Hair Colour Fading? How to Make Your Colour Last Longer

Hair colour fading is frustrating – you’ve invested time and energy into the perfect shade and walked out of the salon feeling like a new you. Not to mention the cost – according to a survey, women in the UK spend at least £100 on salon colouring services every 6.5 weeks, meaning every week your colour lasts counts.  

In this guide, we’ll explore why hair colour fades, how long different formulas last, and how simple routines can help your hair look its best between appointments. 
A woman with long coloured hair worried about hair colour fading

How long does hair colour last?

First things first – how long should hair colour last? When you know the norm, you’ll know whether you should be worried about hair colour fading, and if yours is fading faster than it should be.

Permanent hair colour

How long does permanent hair dye last? A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Trichology shows that permanent formulas penetrate deeper into the hair cortex, meaning they stay put longer before gradually fading. On average, you should be able to rely on results from permanent hair colour for around six to eight weeks. Of course, root regrowth may come sooner, but it can be addressed with a touch-up. 

Semi-permanent hair colour

How long does semi-permanent hair dye last? This lower commitment option usually washes out naturally over six to eight washes. Its molecules don’t penetrate as deeply into hair fiber, which makes a semi-permanent dye a go-to solution for those who like to experiment without committing to a colour long-term.  

If your hair colour starts fading earlier than normal – for example, losing vibrancy in three weeks after a permanent treatment – let’s figure out why. 

Why is my hair colour fading?

When your hair is coloured, dye molecules penetrate the hair cuticle and settle in the cortex. Over time, these molecules escape, resulting in colour fading. Many of us who colour our hair have asked: why does my hair colour fade so fast? 
The answer can be a combination of factors: 
  • Frequent washing with harsh shampoos or hot water. 
  • UV exposure that breaks down dye molecules. 
  • Chemicals (like chlorine in swimming pools) stripping colour. 
  • Salt water and mineral-rich hard water. 
  • Excessive heat styling that damages the hair cuticle. 
Take a look at your haircare habits and see whether any of these are familiar. Understanding their impact will help tailor your haircare routine to preserve hair colour. 

Which hair colours fade fastest?

Not all hair colours fade at the same pace. Research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that “colour loss was greatest for coloured hair subjected to both irradiation and shampooing... with coloured natural white and bleached hair undergoing much greater change than coloured brown hair”. It proves that fading depends on hair type, natural and chosen colour.  

For example, coloured red hair fading is a common concern – bright shades like red or pink contain larger dye molecules that struggle to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft. This makes red hair more prone to washing out quickly. Lighter hair, like natural or bleached blonde, is more porous, meaning colour molecules escape easily, accelerating blonde hair fading. 

Darker shades like brown and black tend to retain colour longer. Black hair fading happens more slowly due to the smaller dye molecules and lower porosity, helping the colour stay rich for longer. 
Women with blonde, red and dark hair

How to make hair colour last longer

Whether you prefer blonde, red or dark locks, the question – how to stop hair colour fading – is universally relevant when it comes to coloured hair maintenance. The good news is, small changes to your routine can make a difference. Here are some expert tips to help keep coloured hair from fading. 

1. Use colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner

Specially formulated shampoos and conditioners for coloured hair are gentle on the cuticle and help lock in pigment. Formulas like Vitamino Colour Spectrum Shampoo and Hair Mask for coloured hair from L’Oréal Professionnel cleanse your hair and scalp without stripping colour, locking in day 1 colour vibrancy for longer. 

2. Boost moisture and vibrancy with hair oil, serum or gloss

Coloured hair needs extra nourishment. Lightweight oils and serums seal in hydration, reduce dullness and boost shine. Try Glass Shine Serum for Coloured Hair which locks in shine for up to 72 hours with anti-frizz and anti-humidity properties. 

3. Limit hair washes (and opt for cold water)

Washing your hair too frequently can speed up fading. Aim to wash just two to three times a week. When you do, use cool water, as hot water lifts the cuticle, allowing colour to slip out more easily.  

4. Protect hair from heat damage

Excessive heat styling tools can degrade colour molecules and damage the hair structure. Always use a heat protectant before blow-drying, curling or straightening to reduce colour fade. 

5. Avoid harsh chemicals

Chlorine in swimming pools and sulphates in products can accelerate colour fading. Use a swim cap or pre-swim protectant before diving in and stick to colour-safe formulas in your haircare. Using a Vitamino Color Spectrum hair mask for coloured hair after the pool helps strengthen and moisturise post chemical exposure.  

6. Limit sun exposure

UV rays break down dye molecules. It’s particularly noticeable in summer or during beach holidays, but UV can impact hair even when the weather is not sunny. Wear a hat in direct sunlight or use UV protection to shield hair from fading, such as Vitamino Colour Spectrum Glass Shine Serum. 

7. Refresh the colour with glossing or toning

Between colour appointments, a gloss or toner can refresh faded tones and boost shine without a full re-colour. While it’s not a must, a hair gloss can visually prolong the vibrancy of colour. 

Step-by-Step Coloured Hair Routine with the Vitamino Color Spectrum Range

Keep salon-fresh colour for longer with Vitamino Color Spectrum


While preventing hair colour fading seems like swimming against the current, it’s easier if you have the right haircare products in your corner. The Vitamino Color Spectrum range by L’Oréal Professionnel is formulated to protect and prolong colour between salon visits. Enriched with ferulic acid and citric acid, it helps shield hair from external aggressors, too. 
A group shot of Vitamino Color Spectrum haircare range for coloured hair, including shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and hair serum.

Hair colour fading FAQs

  • Why does my hair colour fade so fast? 
    Hair colour fades quickly when dye molecules leave through an opened hair cuticle – often triggered by frequent washing, hot water, UV exposure and heat styling. Coloured or naturally blonde hair is more porous, driving pigment loss even faster. 

  • How can I prevent red hair fading? 
    Red dyes have larger molecules that sit closer to the hair surface, so they wash out more easily. To protect red tones, use a colourprotect shampoo and conditioner, rinse with cool water, minimise heat styling and apply a UV protect spray whenever you’re outdoors. 

  • How can I prevent black hair fading? 
    Although darker pigments are more resilient, black hair can still lose shine and depth over time. Preserve the colour by choosing gentle haircare formulas, reducing wash frequency, using cold water, and refreshing with a gloss treatment. 

  • How can I prevent blonde hair fading?
    Blonde (especially bleached) hair is highly porous and vulnerable to brassiness and dullness. Combat fade with purple or toning shampoos, deep conditioning masks, heat protection before styling, and limiting chlorine or saltwater exposure.