The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for improving the quality and durability of color in artificially colored hair. The methods employ alkaline earth metal salts that act as a mordant (a fixing agent) with hair dye and salts of hydroxy-polycarboxylic acids, which act as chelators. Methods are described wherein the alkaline earth metal salts or the salts of hydroxy-polycarboxylic acids are used in a pre-color treatment (a treatment to the hair prior to artificial coloring), used as part of a coloring composition, and used in a post-color treatment (a treatment to the hair after artificial coloring).
