If you color your hair, regular maintenance is a must. Most colorists recommend that you get a retouch every four weeks for all over color and every two months for highlights. If you have high-lift color, you may even have to go in more often. There's a good reason for it too. If you go too long between retouches, your roots will start showing. However, you don't have to be a slave to your salon schedule. There are ways you can keep your color looking beautiful well past the recommended retouch time. Following are three tips for making your color last longer. 

Don't Refresh with Permanent Haircolor

Damaged hair fades faster than healthy hair, and haircolor damages hair. If you go to a colorist that always pulls your color through to the ends for a "refresh," you're working with the wrong colorist. Haircolor should only be pulled through to the ends in rare circumstances if you're not changing your color. If your ends need more vibrant color, ask your colorist to use semi or demi permanent color. These options don't lift your hair cuticle, which is a good thing. There really isn't any need to anyway because your cuticle was already lifted when you first had your hair colored. 

Opt for Balayage Color

Certain color techniques, such as balayage, will help you avoid the salon. Balayage color is a subtle highlighting and lowlighting technique, the results of which grow out beautifully and with little to no roots showing. How's it done? In the balayage technique, your colorist will simply paint haircolor on your hair in a way that looks natural. It looks something similar to what the sun would do to your hair. When it grows out, you may have an ombre look but nothing that screams, "I should have been in the salon weeks ago."

Use the Right Products

Hair fading is a real concern. However, you can prevent fading is you use the right products. Always use professional shampoos and conditioners formulated for colored hair and your hair type. Also, use a thermal protectant product if you blow dry your hair or use thermal styling tools. It's all about protecting your hair and keeping it healthy. Healthy hair doesn't fade as much as damaged hair. 

There are several things you can do to increase the amount of time that elapses between salon visits. If you can't get in to see your colorist regularly, talk to them about creative options that will give you the color you want without the maintenance.