Blonde Hair Color Will Last Longer If You Do These 5 Little Things (2024)

Fun hair care fact: blonde hair color doesn’t actually fade, unlike brunette and red shades that require frequent touch-ups to maintain their hue. That said, blondies do have other maintenance issues. The biggest is that blonde color is more vulnerable to its surroundings than any other shade. “The issue is with blonde is that it can easily pick up unwanted tones depending on your lifestyle, your routine and external elements,” says Rick Wellman, celebrity colorist to Brooke Shields, Lindsay Lohan and Petra Nemcova. Exhibit A: Winter sucks the strands dry and leaves them full of static, which makes your color susceptible to dullness. That's why moisturizing treatments are so important for blondes. Bet they didn't tell you that at the salon.

Whether your preferred look is platinum, champagne, strawberry or honey, here are five other ways to maintain your color:

Minimize sun exposure

It’s not summer, but UV rays still penetrate your strands and break down color (yep, even on cloudy days, UV light bounces off clouds and get absorbed by your skin and hair). “Discoloration occurs by UV rays causing the hair cuticle to open and lifting color by a couple of tones,” says celebrity hairstylist Frank Barbosa for IT&LY HairFashion. Ultraviolet sunlight also reduces the effectiveness of any toner you may put in your hair to counteract brassiness. "That’s how blonde hair turns yellow,” says Barbosa. To prevent discoloration, try applying a hair sunscreen like Rene Futerer Protective Summer Fluid on damp hair after shampooing, then style as normal.

Invest in some blonde insurance

Any blonde will tell you her biggest issue is brassy, yellow (even gold) tones creeping into her ash white strands. Thanks to hair science, there’s a solution: purple shampoo. Because purple sits directly opposite yellow on the color wheel, the former helps counteract the latter. “A violet or lavender shampoo is a great tool for blondes to calm unwanted brassy tones,” says Wellman, and it's especially useful if you're around a lot of cigarette smoke. “Even sensitive blonde hair can be dulled from just being around smokers,” Wellman says. Just restrict usage to once a week use to keep your color from becoming overly dull and also to avoid buildup, adds Barbosa.

Check Your Water

If you are still encountering brassiness, it may be your shower that’s the problem. "One of the biggest issues for blondes is minerals attaching to the hair shaft," says Debi Dumas, an L.A.-based colorist who has worked with Chelsea Handler and Ali Landry. "Copper is one of the major culprits, and it's in various waters, especially when you are traveling. Think older buildings — everything from a landmark NYC apartment to a five star Parisian hotel."

Wellman suggests using a clarifying shampoo that'll remove mineral deposits, followed by a conditioner and rinse with distilled water. Try Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo, and picking up distilled water from your local drugstore, or making it yourself. If that’s too much effort, Dumas recommends installing a shower filter in your home instead, and just keeping the clarifying shampoo on hand for vacays.

Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo, $6, Amazon; T3 Source Hand-Held Shower Filter, $150, Amazon

Select your oil wisely

Many blondes have a story about a hair oil turning their lengths green. “Avoid certain oils that contain alcohol ingredients. They coat the hair and do not allow future color applications to penetrate, leading to a quick color drop,” says Barbosa. Try IT&LY Pure Water Drops, which are water soluble, so they won’t overcoat your hair.

IT & LY Pure Water Drops, $24, Amazon

Try this quick fix

Another quick fix to maintain the freshness of your color is to deep condition at home and then finish with a DIY vinegar rinse. The vinegar mixture should be half water, half white vinegar. Add a couple of drops of peppermint oil (to kill vinegar smell). When you style it, you'll see the difference. “Vinegar closes your cuticle properly, so product sits on top of the strand and bounces off for a high shine,” explains Barbosa.

Blonde Hair Color Will Last Longer If You Do These 5 Little Things (2024)

FAQs

How can I make my blonde hair last longer? ›

A careful colour care routine will help to maintain your blonde hair for longer, extending the length of time between colouring.
  1. Wash your hair less. ...
  2. Choose a good blonde shampoo. ...
  3. Try a purple shampoo for brassiness. ...
  4. Rinse with cool water. ...
  5. Use a weekly hair mask. ...
  6. Have a monthly trim. ...
  7. Use a hair heat protectant.

