How Often Can You Dye Your Hair?

There’s no doubt that a new hair color can instantly revamp your beauty look. If you’re looking for a change, swapping your natural color for a new hue may be just what you need. That being said, (especially with so many different hair color trends to try) you may find yourself wondering if there’s a limit to how often you can dye your hair. If you’re concerned about exactly that, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’re answering how often you can dye your hair while still maintaining a healthy mane, as well as sharing a few hair care tips to keep your color looking its best in-between salon visits and box dyes. 

HOW OFTEN CAN YOU DYE YOUR HAIR?

So, how often can you dye your hair? The answer really depends on three main factors.

1. WHAT IS YOUR STARTING COLOR?

First thing’s first—what hair color are you starting out with? If you have black or brown hair and are coloring your mane a shade of blonde, you’ll likely be damaging your strands more than if you were to stay one to two shades away from your starting color. More specifically, if bleach is used to color your hair and achieve a lighter shade, you’ll want to put more space in-between your coloring sessions (more on that later).

Do you have virgin hair? If so, you can probably get away with dyeing sessions that are a little more frequent, as your strands won’t have any prior damage. While we’re on the topic of hair damage…

2. HOW DAMAGED IS YOUR HAIR?

You should also base how often you dye your hair with the amount of hair damage you have. After all, you wouldn’t want to damage your strands further, would you? If your hair has minimal damage, you can go ahead with more frequent coloring sessions. If your hair is super damaged, your best bet is to put off dyeing your strands as much as possible.

3. WHAT TYPE OF HAIR DYE ARE YOU USING?

Last but not least, take into account the type of hair dye you’re using.

If you’re using a hair bleach…like the L’Oréal Pairs Colorista Bleach, you’ll want to wait at least 14 days between sessions. That being said, too much bleaching can cause wear, tear, and damage to your strands, so try to keep it to a minimum for the sake of your hair’s health.

If you’re using permanent hair dye…give your strands a break in-between dyeing sessions, waiting until your roots grow out. When you do need a refresh, ask your colorist for a root touch-up, rather than coloring your entire head of hair.

If you’re using semi-permanent hair dye…like the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color, wait for your hair color to fade—which typically takes between four and ten shampoos—then color as you wish!

Editor’s note: If you’re still unsure, it’s never a bad idea to turn to a professional who can gauge the health of your strands and help determine when you should have your next coloring session!

4 HAIR CARE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR COLOR LOOKING ITS BEST

In-between salon visits and noticing your color looking not-so-great? If you aren’t ready to dye your hair again, there are a few tips and tricks you can put to use to disguise grown-out roots, get rid of brassiness, and keep your color looking its best.

TIP #1: CHOOSE A PROPER HAIR CARE SYSTEM

The first step for keeping your color looking fresh? Using a hair care system for color-treated hair! We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Intensive Protecting Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Intensive Protecting Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Repair and Protect Balm, which work together to instantly repair dry, damaged, color-treated strands for nourished, protected hair and vibrant, lasting color.

TIP #2: USE A ROOT SPRAY

Notice your roots starting to grow in? No need to head to the salon right away—you can keep your color looking fresh with the help of root cover-up! Both the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up and the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Precision Pen come in a range of shades to conceal your roots in a flash while rinsing out in just one shampoo.

TIP #3: TURN TO TEMPORARY HAIR COLOR

In a pinch, you can also use temporary hair color to refresh your locks. Pick your shade match from the L’Oréal Paris Colorista 1-Day Spray or L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup 1-Day Color lines and color away! Both of these temporary hair colors will wash out in a single shampoo.

TIP #4: TRY A HAIR GLOSS

Hair glosses are a popular option for freshening up your hair hue without dyeing your mane all over again. It’s up to you whether you want to try an at-home hair gloss or head to a salon.

Next: How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?