Why Does My Hair Lose Its Shine After Colouring It?
Colouring your hair can feel like magic — a fresh hue, a confidence boost, a whole new look. But after a few washes, that mirror-like shine can fade, leaving your hair looking dull or lifeless. So, why does your hair lose its shine after colouring it? The answer lies in what hair dye does to your strands and how you care for it afterward.
What Happens to Hair During Colouring That Reduces Shine?
1. The Cuticle Gets Disrupted
When you colour your hair, the dye has to open up your hair cuticle to let pigment in. Once that protective layer is lifted, your hair’s surface becomes rougher and less reflective. This roughness stops light from bouncing off your hair the way it used to — meaning less shine.
2. Loss of Natural Lipids and Proteins
Healthy hair naturally contains oils and proteins that make it smooth and shiny. During colouring, some of these are stripped away or damaged, especially when bleach or ammonia-based dyes are involved. Without these protective elements, hair can appear dry and matte.
3. Increased Porosity
Coloured hair becomes more porous, meaning it absorbs and loses moisture easily. This can lead to frizz, dryness, and buildup that dull the surface. The more porous your hair, the harder it is for it to look glossy.
4. Pigment Fading and Oxidation
Over time, colour molecules fade with washing and exposure to sunlight or heat styling. As your shade loses depth and richness, your hair can start to look flat instead of vibrant.
How Can I Restore Shine to Coloured Hair?
Use Colour-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Switch to sulfate-free products designed for coloured hair. These formulas are gentle, help your colour last longer, and preserve natural moisture — which keeps hair looking glossy.
Rinse with Cool Water
Hot water opens your cuticle again, causing colour to fade and shine to escape. Rinsing with cool or lukewarm water helps seal the cuticle, locking in both pigment and smoothness.
Try a Glossing Treatment or Hair Glaze
Salon glosses or at-home shine treatments can coat your hair’s surface, smoothing it out and reflecting more light. These treatments are great quick fixes for restoring that “fresh colour” glow.
Deep Condition Weekly
Use a rich hair mask once a week to replenish moisture and repair damage. The healthier and more hydrated your strands, the shinier they’ll appear.
Limit Heat Styling
Frequent blow-drying, curling, or straightening can worsen dullness. If you do use heat tools, apply a thermal protectant spray to reduce damage.
Clarify Occasionally
Buildup from styling products or minerals in water can cloud your shine. A gentle clarifying shampoo once or twice a month can remove residue and revive brightness.
Get Regular Trims
Split ends scatter light and make your hair appear rough and lifeless. Regular trims keep your hair healthy and looking polished.
Protect from the Sun and Pool
UV rays and chlorine can strip colour and moisture. Use UV-protectant hair sprays or wear a hat when outdoors for long periods.
Eat for Healthy Hair
A balanced diet rich in omega-3s, biotin, and vitamins A and E supports stronger, shinier hair from within.
What Do People Commonly Ask About This?
Does Hair Colour Always Make Hair Dull?
Not always. Semi-permanent and ammonia-free dyes are gentler and often leave hair shinier than bleach-based colour. However, all chemical colouring alters your cuticle to some degree, so some dullness is normal.
How Long Until Shine Returns After Colouring?
You can start seeing improvement within a week if you follow a proper care routine. Consistent deep conditioning and gentle washing will help your hair regain smoothness and light reflection.
Can I Use Oils or Serums for Shine?
Yes — lightweight hair oils or silicone-based serums can smooth the surface and add instant gloss. Just avoid overusing them, as too much can weigh hair down or cause buildup.
Should I Wash My Hair Right After Colouring?
It’s best to wait at least 48–72 hours after a colouring session before washing your hair. This gives the cuticle time to close and helps your colour set properly.
Sample Weekly Routine to Bring Back Shine
| Day | Routine | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Skip washing for 2–3 days | Allows colour to set |
| Day 3 | Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner | Gently cleanses without stripping |
| Day 4 | Apply a gloss or shine treatment | Smooths surface for instant glow |
| Day 5 | Use a leave-in conditioner or serum | Locks in moisture |
| Day 7 | Deep condition or mask treatment | Repairs damage and restores shine |
| Ongoing | Rinse with cool water, protect from heat | Maintains long-term gloss |
FAQ: Extra Questions About Coloured Hair Shine
Why does my hair look dull at the roots?
Newly coloured roots may have different texture or porosity than the rest of your hair, causing uneven reflection. Focus hydrating treatments and light oils on those areas.
Does hard water make my hair duller?
Yes. Minerals in hard water can leave deposits that reduce shine. Installing a shower filter or using a chelating shampoo helps prevent buildup.
How often should I use a gloss treatment?
Every 3–4 weeks is ideal to maintain a reflective, healthy finish.
Can I get my natural shine back completely?
While coloured hair may never behave exactly like virgin hair, regular treatments, trims, and gentle care can restore a healthy, luminous appearance.
Healthy, glossy hair after colouring is absolutely possible — it just takes the right aftercare and a little consistency.
At Bohō Salon, our colour specialists focus on maintaining your hair’s integrity and shine from the very first session. With nourishing treatments, premium products, and expert guidance, your coloured hair can stay as radiant as the day you left the salon.
