How to Know When You Need A Colour Refresh: A Guide for every colour
A fresh colour can completely transform your look, adding dimension, shine, and personality to your hair. But knowing when to book your next appointment can sometimes feel like a guessing game. Whether you’re maintaining bright highlights, a soft balayage, or a rich all-over hue, timing is everything when it comes to keeping your colour vibrant and your hair healthy. Here’s your go-to guide for colour maintenance, tailored to different styles and techniques, so your hair always looks its best.
Blonde Highlights, Babylights & Foils
Maintenance Timeline: Every 6-8 weeks
If you’re brightening your hair with highlights, babylights, or a traditional foil application, root regrowth is the most obvious sign it’s time for a touch-up.
Signs You Need a Colour Refresh: You’ll start to notice a visible root line forming, creating a contrast between your natural colour and your highlights. Overall, your tone might start to feel dull, rather than bright and clean.
Pro Tip: Regular appointments ensure your blonde stays bright and seamless. If you prefer a softer, more lived-in look, you may be able to stretch your appointments closer to 8-10 weeks and focus on toning in between.
Balayage & Lived-In Colour
Maintenance Timeline: Every 10-12 weeks (or longer)
Balayage is designed to grow out naturally, making it a lower-maintenance option. But that doesn’t mean you can avoid the salon entirely!
Signs You Need a Colour Refresh: Your balayage may start to look a little muted. You’ve lost the brightness, especially around your face, and your hair no longer has the glossy, dimensional feel that balayage is known for.
Pro Tip: Glossing or toning appointments in between balayage sessions can help refresh your colour and maintain a seamless blend. You might only need a full balayage a few of times a year, with smaller maintenance visits in between.
All-Over Colour (Root Touch-Up, Grey Coverage & Global Colour)
Maintenance Timeline: Every 4-6 weeks
If you’re covering greys, maintaining a darker shade, or wearing a vibrant hue, regular upkeep is key to keeping your colour consistent and fresh.
Signs You Need a Colour Refresh: Your roots become visible, creating a contrast between your natural hair and your dyed colour. You might notice that your overall colour is fading and looks less rich or vibrant. Greys can also start peeking through, disrupting your overall shade and making your hair feel less polished.
Pro Tip: Sticking to a schedule ensures your colour stays rich and uniform. Consistent touch-ups are especially important for grey coverage to avoid banding or uneven tones.
Creative & Fashion Colours (Pastels, Vivids, Bold Tones)
Maintenance Timeline: Every 4-6 weeks (with at-home care in between)
Bright, bold colours like pink, blue, or lavender can make a statement, but they require the most frequent care to keep them looking their best.
Signs You Need a Colour Refresh: Your vivid colour will start to fade, or it can shift into an unintended tone. Your hair can begin to look uneven as different sections fade at different rates. You might also feel like you are missing that bold, vibrant colour from your original salon visit.
Pro Tip: Using colour-safe products at home is key to maintaining the vibrancy of your shade. Keep your colour looking fresh and bold by scheduling a vivid colour overlay appointment between your regular sessions.
Toning & Glossing Treatments
Maintenance Timeline: Every 4-8 weeks (as needed)
Sometimes your colour just needs a little boost, not a full redo. Toning and glossing treatments refresh your hair’s tone, add shine, and neutralize unwanted brassiness.
Signs You Need a Toning Service: Your blonde might start to turn yellow instead of maintaining a clean tone. If you have darker shades, your brunette or red colour can start to look dull and flat. You may also find that your hair feels lifeless and lacks the shine it had when it was freshly coloured.
Pro Tip: Toning is the secret to keeping your colour looking fresh without over-processing. It’s a quick service that can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts on Colour Maintenance
No matter your colour journey, consistency is key to keeping your hair looking vibrant and healthy. Colour-treated hair also benefits from professional products designed to protect and extend your results—ask your stylist for their go-to recommendations.
If you’re unsure about the right timeline for your specific colour, we’re here to help! At The Cabinet Salon, we work with you to create a personalized maintenance plan that suits your style, lifestyle, and budget.
Our team specializes in balayage, highlights, grey coverage, and custom colour services in Toronto’s Queen Street West neighbourhood. Whether you’re seeking a subtle refresh or a complete transformation, we’re here to bring your hair goals to life.
Visit us at The Cabinet Salon Toronto
