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You need shampoos that won’t strip your hard-earned color like a washing machine on overdrive.
Product reviews for color treated hair consistently highlight sulfate-free formulas as your best bet for protecting investment-worthy hues.
Look for ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and UV filters that act as bodyguards for your strands.
Top-rated options include Redken Color Gloss for shine-seekers and Olaplex No. 4 for bond repair. Budget-friendly Nexxus Color Assure delivers salon-quality results without breaking the bank.
The key is matching your specific hair type with the right formula. Certain ingredients can make or break your color’s longevity.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Choosing Color Safe Shampoos
- Top 8 Color Treated Hair Shampoos
- 1. Redken Color Gloss Shampoo For Shine
- 2. IGK More Life Gloss Shampoo
- 3. Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo 13.5 oz
- 4. Kérastase Chroma Respect Shampoo Color Treated Hair
- 5. Malin Goetz Moisturizing Hair Shampoo
- 6. Olaplex No 4 Bond Shampoo
- 7. Ceremonia Guava Shampoo for Damaged Hair
- 8. BLONDME Rich Shampoo Blonde Hair
- Hair Type Considerations
- Maintaining Color Treated Hair
- Expert Recommendations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best shampoo for color-treated hair?
- How often should you shampoo color treated hair?
- Does colormotion+ work for color-treated hair?
- Are color safe shampoos good for colored hair?
- What should you do if you have color-treated hair?
- What is best for color-treated hair?
- Which hair color brand is best for hair?
- What is the best thing to put in your hair after dying it?
- What is the best product to color hair at home?
- How often should I replace color-safe shampoo?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- You’ll preserve your color investment by choosing sulfate-free shampoos with protective ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and UV filters that won’t strip your hair like harsh detergents.
- You should wash your color-treated hair only 1-2 times per week and use dry shampoo between washes to prevent fading – frequent washing strips color 40% faster.
- You’ll get the best results by matching your hair type to the right formula, whether you need lightweight options for fine hair or moisturizing formulas for dry, damaged strands.
- You can extend your color’s vibrancy by reducing heat styling, using heat protectants with UV protection, and waiting 24 hours after coloring before your first shampoo.
Choosing Color Safe Shampoos
When you’re choosing a shampoo for color-treated hair, you’ll want to look for specific ingredients that protect your color investment and avoid harsh chemicals that strip away dye.
The right color-safe formula can extend your color’s lifespan by weeks, while the wrong one can fade your fresh highlights in just a few washes.
Color-Safe Ingredients
When shopping for color safe shampoo, look for UV protectants like vitamin C and green tea that shield your strands from fading.
Amino acids and protein sources strengthen hair while botanical extracts nourish.
Lipid-like ingredients help lock in moisture, and these sulfate free shampoo formulas work together to maintain your color’s vibrancy and improve ingredient efficacy in hair products color protection.
Sulfates
Sulfates create that satisfying lather you love, but they can strip color treated hair faster than you’d like.
That luscious lather comes at a price – your precious color might wash down the drain with it.
These detergents work like tiny scrub brushes, removing dirt and oil effectively. However, sulfate sensitivity varies among individuals.
Consider these sulfate facts for shampoo selection:
- Sulfate Benefits: Powerful cleansing removes buildup and styling products thoroughly
- Sulfate Alternatives: Gentler surfactants protect hair color while still providing adequate cleansing
- Sulfate Research: Studies show sodium laureth sulfate can be safer for colored hair than harsher variants
Clarifying Formulas
Although clarifying shampoo removes stubborn buildup, it can strip color from treated hair faster than gentle formulas.
You’ll want to limit clarifying frequency to once weekly at most. Look for gentle clarifiers specifically designed for color treated hair, as regular clarifying products accelerate hair color fading.
Choose sulfate free shampoo options to minimize ingredient impact on your vibrant shade, and consider the overall effect of clarifying on your hair to preserve the vibrant shade.
Pigments
Color-depositing pigments in shampoos help maintain your hair color between salon visits.
Purple shampoos work best for blonde and gray coverage, while blue formulas suit darker hair color shades.
These toning shampoos contain UV absorbers that protect pigment stability from sun damage.
Hair dyes fade naturally, but pigment-infused products slow this process substantially, and help with color maintenance.
Top 8 Color Treated Hair Shampoos
You’ll find the eight best shampoos for color-treated hair that protect your color while cleaning your hair effectively.
