There’s nothing more annoying than spending 3+ hours in the salon chair (and not to mention your hard-earned cash), for your colour to fade in a matter of weeks. The culprit? Well, it could be your shampoo. We spoke to Warren Boodaghian, Head of Technical at HOB Salons, who told us that the products you use before your appointment are just as important as afterwards.
By Beth Ludolf
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1 Before your appointment
According to Warren, you get what you pay for. “Silicone (which is in a lot of cheaper products) coats the hair strand to give it a ‘false’ shine”, he explains, “this acts as a barrier to hair colour and stops it from properly penetrating the hair shaft” Basically, the colour will simply slide off in a matter of weeks so invest in a professional shampoo and conditioner at least 8 weeks before your appointment.
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2 At the appointment
This one can get scientific so we’ll keep it simple. “Hair colour penetrates the hair shaft, to maximise your colour’s lifespan you need to keep the colour inside the shaft”, Warren explains, “using an anti-oxidant conditioner immediately after colouring returns hair to its natural pH level and closes down the oxidation process”. Translation: it prevents any colour from washing out. You’ll have to trust us with this one.
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3 After your appointment
No surprises here. Warren says after your colour appointment, it’s sulphates you need to look out for. “Sulphates strip the hair – of colour and moisture – so it’s worth spending more to avoid them”, he says. Heads up; sulphates also help products to lather – use a little extra water with your new shampoo for the same effect.
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FAQs
How can you keep your hair colour from fading quickly?
You can keep your hair colour from fading by choosing professional shampoos and conditioners and avoiding sulphates. Silicone in cheaper products creates a barrier that prevents colour from lasting, while sulphates strip both colour and moisture from your hair.
When should you start using professional hair products before colouring?
Start using professional shampoo and conditioner at least 8 weeks before your salon appointment. Using these products early helps prevent silicone buildup, allowing your hair colour to better penetrate and last longer.
What ingredients should you avoid in shampoo after colouring your hair?
Avoid sulphates in your shampoo after colouring, as they strip both colour and moisture from hair. If your new shampoo doesn’t lather as much, just add a little extra water for the same effect.
Why is an anti-oxidant conditioner used after a colour treatment?
An anti-oxidant conditioner helps return hair to its natural pH and ends the oxidation process after colouring. This step is important to seal in the hair colour and stop it from washing out too soon.
What does silicone in cheaper hair products do to your hair colour?
Silicone coats the hair strand, giving a ‘false’ shine but blocking hair colour from absorbing properly. Because of this, your new colour may wash away within a few weeks if you use products with silicone.