4 Reasons Why Your Hair Colour Fades So Fast

Colouring your hair isn’t easy (or cheap) but damaging your hair can be. From the styling tools in your bathroom to the water in your pipes, your day-to-day routine could be working against your hair dye.
 

Why is your hair colour fading so fast?

• Shampooing too often after colouring
• Cleaning with shampoos that strip hair colour
• Using hot styling tools without heat protection
• Washing coloured hair with hard water

Here’s everything you should know about how to take care of colour-treated hair.
 

Shampooing Too Often After Colouring

All coloured hair has an expiration date. Depending on whether your dye is temporary or permanent, your colour may last anywhere from 6 to 30 washes. For those who wash their hair multiple times a day or week, this means your hair colour may fade faster. The solution is simple - wash your hair less to save your colour. Rather than letting your hair down, pull it back in a hair tie to keep it dry during your shower, or use your favorite shower cap.
 

Cleaning with Shampoos That Strip Hair Colour

When it comes to hair care, your shampoo matters. While you may be tempted to grab a cheap bottle from your local drugstore, you might want to reconsider. Most commercial shampoos contain sulphates - the “cleaning” ingredient. Although sulphates strip dirt and oil from our hair, they can sometimes strip too much, including our hair dye. Not to mention, sulphates can cause scalp irritation leading to further hair complications. Next time you’re shopping for shampoo, look for bottles that are labelled “gentle” or “colour safe”. These can better help prevent hair colour fading too fast. To be sure that the product is free of sulphates, check the ingredient list to make sure there are no signs of “sodium laureth sulphate” or “ammonium laureth sulphate.”

Using Hot Styling Tools Without Heat Protection

Heat tools are the ultimate culprit of damaged hair. When heat is applied, your hair’s natural moisture turns to steam and becomes trapped in the shaft. The result is “hair bubbles” which can weaken your hair. Coloured hair is especially prone to breakage as it is and the application of heat only makes this worse. Rather than sacrificing your hair styling tools, invest in a heat protectant spray. Apply the solution to your hair before using your tools to protect your hair from the damaging effects of the heat.
 

Washing Your Coloured Hair with Hard Water

Water is supposed to help our hair, not hurt it. But, if you have hard water running through your pipes, you might be experiencing the latter. Hard water is composed of high amounts of calcium and magnesium which can wear down hair. Like with sulphates, hard minerals can strip away dyes and healthy oils. The result? Brittle, discoloured hair. Not to mention, hard water leaves build-up on your scalp which can lead to thinning and hair loss. If your hair colour is fading too fast, reduce the colour-damaging effects of hard water with a water softener. Systems like a Culligan Water Softener can give you softer, cleaner, water to help prolong the life of your colour.

Your coloured hair deserves to live the month-long life it’s promised. Not to mention, you deserve it, too. Take care of your hair by rethinking your styling tools, shampoos, and water so you can reap the colourful benefits of your dyed hair.