Fresh colour looks vibrant, then softens within weeks. Fading is normal, but how fast it happens depends on your hair, the colour and how you care for it. The main causes are easy to manage once you know them.
Quick answer: colour fades because of frequent washing, hot water, sun, heat styling, hard water and harsh cleansers. Slow it by using a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner, washing less often with lukewarm water, using heat protection and covering hair in strong sun.
Why Hair Colour Fades
Colour molecules sit inside the hair or on its surface, and they gradually wash out as the cuticle lifts. Several things speed it up:- Frequent washing and very hot water open the cuticle.
- Strong sunlight can lighten and dull colour. Tinted shades and reds fade faster.
- Heat styling from dryers and tools.
- Hard water minerals can leave hair dull. Read Hard Water and Hair: Effects, Signs, Damage & the Best Hair Care Routine.
- Chlorine in pools. See What chlorine does to your hair.
- Harsh or non-colour-safe shampoos.
Choose Colour-Safe Care
Bubble Bliss Color Protect Shampoo and Bubble Bliss Color Protect Conditioner are designed for coloured, dry, damaged and treated hair, with quinoa, argan oil and rose oil to support colour protection and nourishment. Tint Toniq (T2) Color Protect Shampoo and Tint Toniq (T2) Color Protect Conditioner are Color Protect products with UV protection. Read Hair Colour Care Guide: How to Protect Coloured Hair and Maintain Shine for a complete colour-care routine and Benefits of Argan Oil for Hair for more on argan oil.Habits That Help Colour Last
- Wash less often, as your scalp allows. See How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?.
- Use lukewarm or cool water for the final rinse.
- Always use heat protection before dryers and tools.
- Wear a hat or scarf in strong sun.
- Do a weekly mask to keep hair soft. See Hair Mask Guide: How to Choose the Best Hair Mask for Your Hair.
- Wait a day or two after colouring before the first wash, if your stylist advises.
Fading by Colour Type
| Colour | Tends to | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Red and copper | Fade fastest | Wash less, use colour-safe care |
| Fashion shades | Fade quickly | Cool water, minimal washing |
| Brown and black | Lose depth and shine | Gloss or shine treatments, mask |
| Blonde | Can turn brassy | Ask your stylist about toning; see Bleached Hair Treatment: How to Care for Bleached and Chemically Processed Hair |
Salon Aftercare
Talk to your stylist about a gloss, toner or sealing treatment and the products they recommend for your colour. They know your shade and how your hair took it.Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my hair colour fade so fast?
Frequent washing, hot water, sun, heat and hard water are the usual causes. Some shades, such as reds, simply fade faster.
How can I stop hair colour from fading?
Use colour-safe products, wash less, use cooler water, protect hair from heat and sun and use a weekly mask.
How often should I wash coloured hair?
As rarely as your scalp comfortably allows. Many people find two to three times a week works well.
Does hard water fade hair colour?
Hard water minerals can make colour look dull. A filter or occasional clarifying wash may help.
Is a colour-safe shampoo really different?
Colour-safe formulas are designed to be gentler on coloured hair.
Does sun fade hair colour?
Strong sun can lighten and dull colour, especially tinted shades.
When can I wash my hair after colouring?
Follow your stylist's advice. Often it is a day or two.
Explore the Orangewood Range
Care for coloured hair with the coloured hair collection and the Bubble Bliss Color Protect pair, Bubble Bliss Color Protect Shampoo and Bubble Bliss Color Protect Conditioner.
Related Guides
- Hair Colour Care Guide: How to Protect Coloured Hair and Maintain Shine
- Hard Water and Hair: Effects, Signs, Damage & the Best Hair Care Routine
- How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
- Hair Mask Guide: How to Choose the Best Hair Mask for Your Hair
- Bleached Hair Treatment: How to Care for Bleached and Chemically Processed Hair
- Benefits of Argan Oil for Hair
Shop: Bubble Bliss Color Protect Shampoo · Bubble Bliss Color Protect Conditioner · Tint Toniq (T2) Color Protect Shampoo · Tint Toniq (T2) Color Protect Conditioner
