How To Make Your Blonde Hair Last Longer Between Salon Visits

By Emily Arata & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

If there’s one metaphor hair professionals love to use, it’s this: Your hair is a delicate fabric. Just the way you have an expensive silk gown dry cleaned and carefully packed away, your hair requires special care. That’s particularly true if you’re a blonde, which is why blonde hair color tips from a professional are crucial.

Blonde is one of our favorite shades because of the beachy, effortless vibe it creates. However, it takes time, money, and the right artist to help you reach the shade of your dreams. That’s why it’s so crucial to treat your hair like an investment once you’re the perfect shade of blonde.

To save you a trip to the salon, we spoke with Cory Hoffman, Matrix brand ambassador, about the best ways to help make your blonde hair last longer between salon visits. Avoiding brass and fading isn’t impossible, after all. You just need to know a few of Hoffman’s tricks and favorite products from the L'Oréal portfolio of products.

Shampoo less frequently.

When you wash delicate fabrics, there’s a good chance you’re scrubbing them in your bathroom sink with the aid of a specialty laundry detergent. Since you’re already that kind to your sweaters, transfer that treatment to your hair care routine.

According to Hoffman, one of the biggest problems with blondes is how quickly they begin to rinse their color away. Hot temperatures, harsh formulas, and frequent scrubbing can all contribute to the untimely demise of your honey blonde balayage.

Although you may have to fight the urge to hop in the shower, the end result will be totally worthwhile.

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A shampoo for colored hair made with naturally derived ingredients.

Use products that protect blonde hair.

There’s a good reason we always recommend salon quality products: They’re specifically formulated to protect your color investment. It takes a precise combination of in-salon treatments and at-home maintenance to stave off brass and fading.

“Using good quality products is also going to help prolong your color and the integrity of the hair,” Hoffman explains. “I always recommend a shampoo and conditioner that are going to add moisture to the hair, as well as a leave-in treatment and a heat protectant.”

Hoffman recommends starting with the Biolage R.A.W Color Care Acidic Milk Rinse before clients ever leave the salon. Formulated with coconut and oat milks, the Rinse is designed for post-color pH rebalancing.

Other products that belong in your blonde arsenal? A leave-in treatment like Matrix’s Total Results Miracle Creator. Once your toner begins to fade, you may also begin to experience unwanted brassiness.

“Depending on how light the hair is, I also recommend, as the toner starts to fade, either Total Results Brass Off Mask or Total Results So Silver Shampoo to fight brass or yellow tones,” says Hoffman.

Take a vacation from heat styling.

When hair stylists talk about damaged ends and stepping away from the blow dryer, it’s tempting to tune them out completely. Resist the urge! Heat is one of the top culprits that can ramp up the pace at which your blonde color deteriorates.

If you must style, use a line of products designed with color in mind. Hoffman relies on Biolage R.A.W Styling Heat Primer, which provides an easy blow dry with touchable, soft, shapely results.

Watch the sun exposure.

When it comes to discussion of prolonged time in the sun, you’re likely to hear the same pointers: Wear long sleeves and apply SPF religiously. If you’re proud of your blonde, you may also want to invest in a hat. According to Hoffman, lengthy exposure may cause your fresh color to fade quickly.

Know when to give in.

There are plenty of strategies to prolong hair color between salon visits, but eventually your roots will begin growing in or your shade will fade away. When you start noticing the signs, it’s time to give your trusted stylist a call.

“With these tips, you’ll be able to maintain brilliant, healthy-looking blonde hair between appointments. Be prepared to impress your stylist at your next appointment!"