More often than not a colour which won't hold is the result of a lack of treatment. However, in the case of home colouring, the problem can often be due to the colouring process. Either the application isn't even, the waiting time is too short or you aren't using the right product for the desired effect.
Most of the time it depends on the health of the hair. If you are suffering from hair loss or have rough and damaged hair, the colour will not last. This happens because the hair cuticles are open and more porous. And when the cuticles are open, the pigment doesn't stick to the hair.
There are a few reasons the dye isn't taking; 1) It could be that your hair is naturally resistant to bleach 2) the developer may not be strong enough 3) you may not be leaving the dye in long enough. 4) direct dyes usually require hair to be lifted to a level 10 blonde or higher for best results.
Hair porosity (yes that's a thing) impacts how well your hair absorbs moisture and retains it. High porosity hair may take color quickly and go darker, and the color may fade more quickly once applied. Low porosity hair may be more resistant to absorbing color, because the cuticles are more difficult to open.
Pigment loss occurs naturally in hair as we age. Along with the changes in pigmentation, grey hairs can also undergo structural changes Grey hair is often also coarser. The outer cuticle layer of greys can be more tightly packed and layered, making them resistant to colour absorption.
Brittle, split, and dry hair won't take hair dye the same way healthy hair does. If your hair is damaged, the dye's chemicals will penetrate the hair cuticles differently, and you may end up with patchy or faded color. Prep your hair before you color to make sure all your strands are as healthy as they can be!
Our favorite color-depositing conditioner is the dpHue Gloss+ thanks to its wide range of shades, easy application, and ability to soften and hydrate hair. For a clear gloss that adds shine to any hair color, we recommend the Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Sheer.
"Semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair color can be applied to wet or dry hair, but wet hair application in not recommended for permanent hair color." Meanwhile, permanent color changes require a dry hair application. This could mean going lighter, or darker.
The vinegar actually helps the hair dye to remain bonded to the hair, according to my awesome stylist Viviane of Marina Beach Hair.
Why this mismatch only shows up at the roots is because your virgin roots are less resistant to the dye than your previously-colored lengths. New hair growth is much more reactive to dye than previously dyed hair.
Both protein (keratin) and moisture are essential components of healthy hair—if they're missing, your hair color could fade quickly. If hair is in poor condition (we're looking at you split ends), a protein or moisturizing treatment may be needed before you color.
Right after coloring the hair, wait two or three days for the first wash. This will allow the cuticles to seal in the new color and prevent premature color loss. It is vital to use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that gently treat and nourish the hair, such as the Re/Start™ Color Protective Gentle Cleanser.
For best results, we recommend washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo 24 hours before dyeing, but no sooner. You can use your normal conditioner, but we'd advise against using a deep conditioner before dyeing your hair due to potential product build-up.
Either the application isn't even, the waiting time is too short or you aren't using the right product for the desired effect. Another reason could be that your hair has already been sensitised by products which are too harsh for your locks or the heat from a heating device.
Your hair needs to be porous enough to absorb dye in the first place. If it's not able to absorb the color, you're going to wind up with a duller or more faded color than what you were trying to achieve.
Most hairdressers don't quite understand what makes grey hair so resistant to color. Sometimes it is because the hair has been coated with silicone that is not water soluble. However, MOST of the time it is because grey hair is extremely hard hair.
If you had a bad coloring job your best bet is to visit a reputable beauty salon and have a trained professional perform corrective coloring that will rid you of the unnatural color and give your hair a second chance.
it is over processed and missing protein bonds, it is white or grey and you are using the wrong developer. You are using the wrong dye for what you need. Or, lastly you are trying to skip too many levels and need a proper filler. if your hair is over processed you need to use a semi or a Demi dye.
Use a Color-Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner:
Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos and conditioners that are specifically formulated to help maintain hair color. These products are gentler on the hair and can help prevent color from washing out prematurely.
It Can Make Semi-Permanent Hair Dye More Vibrant
Since semi-permanent hair color (and demi-permanent hair color) isn't formulated with peroxide, it can be beneficial to use it on wet hair. This will open up the cuticles of the hair shaft and allow the color to absorb better into wet strands.
Applying heat to hair dye that is processing can help to open the cuticle of your hair and allow it to absorb the colour a lot more easily. Use your hairdryer to apply heat and this will help to penetrate the cuticle. Once you're happy with the amount of time you've had your colour in, get ready to wash it out.
The biggest cause of red hair fading and turning brassy is over-shampooing. Water and shampoo both affect the cuticle, which causes hair color to dull.