This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
Your vibrant ruby red or platinum blonde didn’t come cheap, and watching it wash down the drain three weeks later feels like flushing money away. Color-treated hair demands more than the bargain-bin shampoo you used before your transformation—it needs formulas built around sulfate-free surfactants, pH-balancing technology, and protective ingredients like UV filters and hydrolyzed proteins that actually lock pigment into your cuticle.
The wrong bottle strips both your investment and your hair’s integrity, leaving you with faded, brittle strands that scream “box dye regret.”
Finding the best shampoos for colored hair means understanding which ingredients fortify your color barrier and which ones sabotage it, so you can keep that salon-fresh vibrancy alive for months instead of weeks.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Key Factors in Choosing Shampoo for Coloured Hair
- Top 10 Shampoos for Coloured Hair
- 1. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo
- 2. Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo
- 3. Bondbar Repairing Shampoo
- 4. Malin Goetz Moisturizing Hair Shampoo
- 5. Davines Hydrating Shampoo
- 6. Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo
- 7. K18 Peptide Smoothing Shampoo
- 8. Blondme Rich Shampoo For Blonde Hair
- 9. Tracee Ellis Ross Hydration Shampoo
- 10. Loreal Metal Detox Shampoo
- How to Maintain Vibrant Hair Colour
Key Takeaways
- Color-treated hair needs sulfate-free shampoos with pH levels between 4.5 and 5.5, UV filters, and bond-building ingredients like hydrolyzed keratin to lock in pigment and prevent fading for months instead of weeks.
- The top-performing shampoos—from budget options like Bondbar at $9.99 to premium formulas like Olaplex and K18—combine gentle surfactants with antioxidants, proteins, and color-protecting technology that clinically reduce breakage by up to 87% while extending vibrancy.
- Your daily habits matter as much as product choice: wash only 2-3 times weekly with cool water, use dry shampoo between washes, avoid clarifying formulas that strip 30% more color, and protect hair from chlorine, saltwater, and heat styling with barriers and UV filters.
- Strategic maintenance through deep conditioning every 1-2 weeks, protective styling that minimizes friction, professional touch-ups every 6-8 weeks, and ingredient-savvy choices (humectants like glycerin, ceramides, chelating agents for hard water) keep your investment vibrant far longer than standard routines.
Key Factors in Choosing Shampoo for Coloured Hair
Choosing the right shampoo for your color-treated hair isn’t about grabbing whatever bottle promises vibrant locks—it’s about understanding which ingredients actually protect your investment and which ones quietly sabotage it.
Start by checking out product reviews for color-treated hair to see which formulas consistently deliver on their promises without fading your shade.
Choosing the right shampoo for color-treated hair means understanding which ingredients protect your investment and which ones quietly sabotage it
Your hair color deserves more than marketing hype; it needs formulations that work with the chemistry of dyed strands, not against them.
That’s why choosing the best leave-in conditioner for dyed hair means finding one tailored to both your color treatment and your specific hair type.
Let’s break down the essential factors you need to examine, from ingredient red flags to protective powerhouses that keep your color looking fresh between salon visits.
If you’re dealing with brassiness, a color-correcting purple shampoo can neutralize unwanted yellow tones while gently cleansing.
Importance of Color-Safe Ingredients
Your hair color is an investment, and color-safe ingredients are the gatekeepers between vibrancy and fade. These specialized surfactants minimize cuticle swelling and pigment washout, locking in your shade while protecting against photo-oxidation.
If you’re curious whether shampoo bars are safe for color-treated hair, the answer depends on their surfactant blend and pH balance.
- pH-balanced formulas (around 4.5–5.5) seal the cuticle, trapping color molecules inside for extended color stability
- Hydrolyzed proteins and ceramides fortify strands post-processing, reducing fade and breakage
- Antioxidants and UV filters shield dye from environmental damage, preserving moisture lock and color protection
Role of Sulfates and Alternatives
Locking in your color means outsmarting sulfate effects—those harsh detergents love stripping pigment and natural oils. Sulfate-free and hydrating products, built on gentler surfactant options like sodium cocoyl isethionate, deliver color protection with less irritation.
