There’s nothing like a fresh colour as you step out of the hairdresser. But if, like me, you find your hair colour starts to dull after just a handful of washes, it’s time to take action. Help spread out those colour appointments with a hard-working colour-protecting shampoo.

Whether your shade is blonde, brunette or pastel, there’s a formula out there that will help you to lock in your colour for longer.

How to keep your hair colour vibrant for longer

When looking for a colour-safe formula, it’s important to note whether there are sulphates involved, as these can strip vibrancy from your colour. Essential oils, such as rosemary or mint, are also a no-go as they can alter your shade and make it appear darker.

As with skincare, alcohol is often drying and can even lift your colour, so it’s important to keep an eye out for that too. Products that claim to ‘purify’ may be good at revitalising greasy scalps but they can have a knock-on effect on your colour and be too harsh, causing colour to fade faster. The key here is to nourish, not to strip the hair.

It’s not entirely down to the products either. It stands to reason that the more frequently you wash your hair, the faster the colour will fade. Turning down the temperature in your shower will also work wonders: hot water opens up the hair cuticle, leaving your hair colour more likely to wash out. Colder water does the opposite and seals the cuticle, leaving your shade protected and your hair looking glossier.

Heated hair tools will also cut your hair dye’s lifespan, so always use a heat protector before styling. Even better, let your hair do its thing by air-drying.

Now that we’ve got the basics down, here are the best colour-protecting shampoos to help boost vibrancy and keep your shade shinier for longer. 

Images: courtesy of brands