How to Keep Your Hair Color Looking Fresh: Real Talk from Barb at Hyde - Chapin

You know that feeling when you leave the salon and your hair looks incredible? The color is rich, shiny, and everything just feels right. Then, a couple of weeks later, you start to notice it looks a little dull, maybe a bit faded. I hear that all the time at Hyde - Chapin. And here’s the truth: keeping your hair color beautiful isn’t just about what happens in my chair. It’s about what you do at home too.

So, let’s go over a few real stylist tips that actually work. These are things I share with my own clients right here in Chapin to keep their color healthy and glowing long after they leave the salon.

1. Cool Water is Your Color’s Best Friend

I know how good a hot shower feels after a long day around Chapin Commons or a stop at Bakon Southern Eatery. But that steamy water is one of the fastest ways to fade your color. Hot water opens the cuticle and lets the color slip out. It’s just like washing your favorite jeans in hot water. You wouldn’t do that, right?

Try rinsing with cool or lukewarm water instead. It helps keep the color locked in and your hair feeling smoother. A quick cool rinse at the end of your shower is an easy habit that makes a big difference.

2. Use a Shampoo Made for Color-Treated Hair

This one’s important. If you’re using a regular shampoo, even a nice one, it could still strip your color faster than you think. You want something sulfate-free and gentle. It keeps your color looking fresh and helps your hair stay soft and shiny.

I always tell clients to shampoo every two or three days if they can. In between, use a dry shampoo made for color-treated hair to refresh things without over-washing. We carry several stylist-approved options right at the salon, and I’m always happy to recommend the best one for your hair type.

3. Keep Your Hair Hydrated

Color-treated hair needs more moisture than most people realize. When it’s dry, it can start to look flat and dull. I like using deep conditioners or masks once a week to keep it soft and healthy. My personal favorite is the CARE AFTER HAIR COLOR collection we use and recommend in the salon. It’s light enough for daily use but still gives your hair the nourishment it needs.

If your hair feels dry at the ends, apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or hair oil before styling. It helps lock in moisture and gives your color that glossy finish everyone loves.

4. Turn the Heat Down on Your Tools

Heat is another big reason color fades too soon. Flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can all take a toll if they’re too hot. Keep your heat setting low to medium and always use a heat protectant before styling. Spray it evenly through your hair, not just the ends. That step alone can make your color last weeks longer.

If you can, let your hair air dry halfway before you grab the blow dryer. It cuts down on damage and saves you time in the morning.

5. Protect Your Hair from the Sun

We all know to protect our skin from the sun, but most people forget about their hair. UV rays can fade color just as fast as hot water or heat tools. If you’re spending the day outside, use a UV-protectant leave-in spray or wear a hat. Your hair will thank you, especially if you have reds, coppers, or fashion tones that fade faster in the South Carolina sun.

Bonus: Try a Gloss or Toner Between Color Sessions

If your color starts to lose its shine or tone, you might not need a full color service yet. Sometimes a quick gloss or toner can bring your color back to life. It’s a fast service that refreshes your shade and adds shine without the full process. Many of our Chapin clients stop by for a gloss between regular color appointments. It’s one of the easiest ways to stretch your color and keep your hair looking salon-fresh all month.

You can book your gloss or toner service here and ask for me, Barb. We’ll find the right tone and shine for your color, and you’ll leave feeling brand new again.

What I Tell Every Client About Color Care

Good color care isn’t about having a bathroom full of fancy products. It’s about being consistent with small habits that protect your investment. Cool water. Gentle shampoo. Moisture. Heat protection. Sun protection. These things add up fast.

When you come to Hyde - Chapin, I want you to leave not just with beautiful hair, but also with a plan to keep it that way. We take the time to match your routine to your lifestyle so your color lasts and your hair feels amazing in between visits.

If you’re in Chapin or near Columbia Ave., stop in and chat with us. We’re right by Bakon Southern Eatery, so you can grab a coffee and swing by for a consultation or quick refresh. Whether it’s a gloss, a deep treatment, or a brand-new color, we’ll make sure you love your look every day, not just salon day.

Ready for your next color or refresh?
Book online with Hyde - Chapin or stop by 301 Columbia Ave., Suite 201, Chapin, SC 29036. You can also call us at 803.723.2410. We’d love to see you and help you keep your hair color looking beautiful year-round.