How to Keep Your Colour Looking Fresh & Vibrant.

You've just walked out of the salon with a gorgeous new colour and now the challenge begins: keeping it looking fresh, glossy and true to tone for as long as possible. Whatever colour you've opted for, your colour needs a little love and the right routine to maintain its vibrancy.

We've put together the best expert-approved tips to help you extend the life of your salon colour and keep your locks looking their best.

Why Hair Colour Fades

Before diving into the 'what to do' list, it helps to understand why colour fades.

Hair dye molecules sit in or on the hair shaft and over time can wash out, oxidise or degrade when exposed to heat, UV light, chlorine, and everyday styling. Recent research has shown how dye molecules can actually leave the hair fibre at molecular level, meaning the integrity of your colour is closely linked with the condition of your hair and how well it's protected (Hetherington et al., 2025).

The better the hair's condition and the gentler its care, the longer your colour stays vibrant.

Top Tips for Keeping your Colour Vibrant:

Wash less often and rinse with cool or lukewarm water.

Every time you wash, the hair swells, the cuticle opens a little and pigment can escape. Reducing wash frequency helps retain more of the colour. We suggest limiting washes to 2-3 times per week where possible. On the days you don’t wash your hair, consider using dry shampoo to maintain freshness without washing out colour.

Cold or cool water rinses help close the cuticle and lock in colour. Hot water has the opposite effect.

Choose colour-safe, sulphate-free products.

Regular shampoos may contain detergents (like sulphates) that can strip pigment and dry the hair.

Using formulas designed for colour-treated hair, rich in antioxidants and protective ingredients, makes a real difference.

Protect from Heat, UV and chemical damage.

Heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can cause damage to coloured hair, leading to dryness and fade. Whenever you use these tools, it’s essential to apply a heat protectant spray or serum.

In addition, try to lower the temperature settings on your styling tools. Using tools at lower temperatures can reduce damage and help maintain vibrant colours in hair. Keeping your hair healthy prevents the colour from fading quickly.

Hot Muk protects against heat styling and UV rays whilst conditioning and strengthening your hair.

The sun can be as damaging to coloured hair as heat styling. UV rays can fade colour and make hair brittle. If you plan to be outdoors for an extended period, consider wearing a hat or scarf to protect your hair from direct sunlight.

If you prefer to keep your hair down while enjoying the sunny day, look for hair products that contain UV protection. These products can act as a sunscreen for your hair and can help maintain the vibrancy of your locks.

Deep condition and nourish regularly.

Coloured hair tends to be more porous and vulnerable. Weekly or bi-weekly hair masks or deep treatments help maintain moisture, restore strength and keep that colour shining.

Follow up with regular salon glosses/ touch-ups.

Even when you do everything right, colour will still gradually fade, it's a natural process. Scheduling salon glosses, toners or refresh treatments keeps the tone vivid, counteracts brassiness and gives the hair a 'just-done' finish.

Stay hydrated and eat healthy.

Healthy hair starts from within. Make sure that you drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods containing biotin, vitamins A and E, and omega-3 fatty acids can help to promote strong and healthy hair.

Consider incorporating foods like salmon, nuts, spinach, and eggs into your diet. Maintaining your overall health can reflect on your hair, keeping it shiny and full of life.

Get a regular trim.

Regular trims are essential for maintaining the health and vibrancy of coloured hair. Even if you are growing your hair out, trimming the ends every 6-8 weeks can help prevent split ends and breakage.

Healthy hair holds colour better than damaged hair. During your trim appointments, don't hesitate to discuss colour treatments with your stylist. They can suggest ways to keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant.

Everyday Habits for Long-lasting Colour

• Use dry shampoo on non-wash days to extend time between washes.

• Avoid tying or pinning hair tightly right after colouring - damage can cause fading.

• After swimming, rinse with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner to protect from chlorine/salt.

• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and keep hair smoother (less abrasion = better colour retention)>

• Use a wet brush or wide-tooth comb rather than an ordinary hair brush when hair is wet to avoid breakage and rough cuticles.

Sources & Further Reading

"12 Tips on How to Care for Colored Hair" - Wella Professionals

"The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Color-Treated Hair" - Vogue

"How to Care for Dyed Hair" - L'Oréal Professional