Having colored hair can be fun and expressive, but it also requires some extra care to keep the color looking vibrant. Many people wonder if natural shampoos are a good option for colored hair or if they will cause the color to fade faster. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using natural shampoo on colored hair and provide some tips for keeping your color looking great.
How natural shampoos work
Natural shampoos are formulated using plant-derived ingredients like essential oils, herbs, and fruit extracts instead of harsh sulfates, parabens, and other synthetic chemicals. They cleanse hair gently without stripping away natural oils. While this is beneficial for many hair types, it may not provide enough cleansing power to remove all the oils, products, and environmental buildup that can make color fade more quickly.
Many natural shampoos do not contain detergent cleansers known as sulfates. Sulfates help regular shampoos lather up and dissolve oils and product residue. Without sulfates, natural shampoos may allow some residue and oils to remain on the hair, causing subtle dulling of color over time.
Benefits of natural shampoos for colored hair
While natural shampoos may not cleanse as deeply as mainstream shampoos, they do offer some advantages for colored hair:
- Gentle cleansing. The plant oils and extracts are more gentle than sulfates, helping retain moisture and prevent dryness that can cause color to fade.
- Nutrient support. Many natural shampoos contain oils, vitamins, antioxidants, and botanical extracts that nourish and protect hair.
- Less irritation. Those with sensitive scalps may find that natural shampoos cause less irritation and dryness.
- Environmentally friendly. Natural shampoos often use more sustainable, eco-friendly practices in production and packaging.
Drawbacks of natural shampoos for colored hair
While natural shampoos have some advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider for colored hair:
- Less cleansing. Without strong detergents, natural shampoos may allow buildup on the hair that can make color fade faster.
- No color protection. Most do not contain UV filters or other ingredients designed specifically to protect hair color.
- Can cause fading. Certain natural ingredients like lemon, cinnamon, and chamomile can potentially lighten or strip hair color over time.
- Need to shampoo more frequently. To prevent product and oil buildup, you may need to wash more often with a gentle natural shampoo.
Tips for using natural shampoo on colored hair
If you want to use natural shampoo on colored hair, here are some tips to get the best results:
- Look for options specifically formulated for color-treated hair that contain ingredients like sunflower seed oil, green tea extract, and Vitamin E to nourish hair and help retain color.
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove residue. Look for sulfate-free options to be gentler on color.
- Shampoo every 2-3 days instead of less often to prevent buildup.
- Rinse with cool water and use minimal water pressure.
- Gently massage shampoo into a lather instead of scrubbing aggressively.
- Let shampoo sit on hair for 2-3 minutes before rinsing to allow ingredients time to work.
- Use a conditioning mask or treatment once a week to add moisture and help protect color.
- Avoid natural ingredients that can lighten hair like lemon, cinnamon, honey, and chamomile.
- Use a leave-in conditioner or hair serum containing sunscreen to protect color from UV rays.
The Best Natural Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair
If you want to try a natural shampoo formulated specifically for color-treated hair, here are some top options:
| Brand | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| SheaMoisture | Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo | Sulfate-free, shea butter and black castor oil nourish and moisturize |
| Avalon Organics | Nourishing Lavender Shampoo | No sulfates, parabens, or preservatives. Contains lavender essential oil. |
| Acure | Curiously Clarifying Lemongrass Shampoo | Balances oils & removes buildup without sulfates. Lemongrass adds shine. |
| Rainbow Research | Henna Shampoo | Color-safe formula with henna and basil extracts to boost shine |
| Maple Holistics | Natural Purple Hair Shampoo | Keratin, jojoba oil, and sunflower seed oil. Enhances purple and red tones. |
Professional Color-Care Shampoo Options
In addition to natural brands, many professional hair color companies also make shampoos specially formulated to protect color. Some top options include:
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Contains antioxidants, protein, and silicone polymers to detangle, strengthen, and protect color.
- Matrix Total Results So Silver Color Depositing Purple Shampoo: Purple pigments counteract brassiness and brighten cool brunette and blonde tones.
- Schwarzkopf Bonacure Color Freeze Silver Shampoo: Reduces yellow tones and contains glycine and UV filters to shield color.
- Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo: Blue pigments cancel unwanted warm or brassy yellow tones on blonde, silver, or highlighted hair.
- Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo: Sulfate-free formula with coconut oil, antioxidants, and angelica root to remove brassiness.
Caring for Color-Treated Hair Beyond Shampoo
Using a color-protecting shampoo is important, but there are a few other tips that can help keep your colored hair vibrant:
- Use cool water instead of hot when washing hair. Heat opens the cuticle causing color to fade faster.
- Limit use of hot styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. The high heat damages hair and oxidizes color.
- Apply a UV-protectant product when going out in the sun. UV rays catalyze fading.
- Avoid chlorine and saltwater which can strip color. Wet hair with clean water before swimming and use a protective cream.
- Use a nourishing weekly hair mask. Colored hair needs extra moisture to stay healthy and vibrant.
- Get a gloss or glaze service done 4-6 weeks after coloring for refreshed shine and sealing of the cuticle.
- Trim your hair regularly to remove dry split ends which cause color to fade quicker.
The Bottom Line
While natural shampoos can work for colored hair, they may require more frequent washing to prevent buildup and fading. Look for options specifically formulated for color-treated hair or alternate with a color-protecting mainstream shampoo. With the right shampoo regimen plus some additional TLC, you can keep your colorful locks looking beautiful and vibrant.