Freshly dyed hair has an annoyingly brief honeymoon period. One minute it’s glossy and expensive-looking; a few washes later, it’s decidedly less so. Fortunately, a little strategic maintenance can slow the fade.

Hold fire on hair washing Wait 48 to 72 hours after colouring before shampooing, then aim to wash your hair only two or three times a week using lukewarm water and colour-safe products. Avoid clarifying shampoos, which can strip pigment, and use a weekly conditioning mask to keep porous lengths smooth and hydrated.

Cool off Heat is another colour thief, so turn down the hairdryer and always use heat protection before styling. Sunshine and chlorine can also dull your shade: wear a hat in strong sun and wet your hair with fresh water before swimming.

Invest in a colour-depositing mask Finally, try a colour-depositing mask between appointments—particularly if you’re maintaining red, copper or a fashion shade. Think of it as a subtle filter for your hair, minus another expensive salon visit.