Hair coloring shampoos have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient way to cover grey hairs or experiment with different hair colors without the hassle and expense of visiting a salon. But how well do they actually work, and are they a good option for your hair?
How does hair coloring shampoo work?
Hair coloring shampoos work by depositing temporary or semi-permanent hair dye onto your strands as you shampoo. They typically use lower levels of developers and ammonia than permanent hair color, so the color molecules only coat the outer hair shaft rather than penetrating into the inner cortex. This means the color will wash out over several weeks as your hair grows out.
Most shampoo hair dyes work best on light or pre-lightened hair. The color results will be more vibrant and long-lasting on pale blonde and gray hair. On darker hair, the shades will appear more sheer and subtle. The color won’t lift or lighten your original shade. It will simply add a tint or tone over the top.
What are the pros of hair coloring shampoo?
There are several potential benefits that make hair coloring shampoo an appealing option for many people:
- Convenience – You can color your hair in the comfort of your own home and avoid the time and expense of going to a salon. Application is quick and easy while shampooing.
- Lower commitment – The color washes out gradually after 4-6 weeks. This allows you to experiment with different temporary colors without a long-term commitment.
- Damage control – With no peroxide or ammonia, hair coloring shampoos are gentler on hair than permanent dyes. They won’t strip away your natural pigment or require a touch-up as your roots grow in.
- Subtle results – The colors tend to look more natural, uniform and understated compared to permanent hair dye.
- Cost – At around $10-20 per application, it’s far cheaper than getting your hair colored professionally.
What are the cons of hair coloring shampoo?
While hair coloring shampoos offer perks like convenience and damage control, there are some downsides to consider:
- Temporary color – The color fades out after 4-6 weeks and needs to be reapplied. This can become high-maintenance if you want an ongoing result.
- Less predictable results – Home application means the end result can be patchy. It’s harder to evenly distribute through all your hair compared to salon application.
- Color limitations – You can only achieve natural-looking hues. Vibrant fashion shades like bright red, pink or blue aren’t possible.
- Color build-up – Subsequent applications can cause subtle color build-up. Using a clarifying shampoo occasionally is recommended.
- Skin staining – The dye can temporarily stain your skin if you aren’t careful during rinsing.
Application tips for best results
Follow these tips to get the most even, long-lasting color results from your hair coloring shampoo:
- Wear gloves during application to avoid skin staining on your hands.
- Start with dry, unwashed hair for maximum color uptake.
- Divide hair into sections and saturate each thoroughly, massaging the shampoo in.
- Leave the shampoo on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing – don’t just wash straight out.
- Rinse hair with cool water and until the water runs clear.
- Repeat the process if a more intense shade is desired.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo and cold water washes to make the color last longer.
- Reapply the shampoo as soon as you notice the color starting to fade.
Can hair coloring shampoo damage your hair?
Most semi-permanent hair coloring shampoos are free from harsh chemicals like peroxide and ammonia, making them gentler than permanent dye. However, overuse can still weaken and dry out your hair over time. Here are some risks to be aware of:
- Frequent color stripping and reapplication can cause subtle damage to the cuticle.
- Some formulas may contain low levels of peroxide to help the color deposit.
- Alcohol is sometimes added to hair dye shampoos as a drying agent.
- Certain pigments like red and black can be abrasive to the hair shaft.
- If you overlap the product on previously colored areas, it can penetrate into damaged spots.
To keep your hair healthy, limit use to once every 4-6 weeks, do an occasional deep conditioning treatment and switch between two shades rather than repeatedly using the same one.
Ingredients to be aware of
Check the ingredients list on hair coloring shampoos to avoid any harsh chemicals:
- Ammonia – Found in permanent hair dye. Can cause irritation and damage.
- Peroxide – Bleaching agent in permanent color. Can weaken and dry hair.
- Parabens – Preservatives that can cause skin reactions.
- Fragrance – Fragrances and perfumes can irritate the scalp.
