Why Does Hair Color Fade

Your color was perfect when you left the salon; but now it's dull and uneven. What's going on? Like many color enthusiasts, you're probably frustrated watching your investment literally wash down the drain, leaving you with a shade that's far from the vibrant hue you originally fell in love with.

This color-fading phenomenon isn't just bad luck; it's chemistry at work. Hair dye molecules, whether temporary or permanent, interact with your hair structure in specific ways, and their longevity depends on both the type of dye used and how well you maintain your colored tresses.

How hair dye works and why It doesn’t last forever? 

Ever noticed how your hair dye starts to lose its sparkle after a few weeks? Let's understand why this happens. When you color your hair at home or at the salon, the dye works in two different ways depending on whether it's temporary or permanent.

Think of your hair strand like a fish with scales. The hair cuticle (those tiny scales) opens up when you apply permanent dye, letting the color molecules sneak inside. This is why permanent hair color tends to last longer than temporary ones, which just sit on top of your strands.

But here's the catch; even the most stubborn dye molecules don't stay put forever. Every time you wash your hair, use styling products, or step out in the sun, these color molecules begin breaking down. It's like leaving a vibrant painting in the sun; over time, the colors naturally fade.

Things like chlorine in pools, hard water, and heat from your styling tools can also fade your color faster. Just as your skin changes with time, your hair shaft undergoes natural changes that affect how well it holds color.

What is normal lifespan of hair dyes 

Permanent hair color  

This is your best option if you are looking for a lasting color transformation. The magic happens when color molecules penetrate deep into your hair's cortex through a chemical reaction. Think of it as the color setting up permanent residence inside your hair strands.

You will typically enjoy 4 to 8 weeks of vibrant color before needing a touch-up, but here's the interesting part; you're not really touching up because the color faded, but because your natural hair is growing in at the roots. The color molecules are locked so securely within your hair shaft that they resist regular washing remarkably well.

However, even this fortress-like color protection can be challenged by frequent washing, heat styling, and sun exposure.

Demi permanent color 

Consider demi-permanent color as the perfect compromise between commitment and flexibility. Using a gentler formula without ammonia, these dyes partially penetrate your hair shaft but don't go as deep as permanent colors.

You can expect your color to look fresh for about 20 to 28 washes, making it an excellent choice if you're not ready for a long-term commitment but want something more lasting than temporary color.

The fade-out process is more predictable and natural-looking compared to other options. This type of dye is particularly great for enhancing your natural color, blending grays, or trying out a new shade without the long-term commitment of permanent dye.

Semi permanent color 

If you are new to hair coloring or love changing your look frequently, semi-permanent dye is your best friend. These dyes work like a coating on your hair, primarily affecting the outermost layer rather than penetrating deeply.

You will get anywhere from 4 to 12 washes before the color starts noticeably fading. The color molecules sit on the surface of your hair shaft, making them more vulnerable to washing away with regular shampooing.

This superficial color placement is actually a benefit if you are testing out new shades or want to try something bold without the worry of long-term results. It's perfect for those who enjoy changing their hair color as often as they change their mind!

But if your color is fading faster then expected:

The one culprit are daily habits which speed up fading 

Hot water and harsh shampoos 

Your morning shower routine might be making your hair color fade faster than you'd like. Hot water opens up the hair cuticle, allowing your precious hair dye to wash away. Using harsh shampoos can strip your hair of natural oils and color molecules, making your color-treated hair lose its vibrancy sooner than expected.

Heat styling damage 

Those favorite styling tools of yours might be working against your hair color. When you use flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers regularly, the intense heat breaks down the dye molecules inside your hair shaft. This makes your permanent hair color start to fade and can leave your hair looking dull.

Pool and water quality issues 

Swimming pools and hard water are sneaky color-faders. Chlorine can make your hair dye look brassy or discolored, while minerals in hard water build up on your strands. To protect your hair from these effects, try using a swim cap and apply Malibu C swimmer treatment before diving in.

Rough hair handling 

Being too rough with your colored hair can literally brush the color away. Aggressive towel-drying and brushing can lift the hair cuticle, causing your dye to fade faster. Treat your freshly colored hair gently pat it dry and use a wide-toothed comb to prevent color loss.

