Reader question: I got a permanent color done professionally two months ago, but my hair is already a different color from when I left the salon. Why is this happening? —Dara Moynes In an ideal world, the hair color that you walk out with at the salon would be the hair color that stays at home. Alas in the real world, hair color fades, which means that it oxidizes and changes over time. You’ve probably heard about oxidation in chemistry class, where clear formulas (or foods) can warp into a brownish hue when exposed to environmental aggressors. The same goes for your hair: At a microscopic level, hair color molecules can lose electrons, triggering a chemical reaction that turns hair brassy. Depending on your hair color, the brassy shade will show up differently. Blonde hair will appear yellow or orange, whereas a brunette or someone with black-colored hair may start to notice their locks looking orange or red. This can happen for a lot of reasons—some of them inevitable and completely unavoidable—like hard water exposure and UV rays, i.e. just living life. But don’t worry—you can prevent your color from changing by implementing smart hair maintenance practices, which starts by not making these mistakes below.
Hair Color Mistakes
One important note: Jana Rago, a salon owner, hairstylist, and colorist, says toner is like a temporary bandage, since it’s not a permanent solution. To maintain your preferred shade, you’ll need a toner every month to six weeks, dependent on your hair texture and how often you wash your hair. And if all else fails, book a color-corrective appointment with a professional stylist/colorist to give your brassy hue a complete makeover. They’ll most likely use a stronger toner to hide warm undertones and help blend the colors together.
