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How to Maintain Vibrant Hair Colour Between Salon Visits

Here at Holy Grail Haircare, we know how much you cherish that fresh-from-the-salon hair colour. There’s nothing quite like stepping out with a vibrant new hue that makes you feel like a million bucks. But let’s face it, keeping that colour looking fresh between salon visits can be a bit of a mission.

Today, we’re sharing our top tips and favourite haircare products from professional salon brands to help you maintain that gorgeous colour, whether you’re rocking silvers, blondes, brunettes, or reds. Let’s dive in and keep your hair looking salon-fresh every day!

Understanding Hair Colour Fading

Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – why does hair colour fade in the first place? As your dedicated haircare experts at Holy Grail Haircare, we’ve got the lowdown on what’s going on with your locks.

First up, we have environmental factors. The sun, while wonderful for those beach days, isn’t so great for your hair colour. UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in hair colour, causing your vibrant hue to fade.

Next, let’s talk about washing. We all love that clean hair feeling, but frequent washing can strip your hair of its natural oils and colour molecules. And if you’re using hot water, it’s even worse! Hot water opens up the hair cuticle, allowing colour to escape.

Heat styling is another biggie. Blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can cause your colour to fade over time. The high temperatures can damage the hair’s cuticle, making it easier for colour to wash out.

Lastly, the products you use play a crucial role. Some shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals like sulphates and parabens, which can strip colour from your hair. It’s important to choose products specifically designed for colour-treated hair to keep that vibrancy intact.

Understanding these factors means we can take steps to combat them and keep your hair looking vibrant.

Woman with blonde hair pushing it behind her shoulders

Essential Tips for Maintaining Vibrant Hair Color

So, you’ve got that gorgeous colour, and you want to keep it looking fresh for as long as possible. Here are our top tips to help you do just that:

1. Use Colour-Safe Shampoos and Conditioners

First things first – using the right products is crucial. Opt for colour-safe shampoos and conditioners that are gentle on your hair and specifically designed to preserve colour. At Holy Grail Haircare, we swear by Pureology’s Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner. These beauties are sulphate-free and packed with goodness to keep your hair vibrant and hydrated.

2. Limit Washing Frequency

We get it – nothing feels better than freshly washed hair. But washing too often can strip your hair of its natural oils and wash away colour. Try to wash your hair less frequently (and when you do, be sure to follow tip #1!) and in between washes, reach for a dry shampoo like Moroccanoil’s Dry Shampoo, or Pureology's Refresh and Go Dry Shampoo. Both will keep your hair looking fresh without the need for water.

3. Protect Hair from Heat

Heat styling tools are fantastic for creating those Instagram-worthy looks, but they can also cause your colour to fade. Always use a heat protectant before styling to shield your hair from damage. We recommend the Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Serum, – it not only protects your hair from heat but also adds a gorgeous shine. Wella's Ultimate Repair Leave-In Treatment, Joico's K-PAK Colour Therapy Luster Lock and Moroccanoil's Perfect Defense are also great options!

Stylist using hair straightener on woman's hair

4. Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure

We all love a bit of sunshine, but those UV rays can do a number on your hair colour. When you’re out and about, protect your hair by wearing a hat or using a UV-protectant spray. This simple step can make a huge difference in maintaining your colour.

5. Use Cold Water for Rinsing

Here’s a tip that might surprise you – rinsing your hair with cold water helps to seal the cuticle and lock in colour. While a cold rinse might not be the most pleasant (especially on those frigid winter mornings) it’s worth it for that extra colour protection.

Specific Products for Different Hair Colours

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Different hair colours have different needs, and we’ve got the lowdown on the best products for each.

Blondes and Silvers

Blonde and silver hair can easily turn brassy. To keep those cool tones looking fresh, use a purple shampoo like Fudge Clean Blonde Shampoo. It neutralises yellow tones and keeps your blonde or silver hair looking bright and beautiful.

Angel's Deep Sea No Yellow Shampoo and Conditioner are also great options, effectively toning yellow, brassy tones. Try vegan and sulphate-free options with Davroe's Blonde Platinum Shampoo or NAK HAIR's Blonde Shampoo.

