4 Reasons Behind Your Hair Color Fading Fast

Coloring your hair isn’t easy (or cheap) but damaging your hair can be. From the styling tools in your bathroom to the water in your pipes, your day-to-day routine could be working against your hair dye.

Why is your hair color fading so fast?

• Shampooing too often after coloring
• Cleaning with shampoos that strip hair color
• Using hot styling tools without heat protection
• Washing colored hair with hard water

Here’s everything you should know about how to take care of color-treated hair.

1. 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. The solution is simple – wash your hair less to save your color. Rather than letting your hair down, pull it back in a hair tie to keep it dry during your shower, or use your favorite shower cap.

Did you know hard water could be the cause of your hair issues?
Explore our water softening solutions.

 

2. Cleaning with Shampoos That Strip Hair Color

When it comes to hair care, your shampoo matters. While you may be tempted to grab a cheap bottle from your local drugstore, you might want to reconsider. Most commercial shampoos contain sulfates – the “cleaning” ingredient. Although sulfates strip dirt and oil from our hair, they can sometimes strip too much, including our hair dye. Not to mention, sulfates can cause scalp irritation leading to further hair complications. Next time you’re shopping for shampoo, look for bottles that are labeled “gentle” or “color safe.” These can better help prevent hair color fading too fast. To be sure that the product is free of sulfates, check the ingredient list to make sure there are no signs of “sodium laureth sulfate” or “ammonium laureth sulfate.”

3. Using Hot Styling Tools Without Heat Protection

Heat tools are the ultimate culprit of damaged hair. When heat is applied, your hair’s natural moisture turns to steam and becomes trapped in the shaft. The result is “hair bubbles” which can weaken your hair. Colored hair is especially prone to breakage as it is and the application of heat only makes this worse. Rather than sacrificing your hair styling tools, invest in a heat protectant spray. Apply the solution to your hair before using your tools to protect your hair from the damaging effects of the heat.

4. Washing Your Colored Hair with Hard Water

Water is supposed to help our hair, not hurt it. But if you have hard water running through your pipes, you might be experiencing the latter. Hard water is composed of high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which can wear down hair. As with sulfates, hard minerals can strip away dyes and healthy oils. The result? Brittle, discolored hair. Not to mention, hard water leaves build-up on your scalp, which can lead to thinning and hair loss. If your hair color is fading too fast, reduce the color-damaging effects of hard water with a water softener. Systems like a Culligan Water Softener can give you softer, cleaner, water to help prolong the life of your hair color.

Your colored hair deserves to live the month-long life it’s promised – and you deserve it, too. Take care of your hair by rethinking your styling tools, shampoos, and water so you can reap the colorful benefits of your dyed hair.

Wondering if hard water is negatively impacting your hair? Schedule your free in-home water test and consultation today.