Fifteen years ago, it was "The Rachel." Twenty years before that, it was "The Farrah." And those are only two examples of iconic hairstyles that have graced thousands of heads over the last hundred years. But can there be another? With today's trend toward individualism, colorists, stylists and Professionals say it isn't likely.

They say No More “Rachels” “In the past, you could always go, ‘that’s the trend.’ Or you go, ‘no, it’s the wrong color.’ Now today, the trends are always customizable. You’ll never see them in their purity. Kids don’t want their MySpace pages to look the same, they don’t want their cars to look the same, they don’t want their phones to look the same. So why do we think they’re all going to walk in with a picture of Rachel’s haircut? It’s never going to happen again, because culturally they never participated in it. We did. So that’s the thing that’s really cool about right now.” ~ Modern Salon

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There are two common causes for color fading: using a shampoo that contains harsh sulfates and a high concentration of salt or exposure to environmental elements like the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Some of the most popular drug store products-even those designated for colored hair- may cause color fading, and even when you're indoors the sun can cause color to oxidize, thus resulting in a faded, dull look.

Listed below are a few steps you can take to achieve lasting color and prevent further fading:

• Purchase professional shampoos and conditioners that are specifically formulated for color treated hair. Redken's Color Extend product line contains a low salt content and a sulfate-free surfactant system. Redken's Color Extend Sun line contains a combination of potent sunscreens and antioxidants. Both product lines will prevent color fading and sun damage.
• Wash your hair every other day instead of daily. Use cool to cold water to prevent any color from rinsing out, as warm or hot water opens the hair cuticle allowing color an easy escape. Cold water keeps the cuticle closed and encourages healthy, shiny hair.

• Deep condition the hair approximately one week before your color treatment, and directly after. The added protein and moisture will prep your hair, resulting in a more even color result. Similarly, salon treatments such as Redken's Pre-Art or Chemistry Systems bring the hair back to its natural pH level, locking in color and leaving a bright shine.

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