5 Ways to Keep Your Balayage Looking Fresh Between Visits

Balayage is already the lower-maintenance option compared to full foil color, but a few habits at home make a real difference in how long it looks fresh.

1. Space out your washes

Color-treated hair fades every time it’s washed, so stretching to every second or third day (with a dry shampoo in between) keeps tone and shine intact longer. Washing in lukewarm or cool water instead of hot also slows fading, since hot water opens the hair cuticle and lets color rinse out faster.

2. Use color-safe, sulfate-free products

Sulfates strip color efficiently, which is exactly what you don’t want after a color service. A sulfate-free shampoo and a weekly deep conditioner or mask keep the hair’s cuticle smoother, which helps color sit longer and reduces the dryness that comes with lightened hair.

3. Protect it from the sun and chlorine

UV exposure oxidizes color and can shift blonde toward brassy tones, and chlorine can do the same thing fast. A leave-in with UV protection, or simply a hat during long days outside, protects the investment. Wetting hair with fresh water before swimming also reduces how much pool or ocean water it absorbs.

4. Use a toning shampoo if you’re blonde

If your balayage lightens toward blonde, a purple shampoo used once or twice a week neutralizes brassy, yellow tones between salon glosses. Start with once a week and adjust. Overuse can leave a slight violet cast on very light hair. For more on what the in-salon gloss is actually doing, see what is blonding.

5. Keep your gloss appointments on schedule

Balayage is designed to grow out softly, but the gloss or toner on top of it fades faster than the underlying lightened pieces. A quick gloss refresh, even between full color appointments, keeps the tone from drifting and extends the time before you need a full re-application.

Ready for a refresh, or booking your first balayage? Book an appointment or take a look at recent color work in the gallery.