Coloured hair is a fun and expressive way to switch up your style, but it needs a little extra care to stay bright and healthy.
Whether you’ve gone bold with a vivid pink or opted for a soft balayage, this guide shares expert-backed tips to help your colour last longer, prevent damage, and keep your hair feeling its best.
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Why coloured hair needs special care
When you colour your hair, the process changes its structure. Whether you lighten it first or go straight to a darker shade, the outer layer of your hair—called the cuticle—is opened up so the dye can get inside.
This can leave your hair more porous and prone to losing both moisture and colour.
That’s why coloured hair often feels drier or more fragile. Without proper care, it can fade quickly, feel brittle, or even break. Looking after your hair post-dye is key to keeping it healthy and your colour looking fresh for longer.
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Before you dye: Prep your hair the right way
Healthy hair holds colour better. Here are a few things to do before you dye:
- Use a deep conditioning mask to strengthen your hair
- Avoid heat styling or chemical treatments for a week before
- Trim split ends so colour distributes evenly
- Use a clarifying shampoo to remove product build-up
- Let your hair air-dry instead of blow drying it right before the appointment
How to wash coloured hair without fading
The way you wash your hair plays a big role in how long your colour lasts:
- Use sulphate-free shampoo made for coloured hair
- Wash with cool or lukewarm water, not hot
- Limit washes to 2–3 times a week to avoid fading
- Use dry shampoo between washes if needed
- Gently squeeze hair dry with a soft towel or cotton T-shirt instead of rubbing
Must-have products for dyed hair
The right products can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your coloured hair healthy and vibrant. Here are a few expert-recommended picks that actually work.
1. Best colour-protecting shampoo: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
This gentle, sulphate-free shampoo is made especially for coloured hair. It helps preserve your shade while hydrating dry strands, thanks to ingredients like jojoba and green tea.
It also smells refreshing and creates a nice lather despite being sulphate-free, which some colour-safe shampoos struggle with. It’s a good everyday option for anyone looking to lock in their colour while keeping their hair soft and manageable.
2. Best conditioner for dry coloured hair: Redken Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner
Redken’s conditioner is rich enough to hydrate coloured hair without weighing it down. It’s designed to seal in colour and smooth the hair cuticle, which helps reduce frizz and adds shine.
It works well for all types of dyed hair, especially if your strands feel rough or dry after bleaching. A few uses can help your hair feel softer and look more vibrant overall.
3. Best leave-in treatment: Moroccanoil All-in-One Leave-In Conditioner
This spray-on leave-in makes coloured hair feel instantly softer and easier to detangle. It’s light but nourishing, with argan oil and amino acids that help repair damage from dyeing and styling.
It’s a great daily product if your hair feels dry at the ends or if you want to protect it from sun and styling tools. Plus, the scent is subtle and fresh, not overpowering.
4. Best deep conditioning mask: Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Olaplex is a well-known name in colour care for a reason. This mask helps rebuild broken bonds in the hair caused by bleaching or colouring, making it ideal for damaged or brittle hair.
Use it once a week to restore strength, smoothness, and shine. It’s especially helpful if your hair feels weak or you’re trying to recover from a harsh chemical treatment.
5. Best colour-refreshing product: Overtone Colour Depositing Mask
This is a great option if you’ve dyed your hair a bright or vivid shade. It’s a pigmented mask that refreshes your colour between salon visits and helps keep it looking bold.
It’s available in a wide range of colours, from silver to red to blue. Use it once a week or as needed to maintain your shade without more dye or damage.
Hydration is key: Moisturise from root to tip
Coloured hair tends to lose moisture more easily than natural hair. That’s because the colouring process can lift the hair cuticle, making it harder for your strands to hold onto hydration. This can lead to dryness, frizz, and even breakage if you don’t stay on top of it.
To keep your hair feeling soft and healthy, it’s important to moisturise regularly. That means using a good conditioner every time you wash, applying a weekly deep conditioning mask, and topping up with a leave-in product if your hair feels dry throughout the day.
Lightweight oils, like argan or coconut, can also help seal in moisture—just a few drops go a long way.
If your ends are especially dry or brittle, try sleeping with a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction and help retain moisture overnight.
Little changes like this can make a noticeable difference over time.
Protect coloured hair from heat, sun, and pollution
Everyday stressors like heat styling, sun exposure, and air pollution can cause coloured hair to fade faster and become damaged.