What does vinegar do to hair color? ›

“Sealing the hair's cuticle is what locks in your hair color,” says Anderson. So in short, yes, using apple cider vinegar can help set and preserve your hair color's lifespan. “The more firmly closed your hair cuticle is, the less likely your color is going to fade," says James.

What is added to dye to make it stay longer? ›

Hair oils can help moisturize both dry and wet hair to help preserve the color. Jojoba oil is the best option because it most closely resembles natural hair oils. When applying, keep in mind that a little oil goes a long way.

How long will blonde hair dye last? ›

Ideally, permanent hair colour would stay just as vibrant as it was the day you coloured it, at least until the roots grow. On most heads of hair, that would mean a good 6-8 weeks between touch-ups.

What brings out blonde hair? ›

Herbs that bring out blonde hair include marigold, saffron, and sunflower petals. As with red highlights, simmer the herbs in water for 30 minutes before straining the water into a spray bottle. Then, spritz the mixture on your hair and let it dry in the sun. Apply chamomile tea to lighten your hair.

Why does my blonde hair fade so fast? ›

A common reason behind fast-fading hair color is insufficient processing time, meaning the hair color did not stay on long enough. This especially holds true if you or your client have grey hair. Grey hair cuticles are tightly packed down and take longer to open and absorb artificial hair color molecules.

Does rinsing with vinegar make hair dye last longer? ›

Shortly after dyeing your hair, try rinsing it with white vinegar. This trick actually raises the pH level within your hair dye and encourages your colour to provide a better performance.

Does vinegar turn your hair blonde? ›

Apple cider vinegar to lighten hair

It can reduce dandruff, encourage growth, and remove oil build-up, making it a wonder treatment for hair. For lightening, mix one-part apple cider vinegar with six-part waters and spray across the hair. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing it out.

What does apple cider vinegar do to colored hair? ›

Yes, you can absolutely use apple cider vinegar on color-treated hair. In fact, it can help your color stay more vibrant by clearing away mineral deposits as well as product and oil buildup on your tresses. Just be sure to dilute your apple cider vinegar with water if you're making a solution at home!

What color stays in hair the longest? ›

As natural brunettes, brown hair dyes can last the longest compared to other hair dyes. There's no need to bleach your hair colour as the eumelanin content will allow the hair colour to stay on longer. Besides, with the aforementioned colouring techniques, you can still flaunt your beautiful brown locks.

How do I get my hair to hold color? ›

7 Stylist-Approved Tips to Help Your Hair Color Last Longer
  1. “Wash less, dry shampoo more” ...
  2. Add a pre-shampoo treatment. ...
  3. Choose the right shampoo for your hair. ...
  4. Tone your blonde (or silver) ...
  5. Use a deep conditioner. ...
  6. Try an at-home touch-up kit. ...
  7. Limit your use of styling tools.

How do you keep hair dye from fading so fast? ›

9 Ways To Avoid Hair Color Fading
  1. Wait 72 hours to shampoo—after your initial wash to remove excess color, of course. ...
  2. Take lukewarm showers whenever possible. ...
  3. Put a filter on it. ...
  4. Avoid sulfates in shampoo and conditioner. ...
  5. Wash your hair less often. ...
  6. Take a break from hot tools. ...
  7. Stay out of the sun.
Nov 28, 2018

How often should you wash your hair after dying it blonde? ›

Hair that's dyed with a lot of pigment can look more faded the more you wash it. If possible, try to only wash it every other day at most, or, ideally every two to three days.

How often should you dye your hair to keep it blonde? ›

Stick to the recommended timeline of 4-8 weeks between your coloring treatments. Of course, this time range may be shorter or longer, depending on what you want to achieve at the salon. Still, knowing the frequency of hair-coloring isn't enough.

