Colored hair fades with time. That’s just a super sad fact of life.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! If you want your color to last longer, then you should only use products that are kind to colored hair. So what is the best shampoo for colored hair?
Well, that’s why we’re here. Shampoos for colored hair are shampoos designed specifically to look after dyed locks and keep them looking vibrant for longer.
They’re formulated with kinder and less harsh ingredients and help to keep your hair color bright and beautiful for as long as possible.
In short, they will make sure that your hair dye lasts – no matter what kind of dye job you’ve got going on right now!
Whether it’s red, blue, black or silver, permanent or semi-permanent…these shampoos will help lock in all those gorgeous colors so even when they fade (which they always do) at least they’ll stay nice and bright instead of ending up dull.
Let’s go!
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Table of Contents
- TOP PICK!
- Label.m Color Stay Shampoo
- What is the best shampoo for colored hair?
- Best shampoos for coloured hair at a glance.
- #1 Argan oil of Morocco shampoo
- #2. Label.m Color Stay Shampoo
- #3.Garnier Fructis Shampoo Color Sheild
- #4.Kerastase Reflection Bain Chromatique.
- #5.Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Shampoo
- #6.Paul Mitchell Color Care Shampoo.
- #7. Bumble and Bumble Color Minded
- TOP PICK!
- Label.m Color Stay Shampoo
- Which Shampoo Should I Use?
- Buyer’s guide: How to choose the right shampoo for you.
- The best shampoo for colored hair FAQs
- What is shampoo for colored hair?
- Why do I need shampoo for colored hair?
- Shampoo ingredients that are no good for colored hair.
- What shampoo should not be used on colored hair?
- Parting words
TOP PICK!
Label.m Color Stay Shampoo
Best for: Longer lasting color.
We gave this a go after falling in love with Label M’s Protein Spray.
Like the spray, it transforms your bathroom into a luxurious spa experience with it’s relaxing notes of jasmine and vanilla.
It also didn’t foam up too much but left no residue in our hair. Color felt vibrant for longer. This tops the list for us.
Pros
- Extends time between hairdresser visits.
- Leaves hair glossy and attractive.
- Easily accessible for at-home use.
- Recommended by professionals.
- Provides good value for the price.
- Helps hair dye absorb better into the hair.
- Transforms bathroom experience with a luxurious scent.
- Leaves no residue in the hair.
- Keeps hair color vibrant for longer
Cons
- Some people may not like the lack of foam.
- The scent, while pleasant for some, might not be to everyone’s liking.
- Could potentially cause build-up affecting hair dye absorption for some hair types.
What is the best shampoo for colored hair?
Hang tight! We’re here with the best product we’d recommend to keep your color in tip-top condition!
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Best shampoos for coloured hair at a glance.
| Shampoo | Looks like | Best for | Rating | Buy now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo |  | Nourishing oils and fab smell. |  | |
| Label m Color Stay Shampoo |  | Keep colour looking luscious for longer. |  | |
| Garnier Fructis Shampoo Color Resist |  | Auburn and redder shades of hair. |  | |
| Kerastase Reflection Bain Chromatique |  | Thicker hair and softness. | | |
| Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo |    | Moisturising. Good for curls/frizzy hair. | | |
| Paul Mitchell Color Care Shampoo |  | Protection and prevention. | | |
| Bumble & Bumble Color Minded |  | Great cleansing with gentle ingredients. | |
#1 Argan oil of Morocco shampoo
Features & ingredients
- A precious blend that’s infused with Argan Oil sourced straight from the ancient land of Morocco.
- Rich and creamy shampoo that will help protect, restore and nourish your hair leaving it super soft and shiny.
- It’s a best-selling shampoo that gives life to your hair and renews it with the sweet smell of fragrant oils.
Reviewers say:
“I have curly hair and this is one of the few shampoos that don’t make it look dull and lifeless! Since using this I’ve used a few OGX products and they never let me down.”
