Freshly coloured hair looks its best the moment you leave the salon — but how you care for it afterwards makes a real difference to how long that vibrancy lasts. Whether you’ve just had highlights, Airtouch, or a full head colour, here are our Kensington colourists’ best aftercare tips.
Wait Before Your First Wash
Try to leave at least 48 hours before washing freshly coloured hair. This gives the colour molecules time to fully settle into the hair cuticle, which helps the colour last longer and look more vibrant.
Switch to Sulphate-Free Products
Sulphates are strong detergents that can strip colour and dry out hair. Using a sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo and conditioner is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your investment and keep tone from fading prematurely.
Protect Hair From Heat and Sun
Excessive heat styling and strong UV exposure can both cause colour to fade faster and lightened hair to become drier. Always use a heat protectant before styling with hot tools, and consider a leave-in product with UV protection if you’ll be in strong sun.
Nourish With Regular Treatments
A weekly hydrating or bond-repair mask helps maintain shine, softness and elasticity, especially important for lightened hair. This keeps your colour looking healthy and glossy, not just bright.
Stick to a Maintenance Schedule
- Root touch-ups: every 4–6 weeks for permanent colour, longer for Airtouch or balayage-style techniques
- Highlight refreshes: every 8–12 weeks depending on technique and regrowth
- Gloss or toning treatments: every 4–6 weeks to keep tone bright between full appointments
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash coloured hair?
Washing less frequently generally helps colour last longer. Many clients find 2 to 3 washes a week, using dry shampoo in between, keeps colour vibrant for longer.
Does swimming affect coloured hair?
Yes — chlorine and salt water can both dull colour and dry out hair. Wetting hair with fresh water before swimming and rinsing thoroughly afterwards can help minimise the effect.
Book Your Next Colour Appointment
Ready for a refresh? Browse our colour services or get in touch with our Kensington team to book your next appointment.