Hair Color Aftercare Guide: How to Make Your Color Last Longer
You just invested time, money, and trust into your hair.
Here's how to keep it looking fresh as fuck between appointments.
First 48 Hours : For All Hair Color
Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours after your appointment.
Stay away from pools, hot tubs, saunas, prolonged sun exposure and excessive sweating if possible.
Skip clarifying shampoos and dandruff shampoos unless your stylist (or dermatologist) specifically recommends them.
Use cooler water whenever possible. Hot water opens the cuticle and fades color faster.
Shampoo Less, Look Better
The number one thing that causes color to fade is washing
Ideal Washing Schedule
1–3 times per week
Dry shampoo is your best friend between washes (we love Hairstory Powder & cult+king powder)
If you work-out frequently, ask your stylist for recommendations that fit your lifestyle
Use Professional Products
Not all products are created equal
→ Sulfate-Free Shampoos
We always recommend a no-poo or cleansing conditioner as it’s the safest for all hair color
If you prefer something that bubbles look for shampoos without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Lauren Sulfate (SLES) or Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
→ Color-Safe Conditioners
For our vivid clients - ask your stylist about WFLYH Custom Conditioner [$25] to take home with you after your session
Avoid deep conditioners and protein masks/masques unless directed by your stylist (these can push color OUT of your hair)
5-10 minutes only! Over-use of conditioners can push hair color out of the hair
→ Heat Protection is Non-Negotiable
Blow-dryers, curling irons, flat irons, hot brushes and the sun can all contribute to color fading
Always use a heat protectants designed for wet hair before blow-drying and ones designed for dry hair before using hot tools
Turn the heat down! 300º or less!
Professional products are formulated to protect your investment and keep your color looking vibrant longer. When in doubt - ask your stylist!
Vivid Hair Color Aftercare
Fashion Colors, Creative Colors, Bright Colors
Vivid colors require extra maintenance
These pigments sit differently in the hair and naturally fade faster than traditional color.
Wash As Little As Possible
Aim for 1 wash per week
Use dry shampoo between washes
Hydrate mids and ends between washes [our favorite is Reverie Milk]
Consider rinsing with cool water only when needed
Cold Water
The colder the water, the longer your vivid color will last.
Warm and hot water will significantly accelerate fading.
Avoid Chlorine and Salt Water
Both can strip hair color quickly!
If swimming:
Saturate hair with fresh water first
Apply leave-in conditioner
Wear a swim cap whenever possible
Expect Some Fading
Vivid colors are designed to evolve.
Depending on the shade:
Pastels have the shortest lifespan!
Pinks may fade softer and pastel
Blues can shift green
Reds and coppers often lose intensity first
Purples may become lavender over time
Rainbows or multi-color vivids can blend together if washed with hot water
Regular refresh appointments help keep your color looking intentional rather than faded.
Custom Color Conditioner [$25] When Recommended
Your stylist may recommend:
Color-depositing conditioners
Color masks
Custom color refresh products
Use only what your stylist recommends. The wrong pigment can shift your color in unexpected ways.
Traditional Hair Color Aftercare
Blondes, Brunettes, Reds, Highlights, Balayage, Grey Coverage
Blondes
Purple shampoo is not an every-wash product.
Use only as directed by your stylist.
Overuse can leave hair dull and dry.
Deep conditioning is especially important for lightened hair.
Brunettes
Avoid excessive heat styling to prevent brassiness
Use color-safe products to maintain shine and depth.
Schedule glosses when recommended to keep color rich and delicious.
Reds & Coppers
These shades fade faster than most traditional colors.
Wash less frequently.
Use cooler water.
Consider color-depositing products approved by your stylist.
Grey Coverage
Stay on a consistent maintenance schedule.
Root regrowth is often more noticeable than color fading.
Using professional products can help extend the life of your color between appointments.
Deep Conditioning & Treatments
Healthy hydrated hair reflects color optimally
We recommend:
In-salon conditioning treatments at every color session
Bond-building treatments when recommended
Consistent home care between salon visits
When to Reach Out
Contact us if:
Your color fades unusually fast
Semi-permanent (vivids, glosses, toners) → 3-8 washes
Demi-permanent (gentle deposit only color) → 4-20 washes
Permanent (bleach or hair color that permanently changes hair pigment) → until it grows out but can fade, shift in tone or lose vibrancy over time
You notice unexpected color changes or shifts
You have questions about products
You're unsure when to schedule your next appointment
We'd rather answer your questions than have you guess.
The Bottom Line
The best way to make your color last longer is simple:
✔ Wash less
✔ Use professional products
✔ Protect your hair from heat
✔ Use cooler water
✔ Follow your stylist's recommendations
