When it comes to hair color, we all want our new hue to last as long as possible. However, some colors tend to fade faster than others. Understanding which shades are most prone to fading can help you make the best color choice for your hair type and lifestyle.
What Makes Hair Color Fade?
There are a few key factors that cause hair color to fade:
- Sun exposure – UV rays from the sun oxidize and break down hair color pigments.
- Heat styling – Heat from blow drying, flat ironing, and curling can accelerate fading.
- Shampooing – Frequent shampooing strips color from the hair.
- Hard water – Mineral deposits in hard water coat the hair and fade color.
- Chlorine – Swimming in pools removes color pigment from hair.
- Pollution – Environmental contaminants can cause discoloration.
When these factors are combined, such as sun exposure plus frequent shampooing, hair color tends to fade at a faster rate. The formulation and application technique also impact how long hair color lasts.
Which Hair Color Shades Fade the Fastest?
Now let’s look at which specific shades and tones are most prone to fading:
Platinum Blonde
Going platinum blonde is a dramatic hair change that requires bleaching natural pigments out of the hair. However, platinum tones fade the quickest of all blonde shades. The pale, icy color washes out easily and exposes brassiness. To maintain platinum hair, expect frequent toning and root touch-ups every 4-6 weeks.
Ash Blonde
Ash blonde hair with cool, beige-y undertones tends to fade faster than natural or golden blondes. The ash pigments have less hold in the hair and can fade out to reveal warmth. Using a violet-tinted shampoo helps preserve ashy tones.
Bright Red
Vibrant, fire engine red shades fade the fastest out of red hair colors. The brighter the red, the more prone it is to fading. This is because brighter shades have larger color molecules that wash out easily. Expect bright reds to start fading within 4-6 weeks as the larger molecules wash away.
Pastel Colors
Pastel hair colors like pink, purple, blue and mint fade the quickest of fashion shades. The lighter the color, the more prone to fading. Pastel tones require frequent refreshing to keep the color looking crisp, usually every 4-6 weeks.
Bright Fashion Colors
Vibrant fashion shades like electric blue, fuchsia, emerald green and hot pink tend to fade faster than natural colors. Like bright reds, these shades have large color molecules that wash out quickly. To make vibrant shades last longer, use color-depositing shampoo and limit washing.
Which Colors Last the Longest in Hair?
Now let’s look at the shades that have the most staying power and are less prone to fading:
Dark Brown
Of all brunette shades, dark brown lasts the longest. The deep shade holds onto the hair well and resists fading. Aiming for a level 3 or 4 brown will provide longer lasting color.
Black
Jet black hair with a blue-black tone is extremely long-lasting. The dark shade adheres well to hair strands and does not fade easily. Black requires less frequent root touch-ups than lighter colors.
Dark Blonde
Going a few shades darker when blonde can help lengthen the time between salon visits. A level 6-8 medium to dark blonde will not fade as quickly as lighter blondes. The deeper your base, the longer it holds onto color.
Golden Blonde
Warm golden blonde shades last longer than ash blondes, making them a great low-maintenance option. The yellow pigments hold onto the hair well and grow out gradually.
Medium Red
While bright reds fade quickly, medium auburn reds have more staying power. Aim for a balanced red-orange tone at about a level 5 depth. This red spectrum is rich but not overly vivid.
Tips to Make Hair Color Last Longer
Regardless of what shade you choose, you can help extend the life of your hair color with these simple tips:
- Wash hair less frequently, aiming for every 3-4 days
- Use cooler water when shampooing to preserve color
- Alternate between sulfate-free and color-protecting shampoo
- Rinse with a vinegar solution after swimming to remove chlorine
- Apply hair masks and deep conditioners to seal in moisture and color
- Limit use of hot tools like blow dryers, flat irons and curling wands
- Protect hair from sun exposure with hats, scarves or sprays
- Get regular trims to remove split ends and keep color looking fresh
- Use at-home toning glosses between salon visits
The Bottom Line
When choosing a new hair color, opt for shades that naturally last longer, like dark browns and reds. For blondes, go for darker tones to extend time between touch-ups. And no matter what color you get, implement hair care habits that lock in moisture, protect from fading factors, and keep your shade looking its best.
