There’s nothing quite like the confidence boost of freshly coloured hair rich tones, glossy shine, and that perfect salon finish. But without the right care, that vibrancy can fade faster than you’d like. The good news? With the right routine, you can keep your colour looking fresh and healthy long after your appointment. From the moment you step out of the salon to the daily choices you make at home, every step counts. In this guide, the team at Madison Hair share simple, stylist-approved tips (and their favourite products) to protect your investment and extend the life of your colour between salon visits.
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Post-Colour Care: What to Do After Your Appointment
The First Wash: Timing and Technique Matters
At-Home Essentials: Products That Protect Your Colour
Refresh & Maintain: When to Gloss, Tone, or Touch Up
Take Home Advice
Post-Colour Care: What to Do After Your Appointment
Your salon visit doesn’t end when you leave the chair the first few days are the most important for protecting your colour. Freshly coloured hair needs time to settle, so avoid washing it for at least 48 hours. This allows the cuticle to close fully and lock in pigment, giving your colour more staying power. During this period, minimise heavy sweating or swimming, as both water and chlorine can strip away colour prematurely. Protect your hair from heat styling tools and opt for gentle brushing to avoid unnecessary stress on the strands.
At Madison Hair, our stylists often recommend starting your aftercare with salon-grade products like Keune Care Colour Brillianz Shampoo and Conditioner or a nourishing Olaplex treatment. Think of this phase as setting the foundation: the care you give your hair immediately after colouring can make all the difference in how vibrant and long-lasting your colour will look.
The First Wash: Timing and Technique Matters
When it comes to coloured hair, your first wash is just as important as the colour itself. Waiting at least 48 hours before shampooing allows the cuticle to close and the colour to fully set, locking in vibrancy. When you do wash, choose a gentle, sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo and lukewarm water hot water can open the cuticle and speed up fading. Massage the scalp lightly without scrubbing, and follow with a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture.
At Madison Hair, we often recommend the Keune Colour Brillianz range because it’s designed to gently cleanse while protecting pigment. Avoid piling hair on top of your head when shampooing; instead, let the suds run through the lengths to reduce friction. By being mindful of timing and technique, you’ll extend the life of your colour and keep it looking salon-fresh for longer.
At-Home Essentials: Products That Protect Your Colour
Keeping your colour vibrant between salon visits comes down to the products you use every day. First and foremost, invest in a sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo and conditioner these are designed to cleanse gently without stripping pigment. Look for formulas enriched with nourishing ingredients like argan oil, keratin, or proteins to keep your hair strong and shiny.
A weekly hydrating mask or deep treatment is another must-have; coloured hair tends to be more porous, so extra moisture helps maintain softness and prevents dullness. Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector is a favourite in-salon and at home for repairing and strengthening colour-treated strands. Heat protection sprays are also essential if you use styling tools, as high temperatures can cause fading and dryness. Finally, consider a leave-in conditioner or lightweight oil to add shine and lock in hydration. By building a simple, stylist-approved routine with Madison Hair’s recommended products, you’ll extend the life of your colour and enjoy that freshly coloured look for weeks longer.
Refresh & Maintain: When to Gloss, Tone, or Touch Up
Even with the best care at home, coloured hair will eventually need a refresh. Rather than waiting until your colour looks dull or faded, schedule regular salon visits to keep it vibrant. Gloss treatments are a great in-between option they boost shine, add softness, and revive colour without a full process. Toners are especially useful for blondes and lighter shades, neutralising brassiness and keeping tones fresh.
For darker colours or bold shades, a quick touch-up on the roots can make all the difference in maintaining a seamless finish. At Madison Hair, our stylists recommend a refresh every 6–8 weeks depending on your shade and lifestyle. With the right in-salon services from glosses to toners paired with professional products at home, you’ll enjoy colour that stays polished, radiant, and healthy.
Take Home Advice
At Madison Hair, we know that vibrant, healthy colour is an investment worth protecting. That’s why our team takes the time to personalise every service, from your in-salon treatment to the at-home routine we recommend for lasting results. Whether it’s choosing the right products for your hair type, scheduling a gloss or toner to refresh your shade, or simply giving you practical tips for daily care, we’re here to keep your colour looking its best. With professional products, expert techniques, and a passion for beautiful, long-lasting results, Madison Hair is your partner in colour care.
For detailed information on Madison Hair Studio’s nail services and expertise visit www.madisonhair.co.nz or call (06) 370 2488.