How often should you wash dyed blonde hair? ›

Shampoos remove natural oils and strip hair of its pigment, so it's a simple fact that the more often you wash your blonde hair, the quicker it will fade. Limit your cleansing to just two or three times a week, and refresh in between washes with dry shampoo.

What does baking soda do to blonde hair? ›

Since baking soda is a scrubbing agent, washing your hair with it can gradually strip the dye from your locks. Baking soda can lighten all hair colors, but it might take a few washes to get your hair to the desired color.

What keeps blonde hair bright? ›

The most important — and perhaps the easiest — thing you can do to keep your blonde hair bright is to use a toning shampoo and conditioner. With a purple hue, toning shampoos help neutralise and yellow or brassy undertones, helping to extend the lifespan of your colour.

What color makes blonde hair stand out? ›

Mint green, baby blue and colors with a blue or gray undertone flatter like no other. “Dusty shades of pink and lavender are also great for cool blonde hair colors,” celeb color expert Jill Kirsh told Beauty Riot.

Why does my hair dye only last 2 weeks? ›

Shampooing Too Often After Coloring

All colored hair has an expiration date. Depending on whether your dye is temporary or permanent, your color may last anywhere from 6 to 30 washes. For those who wash their hair multiple times a day or week, this means your hair color may fade faster.

Why does my blonde hair not hold color? ›

You have porous hair.

Hair's porosity determines how hair absorbs and retains moisture. There are three levels of porosity: low, medium, and high. If you have medium or high porous hair, your hair has trouble keeping moisture which, in turn, causes hair color to fade faster. It can't lock-in the dye.

Which hair color fades the fastest? ›

It's not your imagination — red hair dye does fade faster than other hair color shades.

How long to leave white vinegar on hair? ›

Let the vinegar sit on your hair for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Be sure to dilute it with more water, since its pH is slightly more acidic than apple cider vinegar. It's best to stick with a recommended proportion, which is ¼ cup of white distilled vinegar and ½ amount of filtered water.

Does white vinegar really remove hair dye? ›

Many people use vinegar as a scalp cleanser, but it can also remove hair dye, so use caution if that's not your intent. If it is, you can mix white vinegar with warm water and apply it to your hair to remove hair color. Allow it to sit for ten to fifteen minutes, then rinse.

Do you rinse with apple cider vinegar before or after conditioner? ›

Do you use an acv rinse before or after conditioner? An apple cider vinegar rinse should be used after shampooing and before conditioner.

Does hydrogen peroxide make hair blonde? ›

Hydrogen-peroxide-based dyes alone can help take your hair to a light blonde color. These dyes are also often used to turn dark hair a lighter color before adding another color of dye. It can turn dark brown hair red, for example.

How long does it take for apple cider vinegar to lighten hair? ›

To achieve the most noticeable lightening, it is best to apply Apple Cider Vinegar directly to your hair and leave it on for at least 4–6 hours or overnight. You can also mix Apple Cider Vinegar with water and apply it as a rinse every few days or even every day until you see the results you are looking for.

Is apple cider vinegar bad for blonde hair? ›

Our experts agree that apple cider vinegar is safe for all hair types, including color-treated tresses. It's especially beneficial for those with major product buildup, whether that's from hairsprays, dry shampoo, braids, or excess grease.

What does baking soda do for your hair? ›

Baking soda dissolved in water helps to remove any buildup of oils, soaps, and other ingredients in typical hair care products. By stripping away this buildup, baking soda can leave hair squeaky-clean, shiny, and soft.

How to do an apple cider vinegar rinse for colored hair? ›

Mix 2-4 tablespoons of unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar (with the "mother" in it) with 12-16 ounces of distilled water. Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle or small bottle with a squeeze lid. Make a fresh batch of ACV rinse each time, just before using.

What is the hardest hair color to keep? ›

Red is the hardest color to keep lustrous and the hardest color to remove,” she adds.

