The Best Hair Care Routine for Colored Hair
Whether you’re blonde, brunette, highlighted, or fully colored, maintaining your color at home is just as important as the salon service itself. Without the right routine, even the most beautiful color can fade, turn brassy, or become dry and dull. As a master colorist in NYC, I teach my clients simple, effective steps to keep their hair healthy, shiny, and vibrant between appointments.
Here is the ultimate, professional-approved hair care routine for maintaining your color.
1. Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Sulfates strip color and natural oils, which makes the hair dry and causes fast fading. A sulfate-free shampoo protects the color and keeps the hair hydrated.
- Prevents fading
- Gentler on the scalp
- Keeps your tone balanced longer
If your color fades quickly, this is the first step to fix it.
2. Wash Your Hair Less Often
Water fades color more than anything. The less you wash, the longer your color lasts.
- Wash 2–3 times per week
- Use dry shampoo between washes
- Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle
Cooler water = more shine + longer-lasting color.
3. Use a Rich Conditioner Every Wash
Colored hair needs extra hydration. Conditioner helps lock in moisture and keeps the cuticle smooth.
- Apply mid-lengths to ends only
- Leave for 2–3 minutes
- Choose color-safe, moisturizing formulas
4. Deep Condition Once a Week
Color-treated hair loses moisture faster and needs regular nourishment.
- Use a hydrating mask weekly
- Leave on for 10–20 minutes
- Focus on ends to prevent breakage
5. Always Use Heat Protectant
Heat styling causes fading, dryness, and breakage. A heat protectant is essential for protecting your color investment.
- Spray on before blow-drying
- Use before flat iron or curling iron
- Lower your heat temperature
Heat protectant is non-negotiable for colored hair.
6. Reduce Heat Styling
Hot tools open the cuticle and let pigment escape. Minimizing heat helps maintain color vibrancy.
- Try heatless curls
- Air-dry when possible
- Blow-dry with medium heat
7. Gloss/Toner Every 6–8 Weeks
A gloss refresh is the key to shiny, healthy-looking color.
- Neutralizes brass
- Adds shine and smoothness
- Restores tone between appointments
Most blondes and brunettes should gloss regularly to maintain a balanced tone.
8. Protect Your Hair from the Sun
UV rays fade color quickly and cause brassiness and dryness.
- Use UV-protecting hair products
- Wear a hat during long sun exposure
- Use leave-in conditioner with UV filters
9. Avoid Chlorine and Hard Water
Chlorine and minerals dry out the hair and alter color tone.
- Rinse hair before swimming
- Use a protective leave-in conditioner
- Install a shower filter if possible
Hard water is one of the top causes of brassiness.
10. Use Products Designed for Your Color
For Blondes:
- Purple shampoo (1–2x a week)
- Bonding treatments
For Brunettes:
- Blue shampoo (if brassy)
- Moisturizing masks
For Redheads:
- Color-depositing conditioners
- Low-wash routine
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my color fade so fast?
Usually from heat, over-washing, or using the wrong products.
How long does a gloss last?
4–8 weeks depending on hair health and washing routine.
Can I use purple shampoo on dark hair?
Purple is for yellow tones; brunettes with orange tones need blue shampoo.
Can I air-dry color-treated hair?
Yes, and it’s healthier for your color.
Do I need special products for colored hair?
Yes—color-safe, sulfate-free, and hydrating products are essential.
Book a Color Refresh in NYC
If your color is fading, looking dull, or feeling dry, I offer customized glosses, deep conditioning treatments, and color refreshes to bring your hair back to life. Book your appointment at Fabi Pro Beauty in Midtown Manhattan.
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