A-List Stylist Shares Why Your Hair Colour Doesn't Look as Vibrant as It Once Did

Top Tips For Maintaining Vibrant, Glossy Hair At Home

Whether you wear buttery blonde, rich brunette, fiery red, bold pink or glossy black, it's only natural for coloured hair to lose its intensity over time. From frequent washing and heat styling to UV exposure and everyday wear, there are several reasons even the brightest shades can start to look dull or faded.

We spoke to A-List Stylist & SHRINE Key Opinion Leader, Ashley Lee (Fern McCann, Renee Rapp, Grace Rosa), who reveals why colour fades faster than you might think, how to keep your shade looking salon-fresh for longer, and the simple at-home trick that can instantly revive vibrancy between appointments.

Why Does Coloured Hair Fade? How Can I Keep It Vibrant?

"One of the biggest reasons colour fades is simply washing and environmental exposure. Every time you shampoo, spend time in the sun or use heat styling tools, colour molecules gradually break down, leaving hair looking duller and less vibrant than when you first left the salon.

To help maintain your colour, try to wash your hair less frequently using colour-safe products, keep heat styling to a minimum where possible, and always use a heat protectant. UV exposure can also cause colour to fade, so wearing a hat on particularly sunny days or using products with UV protection can make a real difference.

Between salon appointments, a colour-depositing treatment is one of the easiest ways to refresh your shade. Products like SHRINE Gloss It (£8.99, Superdrug / weareshrine.com) don't just add shine – they also replenish lost pigment, helping blondes stay brighter, brunettes look richer and darker shades appear deeper and glossier. It's a quick way to revive faded colour at home without committing to a full dye."

Why Is Glossy Hair Important?

"Healthy-looking hair isn't just about the shade itself – it's about how the hair reflects light. Even the most beautiful colour can look flat if the hair lacks shine. That's why glossy finishes have become such a huge trend, as they instantly make hair look healthier, more expensive and freshly coloured.

A gloss treatment helps smooth the hair cuticle while enhancing tone, giving colour more depth and dimension. Whether your hair is blonde, brunette, copper or black, adding shine is one of the simplest ways to make your colour look fresher for longer."

How Can I Extend The Life Of Salon Colour At Home?

"You don't necessarily need to book another salon appointment as soon as your colour starts to fade. Regular maintenance at home can significantly extend the life of your colour.

Using a colour-depositing gloss once a week or whenever your hair starts to lose vibrancy can help keep tones looking fresh between appointments. It's especially useful for refreshing faded ends, boosting richness and maintaining that just-coloured look until your next salon visit."