Sunlight, pollution, and weather are silent color killers 

• Just like sunlight fades your favorite t-shirt, UV rays aggressively attack hair dye molecules, breaking them down and causing your vibrant color to become washed out.

• City pollution creates an invisible barrier on your hair, trapping dirt and grime that makes your color look dull and lifeless, while also weakening the dye bonds.

• High humidity is your hair color's enemy, it makes strands swell up, creating gaps in the hair shaft that allow color molecules to escape easily.

Selection of hair products: What to use and avoid

• Choose sulfate-free shampoos for your colored hair, they cleanse without harsh detergents that can strip away your hair dye and natural oils.

• Finish your hair wash routine with cool water to seal the hair cuticle, helping your color to last longer and maintain its vibrancy.

• Invest in quality color-protecting conditioners containing UV filters, they work like sunblock for your hair, shielding it from harmful sun damage.

• Skip styling products with high alcohol content, as they dehydrate your hair strands and make your permanent dye fade more quickly.

Some tips from our hairstylists 

Always choose professional hair color service  

Professional hair coloring offers significant advantages over box dyes. Salon colorists create custom formulas specifically for your hair type, condition, and desired result, unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of box dyes.

When you choose professional hairdressing services, you are getting expertise in both formula selection and application technique. Stylists understand how to minimize damage while maximizing color penetration, using the gentlest possible developer strength for your desired result.

The application process at a hair salon ensures even coverage and proper timing, preventing patchy fading that often occurs with DIY attempts. Professional colorists can also apply different formulas to different sections of your hair, protecting previously processed areas while effectively coloring new growth.

With professional coloring, you'll typically experience longer-lasting results and healthier hair, making it a worthwhile investment for maintaining vibrant, beautiful color.

Minimize your wash days 

Training your hair to go longer between washes is a game-changer for color preservation. Aim to wash your hair just 2-3 times per week. This allows your natural oils to protect your strands and keeps your color from being repeatedly exposed to water, which can lead to fading.

Use dry shampoo 

When your roots start feeling oily, reach for dry shampoo instead of turning on the shower. This wonder product absorbs excess oil and refreshes your style without using water. It's your best friend for extending the life of your color between wash days.

Never skip heat protection 

Before you grab that flat iron or blow dryer, always apply a heat protectant. Think of it as a shield for your colored hair. It creates a protective barrier that not only prevents heat damage but also helps lock in your color during styling.

Post swim hair care 

Make it a habit to rinse your hair immediately after swimming, whether in a pool or ocean. This quick action prevents chlorine and salt from settling into your strands and causing color distortion. Consider it your color-saving emergency response!

Make your next color last longer—Book with our hair colorists in Fredericton 

Ready to transform your hair color journey? At Vibrant Salon and Spa, our best hair colorists in Fredericton are dedicated to creating stunning, long-lasting results that you'll adore.

We pride ourselves on using only premium color products combined with expert techniques to ensure your hair stays healthy and radiant. Our personalized approach means each service is tailored specifically to your hair's needs and your desired look.

Want to maintain that fresh-from-the-salon look? Our team will share professional tips and recommended products to help your color stay vibrant between visits. Schedule your hair color appointment today!

FAQ's about why does hair color fade? 

Does hair porosity affect how long color lasts? 

Yes. Highly porous hair absorbs dye quickly but also loses it faster. If your hair is damaged or dry, the color molecules slip out easily. Using protein treatments can help strengthen and seal the hair cuticle.

Does gray hair fade faster than natural hair colors? 

Gray hair can be more resistant to holding color because it’s coarser and has less pigment. However, once dyed, it may fade unevenly if not maintained with color-safe products.

Why does blonde or red hair fade faster than darker shades? 

Lighter shades like blonde and red have smaller color molecules that wash out more easily than darker tones such as brown or black. These shades require extra care and toning treatments to stay fresh.

Why does my hair look dull even though I just colored it? 

This can happen if your hair is overly porous or damaged. When the cuticle layer is rough, light doesn’t reflect well, making color appear dull. Deep-conditioning treatments help restore shine and smoothness.

Why does salon color last longer than box dye? 

Salon dyes are professionally formulated with higher-quality pigments and customized developers. They also include protective treatments that help lock in color, something box dyes can’t fully do.

Can toners or glosses help revive faded color? 

Yes, toners and color glosses refresh faded tones, add shine, and neutralize unwanted brassiness between salon visits.