“I use this along with the conditioner and I can honestly say I felt the difference in a matter of days. It’s so cheap it really does wonders for the money.”
“My hair does feel so much softer after using this. My friend recommending it after trying it too and raved about it. I used the oil and my dyed hair was as not tangled as it usually is.”
Our experience:
It’s good on price and smells amazing. It doesn’t lather much but that’s common for color shampoos.
Go for it if you want great value for money.
Best for: Colored hair care on a budget.
#2. Label.m Color Stay Shampoo
Features & ingredients
- Label M Color Stay Shampoo boasts an expert blend of Wheat and Soy Proteins, Hydrolysed Silk, and Sunflower extracts.
- It is designed to seal and protect your color thanks to something called ‘Heliogenol’ that combats color fading.
- It also has invented the Enviroshield Complex which means your hair is also protected against heat styling and UV rays.
Reviewers say:
“I’ve been using this for years and find it does indeed extend my time between hairdresser visits. My hair is always really glossy and I get people commenting on how glossy it looks.”
“My hairdresser uses this one in the salon and I was surprised it was one I could easily get myself. She says it’s the one to use at home. It’s great value really happy with my purchase.”
“This is the fifth time I’ve bought this and I love it! I was having trouble with hair dye not taking well to my hair and my hairdresser said this would create any build up so the dye could be absorbed. She was right!”
Our experience:
We gave this a go after falling in love with Label M’s Protein Spray.
Like the spray, it transforms your bathroom into a luxurious spa experience with it’s relaxing notes of jasmine and vanilla.
It also didn’t foam up too much but left no residue in our hair. Color felt vibrant for longer.
Best for: Longer lasting color.
#3.Garnier Fructis Shampoo Color Sheild
Features & ingredients:
- Nourishes and protects hair to keep color and shine.
- Contains extracts of grapefruit oil and acacia berries.
- It’s bursting with ‘Active Micro Captors’ which are super absorbent and strengthen your hair when it’s wet.
- Allows long lasting color for colored and highlighted hair.
- Shine properties to keep you gleaming.
Reviewers say:
“I was desperate with my hair being dry and frizzy because I colored it so much and my hairdresser just kept recommending really expensive shampoos but then I tried this! It’s a life saver or hair saver! I love this range now I won’t buy anything else.”
“Nice shampoo , it smells really lovely and I think it does make the color last a bit longer than if I was using a normal shampoo.”
“I’m always amazed how this shampoo and conditioner always enhances my color I would certainly recommend this product.”
Our experience:
This isn’t our fave but it makes the list as it’s particularly good for auburn or redder shades of hair.
Red dye is the pigment that vanishes the fastest, so you need a great shampoo that keeps your hair glossy rather than brassy.
The smell is quite sweet but for the money, its reviews are great.
Best for: Red shades.
#4.Kerastase Reflection Bain Chromatique.
Features & ingredients:
- Kérastase Reflection Bain is lovingly described as a luminous softening hair bath for colored hair.
- It has anti-fading properties that cleans your hair while adding shine and softness.
- Makes thirsty hair feel moisturised, radiant and supple to touch.
- UV protectant against color fade.
Reviewers say:
“I love that this doesn’t strip my color like so many other shampoos I tried. It feels so natural and that’s you’re really looking after your hair and color. My hair is fine and this doesn’t feel too heavy.”
“Amazing. One of the best shampoos in my view for dyed hair. Leaves the hair so light, and with an amazing smell. I have highlighted hair, and very coarse and thin. This is the only product that works for me.”
“Protects hair color and improve shine like nobody’s business!”
Our experience:
We are long time lovers of Kerastase products and anything that contains Keratin is a must for dry, damaged hair. This isn’t an everyday wash, but with color-treated hair you shouldn’t be doing that anyway.
Fine hair may find it heavy but we found it perfect for moisture-starved locks.
