Utah’s dry climate can deplete your hair’s natural moisture barrier faster than you think. Without proper hydration, the hair cuticle becomes rough and porous, allowing pigment to slip out more easily. Combine that with our mineral-heavy water—packed with calcium and magnesium—and you’ve got the perfect recipe for color that fades before it should.

Here are the top reasons color fades faster in Utah:

Hard Water Build-Up: The minerals in Utah’s water can create a film on your hair that blocks moisture and dulls shine. Over time, this buildup can distort tone, especially for blondes and brunettes.

Dry Air: Low humidity means less natural moisture in your hair, making it more fragile and prone to fading.

UV Exposure: Even in winter, Utah’s elevation amplifies UV rays, which break down color pigments and cause oxidation.

Over-Washing or Harsh Shampoos: Cleansing too often—or with the wrong formula—can strip color molecules before your next appointment.

The good news? You can prevent all of this with the right professional care and at-home routine.

Your stylist is your partner in color care, and our team at Ottalaus Salon has curated a few must-follow tips to help your color stay glossy and rich in between visits.

1. Upgrade to a Professional Treatment

Just like skincare, your hair benefits from consistent nourishment. Here are our stylist-approved treatments that help maintain and protect color:

Kérastase Première Treatment: This breakthrough service restores the hair’s inner strength by removing calcium buildup and replenishing essential nutrients, leaving your color more vibrant and reflective.

Fusio-Dose Custom Treatment: Tailored to your hair’s needs in real time, this in-salon ritual delivers instant shine and softness—perfect for color-treated hair craving renewal.

Deep Conditioning Treatments: Regular moisture infusions prevent brittleness, helping your hair hold pigment longer and resist UV or heat damage.

Demi-Permanent Glosses: These sheer, conditioning glosses enhance tone and add a mirror-like shine between color sessions—ideal for blondes looking to banish brass or brunettes wanting extra richness.

These services don’t just refresh your color—they actively make your hair stronger, healthier, and more radiant after every visit.

2. Choose the Right At-Home Care

Your hair care routine between visits is what determines whether your color fades or flourishes. Our stylists recommend these color-safe essentials:

Kérastase Chroma Absolu Line: Specifically formulated for color-treated hair, this line locks in pigment, restores softness, and fights the dulling effects of hard water.

Oribe Color Beautiful Collection: Think of it as luxury skincare for your hair—lightweight protection, deep nourishment, and instant shine.

Goldwell Dualsenses Color Products: A stylist favorite for preserving salon-quality color, especially when paired with professional glosses.

KMS Color Vitality: Perfect for anyone on the go—these formulas are designed to keep your color fresh while protecting from UV damage.

Pro tip: Always use a sulfate-free shampoo, rinse with lukewarm (not hot) water, and finish with a cool rinse to help seal the cuticle and preserve tone.

3. Shield Your Hair Like You Do Your Skin

Think of your hair color like fine fabric—it needs protection from the elements.

Use UV protection sprays before outdoor activities.

Add a shower filter to minimize mineral buildup from Utah’s hard water.

Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and preserve shine.

Consistency is key. Your color will stay more luminous and your hair more touchably soft when you treat it as an investment, not just a service.

4. Schedule Strategic Refresh Appointments

Don’t wait until your color looks dull to book your next visit. Refreshing your tone with a Demi-Permanent Gloss or Fusio-Dose Treatment every 6–8 weeks can make a world of difference. These mini visits help maintain the integrity of your color, add shine, and keep your hair healthy between full color appointments.

Your stylist can help you map out a maintenance plan that fits your lifestyle—because lasting results start with a consistent rhythm of care.