If you dye your hair, it's important to use shampoo and conditioner formulated for color-treated hair. This will help maintain absorbed color while minimizing long-term damage.
Avoid regular shampoos that contain sulfates as these harsh ingredients can fade absorbed hair color. Instead opt for a sulfate-free shampoo for colored hair that's specially formulated to deeply cleanse without stripping.
1. Sulfate-Free
Shampoos that are sulfate-free will gently cleanse your hair and scalp without stripping color molecules from the strands. You should also avoid formulas that are labeled as “clarifying,” since they can be harsh and cause the dye in your hair to fade prematurely.
Sulfates are the ingredients that give shampoos their foamy, sudsy texture and function by cleansing away dirt, oil and built-up styling products on your scalp and hair strands. However, sulfates aren’t very good for your hair and can strip it of its natural oils. This can leave your hair feeling dry, brittle and damaged.
A sulfate-free shampoo for colored hair will be gentler on your locks and help retain the absorbed dye, so you can maintain that beautiful look between salon visits. This will also allow you to wash your hair less frequently, as too much shampoo can be drying and damaging for your locks.
This shampoo is a great option for all hair types, as it’s specially formulated to preserve and maintain your color while protecting your locks against damage and aging. It uses a unique blend of botanicals to protect against the effects of oxidation, including musk rose extract to soften your locks and orchid extract to reduce brassy or yellow undertones. It’s sulfate-free and silicone-free, so it won’t leave your hair feeling dry or brittle.
2. Suitable for All Hair Types
Whether you have radiant red locks, platinum blonde balayage or even mermaid-like ocean blue, your hair color deserves the best care. That’s why you should consider switching from regular shampoo to one designed specifically for colored hair. These gentle formulas work to care for both your strands and scalp, helping to preserve your chosen hue for as long as possible while promoting soft, shiny and nourished tresses.
Figuring out your hair type mostly comes down to looking at your strands and assessing their general look and feel. Depending on the density and thickness of your strands, you can decide to go with a clarifying shampoo or co-washing (washing your hair with conditioner only).
This color protect shampoo from L’Oreal Paris is made for all hair types, but it’s especially ideal for thick, dark locks. Reviewers note that it gently clarifies buildup without stripping the strands of color, adding that the formula has an amazing scent.
A great choice for brunettes, this purple shampoo is infused with vitamin C to brighten the color of your locks. It also works to nourish your strands, making it the perfect option for those with damaged or dry locks. Reviewers rave about how this nourishing shampoo tames brassiness in their dark brown locks and add that it smells divine.
3. Moisturizing
Color-treated hair is already prone to dryness and damage, so you need to choose a shampoo that’s extra hydrating. Look for shampoos formulated with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, hyaluronic acid and squalane that will replenish the moisture your strands lose during the coloring process.
Avoid Clarifying or Detoxifying Formulas
While some clarifying shampoos are great for banishing buildup, they can also strip your hair of its dye if it contains harsh sulfates or parabens. Debolt suggests using a shampoo that's specifically designed for color-treated hair instead.
This sulfate-free formula was specially developed with waves, curls and coiled textures in mind, and it’s packed with hair-loving ingredients that will preserve your vibrant hue and keep your locks looking healthy. Reviewers love that it’s gentle, sulfate-free and makes their hair feel soft and smooth.
Besides a nourishing sulfate-free shampoo, you should use a conditioner for colored hair that works to strengthen your strands and prevent breakage. Ingredients that work to protect your strands from fading and damage include biotin, hydrolyzed keratin and wheat proteins, as well as eucalyptus and rosemary extracts.
Look for conditioners that are infused with natural oils to add even more moisture and softness to your strands. This sulfate-free conditioner from Love Beauty and Planet is a great option, as it’s infused with shea butter and squalane to nourish your strands while adding a glossy sheen.
4. Anti-Fading
For the most lustrous results, look for shampoos with antioxidants that lock in color and prevent fade. These formulas protect hair from environmental stressors, including UV rays and harsh chlorine found in swimming pools and hot tubs. They also hydrate the scalp, which can help reduce dryness and flaking—both of which can lead to premature color fading.
Avoid clarifying shampoos, which can cause your color to fade faster by stripping your hair of its natural oils. Instead, opt for a gentle cleansing shampoo with added nourishing ingredients, like keratin and silk, to keep your locks healthy and vibrant.
Some color-safe shampoos even include reparative ingredients that make the dye last longer. Olaplex, for example, is a go-to in-salon treatment that colorists use before coloring your hair, as well as a highly rated at-home product. This sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner is an excellent pick, as it rebuilds the broken bonds in your hair that break during the coloring process so your hair can absorb the color better.
Limiting how often you wash can also help your hair stay bright and shiny. Try to only wash your hair twice a week, or as needed (particularly if you have fine or oily hair). In between washes, try using a dry shampoo to keep your strands from looking oily and greasy.
Related Post
