampoos without parabens and sulfates are good for preventing hair color fading for various reasons. Let's take a look:

• Gentle cleansing - sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip away natural oils and color molecules from the hair. Parabens, while used as preservatives, may also contribute to color loss. Shampoos without these ingredients provide a gentler cleansing action, preserving color.
• Reduced stripping - shampoos without sulfates and parabens are less likely to strip the hair of its natural oils and color. This helps maintain the balance of moisture in the hair, which in turn prevents dryness and color fade.
• Preservation of natural oils - sulfate-free formulations allow natural oils produced by the scalp to remain on the hair. These oils contribute to the health and protection of the hair, including the preservation of color.
• Less irritation - some individuals may experience scalp irritation or sensitivity to sulfates and parabens. Shampoos without these ingredients are a milder option, reducing the risk of irritation.

For this reason, using a shampoo without sulfates and parabens is essential if you want to maintain your hair color for longer.

We recommend the NuMe Vegan Hydrating Tourmaline Shampoo - made using a proprietary blend of proteins, tourmaline powder and 11 amino acids, it's perfect for keeping your hair moisturized and hydrated to prevent fast color fading.

6. Trim regularly

Colored hair is more prone to dryness and damage, especially at the ends. Regular trims remove split ends and damaged portions, preventing the damage from traveling up the hair shaft and compromising the color.

On another hand, it is important to keep in mind that healthy hair holds color better. Trimming helps maintain the overall health of your hair, ensuring that the color is applied to a strong and resilient structure.

7. Maintain a balanced diet

To maintain your hair color for longer, we also recommend maintaining a well-balanced diet.

Healthy food rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins contributes to maintaining hair color for longer by providing essential nutrients that support overall hair health.

Foods like eggs, salmon, leafy greens, avocado, berries, nuts and seeds, and sweet potatoes are great for nourishing your body and improving your overall well-being.

8. Apply regular deep conditioning treatments

Regular deep conditioning treatments help maintain hair color for longer by addressing several aspects of color-treated hair.

On one hand, it helps with moisture retention - as we mentioned earlier, colored hair tends to be drier, and this is where deep conditioning comes in handy by providing hydration. 

On another hand, deep conditioning helps to smooth and seal the hair cuticle, the outer layer of the hair shaft. A sealed cuticle reflects light better, enhancing color vibrancy and preventing color molecules from escaping.

For optimal deep conditioning, we recommend the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Mask - infused with tourmaline powder and packed with 11 amino acids, it repairs and balances your hair texture for frizz-free, short, and color-vibrant hair.

9. Prevent chlorine damage

If you want to maintain hair color for longer, it is also important to prevent chlorine damage. Chlorine can have very harsh effects not only on colored hair but also on hair in general.

It can strip away color molecules from the hair shaft, leading to premature fading and dullness of the color. Chlorine is a drying agent that can leave the hair dry, porous, and more susceptible to damage. Damaged hair is less likely to hold color effectively.

10. Embrace protective styles

Protective styles help maintain hair color for longer by minimizing exposure to external factors that can contribute to color fading. For example, braids or twists can minimize friction between hair strands. Reduced friction prevents color molecules from rubbing off, preserving the integrity of the color.

In addition, protective styles shield hair from environmental factors like UV rays, pollution, and harsh weather, preventing these elements from contributing to color degradation.

And last but not least, keep in mind that tangled hair is more prone to breakage and color loss. Protective styles help prevent tangling, reducing the risk of damage.

FAQ

How do I keep my colored hair from fading?

To keep colored hair from fading, use sulfate-free shampoos, rinse with cool water, limit heat styling, and apply UV-protective products. Deep condition regularly for hydration, trim damaged ends and embrace protective styles.

Minimize exposure to chlorine and pollution, maintain a balanced diet, and schedule professional touch-ups. Consistent care preserves color vibrancy and extends the lifespan of your stunning, colored locks.

How long should hair color last?

The longevity of hair color varies based on factors like color type, maintenance, and hair care practices. Permanent dyes typically last 4-6 weeks, while semi-permanent colors may fade sooner.

Regular touch-ups, color-safe products, and protective measures can extend color vibrancy, promoting a lasting and vibrant hue.

What is the hardest hair color to maintain?

Vivid and unconventional colors like bright blues, purples, and neon shades are often the hardest to maintain. These colors fade quickly due to larger color molecules and require frequent touch-ups.

Additionally, they can be more prone to color bleeding and may need specialized care to prevent premature fading and maintain vibrancy. The commitment to unconventional colors often involves a dedicated hair care routine to keep the shade bold and beautiful.