Why does my hair colour keep fading? Tips to Make It Last Longer

Why does my hair colour keep fading? Tips to Make It Last Longer

You’ve left the salon feeling fabulous, your colour is fresh, rich, and glowing… but fast forward a few weeks, and it’s looking a little dull or faded. Sound familiar?

The longevity of your colour isn’t just about the shade you’ve chosen — it’s influenced by many factors, from your hair’s condition to your at-home routine. At Arena Creative Hair, we don’t just colour your hair — we care about how it holds up in real life, too.

Let’s explore why your hair colour might not be lasting and what you can do to help your colour stay salon-fresh for longer.

 

 

Why Your Colour Might Be Fading

Hair colour fades naturally over time, but these are some of the most common reasons why it fades faster than expected:

  • Environmental exposure: UV rays, pollution and hard water can break down colour molecules.

  • Heat styling: Regular use of straighteners or curlers can strip away pigment and damage the hair cuticle.

  • Over-processed hair: If your hair has been bleached or chemically treated too often, it might not hold colour as well.

  • Poor home care routine: Using harsh shampoos or washing hair too frequently can wash your colour away.

  • Lack of in-between maintenance: Colour fades, and without the right top-ups, it will lose vibrancy and tone.

Now let’s dive into what you can do to keep your colour looking its best.

 

1. Pre-Pigmentation is Key for Lasting Vibrancy

If you're going from light to dark, or back to your natural colour, pre-pigmentation is essential. This process adds back missing underlying pigments that have been stripped during previous lightening.

Without this step, darker colours tend to fade fast and look patchy. At Arena, we always factor in pre-pig when needed — because skipping it can lead to unnecessary disappointment.

 

 

2. Glosses to Seal in Colour

After a full-head colour, adding a Kevin Murphy Colour Gloss Refinement is a game-changer.

Glosses:

  • Lock in tone

  • Add beautiful shine

  • Help the colour molecules stay sealed in the hair shaft

  • Improve the health and feel of the hair

This extra layer of protection gives your colour longevity and that reflective, healthy finish you’ll love.

 

 

3. Invest in Toning Conditioners

Coloured hair — especially blondes — can change tone between visits. Using a toning conditioner at home helps keep unwanted warmth or brassiness at bay and refreshes your colour between appointments.

At Arena, we stock Kevin Murphy BLONDE.ANGEL , with condition and tone your hair. They’re like a salon visit in a bottle. Can be also used on reds coppers and brunettes. 

 

 

4. Use Colour-Safe Shampoo (This Is a Must!)

Standard supermarket shampoos often contain sulphates and detergents that strip hair of its colour and natural oils.

We recommend Kevin Murphy EVERLASTING.COLOUR range. These shampoos and conditioners are:

  • Sulphate-free

  • pH-balanced

  • Designed to preserve colour vibrancy

  • Packed with bond-building and protective technology

They not only help your colour last longer, but also repair the hair while cleansing gently. You’ll really notice the difference.

 

 

5. In-Between Top-Ups Make All the Difference

You don’t always need a full colour service to keep things looking fresh. A toner refresh or mini gloss in between your full appointments can help maintain tone, shine and depth.

These short appointments are more affordable, quicker, and work wonders to:

  • Prevent dullness

  • Tackle brassiness

  • Re-seal pigment

  • Maintain condition

Think of it as colour maintenance — like topping up your tan or getting your nails redone.

 

 

6. Watch Out for Heat and Sun

Sun exposure, straighteners and hot water can all cause colour to fade faster.

Protect your hair the same way you’d protect your skin:

Prevention goes a long way when it comes to preserving your colour.

 

 

7. Don’t Overwash Your Hair

Washing your hair too often, especially with hot water, can strip it of both natural oils and colour.

To preserve your colour:

  • Wash 2–3 times a week max

  • Use dry shampoo in between

  • Rinse with lukewarm or cool water

It’s a small change that can make a huge difference to your colour's lifespan.

 

 

8. Treatments Are Essential for Colour Longevity

Colour lasts longer in healthy, hydrated hair. That means treatments should be part of your regular routine.

At Arena, we offer deep conditioning EXPRES.TREATMENTS and Kevin Murphy in-salon masques that strengthen, hydrate and repair — helping your hair hold onto pigment for longer.

You can also use leave-in sprays and oils at home to support daily health and shine.

 

 

9. Avoid Chlorine and Salt Water

Both chlorine and salt can dry out your hair and pull colour from it.

If you're going swimming:

  • Rinse your hair with fresh water beforehand. Acting as a natural barrier.

  • Use a protective conditioner or oil

  • Tie your hair up to keep it out of the water if possible

 

 

10. Keep in Touch With Your Stylist

Your hair’s needs change with the seasons, your lifestyle and even your health. Regular check-ins with your stylist help keep your colour looking its best and give you a personalised plan for in-between care.

We're here to support your colour journey, not just on appointment day — but throughout.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Colour is an investment — and we want it to last as long as possible.

By protecting your hair, using the right home care, booking in-between refreshes, and understanding your unique hair needs, you can keep that fresh, glossy, salon-colour glow for weeks longer.

💛 Need advice on your current colour?
 💛 Want to know if your home routine is working for you?

Fill out our FREE consultation form 

Book in with us at Arena Creative Hair and let’s build a plan for colour that truly lasts

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