What is the hardest hair color to keep up? ›

What are the most difficult hair colors to maintain? Red hair is notoriously difficult when it comes to upkeep. While it's the hardest color to fully strip from your hair, it's also the first to fade, often lightening drastically within the first few washes.

What is the hardest dye to get out of hair? ›

It might be obvious, but red is the most difficult hair color to remove compared to other hues. “Red color molecules are the biggest, which both means it fades the fastest, but also makes it harder to remove from the hair,” says Fleming.

Why won't my hair hold any color? ›

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.

Why wont my hair retain color? ›

Unfortunately, dry and damaged strands don't hold onto color well. Damaged hair has a loose cuticle, with lots of holes, tears, and gaps along its surface. Although these gaps make it easy for dye pigments to enter your strands, your hair has no way of holding onto them.

Why won't my hair pick up color? ›

One of the plausible reasons why ends of hair won't take color as readily as the rest of your strands could be because you are washing off your dye too soon. As such, you should wait a little longer for the dye to process instead of rushing to rinse it off before the color has taken hold.

Does conditioner make hair dye last longer? ›

The conditioner or mask is designed to get deep in the hair follicle to moisturize. However, when it's rinsed out, it takes the color molecule with it—resulting in the color fading. To avoid this, a good daily conditioner will do the trick (just don't leave it on for a long period of time).

Does cold water keep hair dye in longer? ›

To keep your new hair color vivid and bright, we advise that you wash your hair with cold water (as cold as is bearable). Cold water keeps the hair cuticles closed and therefore stops the color running out and fading too soon. Warm water is the enemy!

Does salon hair dye last longer? ›

Not only do you get the environment of the salon and the skills of your stylist, but you also get professional-quality hair dye that will last much longer than a kit that you bought at the store.

What's the minimum time to wait to shower after dying hair blonde? ›

"After having your hair colored, wait a full 72 hours before shampooing," says Eva Scrivo, a hairstylist in New York City. "It takes up to three days for the cuticle layer to fully close, which traps the color molecule, allowing for longer lasting hair color."

Why do salons wash your hair after coloring? ›

Salons wash hair after coloring because they need to prepare your hair for the next treatment, which is important if you are planning a straightening or curling treatment directly after your hair has been dyed.

When rinsing out hair dye do you use conditioner? ›

After shampooing, it's important to follow up with a conditioner. This is because shampoo - and yes, dye - can sometimes strip away natural oils that your hair needs to stay healthy. Conditioner helps to replenish these lost oils, as well as add extra moisture to your locks.

How do I maintain my dyed blonde hair? ›

How to maintain blonde hair at home
  1. Wash your hair less. ...
  2. Choose a good blonde shampoo. ...
  3. Try a purple shampoo for brassiness. ...
  4. Rinse with cool water. ...
  5. Use a weekly hair mask. ...
  6. Have a monthly trim. ...
  7. Use a hair heat protectant. ...
  8. Filter your water.

Is it hard to maintain dyed blonde hair? ›

Is blonde hair hard to maintain? Short Answer: Yes. Dying one's hair blonde and the efforts to maintain the blonde color is one of the most high-maintenance dye jobs out there. Expect semi-frequent salon visits for root touch ups and to avoid brassy tones with a new hair care routine!

How do you dye your hair blonde and keep it healthy? ›

How To Keep Dyed Hair Healthy
  1. Wash your hair less frequently. The more you wash, the quicker your colour will fade – it really is as simple as that. ...
  2. Skip straight to conditioner. ...
  3. Pick the right shampoo. ...
  4. Condition, condition, condition. ...
  5. Heat Protection. ...
  6. Make time for masks. ...
  7. Air dry. ...
  8. Use filters.

How long does blonde dye last on hair? ›

As your hair grows, you'll need regular touch-ups to keep your blonde tresses looking fresh – which can be as often as every four to eight weeks. And if you're naturally dark brown, regular touch-ups are non-negotiable. Be sure to chat with your colourist before you commit to dyeing your hair blonde.

