Your color starts fading the first time you wash it — unless you protect it. Five stylist-approved habits that keep color vibrant between appointments.
Professional color is an investment, and the right home routine can nearly double how long it looks fresh. These are the habits our colorists recommend to every guest.
1. Wait before the first wash
Give your color at least 48 hours before shampooing. The cuticle needs time to close and lock the pigment in.
2. Use color-safe, sulfate-free products
Sulfates strip pigment fast. Professional color-care lines are formulated to clean without pulling color — it's the single biggest difference-maker.
3. Turn the water temperature down
Hot water opens the cuticle and rinses pigment away. Wash warm, rinse cool.
4. Protect from heat
Always use a heat protectant before blow-drying or ironing. Heat is the second-fastest way to dull color.
5. Space out your washes
Every wash costs a little pigment. A quality dry shampoo between washes keeps hair fresh and color intact — our guide to wash frequency covers how to stretch it comfortably.
Ask your stylist at your next color visit which products fit your color and texture — we'll build a routine around what's actually on your shelf.
