Your Colour Deserves to Last
A great colour service is an investment — and with the right at-home care, it can look beautiful for months. The good news is that maintaining your salon colour at home doesn’t require a complex routine. A few smart habits make all the difference.
Wait Before Your First Wash
After a colour service, wait at least 48–72 hours before washing your hair. This allows the colour molecules to fully oxidise and settle into the hair shaft, resulting in longer-lasting colour and better vibrancy.
Use the Right Shampoo
Switch to a sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo immediately. Sulphates are the number one cause of premature colour fade. A colour-specific shampoo also helps maintain the tonal balance of your colour between appointments.
Wash Less Frequently
Every wash fades colour slightly. Extending the time between washes — even by one extra day — meaningfully extends the life of your colour. Dry shampoo is your best friend here.
Use Cool Water
Hot water opens the hair cuticle and allows colour molecules to escape. Washing with cool or lukewarm water and finishing with a cool rinse keeps the cuticle sealed and colour locked in.
Protect from UV
Apply a UV-protective spray every day before going outside — especially important in New Zealand’s intense sun. This is one of the most significant things you can do to extend the life of your colour.
Use a Weekly Mask
A weekly hydrating or colour-protecting mask keeps coloured hair looking healthy, shiny, and vibrant. Ask our team at Iron + Ivy Hair for recommendations suited to your colour and hair type.
Book Your Colour Top-Up
When your colour does start to fade, book a toner refresh or colour appointment at Iron + Ivy Hair in Queenstown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Iron + Ivy Hair Studio?
We are at Shop D1-02A, Queenstown Central Shopping Centre, 19 Grant Road, Queenstown 9300. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Call us on 03 428 2595 or book online at ironandivyhair.com/book.
How do I book an appointment at Iron + Ivy?
The easiest way is online at ironandivyhair.com/book. You can also call us on 03 428 2595 or email [email protected]. We are appointment-only, so please book ahead rather than walking in.
What services does Iron + Ivy offer?
We specialise in colour including balayage, blonding, foils, toning, and colour correction, alongside precision cuts, hair treatments, extensions, and bridal and special occasion styling. If you are not sure what you need, a consultation is always the right starting point.
Is Iron + Ivy good for first-time colour clients?
Yes. We spend genuine time in the consultation phase, especially for new colour clients, because we want to understand your hair history and be honest about what is achievable. We will not push you toward a service that is not right for your hair or your budget.
What is the best way to prepare for a salon appointment?
Come with clean or slightly unwashed hair. Most services work well on hair washed within the last day or two. Bring reference images if you have a specific look in mind. And if you have any concerns about your hair or scalp, mention them at the start. We would always rather know upfront.
About Iron + Ivy Hair Studio
Iron + Ivy is Queenstown's award-winning hair studio, located inside Queenstown Central Shopping Centre on Grant Road. Our team of specialist stylists bring real expertise and a genuine love of hair to every appointment — whether that's a colour transformation, a lived-in balayage, a precision cut, or bridal hair for a wedding in the mountains. We work with a focused clientele because exceptional hair takes time, skill, and care. You'll always leave knowing exactly what went into your hair and how to look after it at home.
Take the first step toward the hair you want. Book with the team at Iron + Ivy Studio
Ready to visit Iron + Ivy? Explore our Queenstown balayage service, our Queenstown hair extensions, or our Queenstown blonde specialist services — or book a consultation today.
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