5 Ways to Keep Your Hair Color Vibrant Between Salon Visits
Whether you’ve just had a rich full color, beautiful balayage, or bright highlights, you want that "just-colored" look to last as long as possible. But then life happens—sun, swimming, and daily washing can cause that perfect hue to fade faster than we'd like.
So, how do you protect your investment and keep your color looking flawless? The experts at Wish Salon and Nails are here to share our top five secrets for extending the life and vibrancy of your hair color.
1. Use Professional, Color-Safe Products
Think of your hair color like a delicate fabric—you wouldn't wash it with a harsh detergent. Most drugstore shampoos contain sulfates, which are strong cleansers that strip your hair of its natural oils and, you guessed it, its color molecules. Switching to a professional, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair is the single most important thing you can do. These formulas are gentler and help lock in your color every time you wash.
Pro Tip: Ask your stylist for a personalized product recommendation at your next appointment!
2. Turn Down the Heat in the Shower
A steamy, hot shower might feel relaxing, but it’s not doing your hair color any favors. Hot water opens up your hair's outer layer, the cuticle, which allows color to rinse out and fade away. By washing your hair with cool or lukewarm water, you help keep the cuticle sealed, protecting your color and boosting shine.
3. Wash Your Hair Less Frequently
Every time your hair gets wet, you risk a tiny bit of color fade. To minimize this, try to stretch the time between washes. This is where dry shampoo becomes your best friend! A good dry shampoo can absorb oil at the roots and add volume, allowing you to go an extra day or two. Less washing means longer-lasting, more vibrant color.
4. Protect Your Hair from Sun and Styling Tools
Here in Virginia, the summer sun can be intense, and its UV rays act like a natural bleach on your hair, fading your expensive color service. Before spending a day outdoors, spritz your hair with a UV protectant spray. The same goes for heat styling! Always apply a heat protectant before using a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling wand to prevent the heat from damaging your hair and dulling your color.
5. Be Smart About Maintenance with a Touch-Up
As your hair grows, your roots will start to show. Instead of waiting until your regrowth is inches long, stay ahead of it! Scheduling a Touch Up service with us is the perfect way to keep your color looking seamless. A root Touch Up is a quicker, more affordable appointment that addresses just the new growth, instantly refreshing your entire look. This is the perfect solution to bridge the time between your full highlights or balayage appointments, ensuring your color looks intentional and fresh, never grown-out.
Your Color, Protected
By following these five tips, you can keep your hair color looking as rich and vibrant as the day you left the salon. It’s all about protecting your hair and being proactive with your maintenance routine.
Ready for a color that lasts? Whether you need a full refresh or a quick touch-up, the team at Wish Salon and Nails in Falls Church, Virginia, is here to help you achieve your hair goals. Click here to book your appointment online or call us at (703) 536-7888 today!
