Raise your hand if you regularly visit the hairdresser for colouring! Whether it's chalking, root dyeing or a complete colour change, we all know: beauty takes time and money. But while professional treatments are worth it, regular visits to the salon can become an expensive habit.

The good news is that keeping your hair colour bright and vibrant between salon visits is doable. Want to know where to start? 

Below you'll find 6 proven tips, from choosing the right products to simple habits in your daily routine, that will help you keep your hair colour longer and enjoy the effects of salon colouring.

We ourselves sometimes admit that thermal protectant is sometimes forgotten. But it's one of the most important parts of hair care that shouldn't be skipped.

Whether you blow-dry your hair or leave it to dry naturally, thermal protectant is your reliable ally. It creates an invisible shield, protecting your strands from external influences and acting as a light conditioner at the same time.

Overuse of hot tools is one of the main reasons why hair loses colour vibrancy. Blow dryers, irons and hairdryers dry out the hair, damage the cuticle and help to wash out the colour. To maintain colour vibrancy, try to minimise heat styling and always apply a heat protectant before using any hot appliances.

Just as constant exposure to heat from hot tools can damage hair, the sun's rays have just as much effect on hair. The sun can damage hair and accelerate the fading of dyed colour. UV light destroys the hair pigments, causing the colour to become dull and lose its saturation.
To keep the brightness of the colour, it is worth limiting the time spent in the sun, especially in direct contact with the rays on the hair. If you plan to be outdoors for long periods of time, we recommend wearing a hat to protect the colour and prevent it from fading prematurely.

Using conditioner and homemade masks is key to healthy hair, especially if it's coloured. The colouring process makes hair drier and more brittle, so it needs extra hydration and care.

We recommend deep conditioning once a week. It helps to restore moisture, strengthen the hair structure and keep the colour bright while preventing dullness.

If time is short, there is an easy way to quickly moisturise your hair: mix a mask with a regular conditioner. Even if you leave the mixture on your hair for less time than the instructions say, it will still benefit your hair and leave it soft and shiny.

 
Preparing and caring for your hair is an important part of colouring, but just as important is how you care for it on colour day and in the first few days afterwards. For maximum colour retention, don't wash your hair for at least 48 hours - the longer the better. This will allow the colour to fully bond with the hair and set. After washing, avoid hot water: it opens the hair cuticle and helps to wash out the colour. Use lukewarm or cool water to keep the colour saturated.
It is also recommended to limit contact with chlorine. If you swim in a pool often, use a chlorine-protective shampoo and a water filter at home to prevent mineral and metal buildup.

Hair care plays a key role in making your colour last longer. Regular haircuts are an important part of this process. Get a haircut every 6-8 weeks to get rid of split ends and keep your hair healthy. This not only prevents damage, but also helps colour-treated hair look vibrant and well-maintained, as split ends make the colour look dull.
It is also important to use sulfate-free products that are safe for coloured hair. With proper care and attention, the colour will last longer and the hair will be less prone to fading and loss of shine.

When choosing hair care products, favour formulas specifically designed for coloured hair. Regular shampoos and conditioners are not harmful to your hair, but they don't offer the added benefits of colour preservation. Be sure to use sulphate-free shampoos - they gently cleanse without stripping away colour and moisture. Leave-in conditioners and colour protection sprays provide an extra shield against fading and help to keep your colour vibrant for longer.

Read also: Beautiful and healthy hair: 7 effective tips from professional hairdressers