Inhibiting color fading with layer-by-layer films

The present disclosure relates to methods for inhibiting color fading in hair and for improving the color durability and stability of artificial color of hair. The methods entail forming a layer-by-layer (LbL) film on hair, and optionally forming a cationic surface layer on the LbL film. The LbL film is formed by applying a cationic polymer layer on the hair and subsequently applying an anionic polymer layer on the cationic polymer layer. Multiple cationic polymer layers and anionic polymer layers can sequentially be added as desired. Finally, the LbL film may comprise a cationic surface layer.