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Is it true that the more you wash your hair, the more color you will get?

April 22, 2024

The statement "the more you wash your hair, the more color tones you will get" can be understood in a few ways. Let me clarify:

  1. Fading of Color: When referring to dyed hair, yes, it's true that the more you wash your hair, the more you will lose the intensity of the color. This is because frequent washing can strip away the color pigments, especially with semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair dyes, which do not penetrate the hair cortex as deeply as permanent dyes. Sulfates in shampoos can accelerate this fading process. Therefore, to maintain the vibrancy of colored hair, it's recommended to use sulfate-free shampoos and wash less frequently.
  2. Reapplication of Color: If you interpret "more you color" as needing to reapply hair dye more often, then yes, again, this holds true. Frequent washing can cause color-treated hair to fade faster, leading to the need for touch-ups sooner than if you were washing less often.
  3. Color Build-Up or Darkening: However, if you mean that washing your hair causes the color to intensify or darken, this is not accurate. Washing does not contribute to increasing the color saturation in your hair; instead, it diminishes it over time.

In summary, the act of washing itself does not add more color to your hair; rather, it can lead to the need for more frequent coloring sessions due to color fading. To preserve your hair color, limit washing frequency, use color-safe hair care products, and protect your hair from harsh elements such as sunlight and chlorine.