Shampoo Color-Treated Hair Less Frequently To prevent water from washing away your vibrant color, the answer is simple: Wash your hair less often. To retain those natural oils that help condition your color-treated hair, shampoo just two or three times per week, and never more than every other day.
Frequency: It's usually recommended to wash dyed hair 1-3 times a week. Washing too frequently can strip the hair of natural oils and lead to faster fading of the color. Hair Type: - Oily Hair: May require more frequent washing (every other day) but should still use sulfate-free shampoos to protect the color.
If you don't rinse dyed hair properly, leftover dye can continue processing, leading to overly dark or uneven color. It may also cause scalp irritation, dryness, or buildup, making hair feel sticky or greasy. Rinsing thoroughly helps seal the color, remove excess chemicals, and maintain hair health.
If your scalp doesn't look or feel dirty, you can wash your hair every seven to 10 days. Chemically treated hair — such as hair that has been permed, relaxed or bleached — may be dry and needs to be washed less frequently.
Only wash hair in lukewarm water. Hot water will accelerate dye fading. Consider diluting shampoo for color treated hair (either no sulfates) or add color tints in lukewarm water to remove dirt or debris while minimizing dye removal.
Post-color washing is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your hair. By cleansing and conditioning, salons help in closing the hair cuticles, locking in moisture, and preserving the smoothness of your locks.
“There are too many variables to set one rule,” Jessica J. Krant, a cosmetic and medical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York said in an interview. “I believe hair can be washed anywhere from daily to once every two weeks, depending on hair and skin type, hairstyle and lifestyle.”
Generally speaking though, it's best to wait 4-6 weeks before having another color treatment – in most cases, this is enough anyway and reduces the risk of hair damage. There are some exceptions, but in general, it's better to err on the side of caution and wait for this long.
Our top pick is awarded to the K18 Peptide Prep pH Maintenance Shampoo because it cleanses, boosts vibrancy, protects color, and imparts shine—and only requires a few drops to make a big difference. Another great choice is the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, which is extremely cleansing and strengthening.
**Stylist Preference**: Stylists prefer working with clean hair because it allows them to better assess the natural color and condition of your hair.
Permanent: This dye often contains ammonia (to open hair's cuticle) mixed with a developer (hydrogen peroxide) to lift and deposit pigment, changing the hair's color until it grows out. This dye lasts the longest and is best for covering grays.
Revolutionary No-Rinse Herbal Color Cream by Herbishh is carefully formulated to color your hair without requiring you to rinse it off afterward! With a never before seen sunlight-activated proprietary Japanese Technology, this hair cream will leave you with mind-bafflingly positive results.
So, how often should you wash coloured hair? We recommend washing no more than two to three times a week to help preserve your shade and natural oils. Luckily, perk up dry shampoo will be your new holy grail to help you get that freshly washed look between hair wash days.
Apply Leave-In Treatments to Protect Color-Treated Hair
Using a leave-in conditioning treatment can help detangle your hair and protect it from heat tools, the elements and other damaging forces. Look for leave-in conditioners that are specially formulated to protect color-treated hair.
Leo Izquierdo, a colorist at New York's IGK Salon, agrees, adding that hot water will lift the outer layer of hair color and cause the color to fade. “Instead, rinse with cold or lukewarm water, as it will help seal up the cuticle and lock in your fresh color,” says Cleveland.
If your client can't seem to keep their gray hair or roots covered for long, it may be time to discontinue using hair dye. Going to the salon every two weeks for treatment is too often, and along with all the damage it can do to their hair, it can also be expensive over time.
Damage level
Damaged hair needs to be cut more frequently—as a general rule, it should be trimmed every six weeks to help minimize split ends and prevent breakage. If you use heat styling tools every day, dye your hair regularly, or get chemical treatments like perms, there's a good chance your hair is damaged.
If your hair isn't super fine, you can probably afford to go a little longer in between washes. For medium textured hair, shampooing every 2-4 days is usually enough, or whenever you feel your hair needs it.
Limit washing: If you can, reduce how often you wash your hair to retain your hair's natural oils that protect colour. Use dry shampoo in between washes to absorb excess oil. Rinse your hair with cold water: Cold water seals your hair cuticles and prevents colour bleed.
Permanent hair color is the best long-lasting hair color option as it doesn't wash off. It is usually used when you want to lighten or darken your hair. If you are looking to cover your greys or opt for a global color, it is best to choose a permanent hair color shade.