Color Bleeding or Fading

Woman who is washing her long hair
Photo: Puhhha/Shutterstock
Q: I had my hair colored last Wednesday with a permanent color (red). When I washed it, some dye came out. Is this normal?
 
A: Yes, this is completely normal. Even though they are called permanent hair color, it's common for a small amount of color to rinse out during the first few shampoos after your appointment. This is especially true for very dark shades and bold, vibrant colors like red, burgundy, and mahogany.
 
In most cases, what you're seeing is excess color pigment being rinsed away rather than the color itself disappearing from your hair. You may notice tinted water in the shower or a little color on your towel after washing. As long as the overall shade of your hair still looks rich and even, there's usually no cause for concern.
 
Most people stop noticing any significant color loss by the third shampoo. Once the excess pigment has been washed away, the color should remain much more stable. Keep in mind, however, that red hair color naturally fades faster than many other shades.
 
Because red dye molecules are actually smaller than other color pigments, they don't lock into the hair structure as tightly. Every time your hair gets wet or the cuticle expands, these smaller molecules can slip out more easily. Even with a permanent color, some gradual fading over time is expected.
 
To help your color last as long as possible, use a shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair, wash your hair with lukewarm or cool water instead of hot water, and avoid washing more frequently than necessary. Excessive heat from styling tools, prolonged sun exposure, chlorine, and salt water can also cause red shades to fade more quickly, so using a heat protectant and wearing a hat or UV-protective hair products when you're outdoors can help preserve your color.
 
If your hair continues to bleed color after the third or fourth shampoo, or if the color seems to be fading dramatically within the first week, it's worth contacting your stylist. Excessive color loss may indicate that your hair is overly porous, meaning the cuticle isn't holding onto the color effectively.
 
Fortunately, porous hair can often be improved with professional conditioning treatments, protein treatments, or cuticle-sealing services that help the hair retain both moisture and color. Your stylist may also recommend a different coloring formula or make adjustments to the application process to achieve longer-lasting results.
 
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See also:
 
How to dye hair
 
Bleeding hair color
 
Fading hair color