In other words, it is a major commitment. But the truth is it can be kind of worth it. Getting hair done, or doing a major change, can actually be cathartic and is a way to usher life into a new and exciting era. Starting subtly with highlights or taking the full five in wild rainbow hair — there is something magical about switching up hair color that feels liberating and fulfilling. But keeping hair color looking beautiful and lasting longer doesn’t have to mean laying out big bucks on high-end products or treatments. There are a ton of smart, effective, and cost-effective ways to protect a color investment — be it in ombre locks, balayage, sunkissed-looking highlights, or gray coverage. Just like hair color options are constantly evolving, so too are the options for keeping treated tresses looking gorgeous. From protective products to occasional salon treatments to easy lifestyle tricks, it’s possible to pull together a smart, low-maintenance routine that will help keep color-treated hair looking beautiful for weeks after stepping out of the salon. Here, stylists share 20 tips to make that pricey hair color last. One to try: Keratin Complex Timeless Fade-Defy line ($44 each, Ulta.com) One to try: Keratin Complex Blondeshell Debrass & Brighten line ($47 each, Ulta.com) One to try: Carol’s Daughter Green Supreme Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($10, Target.com) One to try: Sun Bum 3-In-1 Leave In Hair Conditioning Treatment ($14.99, Target.com) One to try: Pai-Shau Replenishing Hair Cleanser ($26, Pai-Shau.com) One to try: Bb.Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer ($28, Ulta.com) One to try: CHI Rose Hip Oil Color Nurture Dry Shampoo ($20, Ulta.com) One to try: OUAI Treatment Masque ($32, Sephora.com) One to try: Aquasana Water Filter ($85, Aquasana.com)
