Found your ideal hair color but wondering if the maintenance schedule will fit in with your life? Our stylists are answering some of the most common questions we get regarding hair color maintenance.
Q: How long will my rainbow hair or fashion hair color last?
A: The lifespan of vivid color depends largely on your haircare routine. With proper care, vivids typically last around 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the shade. Deeper jewel tones or neons last longer, whereas pastels usually fade in about 2 to 3 weeks. Your stylist can also help you pick a shade that will fade into something new and beautiful, which is a fun way to get several looks out of one round of color. –Leia
Q: How can I make it last longer?
A: Vivids need special care compared to other types of color. Less frequent washing will help keep the color fresh. When you do wash, sulfate-free shampoo (like KEVIN.MURPHY EVERLASTING.COLOUR WASH) is a must. Washing in cold water keeps the hair cuticle closed, which helps retain color. The sun is also a big source of fading; wear a big hat if you'll be spending a lot of time outside. Lastly, use a high-quality heat protectant (such as KEVIN.MURPHY HEATED.DEFENSE or YOUNG.AGAIN, which is my favorite for bleached hair), and turn your hot tools down! –Leia
Q: How often will I need to come back for maintenance on Allover Color or Grey Coverage?
A: Maintenance for Allover Color and Grey Coverage, usually a Root Touch-up (Color), is needed in between 4-8 weeks, depending on the person’s individual needs. If a client is 75% grey, they may want to get their roots done sooner because the contrast of the grey is very noticeable. The same can go for an Allover Color depending on how noticeable the growout is. I don't typically encourage anything over 8 weeks, since our hair grows about a half-inch a month. If the regrowth grows too far away from the scalp (where we have more heat), the color will not deposit as evenly. –Karina
Q: How much upkeep does platinum blonde vs. balayage actually require?
A: Platinum blonde typically requires much more maintenance than balayage because the roots grow out quickly and need frequent Root Touch-ups, every 4–8 weeks, to keep the color bright and even. It also usually requires regular toning, purple shampoo, deep conditioning, and Bond Builder treatments to help prevent dryness and breakage from repeated bleaching. Keeping appointments is crucial since you can cause banding by going too long between services, which risks breakage.
Balayage, on the other hand, is considered much lower maintenance because the color is blended more naturally into the hair, allowing softer growout and fewer salon visits, usually every 3–6 months.
Platinum blonde tends to cost more over time and can be harder on the hair, while balayage is generally more affordable to maintain and easier to keep healthy. –Dakota
Q: What products do I need to maintain my blonde color?
A: The best way to maintain your blonde color is to treat it like your favorite fabric. Products that strengthen your hair such as KEVIN.MURPHY REPAIR-ME.WASH and RINSE will help keep your hair healthy and happy. Use these as your main pair. Then, using a purple shampoo and conditioner, like KEVIN.MURPHY BLONDE.ANGEL, will help reduce unwanted excessive yellow tones in the hair. Use those about once every other week or so, whenever your hair is feeling too warm. My best advice for blondes comes in the form of an in-salon treatment. Ask your stylist for a chelating treatment, such as “Hard Water” from Malibu C. This will help remove any mineral build up that blondes will often encounter, especially here in Portland. –Jacob
Still have questions? Call or text your preferred salon location to set up a free 15-minute Hair Design Consultation. All Portland salon locations can be reached at 971.267.4080 and the Ginger & Maude Hair Salon in Tigard at 971.474.9531.
If you’re looking to schedule your next color maintenance service, you can do it over the phone or through the link below!