Protect Your Dyed Black Hair: Prevent Fading (2025)

Black hair dye is known for fading quickly, but there are several ways to slow down the process and keep your hair looking vibrant. Firstly, it's important to prepare your hair before dyeing it by using a deep conditioning treatment and a clarifying shampoo. After dyeing your hair, avoid washing it for at least 24 hours, and preferably 72 hours, to give the cuticle layers time to close and prevent the dye from escaping. When you do wash your hair, use lukewarm water and gently blot it dry with a towel. Limit your use of hot tools such as curling irons, straighteners, and blow-dryers, as heat can cause hair colour to fade. Use a heat protectant spray if you do style your hair with heat, and try to wash your hair less frequently, using a colour-safe dry shampoo in between washes if needed. To keep your hair moisturised, use a conditioner every time you wash it and apply a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment once a week. You can also use colour-depositing shampoos and conditioners to boost your hair colour.

How to keep my dyed black hair from fading

Wash hair less frequently and use cool water

To keep your dyed black hair from fading, it is recommended to wash your hair less frequently. This is because the more you wash your hair, the faster the colour will fade. Shampooing your hair causes the dye to fade faster as the dye resides in the cuticle layer of the hair, which opens up during washing, causing the dye to seep out. Therefore, it is best to hold off on washing your hair for as long as possible and limit your hair washes to a couple of times a week.

When you do wash your hair, use cool or lukewarm water to rinse your hair. Hot water can dry out coloured hair, causing the colour to fade away quicker. Using cool water will prevent your cuticles from opening and the dye from escaping.

If you need to wash your hair in between washes, you can use a dry shampoo, preferably a colour-safe one, to keep your hair looking fresh.

Use colour-safe shampoo and conditioner

Using colour-safe shampoo and conditioner is an effective way to prevent your black hair dye from fading. These products are designed to seal in the colour and prevent it from washing out, as well as repair any damage. They are also free from sulfates, which can cause colour fading.

It is important to note that even colour-safe shampoo and conditioner cannot protect your hair colour from total fading, so it is recommended to limit washing your hair to a few times a week. When you do wash your hair, use cool or lukewarm water to prevent the cuticles from opening and releasing the dye. After washing, gently blot your hair dry with a towel instead of rubbing it, as this can cause the dye to come out.

In addition to colour-safe shampoo and conditioner, you can also use a colour-safe dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair looking fresh. A leave-in conditioner is another option to consider, as it can help protect your hair from the sun and other elements.

If you are committed to preserving your black hair dye, it is recommended to avoid using hot tools such as curling irons, flat irons, and hair dryers, as the high temperatures can cause the colour molecules in your hair to break down. Instead, try air-drying your hair or using a hairdryer on a low setting.

Avoid heat and UV damage

Heat and UV damage are some of the main causes of hair dye fading, so it's important to take steps to protect your hair from these elements. Here are some detailed tips to help you avoid heat and UV damage:

Limit the use of hot tools: Avoid using curling irons, flat irons, and hair dryers as much as possible. The high temperatures from these tools can cause the colour molecules in your hair to break down, resulting in dull and faded hair. Instead, try air-drying your hair or using a hairdryer on a low setting. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant serum or spray to create a barrier between your hair and the hot tools.

Protect your hair from the sun: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause your hair colour to fade. When spending time outdoors, consider wearing a hat, scarf, or UV-protecting spray to shield your hair from the sun's rays. Wella's Invigo UV Hair Color Protection Spray is a great option to block UV rays and keep your hair colour vibrant.

Choose the right hair care products: Sulfate-free and colour-safe shampoos and conditioners are ideal for maintaining your hair colour. These products help to seal in the colour and prevent it from washing out too quickly. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for colour-treated hair.

Reduce the frequency of washing: Washing your hair too often can contribute to colour fading. Shampooing your hair causes the dye to escape, so try to wash your hair less frequently and use dry shampoo in between washes if needed. When you do wash your hair, use cool or lukewarm water to prevent the cuticles from opening and releasing the dye.

By following these tips, you can effectively minimise heat and UV damage, keeping your dyed black hair looking vibrant and healthy for longer.

Prepare hair before dyeing

Preparing your hair before dyeing it is essential to ensure that the colour stays vibrant for longer. Here are some tips to help you prepare your hair before dyeing it:

Deep Conditioning Treatment:

Give your hair some extra love with a deep conditioning treatment. This will help to nourish and moisturize your hair, making it a smooth canvas for the dye. Aim to do this treatment about a week before you plan to dye your hair.

Clarifying Shampoo:

A few days before dyeing, use a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup from your hair. This will ensure that your hair is clean and ready to absorb the colour evenly.

Avoid Washing Your Hair:

In the 24 to 72 hours leading up to your dyeing session, avoid washing your hair. The natural oils produced by your scalp will help protect your hair and create a better base for the dye to adhere to.

Hair Health:

Ensure your hair is in good health before dyeing it. If your hair is dry, damaged, or brittle, consider using a hair mask or leave-in conditioner to restore moisture and strengthen your strands. This will help your hair withstand the dyeing process and hold the colour better.

Choose the Right Products:

Invest in high-quality hair dye and colouring tools. Opt for products designed for colour-treated hair, as they will help seal in the colour and prevent it from washing out.

By following these steps, you'll be able to prepare your hair adequately, ensuring that your dyed black hair maintains its rich colour for a more extended period.

Use a glossing treatment

Glossing treatments are a great way to keep your hair colour looking fresh and vibrant. They are particularly useful if you are not ready to re-dye your hair but want to give it a quick colour boost. Glossing treatments are also a great way to nourish and condition colour-treated hair, adding shine and smoothness.

One example of a glossing treatment is Clairol's Color Gloss-Up, which comes in a tube and can be applied directly to the hair. It contains shea butter and argan oil, which help to nourish and condition the hair. The glossing treatment boosts colour in less than 15 minutes and can last up to ten washes.

Glossing treatments can also be used in conjunction with other products to protect your hair colour. For example, you can use a glossing treatment with a UV-protecting spray, leave-in conditioner, or wash duo to protect your hair from sun damage. Wella's Invigo UV Hair Color Protection Spray is one such product that can be used to block UV rays and chlorine.

If you are looking for a more low-maintenance option, you can consider getting your hair professionally dyed at a salon. Salon hair colour is specifically formulated to resist fading, so you won't have to worry about your hair colour fading as quickly. With regular appointments, you can also extend the life of your hair colour.

Frequently asked questions