What colour highlights last the longest?
When you’re sitting in the salon chair for two, three, sometimes four hours, you want to know your colour is going to go the distance. And if you’re spending good money on those highlights, the last thing you want is for them to vanish after a few washes.
So, what colour highlights last the longest? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—but there are a few shades that tend to hang around longer than others, especially when applied by a professional Solihull Hairdresser who knows how to make it last.
Why some colours stick around longer than others
Not all dyes behave the same way. Lighter colours like platinum blonde or icy silver tend to fade faster than warmer or darker tones. That’s because lighter shades usually require more lifting, and once the hair is stripped of its natural pigment, it becomes more porous. That makes it trickier for toner or colour to stay put.
Darker highlights—think warm caramels, soft browns, or rich auburns—often have better staying power. These tones don’t rely on as much lightening, so they tend to lock in longer. They’re also more forgiving when they do fade, blending into your base colour more naturally.
And then there’s red. It looks stunning, but red pigments are known for fading quicker than most. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for it—it just means you’ll want to be on top of your aftercare.
What your hairdresser might suggest
At Salon No. 100, we always ask what you’re after in terms of upkeep. If you want a colour that lasts and don’t fancy being in the chair every few weeks, we’ll likely steer you towards a shade that fades gradually and evenly.
Caramel and honey tones are popular because they blend beautifully into both lighter and darker bases. They fade softly, so there’s never that sharp contrast between your roots and your ends. And if you’re going for a low-maintenance balayage, those colours work a treat.
Ashier tones and cooler blondes can look incredible, but they may need a bit more TLC. A hairdresser in Solihull can walk you through how to keep that icy blonde from turning brassy—and whether it’s the right move for your lifestyle.
How to help your highlights last longer
Once you leave the salon, it’s up to you to make that colour last.
The water in your shower, the heat from your styling tools, the sun through your car window—all of it can make your colour fade faster. To fight back, you’ll want to switch to sulphate-free shampoo and avoid hot water where you can.
Regular treatments can also help. Hair Botox, deep masks, and gloss top-ups can revive dull-looking hair and extend the life of your highlights.
And then there’s toner. If your colour’s looking a bit off, popping back into the salon for a quick toner refresh can breathe life back into it without needing a full recolour.
So, what’s the verdict?
If you’re looking for highlights that last, your best bet is to go for warmer, mid-tone shades that don’t need as much lightening or toning. Caramel, golden blonde, soft brown—they’re all solid options.
That said, your hair goals come first. The longest-lasting colour in the world won’t feel worth it if you’re not excited about it.
A good Solihull Hairdresser will always weigh up the shade you love with the level of maintenance you’re happy to take on. Together, you can find a colour that not only suits you but sticks around longer than your average Friday night blow-dry.
For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! We’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call 07966 105306 and book your appointment today!