How Often Should You Really Wash Color Treated Hair?

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You just left the salon with fresh, beautiful color. It’s vibrant, shiny and exactly what you wanted. And then a few days later you’re standing in the shower wondering — is it okay to wash it yet? Will shampooing ruin everything? How often should I wash color treated hair?

It’s one of the most common questions color treated clients ask. And the answer might surprise you.

🚿 The Short Answer

Wash your hair less than you think you need to. Most people overwash their hair — and when your hair is color treated, overwashing is one of the fastest ways to fade your color and dry out your strands.

For most color treated hair, washing 2 to 3 times per week is the sweet spot.

But let’s break it down a little more because everyone’s hair is different.

💧 Why Washing Too Often Fades Your Color

Every time you shampoo your hair, you’re opening the hair cuticle. For color treated hair this is a big deal because an open cuticle means color molecules can escape. The more you wash, the more color you lose — and the faster your vibrant salon color turns dull and brassy.

Hot water makes this even worse. Hot water opens the cuticle even further, accelerating color fade significantly.

The fix?

  • Wash less frequently
  • Use lukewarm or cool water when you do wash
  • Finish with a cool water rinse to seal the cuticle and lock in color

📅 How Often Should YOU Wash Based on Your Hair Type?

Fine or oily hair: Your scalp produces more oil so you may feel like you need to wash more often. Try stretching to every other day first and use a dry shampoo on in-between days to absorb oil and add volume without stripping your color.

Medium or normal hair: 2 to 3 times per week is perfect. Your hair can handle a little more time between washes without looking or feeling dirty.

Thick or dry hair: You can comfortably go 3 to 4 days between washes — maybe even longer! Thick and dry hair holds onto oils longer and actually benefits from the natural moisture that builds up between washes.

Curly or coily hair: Once a week or even less is perfectly fine for curly hair. Curly hair tends to be naturally drier and needs those natural oils to stay moisturized and defined.

🧴 The Products You Use Matter Just as Much

Washing less is only half the equation. WHAT you wash with makes a huge difference in how long your color lasts.

Always use:

Avoid:

  • ❌ Clarifying shampoos on color treated hair — save these for occasional use only
  • ❌ Hot water — always finish with cool water
  • ❌ Rough towel drying — pat gently instead of rubbing
  • ❌ Heat styling without a heat protectant — color treated hair needs protection from heat damage

🌟 The Dry Shampoo Game Changer

If you’re used to washing your hair every day the transition to washing less can feel weird at first. Your scalp may actually overproduce oil initially — but give it 2 to 3 weeks and it will regulate itself.

In the meantime dry shampoo is your best friend. A good dry shampoo:

  • Absorbs excess oil at the roots
  • Adds volume and texture
  • Extends your blowout
  • Keeps your color looking fresh between washes

Spray it at the roots, let it sit for a minute, then work it through with your fingers or a brush. Game changer. 🙌

⏰ What About Right After Getting Your Color Done?

This one is important. After a fresh color service wait at least 48 to 72 hours before washing your hair. This gives the color molecules time to fully settle into the hair shaft and oxidize properly.

Washing too soon after coloring is one of the biggest mistakes people make — and it can significantly shorten how long your color lasts.

Pro tip: If you absolutely must wash sooner use only cool water and skip the shampoo — just rinse and condition.

💖 Final Thoughts

The golden rules for washing color treated hair:

  • 🚿 Wash 2-3 times per week — less is more
  • 💧 Use cool or lukewarm water — hot water fades color fast
  • 🧴 Always use color-safe, sulfate-free products
  • ⏰ Wait 48-72 hours after coloring before your first wash
  • 🌟 Dry shampoo is your best friend between washes
  • 💆 Deep condition weekly to keep color treated hair healthy and vibrant

Your color is an investment — treat it like one! And when in doubt, ask your stylist. They know your hair better than anyone.

Want personalized advice on caring for your color treated hair? Book an appointment with Jonathon at The WannaBee Hair Studio — where every client leaves with healthy, beautiful, vibrant hair. Book Now