6 Expert-Approved Ways to Keep Your Hair Color Vibrant for Longer

Chlorine, extended sun exposure—we’re looking at you.

By Danielle Fontana Dooley, Senior Digital Editor · Jul 17, 2020

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Summertime means chlorine, salt water and sun—three things that can, unfortunately, wreak some serious havoc on color-treated hair. To keep your hair color vivid—especially for those of us with light highlights, blond locks or gray strands—high-powered treatments and products can go a long way in the brass-busting department.

Carlos Lopez, celebrity hairstylist and founder of New York City’s West Vibe salon, says purple shampoos are known to be vital for blonds and those with gray hair, but it doesn’t stop there. “Anyone with light-colored hair can benefit from using them,” he explains. The reason? “Color correcting and cancelling out yellow tones will help keep hair looking brighter, shiny and less dull.”

Here, six shampoos, treatments and masks that are topping our list this summer.

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Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo ($24)

Lopez recommends those with blond, silver or ashy hues in their hair to wash with a purple shampoo between once and twice a week.

Made without sulfates, this shine-boosting option keeps blond and silver strands bright while signature argan oil adds shine.

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L’Oréal Paris Color Vibrancy Purple Shampoo ($4)

When washing with a purple shampoo, Lopez says to allow the formula to sit in your hair for five to 10 minutes before rinsing.

A little of this vibrant violet formula goes a long way in the brass-busting department, and the price can’t be beat.

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amika Fadeblock Pre-Shampoo Color Seal ($25)

To keep your hair color vibrant year-round, Lopez recommends swapping out your regular shower head with a water-filtering head. “The mineral deposits in your water can also pull forward those yellow tones—I won’t move into a new place without one,” he adds.

Another way to lock-in color: Leaving this smart treatment on for one or two minutes before rinsing and shampooing to prevent color wash-out and UV-related fading.

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Drybar Blonde Ale Color-Enhancing Brightening Hair Mask ($35)

The science behind the magic of purple shampoo goes back to the basic color wheel. “Purple tones help to color-correct light-colored hair and take away that yellow brass,” says Lopez.

Just one use of this lavender color-correcting mask significantly cools warmed tones, adds shine and makes hair bouncy-soft.

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Redken Color Extend Brownlights Blue Toning Shampoo ($22.50)

For brunettes with highlights, the same shampoo rules apply, says Lopez, but with a blue formula, instead. However, depending on brass levels, Lopez suggests using one no more than twice a week.

His favorite pick is this sulfate-free option from Redken that will keep hair looking like you just left the salon.

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It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product ($38)

However, color-care doesn’t stop once you’ve stepped out of the shower. Investing in a high-quality leave-in conditioner—this is one of Lopez’s personal favorites—is a must for keeping hair-color vibrant for longer.