How to Fight Colour Fade Between Appointments: A Quick Guide for Busy UK Stylists

As a hairdresser, you want clients' colour to stay vibrant for weeks, but frequent washing, heat and UV exposure can dull the tone. We’ve written a guide to why fading happens and how to control it using simple, time-efficient techniques and the right pro products.

When the cuticle is stressed or lifted, pigments are lost with the wash. This causes muted tone, reduced shine and unwanted warmth. This can happen with coppers, reds, vivids and cool blondes. Understanding the cause can help you maintain tone and condition between client visits.

1. Protect the cuticle when washing
Use a gentle cleanse and nourishing rinse-out to help re-seal the cuticle after colour services. This slows pigment loss and improves softness.

2. Add a quick toning top-up
A fast, conditioning tone deposit at the backwash restores depth and balance, ideal for trending shades, coppers and blondes.

3. Recommend a at-home maintenance routine
Clients want easy routines. A weekly conditioning treatment that deposits tone and moisture extends colour life.

4. Prioritise hydration
Dry, porous hair loses colour fastest. Encourage moisturising care between visits.

Pigment-infused colour-refresh conditioners, like Osmo Colour Revive, are used by stylists between appointments. They work by depositing moisture and shine. Our professional colour-refresh range helps maintain shade consistency and boost condition with minimal extra time.

Patch-test new clients before using pigmented treatments.
Match refresh shades to your permanent colour range for easy selection.
Use express toning as a low-cost add-on to boost revenue without extending appointments.

How often should clients use a refresh treatment?
Once a week, or whenever the tone starts to fade.

Does it replace an in-salon toner?
No, it maintains tone but doesn’t replace a full lift or correction.

Can it make hair feel heavy?
Not when used on towel-dried hair and rinsed well.

Is it suitable for both trending and natural shades?
Yes, coppers, blondes, brunettes and vivids all refresh beautifully.

Refresh treatments are an easy way to protect tone, upgrade aftercare, and stabilise results between visits. Explore colour-fade solutions at CM Hair and Beauty and find the best shades for your salon. If you need guidance, we’re here to help.