You just walked out of Reverie Salon with fresh, gorgeous balayage — and you want it to stay that way as long as possible. Good news: balayage is already one of the lowest-maintenance color services out there. But there are a few things you can do at home to keep it looking its best between appointments.
1. Use a Purple or Blue Toning Shampoo
This is the most important step for anyone with blonde, highlighted or lightened hair. As color-treated hair is exposed to hard water, heat and the sun, it can develop brassy, yellow or orange tones. A toning shampoo (purple for blondes, blue for brunettes with warm tones) neutralizes these unwanted warm tones and keeps your color looking fresh.
How often: 1–2 times per week. Don't use it every wash — it can make hair look dull or slightly gray if overdone.
We recommend: Ask your stylist at Reverie for the right toning product for your specific shade.
2. Deep Condition Weekly
Lightening services — even when done perfectly — change the structure of your hair slightly. Regular deep conditioning keeps your strands strong, elastic and shiny. A weekly mask (10–15 minutes) makes a significant difference in how your color looks and how healthy your hair feels.
3. Always Use Heat Protectant
Heat tools — blow dryers, flat irons, curling wands — are the number one cause of color fading and damage in color-treated hair. Apply a heat protectant spray every single time before using any hot tool. No exceptions.
Target temperature: Keep hot tools below 380°F for color-treated hair.
4. Wash in Cool or Lukewarm Water
Hot water opens the hair cuticle and allows color molecules to escape faster. Rinsing in cool water seals the cuticle and helps lock color in. Even ending your shower with a cool rinse makes a difference over time.
5. Protect Your Hair from the Sun
UV rays fade hair color — especially blonde and lightened shades. If you're spending a lot of time outside, use a UV-protectant hair spray or wear a hat. At the pool or beach, wet your hair with clean water before getting in and apply a leave-in conditioner to minimize chlorine and salt absorption.
6. Don't Over-Wash
Washing your hair less frequently is genuinely one of the best things you can do for color longevity. Every wash strips a small amount of color. Aim for 2–3 washes per week, using dry shampoo in between to absorb oil at the roots.
When to Come Back In
Most balayage clients return every 3–5 months for a refresh — either a toner to revive the tone, or a gloss to boost shine and color vibrancy. Some clients go even longer. We'll tell you at your appointment when we'd suggest coming back based on your specific color.
Questions about your color? DM us on Instagram @reverie_salon or call (312) 955-0083.
