Are you tired of going back to the salon too soon after a root touch-up? Or maybe you’re at-home color fades faster than you expected? Don’t worry! With a few simple tips, you can make your root touch-up last longer and keep your hair looking fresh.
In this blog, we’ll explain why your root color fades and share easy ways to make it last longer.
Why Does Root Touch-Up Fade So Fast?
Before we jump into the tips, let’s look at what makes root color fade:
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Washing your hair too often
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Using shampoos with harsh ingredients like sulfates
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Heat from hair dryers or straighteners
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Sun exposure (UV rays fade color)
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Hard water with minerals that dull your hair
Now that you know the causes, here’s what you can do to make your root touch-up last longer!
1. Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Sulfates are strong cleaning agents that strip away your hair’s natural oils—and your color!
What to do:
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Use a sulfate-free shampoo made for color-treated hair.
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Check for labels like “color-safe” or “for dyed hair.”
2. Wash Less Often
Washing your hair every day fades the color faster.
What to do:
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Try to wash your hair 2–3 times a week.
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Use dry shampoo in between washes.
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Wash with cool or lukewarm water, not hot.
3. Use Root Touch-Up Spray or Powder
These are great for hiding new roots between color appointments.
What to do:
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Pick a spray or powder that matches your hair color.
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Apply it to your roots and wash it out when needed.
4. Protect Hair from Heat
Heat tools like straighteners and curling wands fade your color.
What to do:
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Use a heat protectant spray before styling.
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Lower the temperature setting on your tools.
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Air dry your hair when possible.
5. Avoid Too Much Sun
Sunlight fades hair just like it fades clothes.
What to do:
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Wear a hat or scarf outside.
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Use UV-protectant hair spray.
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Try to stay in the shade during sunny days.
6. Deep Condition Weekly
Healthy hair holds color better than dry, damaged hair.
What to do:
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Use a color-safe deep conditioner once a week.
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Avoid products with harsh chemicals.
7. Watch Out for Hard Water
Minerals in hard water can make your color look dull or brassy.
What to do:
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Use a shower filter to remove minerals.
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Rinse hair with bottled or filtered water if needed.
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Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to clean buildup.
8. Visit the Salon Regularly
Even with the best care, you’ll still need touch-ups.
What to do:
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Plan touch-ups every 4–6 weeks.
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Ask your stylist for low-maintenance styles like balayage that grow out naturally.
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Keep talking to your stylist about what works best for your hair.
9. Eat Healthy for Strong Hair
What you eat affects how strong and healthy your hair is.
What to do:
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Eat foods rich in biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3s (like eggs, nuts, and fish).
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Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use purple shampoo after a root touch-up?
A: Yes—but only if your hair is blonde or has cool tones. Use it once a week to tone brassiness.
Q: How long does a root touch-up usually last?
A: On average, 3–6 weeks, depending on your hair growth and how well you care for your color.
Q: What if I see gray roots in just two weeks?
A: Use a root touch-up spray or stick to cover the regrowth temporarily. Then, plan your next salon visit.
Q: Can I swim after a root touch-up?
A: It’s best to wait at least 48–72 hours before swimming. Chlorine and salt water can strip or fade fresh color. Always use a swim cap or apply a leave-in conditioner to create a barrier if you plan to swim.
Q: Does using oil on my scalp affect my root color?
A: Some oils are safe and even helpful for your scalp and hair health. However, heavy oils can cause color to fade faster if used too often. Stick to lightweight, color-safe oils and use them sparingly near the roots.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your hair after a root touch-up doesn’t have to be hard. Use color-safe products, avoid too much heat and sun, and keep your hair strong and clean with the right routines. These small changes can make a big difference—and help you save time and money!
Want Long-Lasting Color? Book an Appointment at Express Rutbar+!
Need a fresh root touch-up that lasts longer? Visit Express Rutbar+! Our expert colorists use top-quality products to give you beautiful, long-lasting results.
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