Why does freshly applied hair color seem to go from bold to brassy, or from dashing to dull, all too fast? Why does hair dye never seem to last long enough?
Getting to the root of the problem, here are the top ten causes of fading hair color.
1. Insufficient Hair Coloring Time
Hair color must remain on the hair long enough for full dyeing results. Hair coloring product instructions may vary somewhat, particularly in terms of the time required for dyeing hair. In addition, stubborn gray hairs may take longer to absorb artificial color. Often, true hair coloring takes a bit longer than package instructions may indicate.
Savvy hair-color users (and skilled hair-care professionals) will usually color a test sample of hair first, just to see how long the hair actually takes for full coloring.
2. Shampooing Hair Too Soon After Coloring
Although most hair coloring product instructions specifically warn against washing dyed hair within 24 hours of processing, too many individuals fail to heed these tips. By washing hair too soon after coloring, individuals may actually wash hair coloring (and their hard-earned dollars) down the drain.
In fact, immediate washing (after coloring) is one way to remove hair coloring that has turned out too dark or too light.
3. Using Harsh Shampoos on Colored Hair
Strong shampoos, such as clarifying or dandruff shampoos, may be useful for extra-dirty or over-processed hair, but these are no-no's after hair coloring. These harsh hair cleansers can strip hair coloring and cause newly colored hair to fade.
Baby shampoos are actually quite strong as well and are not recommended for colored hair.
4. Shampooing Colored Hair Too Often
Many hair-coloring products (particularly demi-permanent hair dyes) tend to last for an approximate number of shampooings. Washing hair too frequently can cause hair coloring to fade more rapidly, requiring more frequent dyeing.
Colored hair may not require daily shampooing. In fact, shampooing on alternate days, if possible, may help to deter hair color fading. And, of course, those with dyed hair may choose to shampoo once each time, rather than practicing the old-fashioned lather-rinse-repeat step.
5. Over-Treating Colored Hair
Often, individuals who color their hair (either as do-it-yourself stylists or with the help of hair care professionals) also regularly use gels, hair sprays, hair waxes, mousses and more. These products may strip color from hair,
6. Over-Exposing Colored Hair to Heat
Exposure to heat causes hair shafts to open. When heat penetrates hair, it can lead to fading of hair color. Curling wands, flat-irons and hot hairdryers should be used minimally on colored hair to prevent hair dye from fading.
7. Allowing Sunlight to Fade Hair Color
Sunlight is a well-known cause of hair color fading. Traditionally, folks combed lemon juice into hair to facilitate warm-weather blonding. However, those with colored hair may be well advised to don hats or scarves, change hair parts often and seek shade, if they wish to keep hair color from fading.
8.Exposing Colored Hair to Chlorine and Other Chemicals
Bromine, chlorine and similar pool and spa chemicals have bleaching properties, which will certainly fade hair color. Swim caps and after-dip clean rinsing can help to preserve hair coloring.
9. Swimming in Salt Water
Many hair care professionals advise salt-water swimmers with colored hair to rinse thoroughly afterward, as salt water (often combined with exposure to sunlight) can fade hair color as well.
10. Coloring Hair Too Infrequently
Of course, no hair coloring product lasts forever. Both demi-permanent and permanent hair color fades in time, and hair grows out to reveal natural coloring at the roots. No matter what hair color products individuals may select, they generally will discover the need to recolor hair every month or so.
Hair coloring can be time-consuming and costly, particularly for those who have their hair dyed professionally. However, by avoiding these top ten causes of fading hair color, individuals can maximize their hair dyeing results and keep hair looking salon-fresh as long as possible.