Opt for ammonia-free, peroxide-free formulas with plant-based ingredients and no parabens or synthetic fragrance. Always patch test any new products before wider use.
Types of hair coloring shampoos
There are a few different types and formulas of coloring shampoos to choose from:
- Temporary washable dye – Coats the outer cuticle only. Lasts 1-2 shampoos.
- Semi-permanent deposit-only dye – Stains the cuticle for 4-6 weeks. Ammonia-free.
- Demi-permanent conditioning dye – Penetrates a little deeper for longer lasting color. Low ammonia.
- Progressive build-up dye – Gradual color enhancer for natural looking results. Used regularly.
Temporary and demi-permanent dyes are the gentlest options. Progressive shampoos can work well for maintaining color between salon appointments.
Top hair coloring shampoo brands
Some top brands for hair coloring shampoos include:
- Clairol Natural Instincts
- L’Oreal Paris Coloriste
- John Frieda Precision Foam Colour
- Schwarzkopf Live Color
- Madison Reed Root Touch Up
- Overtone Color Conditioner
- Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash
- Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream
- Splat Rebellious Colors Washable Hair Color
- Adore Semi-Permanent Shampoo Hair Color
Do your research to find a brand that offers quality ingredients and your desired shade results. Read reviews and watch application videos for the best advice.
How to remove hair color from shampoo
Although semi-permanent, hair coloring shampoo doesn’t wash out instantly. Here are some tips for removing it more quickly:
- Use a clarifying or color-stripping shampoo containing sulfates to fade the shade.
- Make a baking soda paste and massage through your hair, then rinse. Repeat as needed.
- Create an anti-color wash using vitamin C powder or tablets dissolved in shampoo.
- Try a swim in chlorinated pool water – the chemicals help remove hair dye.
- Use an ammonia-free bleach bath on your strands to carefully lift out the color.
- Book a color removal service at a salon for a deeper cleanse if needed.
Removing hair color shampoo can take multiple washes. Be patient and gradual with the process to avoid excessive drying and damage to your hair.
How to maintain hair coloring shampoo
Once you’ve colored your hair with shampoo dye, follow these tips to make it last as long as possible:
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and cool water rinses.
- Wash hair less frequently, around 2-3 times per week.
- Rinse with a vinegar solution after washing to seal cuticles.
- Protect hair from chlorine, saltwater and sun exposure.
- Use a leave-in conditioner and hydrating hair mask.
- Avoid using heat tools at high temperatures.
- Touch up your roots with more shampoo as needed.
With proper aftercare, you can extend the longevity of your temporary hair color and keep your strands healthy.
Should you see a professional?
Hair coloring shampoo has its place for quick, temporary color touch-ups between salon visits. But for complete hair transformations or complicated coloring jobs, seeing a licensed colorist is recommended. Here’s when you may want to book a salon appointment instead:
- If you want vivid, bright or multi-tone hair color results.
- If you need to pre-lighten your hair before applying color.
- If you want a dramatic change like platinum blonde or jet black.
- If you want highlights, ombre, balayage, or a root shadow.
- If your color has turned brassy or uneven from DIY dying.
- If you need advice selecting the most flattering shades for your skin tone.
The professional expertise, product selection and technical technique will be worth the investment. But for lower maintenance touch-ups, hair coloring shampoo can be a handy helper.
The bottom line
Overall, hair coloring shampoo can be a fun, affordable and damage-controlled way to experiment with different temporary colors. While the results won’t be as dramatic or perfected as a pro dye-job, the shades can nicely enhance your natural color and cover grays. Taking the proper steps to apply, maintain and remove the color will help keep your hair healthy.
For natural-looking, semi-permanent results without a drastic commitment, hair coloring shampoos offer a beginner-friendly and damage-controlled coloring option. But for special occasions or advanced coloring needs, seeking professional help is advised. Either way, take your lifestyle needs, hair health and desired results into account when deciding if hair coloring shampoo is the right choice for you.
