Is there anything more frustrating when it comes to hair than your color fading or turning brassy several weeks post-salon visit? Many of us experience this frustration, because many of us color our hair, including myself. I have colored my hair for the last ten years off and on, mostly staying within the brunette color spectrum, which is my natural hue. Unfortunately, as a brunette, the color can sometimes turn brassy orange, to no fault of your own or your hairstylists. Blondes can experience their color turning orange, redheads can see the red fade, and the grievances go on and on.

Luckily there are a few steps you can take at home to prevent this from happening, and extend your color. Keep reading to learn more on how to make your hair color last longer, and see my picks for the best products to ensure vibrant color between every salon visit.

AVOID HOT SHOWERS

Hot water doesn’t only dry out your skin; it can decrease the life of your hair color. The temperature opens up the hair cuticle, releasing your precious color—and moisture. It is best to shampoo and rinse with room-temp water, towel dry, condition, then rinse with the coldest water you can stand to seal that cuticle shut, if you have the time. This will provide longer-lasting color, keeping your hair nice and hydrated while also eliminating split ends.

INSTALL A SHOWER FILTER

This will remove chemicals, chlorine, and minerals from your shower water. Hard water strips your hair’s color and natural oils; these filters minimize color rinsing down the drain.

DON’T WASH EVERY DAY

Those of us who color our hair often know that we can’t wash our hair everyday (which to me, is a blessing because I hate washing my hair!) Limiting the amount of times you wash can help preserve your hair color. When you just visited the salon (or done it at home,) try not to wash your hair after color for as long as you can go—at least 24 to 48 hours! And when you do wash, choose a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner.

DON’T DEEP CONDITION

While deep conditioning or at-home masks are a good idea before you color, they can fade a rich brunette or vibrant red. The conditioner or mask is designed to get deep in the hair follicle to moisturize. However, when it’s rinsed out, it takes the color molecule with it—resulting in the color fading. To avoid this, a good daily conditioner will do the trick (just don’t leave it on for a long period of time to avoid the aforementioned).

REDUCE HEAT STYLING

One of the worst things you can do to colored hair is excessive heat styling (straightening, curling, blow drying). As much as we love hot tools, they won’t work in your favor and it’s best to style your hair without them as much as possible. When you do heat style, use a thermal protectant product. This will protect against heat damage from the styling tools. Thermal protectants will help reduce color fade by keeping the integrity of your hair in good condition.

The post How to make your hair color last longer appeared first on Caviar & Cashmere.