Secrets to lasting hair colour job

Colouring hair does not come cheap. This is especially if you are using quality colour. Because of the expense, it would be great if you saw the colour last as long as possible. Seeing your hair colour fade even before you enjoy it can be depressing.

Here is how to keep hair colour looking fresher, longer. Deep condition: It is important that you deep condition your hair prior to putting colour – three days before the application is ideal. This will give it an extra boost of moisture. However, don't condition your hair at all after the deep conditioning treatment. Chemicals found in dyes have a drying effect on the hair and even leaves it porous. Do not deep condition your hair again after this; any more of this will deprive your hair of some colour molecules, which in essence, means fading.

Shampoo: Wash your hair a day or two before you dye it. This way, you get rid of any dirt or build-up. Do not wash again before putting the dye so that you maintain the natural oils that help the colour stay in place. Although some hair dye instructions say that you should dye your hair when dirty, washing it two days earlier helps it get rid of any build-up that may impede the colour. After the dye process, there is no harm in letting the hair get a little dirty. Too much shampooing will quicken the fading process of the dye. If you must wash, do it every other day or even less if your hair does not get greasy fast.

Colour: Go for a colour that is close to your natural hair. This is because the further away you move from your natural colour, the more noticeable the dye will be and once the roots start growing it will be very easy to notice that you have dyed your hair and you have to start planning to re-dye your hair right away.

Avoid the sun: If you must stay in the sun, cover your dyed hair with a hat or scarf, otherwise the dye will start fading. The sun also has the tendency of drying out the hair. There are, however, sunscreen products available in beauty shops that are specifically made for the hair- invest in them.

Too much heat: Flat irons and blow-dryers speed up the hair colour fading process. If you must blow-dry or flat iron, then at least do not do it during the first week of the dye.

Post dye: Whenever you wash your hair after the dyeing process, use a special shampoo formulated for dyed hair as this will help the colour last longer. Avoid frequent shampooing as the more you do it the faster the colour fades.

Water: By all means avoid hot water and use cool water. Hot water has the tendency of opening up the cuticles of the hair making it lose moisture and easier for the colour to fade. This is the best way to wash it; shampoo and rinse with cold water, pat dry with a towel then rinse again with the coldest water your scalp can stand to lock the cuticle. This way, you are assured of lasting colour that will keep your hair moisturised and eliminate split ends.

Avoid the pool: If you love swimming, this is the time, unfortunately, to avoid the swimming pool. The chlorine in swimming pool water strips hair dye away leaving the hair looking faded. If you must swim, use a hair protector with SPF.

Right products: Ensure all the products you use including gels, shampoo and conditioners have colour-protecting ingredients. Keep away from any product that alcohol as one of the ingredients as these have the tendency of drying the hair out.