Because bold colour should last as long as your confidence does.
So, you’ve made the power move—ditched subtle for statement. Whether you’re rocking a fiery red or a mystical purple, one thing’s for sure: you didn’t dye your hair just to fade into the background.
But let’s keep it real—red and purple are high-maintenance hues. They’re showstoppers, yes. But they’re also divas that require a little extra attention to keep them looking chef’s kiss gorgeous.
We’re here to spill the tea (and not the colour) on how to keep that bold shade vibrant and slay-worthy, week after week.
🎯 Why Red & Purple Fade Faster
Quick science moment: red and purple pigments have large molecules that don’t penetrate the hair shaft as deeply as other shades. This means they’re more prone to washing out, fading under UV exposure, or just ghosting you mid-month if you’re not careful.
But don’t panic. With a few simple switches in your routine, you can totally outsmart the fade.
💡 6 Colour-Saving Secrets You Need in Your Life
1. Turn Down the Heat (Literally)
Hot water opens the hair cuticle, which lets colour slide right out. Lukewarm or cool rinses help seal the cuticle and lock the pigment in. It’s like giving your hair a colour security system.
Pro tip: A cold water rinse at the end = instant shine boost.
2. Use a Sulphate-Free Shampoo
Sulphates are basically colour vampires. They strip hair of natural oils and colour. Switch to a sulphate-free formula made for colour-treated hair. Trust us—your hair will thank you.
3. Cut Back on Wash Days
The more you wash, the faster your colour fades. Aim to wash 1–2 times a week, max. Dry shampoo is your new BFF for keeping your scalp fresh in between.
4. Protect Your Hair Like You Do Your Skin
UV rays, heat styling, and even pollution can break down your colour molecules. Use a UV hair protectant spray, and always apply a heat protectant before straightening or curling. Check out our Restore Protect & Style Hair Treatment
5. Deep Condition Like You Mean It
Coloured hair = thirsty hair. Keep it quenched with weekly deep-conditioning masks or treatments. This keeps your strands hydrated, healthy, and way less likely to fade.
6. Refresh with Smart Beauty’s Colour Refreshers
Need a quick colour pick-me-up between full dye sessions? Our Smart Beauty Colour Refreshers—available in both red and purple—are here to revive your shade fast. Just smooth it onto clean, towel-dried hair and leave it for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how extra you’re feeling.
They’re perfect for topping up vibrancy, fixing patchy fade, or adding that fresh-from-the-salon glow—without the fuss of a full dye job. Fast. Easy. Fierce.
Beauty bonus: No mixing. No mess. Just pop it on and get glowing.
🧴 Smart Product Picks
Here are a few products our colour queens swear by:
- Smart Beauty Colour-Safe Shampoo & Conditioner
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
- L’Oréal EverPure Sulphate-Free Range
- Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo (for those non-wash days)
👩🎤 Real Talk from a Smart Beauty Babe
“I coloured my hair with Smart Beauty’s Hollywood Red and got SO many compliments—but I was worried it would fade fast. I followed the tips on their blog (cool rinses, sulphate-free shampoo, deep conditioning), and five weeks in, my colour still looks fresh AF. This stuff really works.”
— Demi, Birmingham
🤔 FAQs: Your How to Maintain Red and Purple Hair Colour Questions, Answered
Q: How long does red or purple hair usually last?
A: With good care, your colour can stay vibrant for 3–5 weeks. Without it? You’ll notice fade after just a couple of washes.
Q: Can I go swimming with coloured hair?
A: Yes, but rinse your hair with clean water first, and use a leave-in conditioner or protective oil. It helps block chlorine and salt from soaking into your strands.
Q: What if my colour still fades quickly?
A: Your hair might be extra porous, which causes faster colour loss. Try a bond-strengthening or protein-rich treatment before your next dye to help it hold onto colour better.
Q: Are Smart Beauty dyes cruelty-free and vegan?
A: 100%. We never test on animals, and all our formulas are vegan-friendly. Looking fab shouldn’t come at anyone’s expense.
💖 Final Thoughts
Vibrant hair isn’t just a look—it’s a vibe. Reds and purples are unapologetically bold, and so are you. But colour confidence doesn’t end after your dye session. With the right care, your shade can stay punchy, powerful, and perfectly you for weeks on end.
So grab that sulphate-free shampoo, embrace cooler rinses, and show the world that your hair game is as strong as your personality.
✨ Feeling inspired?
Explore our Vibrant Colour Collection and find your next signature shade.
