So the problem is just the color? I think it's soaking it in the soda bath for those 4 hours that's fading the piece so fast. If the problem is just the color, then perhaps you should just experiment with different hair dyes that would get the color you desire. Buy a dye color you like and dye both the piece AND your real hair.

I hate to advise you to stop showering or swimming, since I know these things don't really dramatically affect the piece (at least not in my experience). I showered EVERY DAY and shampooed my piece every day. The piece lasted 6 months for me.

So in summary, don't really have to change your lifestyle. Just fix the problem at hand (the color).

Leamon