How to Care for Vivid Color at Home

Feb 4

Protect your investment and keep your colors bold between salon visits.

You did it. You went bold. Neon pink, electric blue, deep violet, or maybe a custom rainbow blend—whatever your vibe, you walked out of Fortitude feeling like a walking masterpiece.

But vivid color isn’t just a look, it’s an investment—and babe, we want that color to last.

Here’s how to protect your crown between appointments and keep your color rich, vibrant, and full of life.

1. Cool It Down

Hot water is the enemy of vivid color. Every time you crank up the heat, you’re opening your hair cuticle and waving goodbye to your precious pigments.
💧 Pro tip: Wash with lukewarm or cool water to help seal the cuticle and keep color locked in longer.

2. Wash Less, Live More

The more you wash, the faster your color fades—it’s just science.
Try to stretch washes to every 3–5 days if you can. Dry shampoo and cute claw clips are your new BFFs.

3. Use the Right Products (Seriously)

Drugstore shampoos might smell great, but they can be brutal on bold colors.
🧴 Look for sulfate-free, color-safe, and pH-balanced formulas that are gentle on your strands.
At Fortitude, we carry stylist-approved options from brands like Surface, KMS, and Cult + King—aka, the good stuff.

4. Keep Heat in Check

Love your curling iron or blow-dryer? Totally fine—just protect that hair first.
Always (we mean always) use a heat protectant before styling.
And when possible, air dry or use low-heat settings to keep your color from dulling.

5. Shield That Shine

UV rays, chlorine, and even pollution can fade your color faster than you can say “pool day.”
☀️ Wear a hat in direct sun, rinse hair with clean water before swimming, and coat it with a leave-in conditioner to create a barrier.
Bonus points for using a water filter in your shower to cut mineral buildup.

6. Book Your Glosses & Touch-Ups

Vivid shades naturally fade over time (it’s part of their charm), but that doesn’t mean they can’t stay fresh.
Book a gloss or refresh appointment every 4–6 weeks to boost your tone and shine—especially if you’re rocking pastels or brights.

TL;DR – Your Vivid Color Survival Kit:

✅ Cool water only
✅ Stretch your wash days
✅ Use salon-quality, color-safe products
✅ Always use heat protectant
✅ Shield from sun + chlorine
✅ Pre-book gloss appointments

Want help picking the right at-home care for your color? Shoot me a message or ask at your next appointment. I’ll walk you through what your hair actually needs—no fluff, no guesswork, just real results.

Stay bold,
Ginny
Your Curl Whisperer & Color Alchemist at Fortitude Salon

Let me know if you want a shorter version for Instagram or a printable care card to send home with clients!