You’ve spent time and money visiting a hair salon to achieve your perfect hair colour. It looks glossy, shiny and vibrant, but even after the first wash it starts to look faded. How should you look after your hair colour to make it last as long as possible?

Most importantly, limit the amount of heat styling equipment which you expose your hair to. When you do use heat, ensure you put a good quality protection spray onto the hair beforehand. You can also use styling products before blow drying to make the hair easier to style – the less time you have to spend styling it, the better. Limit straightener usage to twice a week. This will help prevent the heat from the appliance fading your hair colour, but it will also mean that you hair is in better condition, helping it to hold colour better. This is especially true of the ends, which are prone to damage, dryness and fading.

The other easy way to maintain your hair colour is to ensure that you use high quality products on it. Shampoo and conditioner are especially important, because cheap versions will essentially strip the hair, taking your colour with it. There are all kinds of different product ranges out there, so pick one which is high quality and works well with your colour. Sulphate-free products are the best, as it’s the sulphates which will cause your colour to fade. Many brands offer specific shampoos and conditioners to maintain colour which will be sulphate free. They might cost more, but the investment will be worthwhile and it will keep your colour looking fresh.