If you color your hair, you likely want the results to last as long as possible before having to re-dye. But with so many hair dye options on the market, how do you know which one has the best staying power?
At Heather Annz Salon, we often get asked what professional hair dye lasts the longest or which drugstore box dye has the most fade-resistance. The truth is, there’s no definitive “longest lasting hair dye” because results depend on several factors. However, there are certain qualities that make some hair dyes more long-lasting than others.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what makes hair color fade and how to make it last longer between touch-ups. We’ll also provide tips for maximizing the longevity of any at-home or salon hair dye. Finally, we’ll share our picks for professional-quality dyes and DIY options that promise extended wear.
What Makes Hair Color Fade?
Before exploring long-lasting hair dyes, it’s helpful to understand what causes fading in the first place. There are a few key culprits:
1. Shampooing
Frequent shampooing is one of the top reasons hair color fades quickly. The detergents in shampoo strip away hair dye molecules each time you lather up.
Washing your hair less often can help extend the life of your color. Experts typically recommend shampooing no more than 2-3 times per week if you want to preserve your hue.
2. Sun Exposure
Exposure to UV rays from the sun is another factor that accelerates fading. The sun’s rays work to break down the dye molecules in your strands.
Using a good UV-protectant product is important for preventing fading from sun damage. Hats are also a great way to shield your colored locks when spending time outdoors.
3. Chlorine
Taking frequent dips in pools and hot tubs can suck the color right out of your hair. The chlorine in the water bonds to hair dye molecules, causing them to wash away quicker.
To limit fading from chlorine exposure, be sure to wet your hair with clean water before getting in a pool or hot tub. Then, rinse with fresh water immediately after swimming. A swim cap provides another layer of protection.
4. Hot Tools
Frequent use of hot styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can also compromise hair color. The high heat works to degrade hair dye pigments over time.
Allowing your hair to air dry when possible and using the lowest effective temperature on heated styling tools will help minimize fading. Heat protectant sprays add another layer of protection.
5. Hard Water
Washing your hair in hard water can be tough on hair dye. Minerals like calcium and magnesium bind to color molecules, causing the shade to look dull or brassy.
Using a chelating shampoo a few times a month can help remove mineral buildup and keep hard water from stripping your shade. Installing a water softener also helps minimize the fading effects of hard water.
How to Make Hair Dye Last Longer
While fade factors are often unavoidable, there are steps you can take to extend the life of any hair color and combat fading:
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Wash less frequently. Shampoo no more than 2-3 times per week if possible. Also, use cooler water when you do shampoo.
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Use sulfate-free shampoo. Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free formula to limit stripping of color.
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Apply conditioner before shampooing. Coating strands in conditioner first provides a layer of protection against shampoo detergents.
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Rinse with cold water. Cool water helps seal the cuticle and lock in hair color. Avoid hot water when washing.
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Limit pool time. Wear a swim cap and rinse out chlorine after swimming to minimize fade.
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Use heat protectant. Spritz on a heat protectant before using hot tools to shield hair from damage.
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Air dry when possible. Allow hair to dry naturally rather than blow drying to prevent heat damage.
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Use UV protection. Apply a protective product with SPF before sun exposure. Cover hair with a hat for added coverage.
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Get a gloss treatment. In-salon glossing treatments can revive faded color and boost shine between dye jobs.
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Use color-depositing products. Look for toning shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that deposit pigment with each use.
Professional Hair Dyes That Last
When done correctly by a skilled colorist, professional hair dye typically lasts longer than at-home kits. Here are some of the top salon hair color brands known for long-lasting results:
Redken Shades EQ Cream Hair Color
- Features an anti-fade complex to extend color vibrancy
- Deposits even, consistent color from roots to ends
- Leaves hair in better condition than before coloring
- Provides up to 8 weeks of fade resistance
Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Permanent Hair Color
- Delivers intense, long-lasting color results
- Uses exclusive Keratin Bonding System to reinforce hair
- Minimizes color washout and provides up to 6 weeks of fade protection
- Available in over 100 vibrant, salon-quality shades
Goldwell Elumen Permanent Hair Color
- Uses advanced LI-NA technology to deliver ultra-luminous color
- Seals in rich, shiny color that defies fading
- Strengthens and smooths hair while providing radiant color
- Offers up to 8 weeks of fade and washout resistance
Wella Illumina Color Permanent Dye
- Utilizes ME+ technology for ultra-conditioning care
- Locks in brilliant color even on resistant gray hair
- Provides up to 6 weeks of stay-true color wear
- Includes a built-in Anti-Fade Complex for maximum longevity
Joico Vero K-PAK Permanent Creme Color
- Features Quadramine Complex for fade-defying color
- Rich, nourishing formula leaves hair in better condition
- Delivers up to 8 weeks of color retention
- Available in over 55 intermixable shades
At-Home Hair Dyes with Staying Power
While professional color typically outlasts drugstore dyes, today’s at-home formulas offer impressive longevity for DIY dyeing. Here are some top-rated permanent and semi-permanent drugstore options for long-lasting color:
L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color
- Uses fade-defying gel technology to extend color vibrancy
- Delivers up to 12 weeks of stay-true wear
- Leaves hair silky, smooth, and shiny
- Available in over 50 salon-inspired shades
Clairol Natural Instincts Permanent Hair Color
- Features a 3D Color Gel Technology for fade-resistant color
- Provides up to 28 shampoos of color retention
- Infuses hair with multi-tonal highlights and dimension
- Comes in 38 beautiful, natural-looking shades
Revlon Colorsilk Permanent Hair Color
- Uses ammonia-free, gentle formula with 3X Keratin
- Provides lasting gray coverage and multi-tonal dimension
- Delivers shiny, fade-resistant color up to 6 weeks
- Comes in over 40 fashion-forward shades
Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Permanent Hair Color
- Enriched with avocado, olive, and shea oils to nourish hair
- Extends color vibrancy up to 8 weeks
- Provides 100% gray coverage with natural, multi-tonal results
- Available in over 40 vibrant, translucent shades
Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit
- Features Damage Blocker Technology to protect hair
- Delivers up to 8 weeks of fade-resistant color wear
- Provides flawless gray coverage, even for resistant grays
- Customizable kit available in over 50 gorgeous shades
Overtone Coloring Conditioner
- Uses nourishing, veggie-based pigments to tint hair
- Allows you to create fun, semi-permanent fantasy hues
- Touch up color every wash for fresh, vibrant results
- Comes in a wide range of mixable, fade-resistant shades
The Takeaway
While no hair dye will remain permanently perfect, there are certainly options that provide longer-lasting color than others. Avoiding fading factors, maximizing the time between shampoos, and using targeted products can help you extend the life of any hair color. When it comes to dyes themselves, professional permanent formulas and newer at-home creams with anti-fade technologies are your best bet for long-lasting luminosity.
At Heather Annz Salon, our expert stylists are happy to recommend professional brands and application techniques tailored to your specific hair needs and desired