So, you want to try out a new color using semi-permanent dye? Using this more temporary hair color can be fantastic for testing out what you might look like as a blonde, seeing if red is your thing, or if you’re simply feeling like changing your hair to suit your mood. To really get the most bang for your buck, it’s worth knowing how to make semi-permanent hair dye last longer.

But first, what exactly is semi-permanent dye? Unlike traditional hair dye, semi-permanent color does not penetrate the entire hair strand. Rather, it coats solely the shaft of the hair. Because of this partial penetration, semi-permanent dye only lasts from 4-6 weeks.

How you treat your hair during that time, especially within the first few days, can determine how quickly your color will fade. To get the most life out of your new locks, consider the following tips for making that color last as long as possible.

What to Do to Make Semi-Permanent Dye Last Longer

1. A great way to extend the life of your color is to add more. Root touch-ups and sprays enhance the life of your semi-permanent locks considerably.
2. In just a few minutes, adding a color depositing product can take your hair from blah to brilliant. Like this Biolage ColorBalm Depositing Conditioner, these products add pigments to your hair through dyes that brighten. Many come free of parabens and sulfates, making them perfectly gentle on your locks.  
3. To avoid unnecessary color stripping, choosing either natural shampoos and conditioners like Act and Acre or a set that is designed as a color protectant, like Redken Color Extend. Natural and gentle products are ideal next to their sudsy and aggressive counterparts.
4. Like many of the other options on this list, a primer simply ups your color’s defenses against the common culprits of color stripping. Much like a make-up primer, a hair primer provides a protective base that is effective against things like UV rays that damage color.
5. Rinse with cold water. Regardless of the type of dye used on your hair, rinsing it with cold water after you’ve conditioned is the surest way to lock in moisture, seal the hair cuticle, and prevent damage from heat that may follow.