There's nothing like a head of freshly coloured hair to make you feel awesome, but we'll be the first to admit that maintaining that salon fresh look a la hair goddess Lauren Conrad can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle.
We spoke to Jack Howard, International Colourist at Neville Hair and Beauty, about keeping coloured hair looking sleek, healthy and vibrant for longer.
Not only did he share his favourite products and tips on how often to get your hair done he also revealed the best way to hide your roots in an instant.
How frequently should you colour your hair?
To keep your locks looking as fresh as possible Jack recommends regularly topping up your colour. "To keep a tint in tip top shape and not have your natural roots showing I say every four to six weeks."
But for Balayage treatments, the French technique where colour is applied by hand rather than using the traditional foiling or cap, Jack tells us you can wait up to anywhere between 12 and 14 weeks.
We all know trying to maintain your colour on a budget can be tough, but there are ways to get around it.
"The reality is that once those roots start showing it's best to get them covered up sooner rather
than later," he explains. "But if you are on a budget maybe it's time to think about changing your colour to something that has more longevity either a Demi permanent or something nearer your natural colour."
How to combat dulling colour.
"Healthy hair and good colour - such as INOA ammonia free colour - will keep brighter and fresher for longer," Jack notes.
However, home haircare is just as important. He recommends any Kerastase products and suggests always using a sun protector.
While there's no magic number when it comes to washing your tresses and some people have to rinse their hair every day others can get away with once a week, Jack says good shampoo and conditioner is the key to maintaining colour.
Avoid these products at all costs.
Steer clear of henna and any products that contain alcohol which can strip the colour. "Chlorine is another killer," he adds. "So always make sure your hair is wet with shower water and a light serum before jumping in the pool."
Instantly hide roots.
"It's an old but a goody," Jack reveals. "But a zig zag parting can help hide roots and at a push a little eyeshadow can blend unsightly roots for a quick fix".
Not ready to take the plunge? Experiment with non-permanent colour at home. Here's how...