Why Your Hair Looks Different After 6 Weeks And How It’s Totally Normal
If you've ever left the salon loving your hair, only to look in the mirror six weeks later and think "Why does this feel… different?" - you're not imagining it.
I'm Meg Ann Lee, a hairstylist at Moss Salon in Eau Claire, and this is one of the most common conversations I have with clients. Hair doesn't suddenly "go bad" after a few weeks - it's responding to growth, tonality shift, lifestyle, and everyday wear.
Let's break down what's actually happening.
Your Hair Is Growing, Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It
On average, hair grows about ½ inch per month. That means by the six-week mark, your root is already noticeable. This doesn't mean your color was done wrong. It means your natural hair is doing exactly what it's supposed to do. GROW. This is also why I talk so much about lived-in color. When your root matches or sits within 1-2 shades of your natural color, grow-out looks intentional instead of harsh. That choice alone can dramatically change how your hair looks at week six versus week two. Don't even get me started on a base break. IYKYK.
Toner Fading Is Normal, Not a Color Failure
Color changes over time - especially blondes and brunettes with warmth underneath. I always stress this point during consultations with clients who want cool tones or vivid colors. All artificial color pigment fades and will need maintenance. Shampooing, heat styling, hard water, sun exposure, and even how often you work out all affect tone. Blonde clients may notice warmth creeping in looking yellow or brassy. Brunettes might feel dull or flat as their color fades. That doesn't mean you need a full transformation color appointment - often, a gloss or toner refresh brings everything back to life.
This is why I often recommend maintenance services between big appointments. Small adjustments can keep your hair looking fresh without starting over. Unless you WANT a high maintenance color. We do those too and I need to see you about every 5-7 weeks.
Hair Health Affects How Color Wears
Healthy hair holds color better. Damaged hair fades faster and changes tone more unpredictably.
This is something I'm very upfront about during consultations at Moss. If hair is over-processed, even the best color formula won't last the way you want it to. Sometimes the smartest move is focusing on treatments, trims, or adjusting expectations before pushing lighter or brighter.
Long-term hair goals always win over quick fixes!!
Lifestyle & At Home Hair Care
Your daily habits play a bigger role than most people realize. Two clients can get the same color on the same day and have totally different results six weeks later - based on their hair health and at home haircare routine.
My goal as a stylist is always to explain how your color will grow out, when it may shift and what maintenance actually looks like. Not just how it looks on day one when we take the after photo.
Hair is a process, not a one-time event.
If your hair looks different after six weeks, that doesn't mean something went wrong - it means your hair is alive, growing, and responding to real life. Understanding growth, tone shift, and hair health helps you make better decisions, plan smarter appointments, and feel more confident between visits <3