Which​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Hair Color Lasts Longer?

You've been sitting at the salon for hours but the real test starts when you step outside. The most frequently asked question after a fresh tint is: for how long does hair color last? Even though it is called "permanent", the reality is that your hairdresser's choice of shade and even your shower routine will decide whether your color will last for a couple of months or if it will fade within two weeks.

The Science of the "Stubborn" Shades

Hair color retention is essentially a battle of molecular sizes. Think of the hair cuticle as a door. Black and Dark Brown dyes have smaller molecules that simply slip inside and bind themselves firmly in the hair shaft.

Meanwhile, Red pigments have the biggest molecules. They can be compared to an oversized sofa which you are trying to get through a small door—they never quite get all the way in, that's why red is the quickest to fade.

The Longevity Rankings: Shade by Shade 

What maintenance you do largely decides how long your new look is going to last. Here is the real timeline of which hair color lasts longer:

How to Stretch Your Shade

The first 72 hours are a matter of life and death for the color, no matter what the shade is. It takes a full three days for your hair cuticle to close completely and keep the pigment in. If you wash your hair the day after your visit, you are really washing away your investment. Also, avoid water that is too hot or too cold and always apply a sulfate-free shampoo to stop the "stripping" process.

The Takeaway

To summarize, if you are looking for a color that will go for a long time, then darker and more natural tones would be the way to go. If you are longing for a bright red or a gentle pastel, then be ready to visit your hairstylist more often and have a dedicated "toning" routine in your bathroom.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does permanent dye ever really "wash out"?

A: No, permanent dye remains in the hair until it is grown out or bleached, however, it will oxidize (turn dull or brassy) with time.

Q: Can hard water deteriorate my color?

A: Yes. The minerals present in hard water may cause a "film" to form on the hair which makes even the most long-lasting black hair appear dull or faded.

Q: Is "Box Dye" more permanent than salon color?

A: Most of the time, yes—but not in a good way. Box dyes generally have higher concentrations of metallic salts and ammonia that are used to ensure "stickiness", therefore, which can make them much harder to change ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌later.