Why does my blonde hair not last? ›

Dry winter temperatures cause blonde locks to generally fade faster than other hair colours, as the hair is generally more fragile. There are two main reasons why blonde hair turns yellow/brassy. The first one is that the toner used to achieve your beautiful hue has washed out, unfortunately they don't last forever.

Why is blonde hair so hard to maintain? ›

Changing your colour dramatically is always going to be high maintenance. "The term 'high maintenance' actually comes from blonde hair,” Clarke says. “You will need to be prepared to make regular visits to the salon for toners and glosses as hair that has been lightened will fade quickly as it is more porous.”

What is the easiest blonde to maintain? ›

Citrine blonde is far lower maintenance than a single color [esdpecially if you have naturally dark roots], but the golden tones are still bright.

Why does my hair color only last two weeks? ›

Shampooing Too Often After Coloring

All colored hair has an expiration date. Depending on whether your dye is temporary or permanent, your color may last anywhere from 6 to 30 washes. For those who wash their hair multiple times a day or week, this means your hair color may fade faster.

How do you keep blonde hair vibrant? ›

7 TIPS FOR HOW TO BRIGHTEN BLONDE HAIR
  1. Invest in a Water Filter to Prevent Hard Water. ...
  2. Switch to a Shampoo for Blonde Hair. ...
  3. Avoid Rinsing Blonde Hair With Hot Water. ...
  4. Hydrate Your Hair With Moisturizing Conditioner and Hair Masks. ...
  5. Avoid Overheating Your Hair. ...
  6. Protect Your Hair from UV Rays. ...
  7. Don't Forget Your Roots.

Does blonde hair always need a toner? ›

"On blondes, cooler toner makes the colour more silvery and warmer toner makes it more coppery.” But Cusick confirms that all coloured hair needs a toner – not only light hair. “It can be used on all shades of hair to remove brassy tones as well as add depth and shine.”

Does blonde hair always stay blonde? ›

Blonde locks tend to darken over time to brown, or even black. If you're still a natural blonde – consider yourself lucky!

How do I keep my hair blonde and not brassy? ›

6 Ways to Prevent and Fix Brassy Hair, According to Hair Color...
  1. Call your stylist for a toner or gloss. ...
  2. Shampoo with a purple formula between professional colorings. ...
  3. Wash hair with cool water. ...
  4. Spend less time at the pool and the beach. ...
  5. Consider getting a shower filter. ...
  6. Shield hair from direct sunlight.
Jul 24, 2020

How often should blondes do their hair? ›

How often should we be getting our roots touched up? "Bleach girls should usually be seeing their colourist every 6-8 weeks for their root touch ups, but as this has been more difficult recently - and people are coming in with longer roots - you should expect your touch-up to take more time.

What I wish I knew before going blonde? ›

If you're going blonde, say goodbye to low-maintenance hair. Dyeing it makes it weaker, more porous and more susceptible to damage. This means lots of conditioning treatments, regular trims and avoiding chlorinated swimming pools (the chlorine can leave a green tinge).

Is blonde hair the prettiest hair color? ›

Blonde is Crowned the Sexiest Hair Colour of 2021!

When asked which hair colour they think is sexiest, almost a third of people said they have no preference. However, of those who did have a colour preference: Most say that blonde hair is the sexiest (31.5%)

What is the best blonde color for gray hair? ›

Neutral shades like soft blonde, mushroom brown, light copper, and caramel blonde balayage are the easiest to blend gray into (and maintain over time without wanting to shave your hair off).

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Sen. Emmett Berge

Last Updated:

Views: 6057

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Sen. Emmett Berge

Birthday: 1993-06-17

Address: 787 Elvis Divide, Port Brice, OH 24507-6802

Phone: +9779049645255

Job: Senior Healthcare Specialist

Hobby: Cycling, Model building, Kitesurfing, Origami, Lapidary, Dance, Basketball

Introduction: My name is Sen. Emmett Berge, I am a funny, vast, charming, courageous, enthusiastic, jolly, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.