Not sure if it kept the color as well as some of the other shampoos in this list, but over time, with better condition hair, hair dye should start to last longer.
Best for: Thicker hair.
#5.Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Shampoo
Features & ingredients:
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Hair Care Collection claims to fortify and renew your colored hair, while supporting healthy growth for all hair types.
- Especially good for chemically treated and heat styled manes.
- The ingredients are all natural, certified organic and ethically sourced.
- Organic Shea Butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins with omega oil that has reparative benefits for hair and scalp.
- Peppermint Oil invigorates and stimulates the scalp’s circulation. Coconut Oil intensely moisturizes hair, while helping to prevent breakage.
Reviewers say:
“My hair was in a bad way after years of dyeing, extensions and highlighting. It was short and broke all the time.
My husband was fed up of all the hair in the shower plug! But WOW I really notice the difference with this. I’m stocking up.”
“I’ve been using for a few weeks now and I love that I has improved the condition of my hair, but also my scalp. It used to be dry and flaky but now feels well moisturised and healthy. A great all rounder.”
“It lathers up really well and hair feels thicker after use. Will definitely be buying again.”
“Why hadn’t I seen this years ago!? Could’ve saved a fortune that I spent on pricier shampoos- this makes my hair feel smooth and sleek, it’s my favourite by far.”
Our experience:
Oh the softness. This made our hair feel silky smooth. It lathered up more than other products and we felt great to not be putting more chemicals in our hair.
No paint stripper feeling so our color lasts longer.
Best for: Moisture and softness.
#6.Paul Mitchell Color Care Shampoo.
Features & ingredients:
- This helps hair color last for longer by containing UV protectors to shield it from the sun.
- Cleanses and moisturises to strengthen your hair and boost its shine.
Reviewers say:
“Me and my best friend love this shampoo (we live together and share it!) It works for my curly hair and it works for her straight hair. We both color our hair so it’s prone to dryness.”
Our experience:
What we love about this is a) it’s price puts it firmly in the category of affordable luxury and b) it’s all about PREVENTION and protection as opposed to just trying to fix already damaged and over-colored hair.
So you can expect it to preserve your hair color the more you use it. A little goes a long way as it foams up good too.
Best for: Protection and prevention.
#7. Bumble and Bumble Color Minded
Features & ingredients:
- Ultra-mild, sulfate free shampoo that protects color integrity and stops your color washing out.
- It cleanses by removing any dulling build-up that can make your hair appear lifeless.
- Its natural ingredients mean it doesn’t strip hair of natural oils.
- Prolongs colour’s vibrancy and maintains colour brilliance.
- Color Minded contains the color preserving complex to help minimize fading effects.
Reviewers say:
“I have thanked my hairdresser for recommending this a thousand times! I do feel that I see her less often because this looks after my color so well. It’s not cheap, but a little really does go a long way. I’m really happy with the results.”
“This does the job of preserving the hair color really well. It’s sulphate free so it’s not sucking the goodness out of my hair like other shampoos.”
Our experience:
This is one for those with fine hair as its super super gentle. It’s pricey but worth it if you want to make the most of your hair color.
Big thumbs up on this one from hairdressers too who think it is one of the best shampoos for dyed hair as it contains no nasty sulphates that strip your color and dry your hair.
Best for: Gentle cleansing for fine hair.
TOP PICK!
Label.m Color Stay Shampoo
Best for: Longer lasting color.
We gave this a go after falling in love with Label M’s Protein Spray. Like the spray, it transforms your bathroom into a luxurious spa experience with it’s relaxing notes of jasmine and vanilla.
It also didn’t foam up too much but left no residue in our hair. Color felt vibrant for longer. This tops the list as the best for colored hair.
Which Shampoo Should I Use?
Buyer’s guide: How to choose the right shampoo for you.
With so many different shampoos available for colored hair, how do you choose the right one? We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to think about:
Consider Your Hair Color:
The first and foremost thing you need to consider is your hair color.
