One thing I'll add to this is that I always use a shampoo that is for "color treated" hair. In my personal opinion, it's one of the best things I've done. I have used the Infusium 23 shampoo and conditioner for years (the standard ones), but I switched to the Infusium 23 for color treated hair and it's much more gentle because it's purpose is to clean the hair without stripping the color. I used to have to start using the "ADF" (now called "Back To Natural") after about 3 months or so, but now I rarely have to use it unless I get fade from the sun.