Blonde hair colouring: why doesn't it last as long?

Have you noticed that your blonde hair just doesn’t seem to be lasting as long as you want it to? 

It’s no mystery why your blonde hair doesn’t seem to be holding up as long as other colours; lighter hair typically tends to fade faster. But what exactly is it that you’re doing to speed this process along, and how can you change it?

Today, I’m So Pretty is here to be your hair guru, walking through the nature of blonde hair and how to keep it looking fresh. 

With I’m So Pretty hair extensions, you’ll be able to enjoy that salon makeover every day. Our stunning real human hair extensions will bring your hair back to life, adding extra length, volume, and more depth with a blend of beautiful tones. 

Why lighter pigments vanish fastest: more fragile, more porous

If you’re new to hair colouring or blonde hair, you may have never encountered the constant fading and upkeep it takes to keep your lighter colours vibrant and fresh. 

You’re not imagining it; blonde shades do fade faster. 

When hair is lightened, the strands become more porous. In other words, the outer layer of the hair (the cuticle) gets lifted to allow the pigment to be removed and, later, replaced.

However, once the cuticle is lifted, it stays open, making it easier for new pigment to fade out with every wash. Although it’s not just washing that causes blonde to fade, factors like UV exposure and heat styling also have a part to play. But we’ll dive more into this in a second. 

Blonde pigments and toners are usually semi-permanent. Combine this with already porous hair that doesn’t retain moisture well, and you’ve got your work cut out for you. Add to that the fact that blonde shades are often subtle and light-reflective, so any small amount of fading is instantly noticeable. 

Daily habits that speed up fading

If you’re doing any of the following things, you could be causing your blonde hair and extensions to fade more quickly without realising it. 

These small, everyday habits can cause blonde hair to quickly become brassy and dull.

1. Washing too often: Yes, washing your hair more than once or twice a week removes the hair's natural oils and pigment. Additionally, using hot water causes the hair cuticle to open wide, allowing your precious toner to slip away down the drain.
2. Constant UV exposure: Letting your blonde hair bake in the sun for too long can cause the pigment to break down. The result? Dry, yellowed, or uneven locks.
3. Swimming in pools or the sea: When you mix chlorine, salt water, and minerals, what do you get? A recipe for a hair disaster. Sea and pool water strips blonde hair of colour, causing brassiness and even giving your hair a horrible green tint. 
4. Heat styling without protection: If you’re using heat on your hair or extensions without I'm So Pretty heat protectant, then expect dryness, discolouration, and quicker fading. 'Why does this happen?’ you ask. The heat steams the pigment right out of the hair, resulting in colour loss.
5. Using the wrong products: Are you using hair products containing sulphates, alcohols, or clarifying agents? If so, these will be causing your blonde hair to look flat and faded, as they strip colour quickly.

How to keep your blonde looking fresh

So, what should you be doing to achieve blonde hair that will last longer than your ex? 

Here are I’m So Pretty’s expert tips for keeping blonde hair looking vibrant and glossy without constant trips to the salon. 

1. Stick to colour-safe products

Regular shampoos are often full of sulphates, which can strip hair of its colour, damage your strands and suck the moisture out of your hair.

Pair this with blonde hair, and the toner will wash it quicker, resulting in yellow or dull locks. Instead, invest in a good sulfate-free shampoo, such as our Pretty Aftercare Hair Extension Shampoo and Conditioner. 

2. Rinse with cold water

We all get showers with boiling water. Even though it feels good, it’s actually frying your hair. 

Hot water opens up the hair cuticle, allowing pigment and moisture to escape. Instead, wash and rinse your hair with cold or lukewarm water. Doing so will help seal the cuticle, keeping colour in and maintaining that natural shine. 

3. Don’t skip weekly treatments

Hair benefits a lot from frequent pick-me-ups, especially hair that’s been bleached or lightened. 

Use a deep conditioning mask or leave-in treatment following the directions weekly or bi-weekly to restore strength and smoothness, especially if your hair feels dry or brittle. Look for treatments that replenish moisture, add shine, and repair damage from colouring. 

4. Minimise heat styling

We get it: hair curlers and straighteners are a lifesaver when it comes to getting ready quickly or styling your hair for an event. 

But your hair is screaming for a break from the heat. If you can’t ditch the tools entirely, just limit your use and use a heat protectant spray. Always use low heat settings and allow your hair to air-dry or try heatless curls every now and then.

5. Protect against the sun

Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun. 

Staying in the shade and wearing a hat over your hair will help block UV rays, reducing dryness and fading. Hard minerals can damage the hair's outer layer, so keep your hair up when swimming and rinse it thoroughly after getting out of the pool or sea.

A UV hair protectant spray will also work wonders.

Long-lasting blonde extensions at I’m So Pretty

Are you tired of blonde extensions that fade and turn yellow quickly?

I'm So Pretty blonde extensions are made from high-quality, pre-toned human hair that’s stronger and less porous than freshly bleached natural hair. 

All of our extensions are colour-treated under controlled conditions, meaning they hold onto their beautiful blonde tone longer. 

To find the perfect colour for you, contact us for a colour match today.