(Hair)

I’ve Perfected The Best Routine For Preventing My Dark Brown Hair From Fading

All in the name of stretching time between color appointments.

Jan. 31, 2023

Courtesy Of Erin Lukas

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Yes, it’s true that going platinum blonde is extremely high maintenance, but being a dark brunette isn’t exactly a care-free hair color choice either. For as long as I’ve been dyeing my light brown hair deeper, I’ve also been complaining about how my cool-toned chocolate brown hair gets brassy and red in-between my scheduled coloring appointments. The good news for everyone who has to interact with me on a regular basis is that I’ve finally mastered how to keep my dark brown hair from fading, thanks to a simple hair care routine stacked with color-safe products, treatments, and hot tools.

The first step in building a hair care routine for dark brunette hair is to know what ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid. Because hair can get damaged during chemical processing, I opt for shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner stacked with nourishing, plant-based ingredients and no sulfates or silicones which can strip hair color and weigh hair down. The same goes for the styling products I use on my hair. As for hot tools, today’s blow-dryers, flat irons, et al. come equipped with game-changing temperature technology so that you’re never using extreme heat on your hair, which can lead to dryness, further damage, and color fading.

And products aside, the number one hair care tip I’ve picked up from colorists over my 12-plus years as a dark brunette is to wash my hair with cool water because it keeps the hair cuticle sealed, which helps keep your color fresh.

Ahead, a complete rundown on the simple dark brunette hair care routine I follow to prevent fading and boost softness and shine.

The Best Products For Maintaining Brunette Hair Colors

Christophe Robin’s color-depositing masks have amassed a cult-following because they refresh dyed hair while simultaneously boosting softness and shine, but I never experienced the transformational powers of this color-reviving treatment until Emaly Baum, celebrity colorist and founder of Beauty Supply salon sent me home with it after coloring my hair a few years ago. I use it once a week to kick out the red and brassy tones from my cool-toned dark hair and infuse it with nourishing almond and buriti oils.

Color Wow

Root Coverup Powder in Dark Brown

$35

Because my natural hair color is light brown, my roots aren’t as dramatic as they’d be if I went platinum blonde. However, at the halfway mark between my scheduled color appointments, I do get some visible regrwoth and/or a few strands that look lighter than the rest of my hair. That’s where Color Wow’s Root Touchup Powder comes in handy. I prefer powder over a spray because I can tap some on exactly where I need it without ever overdoing it.

I’ve Perfected The Best Routine For Preventing My Dark Brown Hair From Fading

The Best Products For Maintaining Brunette Hair Colors

In The Shower

Post-Shower

Color-Safe Styling Products

Color-Refreshing Treatments