Top 10 Hair Colour Care Mistakes That Strip Shine: What To Do Instead

Hair colour no longer feels like an occasional indulgence. It has become a form of self-expression, a mood booster, and sometimes even a career requirement. From soft browns to bold reds and sunlit highlights, coloured hair now appears everywhere, from office corridors to wedding dance floors.

Avoid these hair colouring mistakes to retain the pigment for a long time; Photo Credit: Pexels

Yet, many people invest ₹3,000 or more at a salon and then unknowingly sabotage the results at home. Shine fades, colour turns brassy, and hair starts to feel rough. Blame often falls on the colour brand or stylist, but daily habits usually cause the damage.

Weather adds its own challenges. Hard water, dust, humidity, and heat all test coloured hair. Add rushed mornings and confusing advice from relatives, and hair care turns messy. The good news? Most mistakes come with easy fixes.

Here are the top 10 hair colour care mistakes that strip shine, and exactly what works better instead.

Also Read: Shades That Suit: Best Hair Colours By Hair Length For A Stylish Makeover

Everyday Hair Care Mistakes That Undo Your Colour Investment

1. Washing Hair Too Soon After Colouring

That urge to rinse freshly coloured hair feels strong, especially when the scalp feels tight or smells faintly of chemicals. Washing hair within 24 to 48 hours ranks among the biggest mistakes. Colour pigments need time to settle deep into the hair shaft. Early washing pushes them out before they lock in, leading to faster fading and dullness.

Many believe gentle shampoo causes no harm. Even mild formulas disrupt the cuticle too soon. Water alone can lift colour during this fragile period. Shine suffers as a result.

What To Do Instead:

Wait at least 48 hours before the first wash. Let the colour fully oxidise and stabilise. During this time, keep your hair dry and loosely tied. Use a silk or cotton scarf while sleeping to avoid friction. Once washing begins, choose a sulphate-free shampoo designed for coloured hair. This small pause preserves depth, shine, and richness for weeks longer.

2. Using Regular Shampoo on Coloured Hair

Regular shampoos focus on deep cleansing. They remove oil, dirt, and product build-up effectively, but they also strip colour. Sulphates create that satisfying foam, yet they rough up the hair cuticle. When the cuticle opens, colour molecules escape, and the shine disappears.

Many households stock one shampoo for everyone. Coloured hair then pays the price. Over time, colour turns flat, dry, and lifeless, even with frequent conditioning.

What To Do Instead:

Switch to a colour-safe shampoo. Look for labels that mention sulphate-free or low-surfactant formulas. These shampoos cleanse gently while keeping the cuticle smooth. Wash hair two to three times a week, not daily. On non-wash days, refresh roots with a mild dry shampoo. This routine protects colour intensity and keeps hair glossy without extra effort.

3. Overusing Heat Styling Tools

Straighteners, curling wands, and blow dryers promise quick styling wins. Unfortunately, heat remains one of the fastest ways to kill shine in coloured hair. High temperatures weaken the hair shaft and fade colour pigments. Repeated heat exposure leads to rough texture and split ends.

Many people style their hair daily for work or events. Heat tools often run at maximum settings to save time. This habit quietly fries the hair over weeks.

What To Do Instead:

Turn down the temperature. Most hair styles well at medium heat. Always apply a heat protectant before styling. These sprays form a barrier that reduces moisture loss and colour damage. Embrace heat-free styles whenever possible. Braids, buns, and air-dried waves give hair a break and keep colour luminous for longer.

4. Skipping Conditioner or Using It Incorrectly

Conditioner often gets treated as optional or rushed. Some avoid it, fearing limp hair or oily roots. Others slap it on the scalp and rinse quickly. Both habits harm coloured hair.

Coloured hair needs moisture to stay shiny. Without conditioning, the cuticle stays raised and rough. Shine fades, and hair tangles easily. Incorrect application also weighs hair down or causes greasiness.

What To Do Instead:

Use conditioner after every wash. Apply it from mid-lengths to ends, where colour damage shows most. Leave it on for at least two minutes. Detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner sits. Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle. This simple step boosts shine instantly and improves manageability.

5. Ignoring Deep Conditioning and Hair Masks

Regular conditioner handles daily softness. Coloured hair, however, craves deeper care. Skipping hair masks ranks as a common oversight. Pollution, sun exposure, and chemical processing drain moisture fast. Without repair, hair looks dull and feels brittle.

Some save masks for “special occasions” or avoid them due to time constraints. Others use DIY mixtures inconsistently, hoping for miracles.

