How to Wash Dyed Hair Without Losing Color

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Learn how often to wash, what products to use, and more

Co-authored by Martin Nepton and Sophia Bell

Last Updated: February 21, 2025 References

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Cleansing and Conditioning

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Using Color-Safe Products

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Caring for Your Hair

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Video

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

After coloring your hair, you may be concerned about fading. Luckily, you need only follow a few simple steps to keep your hair looking bright and vibrant for as long as possible.

Tips for Washing Dyed Hair

Wait 24 hours to wash your hair after getting it colored. Then, wash it every other day.
Put a bit of dye into your conditioner and shake the bottle. Condition your hair after every wash.
Choose a color-protectant shampoo and conditioner to keep your color from fading.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleansing and Conditioning

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It’s important to give the hair time to absorb the dye into the cuticle. After the initial washing to remove the excess dye, you should wait 24-72 hours before cleansing your hair again. Washing it sooner could lead to a dull, faded color.^{[1]
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Wash your hair every other day at most. Frequent washing fades color faster than anything else. You should only wash your hair 2-3 times a week, and no more than every other day. You can still shower, just keep your hair dry using a shower cap, or give it a quick rinse to remove excess oil.^{[2]
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- Try washing your hair with just conditioner once in awhile. That will help protect your color longer.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Martin Nepton
  Professional Hair Stylist
  
  Expert Interview}
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If your hair is all 1 shade, you can preserve the color by putting a small amount of dye into your conditioner. Reserve a little bit of the dye from the box, or ask your stylist to send you home with a small amount to add to your conditioner. Mix or shake the container thoroughly to evenly distribute the dye. Use it each time you shower to brighten the color while moisturizing the strands.^{[4]
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Condition your hair after each wash. Choose a moisture-rich conditioner containing oils like Obliphica, coconut, or jojoba. Thoroughly coat each strand of hair from the mid-point down to the ends with conditioner each time you wash it. Avoid rubbing conditioner into your scalp or roots, as it can make your hair look oily.^{[5]
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- You can even apply conditioner on days you shower but don’t shampoo your hair to keep it strong and smooth.
Hot water opens up the cuticle and allows the color to bleed out. Cool water, on the other hand, seals the cuticle and keeps the color in. Always rinse your hair using cool water to preserve the color and vibrancy.^{[6]
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Martin Nepton
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Color-Safe Products

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1
Choose a color-protectant shampoo and conditioner. In this case, any old shampoo and conditioner won’t work. Look for products formulated specially for color-treated hair. These are gentler and are free of harsh chemicals that fade color. If you are overwhelmed by the options, ask your stylist for a suggestion.^{[7]
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- Avoid using a clarifying shampoo, which will quickly strip the color from your hair.^{[8]
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  Research source} This is particularly important when you have colored your hair in dark or bright shade, like black, purple or green.
Since you won’t be washing your hair as often as you may have in the past, you can use a dry shampoo to soak up oil, add texture, and keep your hair looking and smelling fresh. Spray it about 6 inches (15 cm) from your hair, concentrating on the roots. Massage your scalp to rub it in then brush your hair to evenly distribute the product.^{[9]
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Make sure your hair products are sulfate- and alcohol-free. When choosing shampoo, conditioner, heat-protectant, gel, mousse, hairspray or any other product, read the ingredient list carefully. Sulfates and alcohol strip color and dry out your hair, so steer clear of anything containing these harsh chemicals. Also, avoid anything containing salts or detergents, which can also fade your color.^{[10]
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- Look for products containing natural oils, like coconut or jojoba, and gentle cleansers such as sodium myreth or trideceth.
- Check the ingredient list to be sure the products don’t contain sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, or ammonium laureth sulfate.
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Apply deep conditioner once a week. To keep your hair healthy and shiny, you can deep condition it on a regular basis. Choose a deep-conditioner formulated for color-treated hair, such as one containing aloe vera, argan oil, and panthenol. Apply it in the shower after washing your hair by coating your strands from just below the roots to the tips. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.^{[11]
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- You can put a shower cap on to allow the heat from your scalp to intensify the results, if desired.
Heat-protectant products are essential for preserving colored hair. Find one formulated for your hair type or ask for a recommendation from your stylist. Be sure to apply it every time you use a heat-styling tool. Let the product dry fully before using a curling iron or flat iron on your hair.^{[12]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Hair

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Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your hair with a regular towel, which can fade the color and weaken your hair. Instead, use a microfiber towel or soft T-shirt to dry your hair. Gently squeeze out the excess water; don’t wring or twist your hair.^{[13]
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Heat is another factor that can make your hair fade quickly. To keep your color from fading, reduce your use of blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons. Let your hair air dry instead, and go for styles that don’t need heat, like braids and beachy waves. You can also use rollers to create curls, or straighten your hair using a mask.^{[14]
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Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from the sun. Sunlight can quickly fade your tresses, taking them from vibrant to dull. If you plan to be outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cover your hair with a scarf. Pick up a few different styles of hats or several colors or patterns of scarves so you always have something on hand to match your outfit and your mood.^{[15]
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- You could also use a UV-protectant spray to prevent sunlight from damaging your hair.
Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

Actively protect colored hair. "I always suggest using a UV protectant on the hair to protect color from fading or environmental damage. Moisturize and beware of sun damage — it can tarnish your strands and lead to frizz or color fadage."
Chlorine is a harsh chemical that can strip color right out of your hair. To keep your hair color bright and vibrant, avoid the pool or wear a swim cap to protect your tresses. If you refuse to wear a swim cap but still want to swim, wet your hair with fresh water then coat it with leave-in conditioner before going for a dip.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Is sulfonate bad for color-treated hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Sulfonate is a strong cleansing ingredient that can cause hair fading. It is not suitable for color-treated hair.

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Question

How long should I wait to wash my hair after I color it?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

It's best if you can wait 48 hours. After dying your hair, the cuticles are soft and less able to prevent the color molecules from leaking out. After 48 hours, they have rehardened.

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Question

Is aloe vera safe for color-treated hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, aloe vera is safe for the hair and won't affect the color. It is a lightweight moisturizer suitable for all hair types. It is also calming to the scalp.

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