Name: Iron And Ivy Hair Studio
Price range: $$

Your colour looked incredible leaving the salon. The goal is to keep it looking that way for as long as possible between appointments — and the good news is that a few consistent habits make a significant difference. Here’s what our Queenstown colourists recommend.

Switch to Colour-Safe Shampoo

This is the single most impactful change most clients can make. Standard shampoos contain sulphates — detergents that clean effectively but also strip colour molecules from the hair shaft with every wash. Colour-safe, sulphate-free shampoos clean gently without aggressively fading your colour. The difference in how long your colour lasts is measurable.

Wash Less Frequently

Every wash fades colour slightly. If you’re currently washing daily, experimenting with every other day — or even every two days — can noticeably extend your colour’s freshness. Dry shampoo is your friend for in-between days, adding volume and absorbing oil without water and detergent.

Use Cool Water for the Final Rinse

Hot water opens the hair cuticle, which allows colour molecules to escape more easily. Finishing your wash with a cool water rinse seals the cuticle, locking colour in and adding shine at the same time. It’s a simple habit that costs nothing.

Purple or Blue Shampoo for Blondes

Blonde and lightened hair naturally warms over time. Using a purple or blue toning shampoo once or twice a week neutralises these brassy tones and keeps your blonde looking fresh and cool. Don’t overuse it — too much can leave hair looking slightly dull or violet.

Protect Against UV and Heat

Apply a UV-protecting product before sun exposure, and always use a heat protectant before styling tools. Both UV and heat accelerate colour fade and affect hair condition.