13 Hair Dye Hacks To Make Your Color Last Longer

Are you looking to experiment with a new hair color? Before you make any drastic changes, take a look at these hacks to help you have a successful hair color — and more importantly, to keep it that way!

Don’t always trust boxed hair dyes.

Sure, boxed hair dyes are way cheaper than spending $100 at the salon on highlights. But, as the saying goes, you pay for what you get. You’ll only get the hair color that the model on the box is rocking if you have virgin hair (AKA never before dyed). If you don’t, your roots (virgin hair) and the rest of your hair will be two different colors.

Use pink shampoo to combat the green.

Pink shampoo combats the green tones from old hair dye or even chlorine. The pink neutralizes the green and takes it out of your hair.

Never let your hair go under heat without a protectant.

Washing your hair isn’t the only thing that makes the color in your hair fade: heat does too. By using a heat protectant on your hair before straightening or curling, your hair will keep its color longer.

Choose balayage for less visits to the salon.

A balayage doesn’t go all the way to the root of your hair, so when your hair grows out, it will look more natural. The highlights are generally the most expensive part of a salon visit, so by extending the life of your highlights, you’ll find yourself going to the salon less and ultimately saving more.

Opt for a base break when roots start to peep through.

A base break is a less expensive way to keep up with your outgrown roots. It shifts the base one level up so there’s not that noticeable line you see when your roots start to grow out. Oh, and it’s only a 10 minute process!

Or, you can DIY a quick root touch up.

Simply pick up a shade of eye shadow that matches your natural color and brush it on your grey roots. Simple as that.

Simply glaze it.

A glaze is a semi-permanent treatment that will enhance your existing color. It is a good way to freshen up older highlights or bring back vibrant brunettes and redheads.

Want to switch it up but are nervous about how it’ll turn out?

Brightly colored hair is a growing trend, but it’s a big commitment. To make sure the color you choose is one you’ll love, get that color in a piece of construction paper and hold it up against the underside of your forearm, right between your elbow and wrist. If it matches your skin tone, go for it!

Conditioner before shampoo.

You were always taught shampoo and then conditioner, right? Well, by putting conditioner on your hair and then shampoo on top of it, you create a barrier to your hair. This barrier will help your hair color last longer despite all the washing.

Just got in on the granny hair trend?

Using a purple shampoo after going grey will help rid your color of the brassy blonde tones that may try and peep through.

Choose a shade or two lighter.

If you do decide to dye your hair yourself, go for a color dye that is a shade or two lighter than the color you want. Hair dye tends to come out darker than the image on the box and it’s always easier to darken the color than lighten it.

Use sulfate-free shampoo.

Using sulfate-free shampoo will extend the life of your color and it will not strip out color like other harsh shampoos will.

Before you jump in the pool…

Make sure to lather your hair in coconut oil before jumping in the pool. The coconut oil creates a barrier between the harmful chlorine and your hair, ultimately protecting its color.