With the wide variety of hair care products on the market, it can be tricky to know which ones are safe to use on color-treated hair. Nexxus is a popular salon-quality hair care brand that offers shampoos, conditioners, treatments, and styling products. But are Nexxus products actually safe for colored hair?
An Overview of Nexxus Hair Products
Nexxus was founded in 1979 with the goal of combining advanced science and luxury ingredients to create professional hair products. The brand offers several collections for different hair needs and types, including:
- Nexxus Color Assure – Designed to cleanse and protect color-treated hair
- Nexxus Keraphix – Focuses on rebuilding and strengthening damaged hair
- Nexxus Humectress – Infuses hair with moisture for shiny, silky hair
- Nexxus Promend – Fortifies hair and prevents breakage
- Nexxus Diametress – Adds volume and body for fine, flat hair
Within these collections, Nexxus has shampoos, conditioners, masques, serums, and styling products like mousse and hair spray. Most Nexxus formulas are sulfate-free and contain proteins and botanical ingredients.
Are Nexxus Products Color Safe?
When looking at the full range of Nexxus hair products, the majority of them are advertised as color safe and gentle enough for chemically treated hair. Here’s a breakdown of some key products and collections:
Nexxus Color Assure
The Nexxus Color Assure collection is specifically formulated for color-treated hair. The shampoo and conditioner cleanse hair while helping to preserve vibrant color and protect against fading. The key ingredients include:
- Acacia Protein – Strengthens and fortifies hair
- Wild Orchid Extract – Locks in moisture and color pigment
- UV Filters – Help shield hair from color-damaging sun exposure
Nexxus Blonde Assure
The Nexxus Blonde Assure line is designed for lightened, highlighted, and blonde hair. The purple shampoo and conditioner aim to neutralize brassiness and keep blonde and silver tones bright. They contain:
- Violet Pigments – Counteract yellow tones
- Black Orchid Extract – Conditions and moisturizes
Nexxus Keraphix & Nexxus Humectress
The Keraphix and Humectress collections are focused on damaged, brittle hair in need of repair. Both contain proteins and moisturizing ingredients to strengthen strands and improve elasticity without weighing hair down. These products are safe for color-treated hair.
Nexxus Heat Protexx
The Nexxus Heat Protexx styling collection shields hair from damage caused by hot tools up to 450°F. This allows you to safely straighten, curl, or blow dry color-treated hair while minimizing fading. The product line includes:
- Heat Protexx Styling Foam
- Heat Protexx Thermal Serum
- Heat Protexx Heat Protection Mist
Product Ingredients to Avoid
While most Nexxus products are fine for color-treated hair, there are a few ingredients that should be avoided if you want to maintain vivid, long-lasting color:
| Ingredient | Why Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sulfates (SLS, SLES) | Can strip color faster |
| Alcohol | Can be drying and cause color to fade |
| Salt | Excessive amounts remove color |
| Chlorine | Found in tap water, can oxidize and fade hair dye |
When checking the ingredients list on Nexxus products, be wary of the above. Some Nexxus formulas do contain alcohol or sulfates. For best results, look for their sulfate-free, alcohol-free options.
How to Use Nexxus Products for Color-Treated Hair
To get the most out of Nexxus haircare and keep your color vibrant, follow these tips:
- Shampoo less frequently, only 1-2 times per week to prevent drying and fading
- Use cool water instead of hot when washing and rinsing hair
- Apply Nexxus conditioner generously and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing out
- Blot wet hair with a towel instead of rubbing vigorously
- Let hair air dry instead of blow drying when possible
- Use a heat protectant before hot tool styling
- Rinse with a vinegar solution (1 tbsp vinegar per 1 cup water) every few weeks
Reviews of Nexxus Products on Color-Treated Hair
Looking at reviews can provide helpful insight into real people’s experiences using Nexxus haircare on colored hair. Here are some firsthand takes:
Nexxus Color Assure
“I’ve been using the Nexxus Color Assure shampoo and conditioner for about 6 months now and love it. I have long, highlighted hair that tends to get brassy fast but these really do help keep the brassiness at bay and my color bright.” – Mary T. (Influenster)
“I have naturally dark hair that I highlight blonde. This shampoo leaves my hair shiny and clean without drying it out. It smells amazing too! It’s helped the brighter pieces of my hair from getting dingy.” – Valeria R. (Amazon)
Nexxus Blonde Assure
“Love this purple shampoo! I’m a natural blonde but get highlights in the summer and this has been great for keeping my hair cool-toned and icy blonde, not brassy at all. A little goes a long way too.” – Leah M. (Influenster)
“I was skeptical about purple shampoo making a difference but the Nexxus Blonde Assure shampoo and conditioner really do tone down the brassiness in my highlights. My hair always looks so shiny and healthy after using.” – Jen W. (Amazon)
Nexxus Keraphix
“Keraphix is my holy grail product for damaged hair. I bleach and color treat my hair often and this helps restore it between appointments. Leaves hair soft and moisturized and really reduces breakage.” – Sal M. (Influenster)
“I absolutely love the Nexxus Keraphix conditioner. My stylist uses it after highlighting treatments and I always purchase some to use at home. It really helps rebuild my hair and makes it silky smooth.” – Danielle R. (Amazon)
The Bottom Line
Overall, Nexxus hair products are considered to be a good, safe option for color-treated and highlighted hair. Many of the formulas are free of harsh sulfates and contain ingredients like proteins and uv filters to actively preserve dye and protect strands.
The collections designed specifically for color maintenance, like Nexxus Color Assure and Nexxus Blonde Assure, are great choices. The Nexxus Keraphix and Humectress lines are also safe for daily use on colored hair. Just be mindful of products that contain high amounts of alcohol or sulfates.
When used properly by limiting washing and heat styling, Nexxus products can help keep color vibrant and hair healthy. The majority of customer reviews back up the brand’s claims of being gentle enough for chemically treated hair.