Having color-treated or chemically treated hair can be damaging to your hair’s health. The coloring and chemical processes often leave hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Using the right shampoo is crucial for keeping colored and treated hair looking vibrant and healthy. In this article, we will discuss what to look for in a shampoo for color-treated and chemically treated hair, and provide recommendations for top shampoos in this category.
What to Look for in Shampoos for Treated Hair
When shopping for a shampoo for color-treated or chemically treated hair, there are a few key ingredients and features you’ll want to look for:
- Sulfate-free – Sulfates are cleansing agents commonly found in shampoos. However, they can be harsh and strip color from treated hair. Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free formula.
- pH balanced – A pH balanced shampoo has a neutral pH around 5.5, which is ideal for maintaining your hair’s protective lipid layer and preventing damage.
- Moisturizing ingredients – Treated hair often needs extra moisture. Look for nourishing ingredients like oils, butters, proteins, and glycerin.
- UV filters – UV rays can fade hair color. Formulas with UV filters help protect against color fading.
- Vitamins and antioxidants – Vitamins like B5 and E, along with antioxidants, repair damage and keep hair healthy.
- Lightweight formulas – Heavy, creamy shampoos can weigh down fine, treated hair. Look for lightweight moisture that won’t leave buildup.
Reviews of Top Shampoos for Treated Hair
With an understanding of what makes a good shampoo for color-treated and chemically treated hair, let’s take a look at some top options on the market:
Ouai Color Shampoo
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Ouai’s Color Shampoo is a top choice for nourishing hair while locking in color. It’s free of sulfates and uses a blend of gentle cleansers to avoid stripping hair. The formula includes shea butter, jojoba oil, and abyssinian oil to leave hair soft and healthy. Users say this shampoo keeps vivid colors from fading quickly and leaves hair feeling clean yet moisturized.
Briogeo Color Balance Purple Shampoo
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The Briogeo Color Balance Purple Shampoo is great for toning down unwanted warm, brassy tones in color-treated blonde and grey hair. It contains violet pigments to neutralize brassiness and enhance color. Quinoa extract provides protein to strengthen strands. The gel-like texture rinses cleanly without buildup. This is gentle enough to use on natural hair as well. Just be careful not to overuse if your hair is prone to dryness.
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo
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Redken’s Color Extend Magnetics shampoo is a salon-quality option designed to preserve hair color and vibrancy. It’s formulated without sulfates or salts that cause color to fade. The key ingredient, citric acid, helps seal the hair cuticle to lock in color molecules. It also contains antioxidants and hydrators to repair damage from chemical treatments. Users say this leaves hair feeling clean and smooth while prolonging time between color appointments.
Tips for Washing Color-Treated Hair
In addition to choosing the right shampoo, following some best practices for washing color-treated and chemically treated hair can help maintain the health and color:
- Wash with cool or lukewarm water, not hot, to avoid fading color.
- Shampoo roots only and use conditioner from mid-lengths to ends.
- Rinse with cool water and avoid rubbing hair vigorously when washing.
- Limit shampooing to 2-3 times per week max to prevent drying hair out.
- Use a heat protectant before heat styling to minimize damage.
- Get a deep conditioning hair mask for weekly repairing treatments.
Conclusion
Shampoos designed specifically for color and chemically treated hair can help keep your locks looking vibrant and feeling soft and healthy. Look for formulas free of harsh sulfates with ingredients like oils, antioxidants, and UV filters to nourish hair and protect color. Ouai Color Shampoo, Briogeo Color Balance Purple Shampoo, and Redken Color Extend Magnetics are excellent salon-quality options. Combine the right shampoo with proper hair washing practices, and you’ll get the most out of your color and treatments.