These products use special formulas that won’t strip your hair color, and they’ll keep your hair looking vibrant between salon visits.
1. Redken Color Gloss Shampoo For Shine
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Redken’s Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo stands out as the top choice for color-treated hair.
This sulfate-free formula uses acidic pH to seal your hair cuticle and lock in vibrant color for up to 32 washes.
You’ll notice 76% more shine when paired with their Glass Gloss Treatment.
The gentle cleanse preserves your hair’s vibrancy without stripping moisture.
It’s particularly effective for maintaining red and fashion colors while taming frizz.
Though pricey, stylists recommend it as a game-changer for keeping salon-fresh color longer, making it a worthwhile investment for those who want to maintain their hair’s vibrancy.
Best For: Those with color-treated or fashion-colored hair looking to extend vibrancy, enhance shine, and reduce frizz.
- Sulfate-free formula that gently cleanses while preserving color.
- Provides up to 76% more shine when used with Glass Gloss Treatment.
- Vegan and eco-friendly with recyclable packaging.
- Expensive compared to other shampoos.
- Concerns about authenticity when purchased from certain retailers.
- Conditioner in the line has mixed reviews regarding size and effectiveness.
2. IGK More Life Gloss Shampoo
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IGK’s More Life shampoo delivers exactly what it promises – extended color vibrancy and serious shine.
You’ll notice the difference after just one wash. The formula contains color-locking polymers that seal your hair cuticles, preventing fade for up to 15 washes.
Squalane adds moisture without weighing hair down, while botanical oils create that glossy finish you’re after.
At $32, it’s pricier than drugstore options, but the concentrated formula means you’ll use less product per wash, making it surprisingly economical for salon-quality results.
Best For: Those with color-treated hair looking to extend color vibrancy and boost shine.
- Protects hair color for up to 15 washes.
- Adds noticeable shine and moisture.
- Concentrated formula requires less product per use.
- Higher price compared to drugstore shampoos.
- Results may vary depending on hair type.
- May not significantly enhance shine for fine or oily hair.
3. Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo 13.5 oz
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Looking for a shampoo that won’t break the bank while protecting your color investment? Nexxus Color Assure delivers salon-quality results at a fraction of the cost.
This sulfate-free formula extends color vibrancy for up to 40 washes using its PROTEINFUSION blend with elastin protein and quinoa.
You’ll notice softer, shinier hair that feels lightweight and silky. The White Orchid essence adds a pleasant scent while the gentle cleansing action preserves your color without stripping natural oils.
Best For: Adults with color-treated hair looking to maintain vibrant color and enhance shine without harsh sulfates or silicones.
- Extends color vibrancy for up to 40 washes.
- Sulfate-free and silicone-free formula protects hair health.
- Leaves hair soft, shiny, and lightweight.
- Some users report increased hair fallout with prolonged use.
- Formula changes may disappoint long-time users.
- Not ideal for those who are sensitive to fragrance.
4. Kérastase Chroma Respect Shampoo Color Treated Hair
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This premium French shampoo delivers exceptional results for color-treated hair.
You’ll notice how it preserves 92% of your color intensity even after six weeks of regular use.
The gentle formula contains amino acids and centella asiatica that strengthen your hair while cleaning thoroughly.
It lathers beautifully and rinses clean without leaving residue.
Your hair feels soft, smooth, and manageable after each wash.
The luxurious floral scent receives consistent compliments.
While pricey, a small amount goes far, making it worthwhile for serious color protection.
Best For: Those with color-treated hair who want to preserve their color intensity and maintain soft, smooth hair.
- High price point may be a concern for some buyers.
- Authenticity concerns raised by a small number of users.
- Beautiful packaging potentially contributes to the cost.
- Preserves 92% of color intensity for up to six weeks.
- Leaves hair feeling soft, smooth, and manageable.
- Features a luxurious floral scent that users love.
5. Malin Goetz Moisturizing Hair Shampoo
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This sulfate-free formula from Malin+Goetz combines coconut-derived surfactants with amino acids to gently cleanse color-treated hair.
You’ll appreciate its clarifying properties that remove buildup without stripping your color.
The vegan, cruelty-free shampoo features an invigorating neroli and basil scent that leaves your scalp feeling tingly and revitalized.
While it’s pricier than drugstore options, the lightweight formula won’t weigh down fine hair and maintains your color’s vibrancy.
Perfect for chemically-processed hair that needs gentle yet effective cleansing.