For true color preservation, stick to shampoos for colored hair that prioritize pH balance and gentle cleansing over foam and flash.
Moisturizing and Nourishing Components
Beyond gentle cleansing, you need ingredients that repair and replenish. Panthenol and glycerin deliver hair moisture by locking hydration into damaged strands, while hydrolyzed keratin and wheat protein strengthen weakened cuticles. Sulfate-free and hydrating products featuring ceramides restore your hair’s lipid barrier, boosting color lock. Look for these power players in moisturizing shampoos:
- Glycerin for humectant-driven hydration
- Panthenol improving elasticity and nourishing oils retention
- Hydrolyzed keratin for protein repair
- Ceramides preventing moisture loss
- Squalane offering lightweight hair nourishment
UV and Heat Protection Features
Your color-safe shampoo should shield hair from two aggressors: sun and styling tools. UV filters like avobenzone and octinoxate reduce color fading by blocking damaging rays, while heat shields—often silicones or heat-activated polymers—create a barrier during blow-drying or flat-ironing.
Photostability complexes paired with antioxidants like vitamin E deliver dual-action color preservation, slowing thermal damage and photo-oxidative stress for longer-lasting, vibrant results.
Avoiding Harmful Chemicals
When you break free from harsh chemical exposure, you protect both your color investment and your scalp health. Toxic ingredients like parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives pose unnecessary risks, while sulfate risks include color stripping and irritation.
Look for:
- SulfateFree shampoos with decyl glucoside or sodium lauroyl oat amino acids for gentle cleansing
- Paraben alternatives that preserve without endocrine disruption
- Fragrance concerns—fragrance-free or limited-fragrance formulas minimize sensitizers
Color safe ingredients deliver color protection without compromise.
For damaged strands that also have color, choosing the right haircut helps remove split ends while maintaining vibrancy.
Top 10 Shampoos for Coloured Hair
You’ve got the foundation down, now it’s time to meet the heavy hitters that’ll actually protect your investment and keep your color looking fresh between salon visits.
These ten shampoos made the cut because they combine gentle cleansing agents with serious color-locking technology, from bond-building peptides to UV filters that prevent fading under harsh light.
Each formula brings something different to the table, whether you’re battling dryness, managing blonde tones, or just need a sulfate-free cleanser that actually lathers.
1. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo
You’re working hard to keep your color vibrant—don’t let a bargain-bin shampoo sabotage it. Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo offers frizz control and hair smoothening at a drugstore price, making it accessible for color-treated hair on any budget.
Infused with keratin and marula oil, it detangles while boosting shine without the weight, though some users report buildup with overuse. The formula is marketed as color-safe and helps preserve your hue, delivering smooth hair and tamed flyaways when paired with its conditioner—just rinse thoroughly to avoid residue.
| Best For | People with color-treated, frizzy hair who want drugstore-priced smoothing and detangling without spending salon money. |
|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Hair Type | Frizzy Hair |
| Scent | Unscented |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Color-Safe | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- Keratin and marula oil work together to control frizz and add shine while keeping hair movable, not stiff
- Color-safe formula helps maintain vibrancy and works well with heat styling tools
- Affordable at $19.99 and delivers five benefits in one system—anti-frizz, detangling, shine, soft texture, and tamed flyaways
- Can cause buildup or oily feel if you don’t rinse thoroughly or use too much product
- Results vary by hair type—some users don’t see much shine improvement or frizz control
- Contains silicones that might weigh down fine or already-oily hair over time
2. Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo
If you’ve blasted your hair with bleach or high-lift color, Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo targets the internal damage that dulls your results. This sulfate-free formula uses bond-building technology to strengthen weakened disulfide bonds in color-treated hair, clinically reducing breakage by 49% while keeping your shade intact.