Some shampoos are specifically formulated for certain hair colors to enhance the color and prevent it from fading.
If you have blonde hair, you may prefer a purple shampoo that helps to tone down the brassiness and keep your hair looking cool and bright.
If you have red hair, look for shampoos that are formulated with red pigments to enhance and preserve the color.
Check what color the shampoo is made for before choosing the right one for your shade.
Consider Your Hair Texture:
Another factor to consider is your hair texture.
Colored hair can become dry, brittle, and frizzy due to the chemicals used during the coloring process.
If yours is particularly dry, look for shampoos that are specifically formulated for dry or damaged hair types.
These shampoos contain hydrating ingredients that help to replenish moisture and smooth out the hair cuticles, leaving your hair soft, healthy, and manageable.
Semi-Permanent or Permanent Hair Dye:
The type of hair dye you’ve used is also important.
If you’ve opted for a semi-permanent hair dye that fades out gradually over time, you can probably get away with use a regular shampoo.
But if you’ve gone for a permanent hair dye that’s meant to last longer, it’s important to use a shampoo that’s specifically designed for colored hair to ensure that the color stays vibrant for as long as possible.
Budget:
Lastly, your budget is also a crucial factor when choosing the right shampoo for your colored hair.
High-quality shampoos like ones from Pureology, Olaplex or Kerastase can be expensive, but investing in one can make a huge difference in maintaining the color and health of your hair.
However, if you’re on a budget, look for affordable options like L’Oreal, Bed Head or Garnier that still provide the necessary benefits.
There are plenty of drugstore options available that are formulated specifically for colored hair and are budget-friendly.
The best shampoo for colored hair FAQs
What is shampoo for colored hair?
Think of most shampoos as a paint stripper. The stronger it is, and the more you use, the more the color fades away.
Some are harsher than others (if you ever want to strip your color off – haven’t we all had a dye mishap or two! – use Head & Shoulders shampoo).
Color shampoos are specially formulated to be gentle on color treated hair as they do not contain color stripping chemicals.
There are many brands you’ll know that have a colored shampoo range. There are also brands like Pureology who are dedicated to only to colored hair products.
Which one is right for you depends on things like the shade of your hair, the hair dye you’ve used, the thickness of your hair, how often you wash your hair and of course your budget!
Whatever your wants and needs, we’re here to help you find the right one for you.
Why do I need shampoo for colored hair?
These miracle workers help to prevent fade and protect color-treated hair, keeping it looking luscious for longer.
There are many different types of them out in the market today.
Some specialize on particular needs such as frizz reduction or moisture infusion. Then there’s also those with extra vitamins and healthy ingredients.
They all focus on protecting and preserving your color. So, if you dye your hair, these are the ones for you.
Along with the best conditioners for colored hair, deep conditioners and color protecting products should be a staple part of your colored hair care routine.
Not only will they prolong your hair dye and stop it fading, they’re gentle enough to be kind to hair that’s damaged by regular hair dyeing processes.
Shampoo ingredients that are no good for colored hair.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Petrochemicals
- Parabens
- Alcohol
- Sodium chloride
What shampoo should not be used on colored hair?
Cleansers that contain color-stripping chemicals should not used on dyed hair. You’ll be surprised how many there are!
Anti-dandruff products for instance, are known for being good at removing hair dye color.
That’s because the chemicals used to combat dandruff can also strip hair color.
Some clarifying shampoos can be harsh on your hair and remove the pigment along with impurities and build up.
The safest thing to do is check the ingredients for pigment-eating chemicals.
The easiest and safest thing to do, is use a color-safe shampoo.
Parting words
You deserve a dye job that will look as good the day it’s done, as it does six weeks later.
That’s why we’re here with tips to help you keep your colour looking vibrant for longer.
The more time you spend caring for your new hairstyle, the better result you’ll get when all is said and done!