Best For: Those with color-treated or chemically-processed hair looking for a sulfate-free, lightweight shampoo with clarifying properties and a refreshing scent.
- Sulfate-free and gentle on color-treated hair.
- Clarifies without stripping oils or weighing hair down.
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainably packaged.
- Expensive compared to drugstore shampoos.
- Scent longevity may vary person to person.
- Can leave some hair types feeling stiff if not paired with conditioner.
6. Olaplex No 4 Bond Shampoo
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Building stronger hair from within, Olaplex No. 4 Bond Shampoo delivers impressive results for color-treated strands.
You’ll notice 49% less breakage and 73% smoother hair after consistent use.
This sulfate-free formula gently cleanses while rebuilding damaged bonds in your hair shaft.
Users love how a small amount creates rich lather, making the premium price worthwhile.
Your hair will feel silky and manageable for days between washes.
The pleasant floral-citrus scent adds a spa-like touch to your routine.
Best For: People with color-treated, damaged, or dry hair seeking to restore strength, reduce breakage, and improve hair manageability.
- Premium price may be a barrier for some users.
- Contains PEGs and fragrance, which might not suit clean beauty enthusiasts or those sensitive to allergens.
- Best results require combining with other Olaplex products, increasing overall cost.
- Reduces breakage by 49%, leaving hair stronger and healthier.
- A small amount creates rich lather, making it long-lasting and economical.
- Gentle, sulfate-free formula is safe for color-treated hair.
7. Ceremonia Guava Shampoo for Damaged Hair
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Ceremonia’s guava-infused shampoo brings tropical nourishment to your color-treated locks.
This sulfate-free formula combines superfruit guava with aloe vera to shield against UV damage, chlorine, and salt water.
You’ll notice softer, more manageable hair that retains its vibrancy longer.
The clean ingredients repair damaged strands while preserving your color investment.
Though the bottle’s smaller than typical drugstore options, this concentrated formula delivers results.
The fruity scent lingers pleasantly, and the gentle cleansers won’t strip your hair’s natural moisture or fade protection, providing a gentle way to maintain your hair’s natural moisture.
Best For: People with damaged, color-treated, or UV-exposed hair seeking a clean, reparative formula with tropical ingredients.
- Protects hair from UV damage, chlorine, and salt water.
- Leaves hair soft, nourished, and vibrant.
- Clean formula free of harsh chemicals.
- Smaller bottle size than typical shampoos.
- Thin consistency requiring more product for full coverage.
- Scent may be too strong or polarizing for some users.
8. BLONDME Rich Shampoo Blonde Hair
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Blonde hair deserves special attention, and BLONDME Rich Shampoo delivers exactly that.
This sulfate-free formula uses 3D Bond Creation Technology and Cashmere Protein Complex to rebuild damaged strands by up to 85%.
You’ll notice smoother, shinier hair that feels stronger after each wash.
It works on all blonde shades, from platinum to honey tones.
The concentrated formula means you won’t need much product.
Some users find the citrus scent intense, so test it first if you’re scent-sensitive.
Best For: Blonde-haired individuals seeking to repair damage, strengthen hair, and maintain vibrant, healthy-looking locks.
- Rebuilds damaged hair by up to 85% with 3D Bond Creation Technology.
- Suitable for all blonde shades, enhancing texture and shine.
- Sulfate-free formula, safe for daily use.
- Citrus scent may be too strong for scent-sensitive users.
- Smaller size may not meet expectations for some users.
- Does not significantly enhance or maintain color.
Hair Type Considerations
Your hair type determines which color-safe shampoo will work best for you.
Different hair textures, from fine to curly, need specific formulas to protect color while addressing your hair’s unique needs.
Fine Hair
Your fine, color treated hair needs special care to avoid weighing it down.
Choose volumizing formulas with lightweight hydration that won’t create buildup.
Sulfate free shampoo protects your hair color longevity while providing gentle cleansing.
Look for protein balance in color treated hair products – too much protein makes fine strands brittle, while too little leaves them limp and fragile, requiring careful management to maintain hair color longevity.
Dry Hair
Tackling dry hair color treated requires gentle care and smart product choices. Your strands need extra moisture since chemical processing strips natural oils.
Look for sulfate-free shampoos with humectant benefits to restore hydration. You can find a dry color shampoo designed for this purpose.