Users report smoother, less frizzy strands and better color preservation over weeks of use, though the $32 price tag for 8oz means you’ll want to pair it with the matching conditioner for maximum bond repair and long-term hair strengthening.
| Best For | Color-treated hair that’s chemically damaged and needs internal bond repair, not just surface conditioning. |
|---|---|
| Price | $32.00 |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Hair Type | All |
| Scent | Citrus, Mint |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Color-Safe | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- Clinically proven to cut breakage by nearly half while smoothing hair by 90%
- Bond-building technology actually strengthens damaged disulfide bonds from bleach and color treatments
- Sulfate-free formula cleanses without stripping color or moisture
- $32 for only 8oz makes it one of the pricier shampoos on the market
- Works best as part of the full Olaplex system, so you’ll likely need to buy the conditioner too
- Small bottle size means frequent repurchasing if you wash hair regularly
3. Bondbar Repairing Shampoo
If you’re craving salon-level bond repair without the luxury price, Bondbar Repairing Shampoo delivers at $9.99. This sulfate-free, vegan formula uses bond repair technology and hydrolyzed keratin to target disulfide bonds in color-treated hair, boosting manageability and reducing fade-related damage over repeated washes.
Users appreciate improved shine and hydration, though some report pump packaging issues and occasional tangling. Pair it with a color-preserving conditioner and limit use to 2–3 times weekly for best color longevity and hair repair results on your rebellious, pigment-loaded strands.
| Best For | Color-treated hair needing affordable bond repair and frizz control without sulfates or a hefty salon price tag. |
|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 |
| Item Form | Cream |
| Hair Type | All |
| Scent | Light grapefruit |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Color-Safe | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- Bond repair technology and keratin peptides target damaged strands, improving manageability and shine over time
- Sulfate-free, vegan, and cruelty-free formula is gentler on color-treated hair and helps reduce fade
- At $9.99, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to high-end salon bond repair shampoos
- Pump packaging is frequently reported as faulty or prone to breaking, requiring replacement
- Some users experienced tangling or hair fall-out, especially those with pre-existing scalp or hair issues
- Results depend heavily on pairing with a good conditioner and sticking to a 2–3 times weekly routine
4. Malin Goetz Moisturizing Hair Shampoo
Malin+Goetz Moisturizing Hair Shampoo brings you gentle cleansing with coconut-derived surfactants and amino acid-based formulas that won’t strip your color-treated hair. At $30 for 8 or 16 oz, this sulfate alternative leans into moisturizing benefits by pairing emollients with humectants, helping your strands hold pigment and moisture regardless of hair porosity.
Users with sensitive or flaky scalps appreciate the vegan-friendly, subtly scented formula, though some find lather inconsistent and price steep.
For rebellious color protection and deep hydration, use it 2–3 times weekly alongside a color-safe conditioner to keep your hair care routine clean, soft, and fade-resistant.
| Best For | People with color-treated or dry hair looking for a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that moisturizes without stripping color, especially if you have a sensitive or flaky scalp. |
|---|---|
| Price | $30.00 |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Hair Type | All |
| Scent | Natural |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Color-Safe | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- Natural coconut-derived surfactants and amino acids clean without harsh stripping, helping preserve hair color and moisture
- Vegan-friendly formula works well for sensitive, flaky, or itchy scalps with a subtle scent that won’t irritate
- Leaves hair feeling soft and clean with deep cleansing benefits, making it good for regular color-maintenance routines
- Expensive at $30, positioning it as a premium option compared to drugstore alternatives
- Lather can be inconsistent and may not feel deeply moisturizing for all hair types or porosity levels
- Some users report quality control issues and find the scent off-putting despite its subtlety
5. Davines Hydrating Shampoo
Davines Hydrating Shampoo delivers sulfate-free gentle cleansing through mild surfactants that protect color-treated hair while nourishing dry, processed strands. At $37 for a liquid citrus-scented formula, you’re investing in moisture balance via humectants and conditioning agents that boost hair hydration without heaviness, supporting color retention by maintaining cuticle integrity.
