The Secret to Long-Lasting Hair Color: Professional Tips from Chicago Stylists
Introduction
If you’ve ever left the salon feeling like an absolute superstar with fresh, vibrant hair color, only to watch it fade faster than you’d hoped, you’re not alone. Maintaining long-lasting hair color is both an art and a science, and the secret lies in how you care for your hair before, during, and after your color appointment. The good news? You don’t need to be a stylist to extend the life of your hair color—you just need the right tips and products!
At The Gilded Lily Chicago, our expert stylists specialize in creating stunning, customized color that not only looks amazing but stays vibrant for weeks. In this guide, we’re spilling all the secrets to making your color last longer. Read on to learn how to keep your hair looking salon-fresh between appointments!
1. Start with a Quality Color Service
The Gilded Lily Chicago, a premier salon in Logan Square, Chicago, IL.
Why It Matters:
The foundation of long-lasting hair color begins in the salon. A professional color service using high-quality products and expert techniques will always yield better results than box dyes or rushed applications.
Pro Tip:
“At The Gilded Lily, our expert colorists use top-tier, salon-grade color to ensure vibrant, long-lasting results that won’t fade quickly.”
When you choose a professional color service, you benefit from precise application, custom color blending, and expert knowledge of what will work best for your hair type and texture. Plus, professional salon colors contain better-quality pigments and conditioning agents, which help your color stay rich and beautiful for longer.
2. Opt for In-Salon Gloss and Toner Treatments
COLOR.ME GLOSS by Kevin Murphy is a demi-permanent, ammonia-free hair color that enhances shine, strengthens bonds, and conditions for luminous, long-lasting results.
Why It Matters:
Gloss and toner treatments aren’t just for correcting brassy tones—they are essential for maintaining shine, vibrancy, and depth in your color. These treatments help refresh fading hues and neutralize unwanted tones, ensuring your hair always looks its best.
Pro Tip:
“Schedule a gloss or toner service at The Gilded Lily every 8-10 weeks to maintain vibrancy and richness in your color.”
Toners are particularly useful for blondes and those with balayage, as they help counteract natural brassiness. For brunettes and redheads, a glossing treatment can enhance depth and shine. Think of it as a mini color boost that keeps your hair looking freshly done for longer.
3. Use Color-Safe Shampoos & Limit Washing to Preserve Color
Why It Matters:
One of the biggest culprits behind fading hair color is using the wrong shampoo. Sulfates and harsh detergents strip hair of its natural oils and color molecules, leading to dull, lifeless strands. Switching to a salon-quality, color-safe shampoo makes a huge difference in preserving your shade.
Pro Tip:
“Our stylists recommend color-safe shampoos from Kevin.Murphy and Milbon to keep your hair color looking fresh and vibrant.”
Another key factor? How often you wash your hair. Over-washing can cause your color to fade prematurely, so stretching out washes is crucial.
“Try washing your hair 2-3 times per week and use dry shampoo in between to extend the life of your color.”
Dry shampoo isn’t just a lifesaver on busy days—it also helps absorb excess oil and refresh your style without compromising your color. If you must wash your hair frequently, try rinsing with cool or lukewarm water instead of hot water to prevent color from leaching out.
4. Deep Condition Weekly to Prevent Dryness
Kevin Murphy HYDRATE-ME.MASQUE is a deeply nourishing treatment that restores moisture, smooths, and softens dry or damaged hair with hydrating ingredients like Kakadu Plum and Shea Butter.
Milbon Repair Heat is a professional haircare line designed to strengthen and protect heat-damaged hair. Infused with protein-rich ingredients, it repairs, fortifies, and enhances resilience against styling stress.
Why It Matters:
Colored hair tends to need more moisture than untreated hair, and when your hair is dry, it loses its ability to hold onto color. Deep conditioning treatments restore moisture, enhance shine, and create a protective barrier around your strands, helping to keep your color looking fresh and rich.
Pro Tip:
“Use a hydrating mask or treatment at least once a week to keep your hair hydrated and protect your color from environmental stressors.”
Hydration is key for maintaining color vibrancy. If you’re unsure which deep conditioner to use, our stylists at The Gilded Lily recommend professional treatments like the Kevin.Murphy Hydrate-Me Masque or Milbon’s Repair Heat line for intense nourishment.
Bonus Tips for Extra Color Protection
Use Heat Protectant: Heat styling can accelerate color fading. Always use a heat protectant before using hot tools.
Protect Hair from the Sun: UV rays can cause color to fade quickly. Wear a hat or use UV-protectant sprays when spending time in the sun.
Avoid Chlorine and Hard Water: Swimming in chlorinated pools or washing hair with hard water can dull and alter your color. Use a shower filter to reduce mineral buildup and wear a swim cap in the pool.
Trim Regularly: Split ends can make your hair look dull and unhealthy. Regular trims keep your color looking fresh and vibrant.
Conclusion
Long-lasting, vibrant hair color isn’t just a dream—it’s completely achievable with the right care routine! Starting with a high-quality salon service, maintaining gloss and toner treatments, using color-safe products, and deep conditioning regularly will help you keep your color looking gorgeous for weeks.
At The Gilded Lily Chicago, we’re passionate about helping you achieve your best hair yet. Whether you’re looking for a fresh color, a toner refresh, or expert haircare advice, we’ve got you covered. Book an appointment with us today and let’s keep your color looking flawless!