Permanent hair dye: how long does it last, and how can you help it last longer? 

Permanent hair dye: how long does it last, and how can you help it last longer? 

Unlike *semi-permanent hair dye* that’s designed to last just a few shampoos, *permanent hair dye* sounds like it will last forever. But does it? Here’s how long you can expect your colour to last, and how to extend it as much as possible.  

 

Colour fade

 

Ideally, *permanent hair colour* would stay vibrant forever, or at least until the roots grow. On most heads of hair, that would mean getting a good 6-8 weeks between touch-ups – but sometimes, even with permanent dye, colour fade can happen within a few weeks. Why does this happen? Typically, hair dyes are water soluble. When you wash your hair, the dye molecules simply dissolve and your new colour rinses away. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have a *vibrant lasting colour* with *permanent hair dye*, though – you need to know how to look after your freshly-dyed locks. If you'd like to keep your new hue for longer, here's what to do. 

 

Try oil-based dyes

 

Not only do they improve colour delivery, but these dyes also dissolve less quickly when you shampoo, giving them more staying power. Try Color Naturals by Garnier, which is enriched with *shea, avocado and olive oil* to lock in colour, or another option is the Olia range of dyes – they are formulated with 60% *flower oils* for a dye that treats and nourishes your hair while it colours.  

 

Take care of your hair

 

Colour washes out more easily from damaged or porous hair. Use nourishing, colour-safe treatments, shampoos and conditioners for healthier hair and lasting colour. Avoid heat styling and protect your hair from the sun if you’re planning to spend the whole day outside. 

 

These tips will help stretch your colour for the promised 6-8 weeks. Unless, of course, another tempting shade catches your eye first...