Users with damaged hair report soft, manageable results and reduced wash frequency, though the price point and non-sealed packaging may challenge your budget.
For color protection and deep moisture restoration, pair this shampoo with a compatible conditioner in your sulfate-free hair care arsenal.
| Best For | People with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair who want a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that adds moisture without weighing hair down. |
|---|---|
| Price | $37.00 |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Hair Type | Damaged |
| Scent | Citrus |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Color-Safe | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- Sulfate-free formula cleanses gently while protecting color and preventing further damage to processed hair
- Restores hydration and leaves hair feeling soft, clean, and manageable with less need for frequent washing
- Contains conditioning agents and humectants that boost moisture without creating heavy, greasy buildup
- Expensive at $37, which may not fit everyone’s budget, especially for long hair or frequent washers
- Comes unsealed, which can be a concern for those who prefer guaranteed product integrity
- Results vary by hair type, and some users feel the price doesn’t match the performance they experience
6. Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo
Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo extends color vibrancy for up to 40 washes through its sulfate-free formula and exclusive PROTEINFUSION blend with elastin protein and quinoa. This blend replenishes nutrients stripped during coloration while sealing the cuticle to minimize fade.
At $22.65, you’re choosing gentle cleansing that protects color-treated hair without harsh sulfates. However, some users note minimal lather and potential dryness with overuse.
This silicone-free option works across hair types—fine, oily, or dry—delivering color retention and restored shine when paired with compatible conditioners in your color-preserving routine.
| Best For | People with color-treated hair who want to extend their color’s vibrancy and are okay with a gentle, sulfate-free formula that may not lather as much as traditional shampoos. |
|---|---|
| Price | $22.65 |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Hair Type | Color Treated |
| Scent | Fragranced |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Color-Safe | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- Extends color vibrancy up to 40 washes with a sulfate-free, silicone-free formula that’s gentle on treated hair
- PROTEINFUSION blend with elastin protein and quinoa replenishes nutrients lost during coloring while sealing the cuticle
- Works across multiple hair types (fine, oily, dry) and helps restore shine without harsh ingredients
- Doesn’t lather well, which some users find less satisfying than traditional shampoos
- Can dry out hair if you use it too often or don’t follow up with proper conditioning
- May leave hair feeling greasy or oily for some users, and might not work as well on very damaged or over-processed hair
7. K18 Peptide Smoothing Shampoo
K18 Peptide Smoothing Shampoo delivers color preservation through pH-optimized technology that sits between 4.5 and 5.5, limiting cuticle swelling and keeping color-treated hair vibrant without the harsh strip.
The patented K18PEPTIDE works inside your cortex to rebuild keratin chains damaged by bleach and dye, offering hair strengthening with every wash.
At around $38, you’re investing in a gel formula that removes 99% of product buildup while protecting pigment—gentle enough for daily use, powerful enough to tame frizz and restore shine across all hair types.
| Best For | Color-treated hair that needs daily cleansing without fading, plus repair from bleach or heat damage. |
|---|---|
| Price | Not specified |
| Item Form | Gel |
| Hair Type | All |
| Scent | Floral |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Color-Safe | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- PH-balanced formula (4.5–5.5) keeps cuticles smooth and color locked in, so dyed hair stays vibrant longer
- K18PEPTIDE reaches deep into the cortex to rebuild broken keratin bonds from chemical services and styling
- Removes 99% of buildup and 76% of copper in one wash while staying gentle enough for everyday use
- Premium price point at $38 makes it a bigger investment than drugstore options
- Some users report scalp irritation or dandruff with regular use
- Bottle design can be awkward to open and dispense product smoothly
8. Blondme Rich Shampoo For Blonde Hair
If you’re rocking blonde—whether it’s platinum rebel streaks or sun-kissed honey—Schwarzkopf’s BlondMe Rich Shampoo zeroes in on your color-treated hair with sulfate-free muscle.
