Professional Hair Care Advice from The Hair Care Edit by LMS Innovations
One of the most common concerns I hear from clients is, “Why does my hair color fade so quickly?”
You've just invested in a beautiful professional color service, and naturally, you want those results to last as long as possible.
With over 20 years of experience behind the chair, I've learned that maintaining beautiful hair color doesn't stop when you leave the salon. Your shampoo, washing habits, water temperature, and overall hair condition can all influence how long your color stays vibrant.
Absolutely! The shampoo you use can make a difference in how your color looks and feels between appointments.
Some shampoos are designed for deep cleansing and removing buildup, while others are formulated to cleanse more gently.
Frequent washing, especially with stronger cleansing formulas, can contribute to faster fading of certain hair colors.
My professional advice: Choose a shampoo appropriate for color-treated hair and your scalp's needs. A gentle, color-safe formula can help maintain your results without unnecessarily stripping the hair.
Not necessarily.
Sulfates are cleansing ingredients found in many shampoos. Although some sulfate-based formulas cleanse more aggressively, others are formulated to be gentle.
Likewise, a sulfate-free shampoo isn't automatically mild or better for every hair type.
The overall formulation matters more than whether a shampoo contains one particular ingredient.
The key is choosing a well-formulated shampoo that suits your hair and scalp.
Hot water can contribute to color fading, particularly with certain semi-permanent and fashion shades.
Very hot water may also leave the hair feeling drier.
Using lukewarm water when shampooing is a simple adjustment that can help maintain the appearance and condition of color-treated hair.
Not all hair colors behave the same way.
Red and copper tones
These vibrant shades can lose intensity noticeably between appointments, depending on the color formulation, hair condition, and maintenance routine.
Blondes and toners
Blonde hair may begin to look warmer as toner gradually fades, allowing underlying yellow or golden tones to become more noticeable.
Fashion colors
Pinks, purples, blues, and other vivid shades often require more maintenance, particularly when semi-permanent color is used.
Brunettes
Brown shades can also fade or reveal unwanted warmth, especially on previously lightened or porous hair.
Porosity describes how readily hair absorbs and releases water.
Hair that has been repeatedly lightened, chemically processed, or damaged may be more porous.
Highly porous hair can sometimes have difficulty retaining certain artificial color pigments, which may contribute to faster fading.
This is why two clients using the same shampoo may experience very different color longevity.
Choose a gentle shampoo suitable for color-treated hair.
Avoid washing more frequently than your scalp and lifestyle require.
Use lukewarm rather than excessively hot water.
Condition regularly to help maintain softness and manageability.
Limit unnecessary high-heat styling and use a heat protectant.
Protect your hair from excessive sun exposure and swimming-pool chemicals.
Ask your hairstylist whether a color-depositing conditioner or maintenance treatment is appropriate for your shade.
Beautiful hair color requires maintenance, and your shampoo is an important part of that routine.
However, no shampoo can completely stop hair color from fading.
The best results come from choosing appropriate products, understanding your hair's condition, and following a maintenance routine that works for your particular color.
Your color is an investment. The way you care for it at home can help you enjoy it longer.
Professional Hair Care Education by LMS Innovations.