How To Stop Hair Dye From Washing Out So Quickly?

[harryandmarv]

My hair has been previously highlighted up until a few months ago (in between lockdowns). It got to the point where it was quite a light blonde & I felt it didn’t suit me so I used a dark ash blonde permanent colour on it, (Garnier Belle Dark Ash Blonde) which I really like the colour of only it seems to wash up quite quickly, even though it’s a permanent colour. I usually wash my hair about 3 times a week, with colour care shampoo & conditioner (Pantene) I do blow dry my hair then straighten it, but not everyday.

At this rate i’m colouring my hair every 3 wks! I would try a different brand but even if I get the same colour shade, there’s no guarantee that i’ll like it, it could turn out too dark or red, where as this one is perfect colour, just doesn’t last! Any tips as how to make colour last longer?!

Wash it less frequently and use shampoo for coloured hair. Don't apply shampoo twice when you wash it.

A tip from my hairdresser was to rinse with cooler water, not fun but wakes you up too

You get used to cooler water. My showers are usually only slightly warmer than tepid but I had a warm one today and it was nicer.

I've only used temporary dye on my hair and haven't for a while, but with those, going a slightly darker shade lasted longer.

I did think about going a shade darker, but then I’m going into the brown shades, albeit light ash brown and i’m thinking it could deposit either red, or green hues as my hair was previously highlighted.

I have looked at reviews for clairol semi permanent dark blonde as that wouldn’t be so damaging as using permanent dyes but even those reviews say it tends to leave red/orange tones.

I wonder if it could just be that because my hair has been highlighted and the blonde still is ‘there’ it will take a few applications to set in? Iukwim?!

Can anyone recommend a colour safe shampoo, I’m using Pantene colour safe one at the moment.

Ah, yes, I'd forgotten about the highlights.

I think it was Aussie shampoo I used, or a Boots one. The Pantene is probably fine.

I would sometimes put conditioner on first, then the shampoo but I'm not sure if it made any difference.

I grew out the colour ages ago as I felt the semi-permanent was damaging my hair. Great during lockdown, but I feel it's a bit drab now.

I've been using L'Oréal Elvive no foam conditioning shampoo for coloured hair. Red bottle with a pump. It's basically like washing your hair with conditioner. It makes a difference though. Colour lasts longer.

If your hair is previously highlighted and you're dying over the highlights, then this will fade the colour you're using over the top.

I speak from bitter experience.

Hi op I use blonde box dyes and have the problem of permanent ones fading on me too. I used Nice and Easy for years without any problems but they changed the formula and since then I’ve struggled to find a good one that lasts. I always check the ingredients to see if it contains ammonia as those without tend to be the first to fade. I’m still trying but so far have had the most luck with L’Oréal excellence and Superdrug own brand.

Thanks for the replies.

I've just washed my hair for the first time since dying it (Thursday) and it still looks ok, its such a great colour, I just wish it would last longer!

My hair is so porous, the dyes are beginning to take its toll, I would have thought my hair will suck the dye in like a sponge! I think I will try the Light Brown one, sticking with Garnier Belle Colour. I am going to try and hold off though for a few weeks if I can. Or if this sounds logical, do it next week while my hair is that bit darker so I'm not putting a light brown on 'blonde' hair, iuswim? to avoid any khaki disasters! Then condition the life out of it. I need a really good colour safe hair mask, any recommendations?

It's not just washing your hair that is causing the dye to fade. Styling your hair with heat, be it with a hairdryer, hair straighteners, a curling wand etc will also cause your the colour to fade more quickly.

Additionally, if your hair has been highlighted and had toner applied, that will wash out after a few washes. It is worth asking your hairdresser if they will supply you with toner to apply yourself between appointments.

It also might be worth investing in a shampoo for coloured hair by a specialist, someone like Jo Hansford for example, rather than a more basic brand like Pantene.