Woman holding Fudge Clean Blonde Damage Rewind shampoo

Brunettes

For our brunette beauties, maintaining shine and richness is key. The Wella Invigo Colour Brilliance Shampoo and Conditioner are perfect for keeping your hair healthy and your colour vibrant.

Reds

Red hair is stunning but can be particularly tricky to maintain. To keep your red locks vibrant, try Joico's colour range: K-PAK Colour Therapy or Colourful Anti-Fade shampoos and conditioners. These products are designed to lock in those fiery tones and prevent fading.

Grey Hair

Grey hair is beautiful and unique, and it deserves special care to keep it looking its best. To maintain that gorgeous silver hue and prevent yellowing, use a product like the Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Silver Shampoo. This shampoo neutralises brassy tones and enhances the natural shine of grey hair, keeping it looking fresh and vibrant. Other great options are NAK HAIR's Platinum Blonde Anti-Yellow Shampoo, L'Oreal's Serie Expert Silver Shampoo and Matrix's So Silver Colour Obsessed Shampoo.

Additional Treatments and Tips

Deep Conditioning Treatments

Colour-treated hair needs extra love and hydration. Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your routine to keep your hair healthy and vibrant. We love the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask – it’s a game-changer for dry, colour-treated hair.

Regular Touch-Ups

Don’t forget to schedule regular touch-ups with your stylist to keep your colour looking fresh. A quick visit to the salon can make all the difference in maintaining your hair’s vibrancy. Alternatively, check out our range of colour products - with a collection of trusted professional products, you can get salon-quality results at home!

Avoid Chlorine and Salt Water

If you’re a swimmer, beware – chlorine and salt water can strip your hair colour. Before taking a dip, apply a leave-in conditioner like Pureology Colour Fanatic Leave-In Treatment to create a protective barrier.

Get the Low-Down on Colour Maintenance

How often should I wash my colour-treated hair?
It's best to wash your colour-treated hair 2-3 times a week to prevent stripping the colour. Using a dry shampoo in between washes can help keep your hair looking fresh. For more on washing your hair, check out our blog on how often you should!

Can I use any shampoo and conditioner on my coloured hair?
No, it’s important to use shampoos and conditioners that are specifically formulated for colour-treated hair. These products are gentle and help preserve your hair colour.

How can I protect my hair colour from fading due to heat styling?
Always use a heat protectant before styling your hair with hot tools. Products like Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil can protect your hair from heat damage and add shine.

Why does my hair colour fade in the sun, and how can I prevent it?
UV rays from the sun can break down the colour molecules in your hair, causing it to fade. To prevent this, wear a hat or use a UV-protectant spray when you’re outdoors.

What’s the best way to keep blonde hair from turning brassy?
Use a purple shampoo, like Fudge Clean Blonde Shampoo, to neutralise yellow tones and keep your blonde hair looking bright and cool.

Can I go swimming with colour-treated hair?
Chlorine and salt water can strip your hair colour. Before swimming, apply a leave-in conditioner like Pureology Colour Fanatic Leave-In Treatment to protect your hair. Rinse your hair with fresh water immediately after swimming.

How often should I use a deep conditioning treatment on colour-treated hair?
Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair hydrated and healthy. We recommend the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask.

Is it necessary to get regular touch-ups for colour-treated hair?
Yes, regular touch-ups at the salon help maintain your hair colour’s intensity and overall appearance. Check with your stylist to determine the best schedule for your hair type and colour.

Maintain Your Colour with Holy Grail Haircare

Maintaining vibrant hair colour between salon visits is totally achievable with the right care and products. At Holy Grail Haircare, we’re committed to helping you keep your hair looking its absolute best - at the most affordable prices in New Zealand. With our expert tips and a range of salon-grade products tailored for colour-treated hair, you can enjoy that fresh, vibrant look every day.

Whether you’re a blonde, brunette, redhead, or rocking beautiful greys, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead, explore our collection, and keep your hair colour looking salon-fresh and fabulous!