--- title: "How to Keep Your Hair Colour Vibrant for Longer – Expert Tips from Valerie at Merluza | Merluza Hair & Beauty Salon" description: "Valerie, owner of Merluza Hair & Beauty in Hall Green, shares her expert tips on how to keep your hair colour looking fresh, glossy, and vibrant between salon visits. Perfect advice for anyone wanting longer-lasting results!" canonical: "https://www.merluzahairandbeauty.co.uk/blog/how-to-keep-your-hair-colour-vibrant-merluza-tips" last_updated: "2025-08-14T18:26:29.081Z" --- # How to Keep Your Hair Colour Vibrant for Longer – Expert Tips from Valerie at Merluza ![Valerie, founder of Merluza Hair & Beauty in Hall Green, smiling in the salon – expert stylist with decades of experience in cutting and colour.](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fvalerie-founder-merluza-hair-beauty-hall-green-64x64.png%3Fv%3D1745508908583&w=128&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Valerie Director PublishedTuesday, 27 May 2025 Hello lovely clients, It’s Valerie here from **Merluza Hair & Beauty** in Hall Green, Birmingham. As someone who’s spent years working with beautiful colours – from natural grey blending to fashion shades and highlights – I know how important it is to keep that fresh-from-the-salon colour looking its best. ![Valerie, salon owner at Merluza Hair & Beauty, alongside a model with long, vibrant, highlighted hair, representing expert colour care advice](https://webfront.frively.com/api/media/file/merluza-hair-colour-tips-header.png) If you’ve invested time and money into your colour, you want it to last! So today, I’m sharing some of my **top tips** for keeping your colour vibrant and your hair healthy between visits. ## **1\. Wait 48 Hours Before Washing** After we colour your hair, the cuticle needs time to fully seal. Washing too soon can cause the colour to fade faster. I always recommend waiting **at least 48 hours** after your appointment before you shampoo. This gives your colour the best chance to lock in. ## **2\. Use Colour-Safe Shampoo & Conditioner** Not all shampoos are created equal! At Merluza, we recommend **professional colour-care ranges** by Alfaparf that are gentle, sulphate-free, and designed to protect coloured hair. These formulas help reduce fading and keep your colour looking fresh and glossy. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, just ask me or your stylist at your next visit – we’re happy to recommend the perfect match. ## **3\. Keep Washing to a Minimum** Washing your hair every day isn’t doing your colour any favours. Each wash strips a little bit of pigment away. Instead, try to wash your hair **2–3 times per week** if you can, and use dry shampoo in between if you need a refresh. ## **4\. Avoid Hot Water** Hot water can lift the hair cuticle and cause colour to fade more quickly. Try rinsing your hair with **cool or lukewarm water** when you wash – it helps seal the cuticle, boosts shine, and extends colour life. ## **5\. Protect Hair from Heat Styling** We all love a good blow-dry or curl, but heat styling can be tough on coloured hair. Always apply a **heat protection spray** before using your tools to reduce damage and colour fade. If you can, take a break from the heat every now and then or use cooler settings. ## **6\. Shield Your Hair from the Sun** Just like your skin, your hair can be affected by UV rays. In the summer (or on your travels), use a **UV-protecting hair product** or wear a hat to keep your colour from lightening or going brassy. ## **7\. Book Regular Top-Ups** Even with the best care, colour naturally softens over time. To keep your hair looking gorgeous, we recommend booking your **maintenance appointments every 6–8 weeks**. Whether it’s a root touch-up, toner refresh, or glossing treatment, we’ll keep you looking your best. ## **Let’s Keep Your Colour Beautiful** If you have any questions about caring for your specific colour, feel free to pop in or give us a call at the salon. Myself, James, Ela or Zoe are always here to help with advice, product recommendations, or a personalised hair care plan. We want you to love your hair every day – not just on salon day! 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