How to Maintain Your Colour Between Salon Visits
- R.A.E. Studios
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
A great colour service doesn’t end when you leave the salon - it continues with how you care for your hair at home. The right routine can extend the life of your colour, maintain shine, and keep your hair healthy between appointments.
At R.A.E. Studios, we believe that beautiful colour is a partnership between stylist expertise and thoughtful aftercare. Here’s how to protect your investment and keep your colour looking fresh, vibrant, and intentional.
Why Hair Colour Fades
Even the most expertly applied colour is affected by daily life. Understanding what causes fading is the first step to preventing it.
Common culprits include:
Frequent washing
Heat styling
Sun exposure
Environmental pollutants
Using the wrong products
The goal isn’t perfection - it’s consistency and care.
Start With the Right Cleanse
Your shampoo and conditioner matter more than you might think. Using products designed to support colour-treated hair helps protect the integrity of your colour while maintaining hair health.
What to look for:
Colour-safe formulas
Gentle cleansers
Moisture-balancing ingredients
Over-washing can strip colour, so we often recommend washing less frequently and choosing professional-grade products that cleanse without unnecessary harshness.
Temperature Matters
Hot water can open the hair cuticle, allowing colour molecules to escape more easily.
Pro tip: Wash with lukewarm water and finish with a cool rinse when possible. It helps seal the cuticle, enhancing shine and colour longevity.
Protect Your Hair From Heat
Heat styling is one of the biggest contributors to colour fading and dryness. While heat tools aren’t off-limits, moderation and protection are essential.
Best practices:
Always use a heat protectant
Lower your tool temperature when possible
Allow hair to air-dry partially before styling
Healthy hair holds colour better - it’s that simple.
Moisture Is Key
Colour-treated hair needs hydration to stay vibrant. When hair becomes dry or compromised, colour can appear dull or uneven.
Incorporate:
Weekly conditioning treatments
Leave-in conditioners or masks
Products that support softness and elasticity
Moisturized hair reflects light better, making your colour appear richer and more dimensional.
Be Mindful of the Sun
UV exposure can fade colour just like it fades fabric. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, protecting your hair is essential.
Helpful habits include:
Wearing a hat in direct sunlight
Using UV-protective hair products
Rinsing hair after swimming
Small adjustments make a noticeable difference.
Listen to Your Stylist’s Advice
Every colour service is unique - and so is the care it requires.
During your appointment, your stylist will recommend products and routines based on:
Your hair type
Your colour placement
Your lifestyle and maintenance preferences
Following those personalized recommendations helps ensure your colour continues to look intentional and salon-fresh.
Schedule Maintenance Appointments
Between full colour services, smaller maintenance appointments can refresh your look without starting over.
This may include:
Gloss or toner appointments
Face-framing refreshes
Conditioning treatments
These touch-ups help extend the life of your colour while maintaining hair health.
Beautiful Colour Is a Commitment - and It’s Worth It
Maintaining your colour isn’t about restriction - it’s about understanding what your hair needs to thrive. With the right care, your colour will stay vibrant, healthy, and true to your style long after you leave the salon.
At R.A.E. Studios, we’re here to guide you every step of the way - from consultation to aftercare and beyond.
Ready to Keep Your Colour Looking Its Best?
Book a maintenance appointment or speak with one of our stylists about a personalized at-home care routine.
