Make Hair Color Last

woman with red hairSick of spending time and money coloring your hair, only to have it fade right away? Read on for helpful tips and products that will keep strands vibrant longer. Photo by Getty

3 Ways to Make Color Last

1. Use shampoos and conditioners made for color-treated hair. These products contain silicones that preserve color. Also, make sure the label reads sulfate-free. "Sulfates are powerful detergents that can remove hair dye," says David Stanko, Redken's haircolor consultant. If you're already experiencing fading, try a color-depositing shampoo. They contain small amounts of dye to revive color and cover grays that have started to show.

2. Protect your hair from heat. When you color, the protective cuticle layer surrounding each individual strand gets stripped away so the dye can penetrate, explains Joel Warren, co-owner of the Warren-Tricomi salon in New York City. This makes hair more vulnerable to dryness from heated styling tools-and dry hair looks flat. Keep yours hydrated by spritzing on a heat-protective spray before using your hair dryer or curling iron.

3. Shield color with SPF. The sun's rays break down the chemicals in hair dye, causing brassiness and visible grays. "Make sure you use styling products formulated with UV filters," recommends Warren.

Learn 8 bizarre beauty tricks that really work.

Tap water contains chlorine and magnesium, which can accumulate on your hair and make it look dull. To remove them after showering, do a final rinse with club soda. The soda's carbonated water will get rid of this buildup.
(Source: Samy, creator of Samy haircare products)

What's your quick fix for gray roots?

"I use an old toothbrush to brush brown eyeshadow over my gray hairs."
-Cynthia Frazier Buck, Raleigh, NC

"I curl my hair. Changing the texture takes the attention away from my roots."
-Mary Titus, Orange, CA

"Root-lifting spray. When I give my hair more volume, I find that grays are less noticeable."
-Margaret Bohannon, Milwaukee

1. Give your style some hold and stop color fade with this UV-blocking hairspray. Samy Skyscraper Volumizing Hairspray, $6.99; Ulta.com.

2. A sulfate-free shampoo that keeps color looking rich for up to 32 washes. L'Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo, $6.99; Drugstore.com.

3. Formulated with jojoba oil to moisturize, this lightweight spray prevents strands from feeling the burn of heated styling tools. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Heat Defeat Protective Styling Spray, $6.09; Soap.com.

8 Hair Myths Debunked
10 Stylish Ways to Wear a Ponytail
How to Make Your Sex Life a Priority
6 Common Sex Dreams Decoded