There’s nothing quite like the confidence boost that comes from freshly coloured hair – the shine, the vibrancy, the wow factor. But maintaining that salon-fresh colour between appointments can be a challenge, especially with environmental stressors and heat styling taking their toll.
At Headmasters we’re passionate about helping you get the most out of your colour investment. Whether you’re rocking a rich brunette, vibrant red, or icy blonde, these five expert-approved tips – from Headmasters Creative Ambassador Clare Hansford – will help keep your colour looking salon-fresh for longer.
1. Treat Yourself – Start with an In-Salon Treatment
When it comes to preserving your hair colour, the condition of your hair is everything. Healthy, well-nourished hair holds colour more effectively, meaning less fading and more long-lasting vibrancy.
At Headmasters, we offer a range of luxury in-salon treatments that can be added to your colour service to protect and strengthen your hair from the inside out, such as:
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger: A range of colour-safe, keratin-rich treatments that deeply hydrate and repair while enhancing shine.
Olaplex 4-in-1 Mask: A bond-building treatment that works on a molecular level to repair damaged hair and protect it during the colouring process.
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate: A powerful bonding treatment that reinforces weakened bonds and provides intense colour protection.
Kérastase Fusio-Dose: A fully customisable treatment that targets colour fade, dryness, and dullness with instant results.
CLARE RECOMMENDS💡Talk to your Headmasters stylist about the best treatment for your hair type and colour goals – they’ll help you choose the perfect match to maximise your colour’s longevity.
2. Give Your Hair a Boost with Colour-Protecting Shampoo & Conditioner
What you use in the shower plays a huge role in how long your colour lasts. Regular shampoos can strip colour, especially those with sulfates, but using a professional colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner helps lock in pigment and keep your hair vibrant between salon visits.
For a colour-safe option that also strengthens and repairs damaged hair bonds, try Olaplex No.4 & No.5 Bond Maintenance Shampoo & Conditioner to keep your colour fresher for longer.
Pureology Hydrate is a cult-favourite, 100% vegan range that deeply hydrates while preserving colour with its AntiFade Complex®. It’s especially great for dry, coloured hair and has a gorgeous spa-like scent.
CLARE RECOMMENDS💡Always choose sulfate-free formulas and wash with cool to lukewarm water to help seal the cuticle and minimise colour loss.
3. Indulge in a Weekly Hair Mask
Hydration is key to colour longevity. Dry, porous hair is more likely to release colour molecules, leaving your hair looking dull and faded. Treat your locks to a weekly deep-conditioning mask to keep them soft, strong, and sealed.
One of our bestsellers is the Kerastase Chroma Absolu Masque, which intensely nourishes coloured hair and seals the cuticle to prevent pigment loss.
CLARE RECOMMENDS💡Apply your mask after shampooing, and leave it on for at least 5–10 minutes to allow deep penetration.
4. Always Use Heat Protection
Love your styling tools? So do we, but it’s important to know that heat can be a major culprit when it comes to colour fade. High temperatures from straighteners, curling wands, and even blow dryers can strip your hair of moisture and dull your colour, especially in blonde or highlighted hair where tones can easily tarnish.
That’s why using a professional heat protectant is non-negotiable. We love Kérastase Thermique – a luxurious leave-in treatment that not only protects against heat up to 230°C but also smooths frizz, adds shine, and keeps your hair soft and manageable. It’s ideal for coloured hair, offering both protection and nourishment in one simple step.
CLARE RECOMMENDS💡Always choose sulfate-free formulas and wash with cool to lukewarm water to help seal the cuticle and minimise colour loss.
5. Cover up – Even in Autumn and Winter
Just because the temperature has dropped doesn’t mean your hair colour is safe from fading. UV rays are still present all year round, and even in autumn and winter, they can dull your colour and leave it looking lifeless – especially for redheads and blondes, where fading is most noticeable.
One of the easiest (and most stylish) ways to protect your colour? Wear a hat, scarf, or head covering when you’re outdoors for extended periods. Whether you’re heading out for a crisp autumn walk or a winter getaway, covering your hair provides a physical barrier against sunlight, pollution, wind, and even rain – all of which can affect your colour’s longevity.
CLARE RECOMMENDS💡Choose hats with silk or satin linings to reduce friction and avoid frizz or breakage, which can be more common in colder weather.
50% OFF Hair Colour Sale – Now On!
5th October – 1st November 2025
Make sure to take advantage of our exclusive offer, on now across all our salons: Get 50% off ALL hair colour services when booked with a cut or blow-dry. Appointments are filling up fast – book today to avoid disappointment.
