We spend a fortune on hair dyes, highlights and touch-ups. Then in a few weeks, that color starts to fade. However, that hair color doesn’t have to fade too quickly. Here are 15 tips to stretch that hair color and keep it looking fabulous.

1. Stay away from hot showers

Time to lower the fire. Hot showers are not only a recipe for dry and rough skin, but they also slaughter your tone. The hot water opens the cuticle to remove the dye. Shampoo your hair and rinse with room temperature water. Towel dry, condition and rinse with cold water to seal cuticle. That keeps your locks looking nice, hydrated and eliminates split ends.

2. Don’t wash frequently

Shampooing your hair every day removes hair color and natural oils as well. Opt for a dry shampoo to soak up oil, sweat, and add volume too.

3. Avoid sulfate-based shampoo on colored hair

When you wash, opt for mild sulfate-free shampoos to keep your highlights looking great for longer. Sulfates contain salts that remove moisture and color from your hair. Loss of moisture is the leading cause of hair color loss.

4. Add a shower filter

Hard water removes dyes and natural oils very quickly. Filters remove mineral sediment, the spoilers that turn brown strands coppery and fade the red hue of the water. Filters remove soap build-up and heavy metals that alter the color of your hair.

5. Use deep conditioners for colored hair

For colored hair, deep conditioning with a conditioner specifically designed for colored hair is essential. Deep conditioning hydrates and nourishes your hair, leaving it soft and shiny. Deep color conditioners prevent color fading Apply conditioner for colored hair to the roots of the hair for maximum benefits

6. Go slow with deep conditioners

Rinsing in a hair conditioner removes the color from the hair. Opt for a weekly deep conditioning to prevent your hair from fading. Let the deep conditioner rest on your hair for about 10 minutes to receive all the benefits. Putting on a shower cap to increase the heat allows the conditioner to penetrate better. Protein deep conditioning can also be done on hair that needs deep conditioning.

7. Use jojoba oil

Jojoba oil resembles the natural oils produced by hair. Add jojoba oil to your shampoo or apply to dry hair. The oil serves to hydrate dry and wet hair, thus preserving color.

8. Reduce your heat tools

Heat often affects hair color. Regular blow drying, hot tool styling, blow dryers, and flat irons smooth out the tone.

9. Use thermal protectors

When you heat comb your hair, use a heat protectant to protect hair from dryness, breakage, and discoloration. Thermal protectors coat hair and protect it from the drying effect of styling tools.

10. Too much sun ruins your tone

Too many UV rays are dangerous for your hair color. Choose conditioners that have built-in UV protection. The capillary sunscreen softens and protects the hair without making it greasy. Wear hats if you spend a lot of time in the sun.

11. Consider adding a top coat

To maintain color and increase shine, it is recommended to schedule a shine treatment with your stylist. A top coat works to add bright color and lock in color for a long-lasting, fabulous look. Neutralizes any coppery tones in addition to sealing the cuticles.

12. Prepare your hair

Prepare before coloring. Chelating shampoos and deep conditioning masks help you retain color molecules for longer.

13. Nothing smarter

Always protect your hair from the bleaching effects of chlorine. Wear hair protectors with SPF when swimming to keep your hair color intact. Spray in a leave-in conditioner before swimming to hydrate. Use fresh water to wet your hair before bathing. That way, it won’t absorb as much water from the pool or the ocean.

14. Opt for quality conditioners

Use hair dyes, highlights, and conditioners that your hair can hold for a long time. Hair colors fortified with natural oils help lock in moisture in your color treatment, leaving you looking healthy and shiny. Consider using ammonia-free hair dyes.

15. Eat a balanced diet

Healthy diets stimulate hair growth and shine. As such, eat balanced diets to keep your color fresh longer. Iron-rich diets create healthy keratin. Proteins improve texture, stimulate growth and strengthen hair. Vitamins also help keep colored hair shiny and healthy.