Having color treated hair can be a lot of work to maintain. Using the wrong shampoo can cause your expensive color service to fade quickly. Choosing a shampoo specifically formulated for color treated hair is key to keeping your color looking vibrant for as long as possible.
What to Look for in a Color Safe Shampoo
When shopping for a shampoo to use on color treated hair, there are a few key ingredients and properties to look for:
- Sulfate-free – Sulfates are harsh detergents commonly found in shampoos. They strip color from hair, so opting for a sulfate-free formula is best.
- Moisturizing ingredients – Color treated hair tends to be drier, so look for ingredients like oils, butters, aloe vera and glycerin that add hydration.
- UV filters – UV rays can also cause color fade, so shampoos with UV filters help provide some protection.
- Sealing agents – Ingredients like silicones can help smooth and seal the cuticle to lock in color.
- Anti-fade formulas – Many brands now formulate shampoos specifically to prevent color fading.
Reviews of the Top Color Safe Shampoos
With all of the color safe shampoos available, it can be tricky to know which one will work best for your hair’s needs. To help narrow it down, here are reviews of some top options:
Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo
Key Features: Sulfate free, violet pigments to brighten blonde and silver tones, lemon and ginger extracts to preserve brightness
This shampoo is a favorite for keeping blonde and silver hair looking crisp and bright. The violet pigments help neutralize brassiness, while moisturizing ingredients like lychee, edelweiss flower and watermelon extract prevent dryness. It has a pleasant citrus scent and produces a rich lather. The formula is gentle enough for daily use.
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Key Features: Sulfate- and salt-free, amino ionic complex helps adhere color to the hair, jojoba oil adds moisture
This shampoo lives up to its name and acts like a magnet, using opposite charges to attract color pigments to adhere to the hair stronger and longer. It keeps color looking vibrant for up to 30 washes. The formula is gentle enough for daily washing and leaves hair soft and manageable.
Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo
Key Features: Sulfate-, paraben- and mineral oil-free. Contains keravis protein and antioxidants.
This shampoo strengthens and softens while preserving hair color. The keravis protein reinforces weak spots to prevent breakage and loss of color. Antioxidants protect against environmental stressors. It has a light, clean scent and cleans effectively while keeping hair in optimal condition.
Moroccanoil Color Continue Shampoo
Key Features: Sulfate-free, argan oil, keratin, antioxidants
This sulfate-free shampoo is enriched with antioxidant-rich argan oil to nourish hair and lock in color. Keratin helps strengthen strands and prevent breakage that can cause color to fade. It has a light, Moroccanoil-scented formula that produces a gentle lather and leaves hair shiny.
Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Shampoo
Key Features: Sulfate-, silicone- and paraben-free. Contains rosehip, coconut and argan oils. Vegan and cruelty-free.
This shampoo is packed with nourishing oils and hydrating glycerin to combat the dryness that comes with color treated hair. It smooths, conditions and enhances shine to keep color looking rich. The light tropical scent comes from natural ingredients. It lathers gently and rinses clean.
How to Make Your Color Last
Using a color safe shampoo is a great start, but there are some additional things you can do to preserve your color treated hair:
- Wash less frequently – Limit washes to every 2-3 days if possible.
- Rinse with cool water – Hot water can open the cuticle causing color to wash out.
- Use conditioner – Hydrating and sealing the cuticle helps lock in color.
- Protect from sun – Use hats, scarves and UV protecting products.
- Get occasional gloss treatments – These refresh fading color between salon visits.
- Use lower heat – Limit use of hot tools that can dry out hair and fade color.
- Get trims – Regular trims remove dry ends and keep color looking fresher.
Conclusion
Finding the right color safe shampoo for your hair is an important step in maintaining vibrant, shiny color treated hair. Look for options that are sulfate-free and contain moisturizing oils and proteins. Pair your shampoo with conditioner and other protecting products to get the most longevity out of your color. With the right regimen, you can keep your color looking salon fresh.
| Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo | Sulfate free, violet pigments, moisturizing extracts |
| Redken Color Extend Magnetics | Sulfate- and salt-free, amino ionic complex, jojoba oil |
| Pureology Strength Cure | Sulfate-, paraben- and mineral oil-free, keravis protein, antioxidants |
| Moroccanoil Color Continue | Sulfate-free, argan oil, keratin, antioxidants |
| Briogeo Farewell Frizz | Sulfate-, silicone- and paraben-free, nourishing oils, glycerin |
