So, you finally got your dream hair color—whether it’s a buttery blonde, a rich espresso brown, or a neon pink that screams main character energy.
But now, reality hits: color fades. And if you’re not careful, your vibrant hue can go from “freshly dyed goddess” to “meh” in just a few washes.
Salons will always push their expensive products on you, but guess what? I’ve tried the fancy stuff and the budget buys, and I’m here to tell you that there are plenty of affordable alternatives that work just as well.
With the right tricks and some expert know-how, you can keep your hair looking salon-fresh without kissing your paycheck goodbye.
Aaaaaand here they are…
1. The Right Shampoo & Conditioner—Because Not All Are Created Equal
Listen, if you’re still using a shampoo with sulfates on your freshly dyed locks… girl, we need to talk. Sulfates strip your hair faster than a bad Tinder date ghosting you after one coffee meetup. You need a gentle, color-safe shampoo.
Sulfates aren’t just bad for color—they can cause dryness, scalp irritation, and even frizz. Ever noticed how some shampoos leave your hair feeling “squeaky clean”?
That’s actually not a good thing—it means your natural oils (which help retain color) are completely stripped.
What I Use & Love:
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner
Why I swear by it: This drugstore gem is under $10 and feels luxurious. It’s sulfate-free (a must), smells like a spa day, and keeps my color way longer than those overpriced salon brands.
Bonus: it doesn’t leave my hair feeling dry, which is a miracle for my bleached strands.
Expert Insights
Celebrity colorist Stephanie Brown says, “Sulfates are too harsh on color-treated hair—they rough up the hair cuticle and allow pigment to escape. A gentle shampoo keeps color locked in.”
Budget Tip: Can’t splurge on a color-safe shampoo right now? Try the half-wash method: mix your regular shampoo with water in a separate bottle (50/50 ratio). It dilutes the harshness but still gets your scalp clean!
2. The Cold Water Trick—Yes, It’s Annoying, But It Works
Okay, I know this one sucks, but hear me out. Washing your hair with hot water opens the cuticle, letting all that precious dye slip away like an ex who never deserved you in the first place.
Cold water, on the other hand? It seals the cuticle, locking in moisture and pigment.
If you want to take this a step further, rinse with a vinegar mix once a week.
Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts cold water and pour it over your hair post-shampoo.
The acidity helps seal the cuticle even more, meaning less color fade. And no, you won’t smell like a salad—the scent disappears once it dries!
What I Do:
I compromise—I wash with lukewarm water and do a final rinse with cold. It’s not great, but it’s better than standing under an arctic waterfall.
Expert Insights
Trichologist Anabel Kingsley confirms, “Cooler temperatures keep the hair cuticle sealed, reducing color fade and keeping strands smooth and shiny.”
Budget Tip: If you really can’t handle cold rinses, use a leave-in conditioner with color-protecting properties. It creates a protective barrier!
3. DIY Color-Refreshing Treatment—Because Fading Ain’t Cute
If your color starts looking meh between salon visits, you don’t need a $40 gloss treatment. I’ve been doing this DIY color-refresh trick for years, and it’s saved me a fortune.
This hack works especially well for red, brunette, and fantasy-colored hair, since those shades tend to fade the fastest.
If you’re a blonde, try adding a purple shampoo to counteract brassiness instead!
What I Use & Love:
Arctic Fox (for bold colors) or Adore (for natural shades) mixed with conditioner
Why it’s a game-changer: Instead of dropping $$$ at the salon, I mix a few drops of my hair dye into my conditioner. I let it sit for 5 minutes in the shower, and BAM—instant vibrancy boost.
Expert Insights
Colorist Aura Friedman says, “Using a tinted conditioner between color appointments refreshes faded pigments and extends the life of your dye job.”
Budget Tip: If you don’t have dye on hand, try purple conditioner for blondes or color-depositing shampoos for brunettes and redheads.
4. Dry Shampoo Is Your Best Friend—Wash Less, Keep Color Longer
Every time you wash your hair, some of that color is coming out. But greasy roots aren’t cute either. The solution? Dry shampoo.
It absorbs oil, adds volume, and lets you stretch the time between washes.
If you really want to extend time between washes, apply dry shampoo at night before your hair gets greasy. It’ll absorb oils before they have a chance to weigh your hair down!
What I Use & Love:
Batiste Dry Shampoo (Original or Tinted for Dark Hair)
Why it’s a must-have: It’s budget-friendly (under $10), doesn’t leave a white cast (if you blend properly!), and gives me that fresh-hair feeling without water.
Expert Insights
Hairstylist Sunnie Brook says, “Overwashing strips the scalp of natural oils, causing the hair to overproduce oil. Dry shampoo helps regulate that balance.”
Budget Tip: Hate aerosol dry shampoos? Try the cornstarch trick—dust a little at your roots and brush it out. Works like a charm!
5. Deep Condition Like Your Hair Depends On It (Because It Does)
Color-treated hair = thirsty hair. Hydration is key to preventing breakage and keeping color fresh.
Store-bought deep conditioners can be pricey, but did you know you can boost any cheap conditioner? Add a few drops of argan oil or honey to your regular conditioner, apply it like a mask, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Instant hydration without the price tag!
You don’t need an expensive mask—kitchen ingredients work wonders.
What I Use & Love:
DIY Avocado & Coconut Oil Hair Mask
My experience: I mash half an avocado, mix it with a spoonful of coconut oil, and let it sit for 20 minutes. It makes my hair ridiculously soft and brings back shine after bleaching sessions.
Cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski explains, “Oils like coconut and olive penetrate the hair shaft, preventing protein loss and strengthening strands.”
Budget Tip: If you don’t have coconut oil, olive oil and honey work too! Just don’t overdo the oil if your hair is fine—it can weigh it down.
6. Protect Your Hair While You Sleep (Seriously, It Makes a Difference)
If you’re sleeping on a regular cotton pillowcase, your hair is experiencing friction all night long, leading to breakage and frizz. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase helps your hair glide instead of snag, locking in hydration and keeping your color vibrant for longer. It’s like a VIP sleep experience—for your hair.
If you don’t want to invest in a satin pillowcase yet, here’s a free alternative—wrap your hair in a silk scarf or sleep with a loose braid. This minimizes tangles and reduces morning frizz!
What I Use & Love:
Bedsure Satin Pillowcase (Amazon, so cheap!)
Why I’ll never go back: My hair stays way smoother, and I don’t wake up with a lion’s mane anymore. Also, my skin loves it—win-win.
Expert Insights
Hairstylist Jen Atkin swears by satin: “It prevents moisture loss and reduces frizz, keeping your hair healthier between washes.”
Budget Tip: Can’t get a satin pillowcase right now? Sleep with your hair in a loose silk scarf or a low braid to prevent tangles!
Who says you need to spend a fortune to keep your color fresh? With the right budget-friendly products and a few sneaky tricks, you can stretch out your color and keep your hair looking salon-fresh without draining your bank account.
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!