Essential dry hair color treated care includes:
- Deep conditioning treatments weekly with natural oils
- Leave-in treatments for daily moisture protection
- Hydration methods like overnight masks
- Gentle conditioner color treated hair formulas
Oily Hair
While dry hair needs moisture, oily hair requires a different approach when you’ve got hair color to protect.
Your scalp produces excess sebum, which can make colored hair look dull and greasy. Choose lightweight formulas that won’t weigh down your strands.
Sulfate free shampoo helps maintain hair color while controlling oil. Many consumers are switching to gentle hair cleansers to protect their hair.
Increase shampoo frequency to prevent product buildup and maintain scalp health.
Curly Hair
When you have curly hair, your shampoo for colored hair needs extra finesse.
Your hair texture demands formulas that nourish each spiral, keeping both your curls and color vibrant.
Curls crave moisture retention and gentle cleansing to maintain curl definition without stripping hair color. Look for sulfate free shampoo that tackles frizz control while preventing product buildup.
Highlighted Hair
After getting highlights, your hair needs extra TLC to maintain those gorgeous tones.
Look for shampoos with color protection that prevent brassiness and extend highlight longevity.
Purple-tinted formulas work wonders for blonde highlights, while sulfate-free options protect foil highlights and balayage care.
Gentle cleansing preserves your colorist’s work, whether you’ve had root smudging or traditional highlighting techniques applied, ensuring the longevity of your gorgeous tones.
Maintaining Color Treated Hair
You’ve invested in beautiful color, and now you need to protect it from fading, heat damage, and daily wear.
Simple changes to your routine, like washing less often and using heat protection, will keep your color vibrant for months longer.
Wash Hair Less Frequently
Reduce washing to maintain hair color and preserve natural oils that protect your strands.
Frequent shampooing strips color-deposited pigments, causing hair color fading faster than necessary.
Limit shampoo for colored hair to two or three times weekly, this approach supports scalp health while preventing excessive product buildup.
Your hair color retention improves substantially when you extend time between washes, and preserve natural oils can help, by following this method you can also ensure scalp health and prevent excessive product buildup.
Use Dry Shampoo Between Washes
Between washes, dry shampoo becomes your secret weapon for maintaining hair color.
This oil-absorbing powder helps extend hair color by reducing wash frequency. Choose aluminum-free formulas to avoid ingredient concerns that damage treated strands.
Here’s how to maximize dry shampoo benefits:
- Apply to roots before bed for better oil absorption
- Use color-matching formulas to prevent residue buildup visibility
- Massage scalp gently to distribute product evenly
- Brush thoroughly to remove excess powder and maintain scalp health
Reduce Heat Styling
Hot tools are your color’s worst enemy.
They strip moisture and accelerate fading faster than you can say "touch-up appointment."
Embrace air dry methods and heatless styling tools instead.
Try protective hairstyles like braids or buns for effortless looks.
Overnight techniques work wonders too.
Your shampoo for colored hair works harder when you’re not constantly battling heat damage.
Apply Heat Protectants With UV Protection
Why risk your color investment to sun damage and heat styling?
Heat protectant ingredients with UV protection create a shield around each hair strand.
Apply these products before using styling tools, layering them with your fade protection shampoo routine.
These products offer essential UV defense.
This dual approach offers complete color protection, preventing both thermal damage and sun-induced fading that threatens your vibrant results, with the help of heat protectant ingredients.
Expert Recommendations
You’ll get the best advice when you listen to hair care professionals who work with color-treated hair every day.
These experts know which shampoos protect your color while keeping your hair healthy, and they’ll share their top picks based on real results they see in their salons.
Nicole Henry
How does Nicole Henry approach shampoo for colored hair?
Henry’s expertise centers on sulfate-free formulas that clean gently without overdrying.
Her shampoo preferences emphasize lightweight options for fine hair, ensuring color protection while maintaining a squeaky clean finish.
Through her styling techniques and client results, Henry recommends L’Oreal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo as an effective drugstore option for colortreated hair.
Holly Rexroat
Holly Rexroat’s expertise centers on ingredient science for shampoo for colored hair.
Her insights emphasize glycerin as a key humectant in the first five ingredients for color protection.
Rexroat’s methodology warns against daily clarifying formulas on colortreated hair, as they strip hair color vibrancy.
Her favorites avoid clarifying shampoo for dyed hair within two weeks post-coloring.
Rexroat’s influence prioritizes moisture retention.
