Whether you’ve spent hours in a salon chair or 30 minutes at home, you want that color to last. Here’s how to keep your color vibrant and your roots in check.

Challenge: Fading

Likely Culprit No. 1: Unsealed Cuticles

The protective outer layer (cuticle) of each strand of hair needs to remain intact to prevent color molecules from escaping; the more porous the hair, the more likely the hair color is to migrate out, explains Arun Nandagiri, a cosmetics chemist and the founder of Bria Research Laboratories, in Libertyville, Illinois.

Make It Last: Any color treatment should be followed by deep conditioning (don’t shampoo for 24 hours afterward). Then, two to three times a month, apply a deep-conditioning hair mask. In these masks, chemicals known as cationic polymers help keep the layers of hair closed like the shingles on a roof, says Nandagiri. And don’t use clarifying shampoos, which can strip color.

Likely Culprit No. 2: Contact with Chemicals

The active ingredients in sunless tanners, makeup removers, and astringents can diminish hair color.

Make It Last: “Before using products on the face, gather strands of hair into a ponytail with a boar-bristle brush,” which is less damaging to hair, says Eric Fisher, owner of two salons in Wichita, Kansas. “Then avoid any large movements with the hands to prevent touching your hair.”

Challenge: Peekaboo Roots

Likely Culprit: Stubborn Hairs or Growth (but not enough to warrant an appointment)

Nonporous hairs, which tend to be gray, make holding on to color difficult.

Make It Last: Hairstylist Cristophe, who owns five salons across the country, suggests asking your colorist to apply peroxide to roots first to make the hairs more porous and improve absorption.

Salon Supplements

Use these conditioning products to hold on to color until it starts to grow out, then hide roots with these touch-up kits.

Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo and Conditioner, $13 each
These gentle moisturizing formulas won’t strip away color.
To Buy: www.aveda.com.

Colormark, $20
Swipe it on to hide gray roots instantly. It washes out with your next shampoo.
To Buy: www.colormarkpro.com.

Clairol Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up, $7
Applied directly with a brush, it dyes roots in 10 minutes to tide you over until your next salon visit.
To Buy: At drugstores.

Redken Color Extend Highlight Fuel, $16
This treatment contains silicone, which conditions hair, and ceramide, to secure color.
To Buy: www.redken.com for salon locations.