The first 72 hours matter most
Colour molecules keep settling into the cortex for about three days. Don't wash your hair for 48–72 hours after a colour service, and skip swimming, heavy sweating and steam.
Switch your shampoo
Sulphates are detergents — they lift colour every single wash. Move to a sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo and wash no more than 2–3 times a week.
Wash with lukewarm water and rinse cool. Hot water opens the cuticle and lets pigment escape.
Protect from heat and sun
Always use a heat protectant before styling and keep irons below 180°C.
UV oxidises pigment — brunettes go brassy, blondes go yellow. Wear a hat or use a UV-protectant leave-in for long days outdoors.
Feed the colour
Coloured hair is porous hair. Use a deep conditioning mask weekly and a leave-in serum daily on the mid-lengths and ends.
Purple or blue toning shampoo once a week keeps blondes and balayage from going brassy — but don't overuse it or ends go dull.
Salon touch-ups on schedule
Root touch-up: every 4–6 weeks for global colour, 8–12 weeks for balayage.
Gloss or toner: every 6–8 weeks to restore shine and correct tone — far cheaper than a full re-colour.
Hair spa: monthly, to keep porosity and shine in check.