Alexandre Chouery
Alexandre Chouery’s expertise brings salon secrets straight to your bathroom.
His styling techniques focus on timing and frequency rather than fancy products. Chouery’s philosophy centers on patience – wait 24 hours after coloring before shampooing.
His product preferences lean toward Redken’s Acidic Gloss formula for maximum color protection and hair color vibrancy.
- Wait 24 hours minimum after salon coloring before first wash
- Skip shampoo days when hair isn’t actually dirty – just rinse and condition
- Less frequent washing means your color treated fine hair stays vibrant longer
Vetted Staffers
Vetted staffers bring real-world testing protocols to product selection, ensuring you get honest reviews without bias concerns.
Their staffer diversity means testing across different hair types, from color treated fine hair to damaged hair color.
They evaluate color protection effectiveness, shampoo for highlights performance, and how products work on dry hair color treated with various chemicals and processes, including assessing product selection and real-world testing.
Professional Stylists
Many professionals agree that introducing color requires salon-grade care.
Hair stylists consistently recommend Kérastase for color-treated hair, specifically suggesting Bain Chroma Respect formulas.
These salon-professional products contain lactic acid instead of harsh sulfates for gentle cleansing.
Client consultation reveals that colorists prefer brands designed for damaged hair, emphasizing the importance of stylist expertise in color application and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best shampoo for color-treated hair?
Ironically, washing your hair daily actually damages color faster. Redken Acidic Color Gloss Sulfate-Free Shampoo consistently ranks as the top choice, protecting vibrancy while gently cleansing without stripping your investment.
How often should you shampoo color treated hair?
Wash your color-treated hair just one to two times per week to preserve vibrancy.
Frequent washing strips color faster, so use dry shampoo between washes to keep roots fresh and extend your color’s lifespan.
Does colormotion+ work for color-treated hair?
Looking for a shampoo that won’t strip your freshly colored locks?
Colormotion+ isn’t widely reviewed for color-treated hair specifically.
You’ll find better-tested options like Redken Acidic Color Gloss or Olaplex No. 4 that protect your investment.
Are color safe shampoos good for colored hair?
Yes, color-safe shampoos are specifically formulated for colored hair.
They’re gentler, sulfate-free, and help preserve your color investment by preventing fading.
You’ll maintain vibrancy longer and protect your hair’s health with these specialized formulas, ensuring you preserve your hair’s vibrancy.
What should you do if you have color-treated hair?
Color-treated hair fades 40% faster without proper care.
You’ll want to wash less frequently, use sulfate-free shampoos, apply heat protectants, and shield your locks from UV rays to maintain that salon-fresh vibrancy longer.
What is best for color-treated hair?
Sulfate-free shampoos protect your hair’s vibrancy best.
They’re gentler than regular formulas and won’t strip color.
Look for products with UV protection and moisturizing ingredients.
Wash less frequently and use cool water to maintain your shade longer.
Which hair color brand is best for hair?
Hair color brands like L’Oréal, Clairol, and Garnier absolutely dominate the market with their innovative formulas.
You’ll find L’Oréal offers the best balance of quality, color variety, and longevity for most hair types and budgets, making it a top choice for many users with its innovative formulas.
What is the best thing to put in your hair after dying it?
After dyeing your hair, apply a deep conditioning mask or treatment within 24-48 hours.
This replenishes moisture lost during the coloring process and helps seal the cuticle, locking in your new color while keeping strands healthy.
What is the best product to color hair at home?
Surprisingly, choosing at-home hair color doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
You’ll get salon-quality results with L’Oréal Excellence Crème or Clairol Natural Instincts.
They’re beginner-friendly, provide even coverage, and won’t damage your hair like cheaper alternatives, offering a beginner-friendly experience.
How often should I replace color-safe shampoo?
You don’t need to replace color-safe shampoo based on time alone.
Replace it when the bottle’s empty, the formula separates, develops an off smell, or stops working effectively for your hair’s needs.
Conclusion
Protecting your colored hair is like safeguarding a precious painting from harsh elements.
These product reviews for color treated hair reveal that sulfate-free formulas with nourishing ingredients are your best defense against fading.
Whether you choose budget-friendly Nexxus or splurge on Kérastase, the right shampoo preserves your investment.
Match your specific hair type with appropriate formulas, wash less frequently, and use heat protection.
Your vibrant color will thank you with lasting brilliance and healthy shine.
