How to keep your balayage glossy

Give it 48 hours

Try not to wash your hair for the first 48 hours after your colour. It gives the colour time to settle, so it lasts longer and stays brighter.

Wash less, and a little cooler

Two or three washes a week is plenty for most people. Use lukewarm rather than hot water, and finish with a cooler rinse to help your hair feel smooth and look shiny.

Use a colour-safe shampoo

A sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo and conditioner is the single best thing you can do for your colour at home. If you're blonde, a purple shampoo once a week helps keep brassy tones away. Don't overdo it, as too much can leave blonde looking dull.

Treat it once a week

Lightened hair loves moisture. Once a week, use a nourishing mask or a bond-building treatment on your mid-lengths and ends, and leave it on for the full time.

Always use heat protection

Heat is the quickest way to fade colour and dry out your ends. Use a heat protection spray every time you blow dry or style, and keep straighteners and tongs at a moderate temperature.

Protect it from sun and chlorine

Strong sun can change the tone of your balayage. On holiday, wear a hat or use a UV protection spray. Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a little conditioner, then rinse well afterwards.

Keep in touch between appointments

Balayage grows out softly, so you won't need to rush back, but tone does soften naturally over time. If your colour starts to look brassy or dull, message me and I'll advise you on the best next step.

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