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Why Red Hair Fades Faster and How to Keep It Vibrant

Red is probably the most eye-catching color you could choose to dye your hair. With shades ranging from strawberry blonde to burgundy, there is a shade of red to flatter anyone. You can try out the ginger life with subtle highlights or go all-in with a bright copper. Once you’ve found your perfect red you want it to last as long as possible, and you may be sad to see it fading faster than you expected. Today we’ll discuss why red fades faster than other hair colors and how you can keep it vibrant longer.

What Makes Red Hair Fade Faster?

No, you’re not imagining things. Red hair really does fade faster than other colors. This is because the dye molecules are larger in red hair dye, so they can’t penetrate the hair shaft as deeply as other colors of dye can. Since the color doesn’t go as deep, it’s able to be washed away more easily. The larger molecules may make the red dye more prone to fading, but it also makes it one of the most vibrant colors of dye. The trick is learning how to keep it vibrant.

How to Slow the Fade
Wash Less Often- The first step in maintaining vibrant red hair is to shampoo less often. Everything you lather up a bit of the pigment that gives your strands their gorgeous ginger hue washes right down the drain. If you’re shampooing daily it won’t take long for your lovely locks to start looking a bit drab and dull. Start washing your hair 2-3 times a week with Kerastase Colored Hair Shampoo and Conditioner You can use Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo between washes if your hair starts to look or feel less than fresh.

Limit or Modify Water Activities-  A dip in the pool is one of the best ways to cool off in the summer months, but chlorine and other pool chemicals are not your friends when it comes to maintaining your auburn strands. If you’re not OK with limiting your time spent in the pool, wet your hair with tap water and apply conditioner without rinsing before diving in. If your hair is already saturated it won’t be able to soak up as much of the pool water. You can also protect your color by wearing a swim cap when swimming a few laps. For those times when you don’t have a chance to prepare before a swim, rinse your hair immediately after and shampoo and condition with products formulated for color-treated hair.

Limit Heat and Sun Exposure- Your beautiful red color is also susceptible to heat and the sun. To minimize color loss due to UV damage and heat opt for no heat styles and apply sunscreen to your hair. No, not your regular sunscreen lotion. Look for a product designed for use on the hair. Wearing a hat outdoors is another way to keep the sun’s rays from bleaching your red. It also helps to minimize sun exposure by wearing your hair up in a braid or bun.

Seal It In- If you really want to make your red last as long as possible, seal it in with a glaze. A glaze will not only add unstoppable shine, it also creates a protective layer on the outside of each strand that seals the color in and shields it from damage. A color glaze can also provide an extra boost of color when your shade finally does start to fade.

If you’ve been dreaming of a fiery red mane it’s time to see the expert colorists at  The Full Spectrum Hair Salon. We’ll help you choose the perfect shade of ginger to help you rock it as a redhead. Come see us at 305 E Farm to Market Rd 544, #911 in Murphy, give us a call at 972.509.1565 or download our free mobile app from iTunes or Google Play to schedule your hair color appointment today.