What To Do Instead:

Use a deep conditioning mask once a week. Choose formulas with proteins, oils, and ceramides. Apply to damp hair and leave it on for 10–15 minutes. Cover hair with a shower cap to boost absorption. Rinse thoroughly. This weekly ritual restores softness, enhances shine, and keeps colour vibrant, even in harsh weather.

Use a deep hair conditioning mask to provide the right care and love to your strands; Photo Credit: Pexels

6. Exposing Hair to Sun Without Protection

Sunlight lifts moods but damages coloured hair. UV rays break down colour molecules and dry out strands. Dark shades turn brassy, while lighter tones yellow quickly. Shine fades faster during summer months or beach holidays.

Many protect their skin diligently but forget their hair entirely. Leaving hair uncovered outdoors speeds up colour fade, especially during long commutes or travel.

What To Do Instead:

Shield hair from direct sun. Use scarves, hats, or umbrellas during peak hours. Apply leave-in conditioners or hair serums with UV filters before stepping out. Even a light oil on the ends helps. These habits preserve colour richness and maintain a healthy sheen despite strong sunlight.

7. Washing Hair with Hot Water

Hot showers feel comforting, especially after long days. Sadly, hot water ranks among the biggest enemies of coloured hair. Heat opens the hair cuticle, allowing colour and moisture to escape. Shine vanishes quickly with repeated hot washes.

Hard water worsens the issue. Minerals deposit on hair, making it rough and dull. Colour then looks uneven and faded.

What To Do Instead:

Wash hair with lukewarm water. Finish with a cool rinse to seal the cuticle. Install a shower filter if possible to reduce mineral build-up. This change feels small but delivers visible results. Hair appears smoother, shinier, and more vibrant within weeks.

8. Using Too Many Styling Products

Styling creams, gels, sprays, and serums promise volume, hold, or smoothness. Using too many products clogs the hair shaft and dulls shine. Build-up attracts dirt and demands harsher cleansing, which then strips colour.

Layering products often happens unknowingly. A serum after wash, a cream before styling, and a spray to finish soon pile up.

What To Do Instead:

Simplify the routine. Choose one or two essential products suited for coloured hair. Use small amounts. Clarify hair once a month with a gentle clarifying shampoo to remove residue. Clean hair reflects light better, enhancing natural shine without extra products.

9. Relying on Old Home Remedies Without Caution

Traditional hair care tips are passed down through generations. Oils, lemon juice, vinegar rinses, and egg masks often feature as quick fixes. While some offer benefits, others strip colour aggressively. Lemon juice lightens hair and fades colour. Vinegar rinses alter pH levels unpredictably.

Blind trust in these remedies causes more harm than good, especially on chemically treated hair.

What To Do Instead:

Use home remedies selectively. Stick to gentle oils like coconut or argan for pre-wash treatments. Avoid acidic ingredients on coloured hair. When unsure, test on a small section first. Modern formulations balance tradition with science, offering safer results without risking shine.

10. Delaying Trims and Touch-Ups

Coloured hair shows damage faster at the ends. Split ends travel upwards, making hair look frizzy and dull. Skipping trims allows damage to worsen, reducing overall shine.

Many delay salon visits to save money or time. Colour then looks tired, and hair loses shape.

What To Do Instead:

Trim hair every six to eight weeks. Even a small trim refreshes the look instantly. Schedule colour touch-ups as advised by the stylist, usually every six to ten weeks, depending on shade. Regular maintenance keeps hair healthy, shiny, and polished without drastic changes.

Products Related To This Article

1. LOreal Paris Casting Creme Gloss Hair Color with Glycolic Gloss Complex

2. Garnier Color Naturals Ultracolor Nourished Hair Color 55ml+50g - Cranberry Red

3. Paradyes Ammonia Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color 120g

4. Streax Professional Argan Secrets Hair Colourant Cream 60g

5. Revlon Color Silk Hair Color with Keratin - Light Golden Brown 5G

Shiny coloured hair does not demand expensive products or endless routines. It thrives on mindful habits and small adjustments. Most shine-stealing mistakes happen out of convenience, confusion, or outdated advice. Fixing them restores vibrancy faster than expected.

Respect the colour investment. Treat hair gently, protect it from heat and sun, and nourish it consistently. The reward shows in richer tones, smoother texture, and that unmistakable salon glow that lasts well beyond the first week. Healthy shine always tells a story, one of care, patience, and smarter choices.