Only a change in color needs to start fresh. If you are touching up, you should just have to do your roots and then run the leftover through your hair to freshen it up.So every application is supposed to be like a fresh application? Geez my hair would totally fall out if I had to go through all that, lol! Now that I finally found the perfect color I just touch it up and freshen it every 6 weeks or so and I'm good. Of course if I had the time, money and inclination I would LOVE to have mermaid hair!!![]()