How often should I colour my hair?(beauty query)

What should the duration be between two colouring sessions?

I am 38 years old and have slight greying in my hair. How often should I colour my hair or get a touch up done? Are there any tips to help the colour last longer. Please suggest.

Inputs from Mumbai-based salon owner and beauty expert Shailaja Rao.

The ideal time for touch ups is 4-6 weeks the later the better. Early exposure to hair colour often leads to premature greying. Regular colouring also causes hair damage and hence it is best to keep a gap of 4-6 months between two global or permanent hair colour sessions. You can get root touch ups done every 4-5 weeks. However, it is best to try and maintain your hair colour from fading so that you do not expose your hair to additional damage. Some tips to help your hair colour last longer include:

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Choosing the right hair colour is very important. Try choosing a darker colour. This prolongs the fading process and hence your greys will appear a little later than in the case of lighter shades like blonde.
Always ensure that your stylist saturates the hair roots by processing the colour for a longer time. The colour should be applied horizontally and in very small sections to the roots so that it doesn t wear out within a week or two.
Shampoo your hair only after 2-3 days of colouring it. This gives the colour enough time to oxidise and be absorbed completely and hence stay longer. Use a shampoo and conditioner designed for coloured hair as it not only protects the colour but also nourishes the chemically treated hair preventing further damage.
Sun tends to lighten hair colour, so avoid too much exposure and keep your head covered when you step out.

These tips, when followed, will ensure that you do not need fortnightly touch-ups and keep your hair lustrous and healthy.

To know more about natural dyes to colour your grey hair at home, read this.

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