You’ve walked out of the salon after spending a bomb on freshly coloured hair and can’t stop flaunting your new look on social media. Skip to one month later and here you are, wondering why your hair colour is fading faster than you had imagined. Heartbreaking, isn’t it?
You’ve spent your hard-earned money on getting your hair coloured, so it’s only natural that you’d want the colour to last longer. Luckily for you, we have shortlisted five sneaky reasons that could be causing your hair colour to fade faster. Read on to find out what they are.
- 01. You did not prep your hair properly
- 02. Your stylist skimped on the processing time
- 03. Not using the right hair care products
- 04. Rinsing your hair with hot water
- 05. You’re not protecting it from the sun
01. You did not prep your hair properly

It is best to wash your hair a day before you have your appointment and not on the same day because colour tends to apply better on second-day hair. Always wash your hair using a clarifying formula to thoroughly get rid of any sort of product build-up, dirt and oil. This helps the colour to adhere better and last longer.
02. Your stylist skimped on the processing time

Getting your hair coloured requires time and patience. Rushing through the steps will definitely affect how long the colour lasts on your hair. If you have grey hair, the colour needs to stay on your hair for a longer period of time as the cuticles take longer to open and absorb the product.
03. Not using the right hair care products

If you have coloured hair, it is really important to use products that are specifically meant for colour-treated hair. These shampoos have a gentler formula and are sulphate free which help the colour stay on longer and prevent fading.
04. Rinsing your hair with hot water

Hot water is extremely harmful to your hair and strips it of moisture and shine, making it look dull and frizzy. But you must especially avoid a hot water shower if you have coloured your hair. Coldwater keeps the cuticle sealed, ensuring that the colour stays put for a little while longer.
05. You’re not protecting it from the sun

By now, sunscreen has formed an indispensable part of our skincare routine, but unfortunately, the fact that our hair needs sun protection too does not really cross our mind. It is really important to protect your hair from sun damage, especially if you have coloured your hair. If you can’t find a sunscreen for your hair, try to cover your hair with a scarf or cap to prevent your colour from fading.
Image courtesy: Instagram
Written by Urvi Dalal on 8th Jan 2020
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!