Protect Hair Color From Fading: Expert Tips & The Best Products

As a child, my hair would turn platinum blonde in the summer, simply from being in the sun and swimming in a chlorine pool. Now, I have to spend my time in the salon getting those blonde highlights I covet, but if you have the right colorist, you can get the perfect shade and make it last.

Women spend tons of time and money getting the perfect hair color, so why wash it down the drain — literally? We have 25 top product picks to keep your color looking perfect between salon visits. Plus, read expert tips to keep hair shiny and more vibrant like Khloe Kardashian below.

Kyle White, lead colorist at Oscar Blandi Salon in New York City, (and my go-to guy to be a blonde bombshell) tells you how to keep your color fresh and sexy:

“Sulfates are the detergents in shampoos that cleanse away dirt, oil and other impurities from your hair, but unfortunately, they also wash away color molecules and fade highlights. So be sure to use a good shampoo and conditioner, specially formulated for color-treated hair, with low sulfates and high moisturizing elements.

Purple shampoos, like Clairol Shimmer Lights, neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair. Try shampooing once a week with a purple shampoo; if need be you can do more, but just be careful not to overdo it, or your hair may get a purple cast to it. If this happens, simply stop using the shampoo and the blue should wash out.

In exactly the same way that your black or brightly colored clothes fade in the hot clothes dryer, heat styling fades your hair color. So if you’re using heat styling tools, be sure to use a thermal protector, like “It’s A 10“, that is also a leave-in treatment with protein and vitamins.

During summer months many of my clients head to their summer homes, which exposes their $500.00 highlights to well water when they shower. Well water, rusty pipes in old Manhattan buildings, and impurities in the water we shower with can change our hair color — sometimes drastically, in some cases of the very blonde. If you own a summer home with well water, I strongly suggest installing a filtering system on the whole house, but if it’s just a summer rental this may not be an option. T-3 (yes, the blowdryer people) have come out with a shower filter head that you simply screw on. This filter has been clinically proven to dramatically improve health, body and shine. T-3 Source Shower Filters remove 95% of chlorine and other chemicals improving hair health, hair color retention and a host of other benefits.”

I also like the Raindrops System by the owners of the Nine Zero One Salon in West Hollywood.

Celebrity Colorist Reveals Top Color Care Tips

Sally Hershberger Los Angeles colorist Cassondra Kaeding offers these tips:

What is the best way to keep color vibrant between salon visits?
“I use olaplex when coloring to keep color shinier and prevent fading. After coloring, it’s crucial to use a color-treated shampoo and conditioner so the color stays vibrant and doesn’t fade. I also recommend using a moisturizing hair mask or once a week and or a clear hair gloss once a month to keep hair looking fresh and shiny.”

How often do you recommend coming in for color?
“I recommend coming in for color any where from 3 to 6 weeks. This really differs from client to client and various factors such as how thick your hair is, how thin your hair is, how often you wash your hair, if you are out in the sun or water. The sooner you come in the easier it is for your colorist to help keep your hair color looking healthy, vibrant, and shiny!”

Any tips for using an at home box root touch up between visits?
“When using an at home box between visits, make sure to choose shades that are within the same hair color family. Beware of mixing brands as it could mix chemicals and produce unwanted results. Do your research before choosing a color or brand. There are some great improvements to at home hair color and you can now find easy instructions online that include tutorials.”

Shop our top products for color treated hair in the gallery attached or by clicking right here!

— Dory Larrabee-Zayas