Side effects of colouring your hair: How often should you colour your hair?

Hair colour is the ultimate quick fix for transforming your look. Whether you are switching to rich espresso hues, rocking sun-kissed balayage, or daring to try pastel pink, that first post-colour vibrancy feels like a beauty glow-up in itself. But here’s the not-so-glam truth: dyeing your hair isn’t all fun and frisks. If done too often or without care, it can take a toll.We have seen the highs of vibrant hues and the heartbreak of brittle breakage. Drawing from real celebrity habits, let’s unpack what really happens when you colour your hair, figure out how often is safe, and explore celebrity-tested care tips to keep your mane in peak condition.Sneaky drynessPermanent dyes, especially with ammonia, open up your hair cuticles to deposit colour. Good for pigment, bad for hydration, this process strips natural oils, leaving your strands drier and more prone to frizz.Fragile textureFrequent colouring weakens the hair’s structure, making it porous. Increased porosity means moisture can slip out as quickly as it’s absorbed, leading to brittleness and breakage.Scalp sensitivityRedness, itching, or mild burns can happen, especially if you have a sensitive scalp. Even long-running routines can spark new reactions over time.Fading and patchinessSurprisingly, overly processed hair holds pigment poorly. That means your once-bold colour might fade faster or look streakier after a few washes.Breakage that looks like hair lossColouring doesn’t pull hair straight from the root, but brittle mid-shaft breakage can mimic shedding, definitely not the look you’re going for.Kareena Kapoor Khan swears by a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner, ideal for preserving hues. She limits heat styling, deep conditions weekly, and trims every 6–8 weeks to keep colour-treated locks from fraying. She’s also vigilant about UV protection, often using treatments and stylish scarves when outdoors.Priyanka Chopra Jonas takes a more natural approach. She uses coconut oil scalp massages twice a month to nourish and strengthen, and washes her hair frequently, every one to two days with clean, lightweight formulas. With her own haircare brand, she champions simple, fuss-free routines that work for everyday glamour.Zendaya, known for her chameleon hair styles, uses a colour-depositing conditioner to refresh her shade at home. Easy, temporary, and low-damage, this is the perfect quick colour tweak without the salon stress.There’s no one-size-fits-all. It depends on your hair type, colour choice, and maintenance routine. Here’s a rough guide:Permanent colour: Every 6–8 weeks to touch up roots or refresh shade.Semi-permanent: Every 4–6 weeks, as it fades faster.Bleach/lightening: Stretch to 8–12 weeks—hair needs more recovery time.Gloss or toner: Every 3–4 weeks, since they’re gentler and just enhance tone.If your hair starts showing dryness, split ends, or uneven colour take, push those appointments further apart. Your hair will thank you.Go pro for application – A trained stylist can protect your hair with bond-repair formulas and fine-tune processing time.Deep condition weekly – Use masks rich in oils and proteins to rebuild and hydrate.Sulfate-free shampoo – Protects both your colour and your cuticles.Avoid hot tools immediately after – Let the hair settle after colouring; if you must use heat, apply thermal protectant first.Trim regularly – Every 6–8 weeks to keep ends healthy and prevent split-end spread.Hair still feels rough even after deep conditioning.Breakage or split ends are increasing.Colour doesn’t take evenly or fades fast. You’re battling frizz no matter the product.If this sounds familiar, give your strands a breather and treat them like the beauty investment they are.Colouring your hair? Absolutely, fashion’s permission slip to feel fabulous. But like all beauty indulgences, it must be done smartly. Listen to your locks, treat them tenderly, and follow your hair’s needs, not just a passing trend. Pulling off healthy colour isn’t just about the shade; it’s about keeping the strength beneath the shade intact.Want to keep that coloured hair luminous, soft, and Instagram-ready? Follow the stars’ lead and treat your hair to the love and care it deserves.