We all love that first day of a new dye job – your hair looks like you’ve stepped straight out of a commercial. But before long it’s a little duller and your natural root colour is starting to show through.
The problem is, sometimes even if you want a touch-up, you can’t afford the time or money to get it done.
Luckily there are ways to keep the lustre and fight the fading a little longer.
Rule one: Get the right shampoo
It’s worth investing in a shampoo specifically for dyed hair. Why? Well, dye usually works by depositing colour in the hair shaft and a regular shampoo will likely strip the colour out. Most blondes know choosing a purple shampoo will help keep their colour looking good, but now there are options for brunettes that work to stop the colour fading or, worse, getting that dreaded orange tinge.
Try: For blondes: Schwarzkopf Blonde and Bright shampoo (1), $15, keeps hair brass-free for longer.
For brunettes: L’Oréal Série Expert Vitamino Color A.Ox Color Radiance Protection & Perfecting Shampoo, $30, works to eliminate residue while protecting radiance and boosting shine.
For redheads: Kérastase Bain Chroma Captive, $41, is designed specifically for colour-treated hair (not just for red hair). This sulphate-free shampoo preserves colour and shine while adding UV protection to help minimise fading.
Rule two: Shampoo less
You lose colour when you shampoo so try to go longer between washes. Use dry shampoo on the days you don’t wash your locks to absorb oil
and keep hair looking clean.
Try: Pureology Fresh Approach Dry Shampoo, $38, features anti-fade complex, plus it works to control oil and give a smooth finish.
R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo (2), $49, gives great volume while working to banish oil.
Matrix Total Results Miracle Extender Dry Shampoo, $21.50, instantly refreshes hair to make it look good for a second (or third!) day.
Rule three: Avoid colour strippers
Blow-drying also strips colour. Let your hair dry naturally or use heat protectant sprays, which lock colour in for longer.
Try: Ghd Heat Protect Spray (3), $30, provides an invisible barrier against heat damage on damp or dry hair.
Living Proof Restore Instant Protection (4), $44, works as a guard for heat styling and UV rays.
Rule four: Mind the shine
To keep hair glossy try a shine serum. But apply sparingly – too much will trap dust and make hair look duller.
Try: L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Liss Control, $34, shines, smooths and moisturises.
Matrix Style Link Gloss Booster, $21.50, enriches hair with lightweight silicones to enhance shine.
Pureology Hydrate Shine Max (5), $43, smooths fly-aways and keeps your mane vibrant.
Rule five: Fix your own colour
So many people are scared to dye their own hair between salon visits but thankfully these days there are lots of semi- permanent products that work to refresh your colour. Yes, they still use dye, so you need to pick the right shade, but they wash out after a few shampoos. They’re great for softening the first bit of regrowth and for making faded colour vibrant again.
Try: Schwarzkopf Live Salon Colour Refresher mousse (6), $17. Simply jump in the shower, add your Live Salon Refresher mousse, then rinse off in three minutes. It comes in cool brown, dark brown and red.
Schwarzkopf Nordic Blonde Refresher Mousse, $13. Removes yellow brassy tones and will give you three weeks of freshly pigmented colour.
Colour Wow, $50
Root concealers
If you want a quick on-the-go touch-up then reach for some of the latest colour cover-ups. They will give you a quick burst of colour for your roots, instantly hiding grey or regrowth. Keep in mind these are quick-fix solutions and while they’ll cover your hair for the day, by the next day you’ll either need to repeat or try a dye.
Try: Colour Wow, $50.
Joico Tint Shots, $26.
Oribe Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray, $49.
Joico Tint Shots, $26., Oribe Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray, $49.
