You know the feeling: you leave the salon with colour that catches the light in all the right places, then wonder how to keep it looking that good at home.

Whether you have a glossy brunette, bright copper, blonde highlights or a bold all-over shade, a few small habits make a difference.

1. Make wash day count

You don’t need to follow a rigid rule about how often to wash your hair. Wash when your scalp and hair need it, and choose a shampoo and conditioner suited to colour-treated hair and your hair type. Concentrate shampoo on the scalp; let the lather run through the lengths rather than scrubbing the ends. Condition the mid-lengths and ends, where hair often feels driest.

If your colour fades quickly, very hot water is worth avoiding. Try a comfortable lukewarm wash instead. Dry shampoo can help you stretch an extra day when you want to, but it isn’t a replacement for washing your scalp.

2. Turn down the heat

Frequent high-heat styling can leave hair feeling rough and colour looking less glossy. Before using a dryer, straightener or curling tong, apply a heat protectant as directed on the product. Start with the lowest temperature that styles your hair effectively, and avoid going over the same section repeatedly.

On days when you have time, let your hair dry partway before blow-drying. A good cut and an easy styling routine can also mean less work with hot tools.

3. Give your colour some shade

Sunlight can fade colour, particularly vivid shades and hair that is already lightened. A hat or scarf is a simple option when you’ll be outside for a while. If you use a hair product with UV protection, treat it as an extra layer of care, not a substitute for shade.

Heading to the pool? Wet your hair with clean water before you swim, rinse it afterwards and condition it well. Swimming caps offer the best physical protection if you’re in the water regularly.

4. Use toning products with a purpose

Purple shampoo can help counter yellow tones in some blondes and greys; blue shampoo may help with orange tones in some brunettes. Neither is a universal weekly step. Overuse can leave hair looking dull or uneven, so ask your colourist which product, if any, suits your shade and how often to use it.

If your colour has changed in a way you don’t like, send your salon a photo in natural light before trying a home fix. That gives your stylist a better starting point.

5. Know when it needs a salon refresh

Even with careful home care, colour changes as hair grows and washes. A gloss or toner can revive shine and adjust tone between larger colour appointments, while a trim can tidy dry ends. Your ideal timing depends on your shade, technique and how much regrowth you are happy with.

The five-second saveable checklist

Wash when needed with products suited to your hair.
Keep water comfortably lukewarm.
Use heat protectant and lower styling temperatures.
Shade your hair in strong sun; rinse after swimming.
Ask your colourist before adding a toning shampoo.

The best colour routine is one you’ll actually use. At your next appointment, tell us how often you wash and style your hair, whether you swim, and how much upkeep you want. We can tailor both your colour and your home routine to real life.