The 3D Bond Creation Technology rebuilds keratin chains weakened by bleach, delivering hair strengthening that reduces breakage while cashmere extract locks in moisture for blonde care that doesn’t quit.
You’ll get rich lather from cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, gentle cleansers that strip impurities without torching color vibrancy.
At around $20, it’s color preservation engineered for medium to coarse strands.
| Best For | Blonde hair owners with medium to coarse texture who want sulfate-free cleansing that rebuilds bonds damaged by bleaching while keeping color vibrant. |
|---|---|
| Price | Not specified |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Hair Type | Coarse |
| Scent | Citrus |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Color-Safe | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- 3D Bond Creation Technology and hydrolyzed keratin actively repair internal hair structure weakened by lightening, reducing breakage and improving elasticity
- Sulfate-free formula with gentle surfactants cleanses thoroughly without stripping color or causing excessive dryness, safe for daily use
- Cashmere extract and panthenol deliver deep moisture and conditioning, leaving blonde hair soft, glossy, and manageable
- Citrus scent may be too strong for users sensitive to fragrance
- Some users report dryness or brittleness after use, suggesting the formula may not work uniformly across all hair conditions
- At around $20 per bottle, it’s pricier than drugstore alternatives, and results can vary depending on individual hair type
9. Tracee Ellis Ross Hydration Shampoo
Pattern’s Hydration Shampoo—Tracee Ellis Ross’s curl-first formula—delivers color preservation for your 3B-4C texture through sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, a sulfate alternative that cleanses without the SLS color-stripping drama.
You get hair hydration from 10 oils including coconut, avocado, and jojoba, plus aloe and honey humectants that lock moisture balance into high-porosity strands.
Amodimethicone and guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride provide gentle cleansing with serious slip—97% of users reported completely clean hair while 94% felt it stayed gentle.
At $22, it’s engineered for color-treated hair that demands both rebellion and hydration.
| Best For | Anyone with 3B-4C curls who wants to keep their color vibrant while actually getting their hair clean and hydrated—especially if you’ve got high-porosity hair that drinks up moisture. |
|---|---|
| Price | $22.00 |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Hair Type | Curly |
| Scent | Exotic floral |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Color-Safe | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- Color-safe formula skips harsh SLS and SLES surfactants so your dye job stays put while you cleanse
- Packed with 10 nourishing oils plus aloe and honey that hydrate instead of strip, leaving curls soft and manageable
- 97% of users got squeaky-clean hair that still felt gentle, with built-in slip for easier detangling in the shower
- $22 price tag might sting if you’re on a tight budget
- Won’t lather right away—you have to rub it between your palms first, which can feel weird
- Contains EDTA and isn’t fully sulfate-free, so it might not work if you’re going completely clean beauty
10. Loreal Metal Detox Shampoo
Metal particles in your water—from copper pipes, well systems, even city treatment—sabotage color results and trigger breakage.
L’Oréal Professionnel’s Metal Detox deploys patented Glicoamine Technology, a micro-molecule that penetrates deep to neutralize copper accumulation before it oxidizes your fresh balayage.
This sulfate-free formula with sodium cocoyl isethionate delivers gentle cleansing while instrumental tests show 87% less hair breakage and 100% reliable color outcomes when you use the full protocol.
