How Often is it Okay to Colour My Hair?

Between Kate Beckinsale’s recent blonde bob and Hayden Panettiere’s two-tone watermelon shade, it’s clear why you might be tempted to update your hair colour frequently.

Whether a subtle change or a complete makeover, colouring your hair can boost your confidence and express your unique style. However, one common question we hear from our clients is, “How often can I colour my hair?”

To tackle one of the most frequently asked questions in hair care and learn tips to keep your fabulous new shade vibrant for as long as possible, you need to explore the hair dyeing process.

The Hair Dyeing Process: What it Does to Your Strands

We’re all familiar with the stunning results of a well-executed dye job, but fewer of us understand the process our hair undergoes during dyeing. Depending on the formula used, hair dyes either lie on top of your hair cuticles (the exterior layer of your hair shaft) or absorb into the cortex (the inner layer of your hair fibers).

So, how often is it safe to dye your hair? To answer this, compare the different types of hair dyes available. Knowing more about them will help you maximise your dye job and prevent a colouring mistake, saving you both disappointment and money.

Here’s a look at the common types of hair dyes and how they transform your strands:

• Temporary hair dyes. As the name implies, temporary dyes wash out after just one shampoo. They tint the surface of the hair shafts, making them the least damaging option.
• Semi-permanent hair dyes. Similar to temporary dyes, semi-permanent colours don’t contain developers (like ammonia and peroxide) and mainly sit atop your cuticles. With a slightly longer lifespan than temporary dyes, they’re often chosen for DIY root touch-ups between professional colourist appointments.
• Demi-permanent hair dyes. These contain developers at a lower concentration than permanent dyes. They slightly lift the cuticle scales to allow artificial pigments to enter the cortex. They are typically used for darkening your hair (covering greys or enriching your natural colour) rather than lightening. Demi-permanent dyes gradually fade over approximately 24 shampoo washes.
• Permanent hair dyes. Permanent dyes are an option for those looking for a lasting colour change. Used with developers, they help pigments penetrate the cortex and alter your hair’s natural colour before depositing the new artificial shade. Permanent dyes can darken or lighten hair colour.
• Highlights and balayage. Techniques like highlights and balayage add dimension and depth without colouring the entire head of hair. These methods can be less damaging and allow for longer intervals between salon visits—usually 8 to 12 weeks.

If you’re not ready to commit to a new colour, temporary and semi-permanent dyes might be your best option. However, if you’re looking for a significant change, like going from black to blonde choose a permanent dye. The colour might fade slightly over time with permanent dyes, but it doesn’t wash out completely. If you’re looking for a happy medium, consider trying demi-permanent dyes.

Understanding Hair Health

Before deciding on the frequency of hair colouring, it’s important to consider the health of your hair. Chemical treatments, including hair colour, can affect your hair’s strength, moisture, and overall health. Healthy, natural hair can typically withstand more frequent colouring, but assessing your hair’s condition and listening to professional advice is essential.

Some of the signs of healthy hair include:

• Smooth texture
• Minimal breakage
• Strong and elastic

If your hair is dry, brittle, or showing signs of damage, it might be time to give it a break from colouring and focus on restorative treatments like deep conditioning masks and hair oiling.

How Often Can You Dye Your Hair?

The urge to dash to the salon whenever you flick through your “Hair Inspiration” Pinterest board is all too familiar. Despite the allure of lowlights, highlights, and balayage, hair dyes—particularly the demi-permanent and permanent varieties—can stress your strands. The reason? Developers cause the cuticles to swell and open, allowing the dye to penetrate the hair shaft, which increases your hair’s porosity.

More porous hair might soak up the new colour quickly, but the downside is potential damage. Highly porous hair loses moisture easily, leading to dryness, frizz, dullness, brittleness, and faster colour fading. That’s why hair specialists consistently warn against excessive dyeing.

So, how often is it advisable to dye your hair?

A general guideline is once every 6 to 8 weeks. This frequency depends on several factors, including the type of hair dye, the specific shade, your hair’s growth rate, your hair type, and any additional treatments you might use, like chemical straightening.

For example, if you’ve bleached your hair and are considering another round, wait 8 to 10 weeks after your initial treatment. When it comes to maintaining the colour of your hair, especially at the roots, you might need to go in a bit more frequently, perhaps every 3 weeks or as recommended by your colourist.

Protecting Your Colour

Extending the life of your hair colour keeps it looking vibrant longer and reduces the need for frequent touch-ups.

• Use colour-safe products. Invest in shampoos, conditioners, and treatments specifically designed for coloured hair. These products help maintain colour and prevent fading.
  If traditional shampoo leaves your hair feeling too dry, consider switching to a co-wash (also known as cleansing conditioner) instead. A co-wash eliminates surface buildup while conditioning your hair for a gentle cleanse that doesn’t strip away natural oils.
  For those with blonde, grey, highlighted, bleached, or balayage hair, try a purple toning shampoo. These shampoos are tailored to reduce unwanted brassy tones, boost shine, and prolong your colour’s vibrancy while providing nourishment and smoothness to your locks.
• Prioritise conditioners. Conditioners are essential for your haircare regimen, especially after a colouring session. They hydrate the cuticle layer and smooth it out to reduce frizz and porosity. A 2018 study discovered that conditioning agents, such as silicones and hydrolysed milk proteins, effectively mitigate damage caused by hair colouring.
• Avoid heat styling. Heat can exacerbate colour fading and cause your hair to become dry and brittle. When using heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant to shield your hair and preserve the colour.
• Limit sun exposure. The Australian sun can be harsh on coloured hair. Wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection can help protect your hair from sun-induced fading and hair damage.

Consult with Professionals

At Intaglio Hair Salon, our experienced professionals can provide personalised advice based on your hair’s condition, type, and desired outcome. Booking a consultation with us can help you make better decisions about hair colouring and ensure you maintain the health and beauty of your hair.