How to Keep Your Hair/Wig Color From Fading?

Both your hair and wig require delicate care after dyeing to look good for a long time.

The good news is, it's not that complicated to preserve your hair color. Now, I'm not going to say that and leave you guessing. I'll be giving you all the tricks and tips in this post, so be sure to keep reading.

If you've been questioning yourself about what you're doing wrong that makes your colored hair or wig fade after dyeing, I'm here with the answers. Let's walk through the major reasons that cause your colored hair and wig to fade and share some tips on how to keep your hair vibrant and shiny.

Let's Deal with the Issue First.

I’ve heard people say that maintaining the color after dyeing your wig or hair isn't the most important part. While that's true, it is also wrong. It's true because dyeing determines how the style will turn out. However, the longevity doesn't come from just the dyeing process; it also depends on how you maintain and care for your hair.  

Now, what could you have been doing wrong in your routine and other areas that can make a colored wig fade? Take a look below.

Related Read: How To Dye A Human Hair Wig At Home

Some of the Reasons Why Your Hair and Wig Color May Fade Quickly

1. Using low-quality hair

Besides the dyeing process and maintenance, another major factor that can easily influence how long your color will last is the hair you dye.

While high-quality wigs, such as virgin hair, can hold onto the dye for a longer time because the cuticle is intact, synthetic wigs don’t absorb dyes like that. This means a low-quality hair might fade quickly.

Damaged hair also does not retain the color. While the hair dyes quickly, it loses its color quickly as well, since it is extremely porous.

2. UV Exposure

UV rays act like a natural bleach that breaks down the chemical bonds in your hair. Just like the way the sun can fade your clothes, well, that’s the same way it can make the dye turn dull and become brassy over a period of time.

In other words, exposing your hair or wig to the sun regularly could have been the reason why your wig color keeps fading sooner than it should.

3. Chemicals

Chemicals like Chlorine in swimming pools and sulfates can cause your wig or hair color to fade quickly. If you are wondering how, these chemicals are bleaching agents that can strip the hair of its color and take the moisture away. They can also make the hair break, dry, and brittle.

4. Frequent Washing

If you ask a professional hair colorist, they’ll tell you that washing your hair or wig too often after dyeing can cause the color to fade faster.

I know we all like the idea of a clean wig or hair; however, washing it too frequently causes nothing but damage. This is because anytime you rinse, the dye molecules get out. And unsurprisingly, a lot of color fading is linked to frequent hair washing.

5. Excessive Heat Styling

Another primary cause that can make your hair or wig color fade is using excessive heat. As much as we want our styles to be sleek, very curly, or have the waves popping, too much heat can cause the hair cuticle to open. This means the color might escape, making it look dull.

6. Improper Use of Hot Tools

Coloured hair is already weakened as the hair shafts have been altered. By using hot tools without prepping your hair with heat protectant, the heat will cause your hair to ‘fry’ as it drives out moisture from your hair, causing it to be brittle & dry.

7. Water

Are you a fan of washing your hair or wig with hot water? If you are, that could be the cause of your wig or hair color fading. Using hot water opens your hair cuticles, leading to dullness.

The use of hard water could also be a reason. This is because it contains high levels of minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which leave deposits in your hair over time. It can not only cause your hair to become dull, but also cause it loose its color soon.

8. Using the Wrong Shampoo and Conditioner

Most common shampoos contain sulphates, which strip out the colour from the hair shaft as sulphates are known to be cleansing, cleaning the hair from pollutions & oils. In most cases, sulphate-containing shampoos strip too much oil, including the hair colour. Remember to use colour-protecting shampoos and conditioners to delay the fading process.

With these culprits, your perfectly toned hair may become less vibrant and luscious. To prevent your hair color from fading too quickly, be sure to take note of it. I'll be mentioning some of the ways you can keep your hair beautiful in the next section.

Ways to Keep Your Hair/Wig Color From Fading

While we’ve discussed the factors that could cause your hair color to fade, what are the steps you can actually take to prevent it from happening? Check out a few ways you can prevent it below.

1. Shampoo Less Often, Choose Conditioning More

There is no doubt that cleansing your hair and wig is essential. However, after dyeing your hair, you do not need to wash it too often. Like I’ve mentioned in the previous section, washing frequently can strip your hair of its color.

So, focus on conditioning your hair more instead. This can replenish moisture, smooth the lifted cuticles, and even lock the dye in. Plus, conditioning keeps your hair soft, preventing breakage and dryness since the strands no longer receive natural oils from the scalp.

2. Avoid Sulfate-Containing Products

I already went on and on about how harsh chemicals aren’t the best for your colored hair. One of those chemicals you can find in shampoos and hair products is sulfate. Using products containing this chemical can strip your hair of its color and moisture.

So, switch to safer products. You can use products like sulfate-free shampoos that nourish your hair and wig properly. And avoid using clarifying shampoos, as they can make your hair brassy.

3. Use Heat Protectant

Colored hair and wigs are so delicate that their appearance could change quickly if you take a wrong step. One silent culprit that contributes to this is heat-styling tools. Excessive use of heat can cause your hair color to fade.

So, I’ll always recommend that you use a heat-protectant before styling your hair or wig. This protects the color and even helps it retain its nourishment.

4. Get the Right Products for Colored Hair and Wigs

There are hair products designed specifically for colored hair and wigs. Keep your hair thriving by getting color-safe products. These products will protect your strands and make sure they do not fade. The no-go areas are those with sulfates or products labeled as “clarifying” or “hair strengtheners”.

5. Limit Exposure to the Sun

Another culprit is the sun. The sun can fade the color of your wig and cause brassy tones. To prevent that, make sure your hair isn’t exposed regularly.

If you’re an outdoor person, always protect your hair and wig before going out. You can get hats that match your overall outfit and rock them with your hairstyle. You can also use products that shields your hair from the UV rays.

For instance, products that contain SPF or even sunscreen. Simply spray a little amount of the product on your hair and scalp. LOL. Turns out, it is not just our bodies that need it, but also our hair.

6. Refresh with Toning

Do you know you can refresh your colored hair? In between your hair appointments at the salon, you can use a gloss or toner to achieve the perfect look.

This is a simple step that keeps your hair shiny, vibrant, and gorgeous. You do not have to recolor your strands or wig to make it look as fresh as when you first dyed it. A gloss or toner can complement the color just the right way.

7. Deep Conditioning is Important

The best way to restore your hair to its former glory is with a deep conditioner and hair treatments. If you’ve overlooked them before, now is the time to embrace them.

Because they can replenish moisture, strength, and elasticity to your colored hair and wig. Since the goal is to keep your hair soft and healthy, deep conditioning can actually prevent it from getting brittle and dry.

Just be sure to start from the root, then move to the tip when you apply. Also, coat your strands properly with the treatments before leaving them to penetrate your strands. You can wash them off after a while.

8. Get to Know the Color You Choose

Different colors fade at different times. While most colors should last for a long time, they do not fade at the same speed.

So, carry out your research on the colors you’re considering. Take your time to understand your numerous choices. This will help you select the best shade for your needs and better equip you to care for your hair once it’s been dyed.

Besides, you'll also know the best products to use. I’m talking about shampoos, conditioners, deep conditioners, oils, and serums.

Conclusion

Your dyed hair or wig can typically last between six and eight weeks. While this depends on other factors, like the type of hair dye you want to use, your color shouldn’t fade earlier than normal.

You can change that with the different tips I've listed above. Also, don't forget to avoid sun exposure and harsh chemicals that can damage your hair and cause the color to fade.