While you don’t have to give up your straightener or curling wand completely, it’s important to protect your hair before using any heat tools. A good heat protectant spray acts like a shield, reducing the damage caused by high temperatures.
The sun can also be harsh on dyed hair, especially if you’ve gone lighter or used bright shades. UV rays break down the colour molecules, making your hair look dull and faded. Try wearing a hat when you're out in the sun or use a UV-protectant spray to guard against sun damage.
Pollution is another factor that many people forget about. Tiny particles in the air can settle on your hair, weakening the strands and affecting your colour. Rinsing your hair regularly and using a gentle, detoxifying shampoo once a week can help minimise the impact.
Damaged or over-coloured hair? Here’s how to fix it
If your hair feels rough, snaps easily, or looks dull and uneven, it could be a sign of over-colouring or chemical damage. Here are some ways to help restore it:
- Take a break from dyeing and heat styling to let your hair recover
- Use a bond-repair treatment to rebuild internal strength (e.g., Olaplex or similar)
- Apply deep conditioning masks weekly for moisture and softness
- Trim split ends regularly to prevent further breakage
- Use gentle, nourishing products with no harsh chemicals or sulphates
- Let your hair air-dry when possible and switch to a microfiber towel or T-shirt
How to make hair colour last longer
Keeping your colour vibrant isn’t just about what you use—it’s also about what you do day-to-day. A few simple habits can go a long way in helping your colour stay fresh between salon visits.
Wash less often and use colour-safe shampoo
Frequent washing is one of the biggest reasons colour fades quickly. Try to wash your hair only 2–3 times a week, and always use a shampoo that’s designed for coloured hair. These are usually sulphate-free and contain ingredients to help preserve your shade.
On non-wash days, a dry shampoo can help keep your scalp feeling fresh without stripping your colour.
Rinse with cool water
Hot water opens the hair cuticle, which allows colour to wash out more easily. Using cool or lukewarm water when rinsing helps keep the cuticle closed and your colour locked in.
It may take a bit of getting used to, but it’s worth it for long-lasting colour.
Avoid heavy sun exposure
Sunlight can fade hair dye faster than you might think, especially with lighter colours. Try to stay in the shade during peak sunlight hours, or use a protective spray with UV filters if you’ll be outside for a long time. Hats and scarves also work well for both protection and style.
Use a colour-depositing product
If you notice your shade fading between salon visits, a colour-depositing conditioner or mask can help refresh it.
These products add a small amount of pigment back into your hair, helping to maintain vibrancy without needing to re-dye. They're especially useful for bright or fashion colours.
Styling tips without damaging your colour
You don’t have to stop styling your hair just because it’s coloured—but taking a few precautions will help protect it from unnecessary damage.
- Always apply a heat protectant spray before using straighteners, curling wands, or blow dryers
- Stick to lower heat settings when styling, especially if your hair feels dry or fragile
- Try heatless styling methods like braiding, bun twists, or rollers for waves and volume
- Avoid tugging on wet hair—use a wide-tooth comb and start from the ends, working up
- Finish with a nourishing serum or light oil to seal in moisture and add shine
A better approach to your overall hair health
Caring for coloured hair isn’t just about preserving your shade—it’s also about supporting healthy hair growth and strength from the roots. One way to take a more complete approach is by using treatments that go beyond surface-level care.
The Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum is one option designed to support hair health using a blend of naturally-inspired ingredients.
Developed through stem cell technology and backed by a clinical trial, it aims to reduce hair loss and support hair density over time.
The formula is drug-free, vegan, and suitable for daily use, making it a gentle addition to your hair care routine.
It contains well-studied ingredients like Capilia Longa®, niacinamide for keratin support, and vanillyl butyl ether, a warming agent that may improve scalp circulation.
While results vary, many users report noticing less hair shedding within the first few weeks of use. Supporting the overall health of your scalp and hair follicles may also help your colour-treated hair look fuller and stronger in the long run.
Conclusion
Coloured hair needs a little extra love—but with the right habits and products, it’s easy to keep it looking vibrant, soft, and healthy.
From washing less often to using heat protectants and hydrating masks, every small step counts. Pay attention to how your hair feels, make moisture a priority, and avoid harsh chemicals or styling methods when possible.
With consistent care, your colour can stay fresh for longer—and your hair will thank you for it.
Whether you're rocking a bold pink or a soft balayage, healthy hair is always the best foundation for great colour.