At $39, it’s your insurance against metal-induced fading for color-treated hair facing hard-water rebellion.
| Best For | Color-treated hair exposed to hard water or metal-rich pipes that experiences fading, breakage, or unpredictable color results. |
|---|---|
| Price | $39.00 |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Hair Type | All |
| Scent | Grapefruit Flower |
| Age Range | Adult |
| Color-Safe | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- Patented Glicoamine technology penetrates deep to neutralize copper and metal buildup that standard shampoos can’t reach
- Sulfate-free formula reduces breakage by 87% while maintaining color vibrancy and delivering twice the shine when paired with the mask
- Works with all hair color brands and lightening services, making it versatile for salon and at-home care routines
- Premium price point at $39 may be steep for a single shampoo bottle compared to drugstore alternatives
- Contains dimethicone, which can cause buildup over time if you don’t rotate in clarifying washes
- Requires consistent use and ideally the full protocol (pre-treatment plus mask) to see the most dramatic results
How to Maintain Vibrant Hair Colour
Choosing the right shampoo is only half the battle—keeping your color vibrant requires a strategic approach to your entire hair care routine, from how often you wash to the temperature of your water.
The way you treat your colored hair between salon visits can make the difference between color that fades in weeks versus color that stays bold for months.
Let’s break down the essential techniques that protect your investment and keep your hair looking freshly colored.
Washing Frequency and Techniques
You can’t afford to wash color-treated hair every day—dermatologists recommend limiting shampoos to two or three times per week because frequent wash cycles accelerate color leaching and hair swelling.
When you do cleanse, focus gentle massaging at your scalp where oil accumulates, letting suds glide through lengths naturally.
This strategic hair care routine preserves pigment while keeping strands strong, making your shampoo selection and color protection tips work harder between washes.
Understanding the basics of color treated hair is essential for maintaining its health and vibrancy.
Use of Cool or Lukewarm Water
When you rinse after shampooing, switch to cool or lukewarm water. Hot temperatures swell the cuticle, letting pigment molecules escape and accelerating color fading.
Cold water rinsing tightens the hair shaft, improving color retention and leaving color-treated hair shinier. This simple shift in your hair care routine costs nothing yet delivers measurable color protection.
Cooler temperatures minimize irritation on sensitive scalps while locking in vibrancy for weeks longer.
Protective Styling and Trimming
Think of protective styling as armor for your color-treated hair—braids, twists, and weaving reduce manipulation, friction, and UV exposure that strip pigment fast.
To keep vibrant tones locked in, follow these color-protecting essentials:
- Trim ¼ to ½ inch every 6–8 weeks to remove faded ends and maintain uniform color.
- Choose styles that tuck ends away, minimizing environmental damage and color fading prevention.
- Avoid tight tension that causes breakage and dullness at new growth lines.
- Use lightweight, color-safe styling products to prevent buildup that alters reflectance.
- Schedule styling breaks for deep conditioning and color preservation treatments.
This routine strengthens hair health, prevents damage, and extends your color’s lifespan.
Limiting Sun and Heat Exposure
UV filters and heat styling smart limits are your secret weapons for color preservation and vibrancy—because thermal damage and sun exposure bleach pigment faster than you think. Heat-protectant sprays shield strands during blow-drying, while wide-brimmed hats block UV rays that trigger color fading prevention. Lower your styling tool temp below 180°C, air-dry when possible, and reapply UV filters post-swim for hair damage prevention and color-preserving power.
| Protection Strategy | Action | Color Maintenance Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Protection | Wear hats during 10 am–4 pm | Blocks direct UV rays, reduces fading |
| Heat Styling Limits | Lower tools to |
- https://www.instagram.com/patrickkyle__/
- https://www.veluercreative.com/
- https://www.markryansalon.com/mark-debolt
- https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1623316&xcust=marieclaireuk_gb_7014652861093877164&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aveda.co.uk%2F%3F&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marieclaire.co.uk%2Fbeauty%2Fhair%2Fshampoo-for-coloured-hair-602239
- https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=29063&awinaffid=103504&clickref=marieclaireuk-gb-6387741059354581137&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cultbeauty.co.uk%2Fp%2Fbriogeo-colour-me-brilliant-mushroom-and-bamboo-colour-protect-shampoo-236ml%2F14293493
