How long does permanent hair dye last?

Ideally, permanent hair colour for women would stay just as vibrant as it was the day you coloured it, at least until the roots grow. On most heads of hair, that would mean a good 6-8 weeks between touch-ups. But sometimes with permanent dye, colour fade can happen within a few weeks.

Why does this happen? Typically, hair dyes are soluble in water. When you wash your hair, dye molecules simply dissolve and your new colour rinses away. Of all hair dye colours, red usually dissolves the easiest in water. As a result, this hair colour usually fades the quickest.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t have a vibrant lasting colour with permeant hair dye though, you just need to know how to look after it. If you'd like to keep your new hue for longer, here's what to do.

##Try an oil-based dyes##

Not only do they improve colour delivery, but these dyes also do not dissolve as easily when you shampoo, giving them more staying power. Try Black Naturals by Garnier, enriched with almond oil and black tea extracts that keep your hair smooth and shiny. The Black Naturals shades are perfect for when you want your dye to match your natural hair colour.

##Go intense##

Try concentrated dyes with colour lock technology like Color Naturals, for vividness that last up to 8 weeks.

##Take care of your hair##

Colour washes out more easily from damaged or porous hair. Use nourishing, colour-safe treatments, conditioners and shampoos for healthier hair and lasting colour.

These tips will help stretch your colour the promised 6-8 weeks. Unless, of course, another cool shade catches your eye first...