12 Best Shampoos That Help Preserve Color-Treated Hair

12 Best Shampoos That Help Preserve Color-Treated Hair

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Whether you’re dyeing your hair at home or the at the salon, achieving your dream shade is no easy feat. It takes time and requires regular maintenance. However, an adequate haircare routine with a color-safe shampoo can buy you time between salon visits and help extend the life of your color, says Fae Norris, a hairstylist at Rock Paper Salon in Los Angeles. "The leading causes for color being stripped quickly is shampooing too frequently and using products that are high in sulfates too often, which is what produces lather," she explains.

Our Top Picks

  • 1Chroma Absolu Shampoo

    Best for Medium and Thick Hair

    Kérastase Chroma Absolu Shampoo

    $42 at Sephora$42 at SephoraRead more

  • 2Color Assure Shampoo

    Best Long-Lasting

    Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo

    $13 at Amazon$13 at AmazonRead more

  • 3Nounou Shampoo

    Best Sulfate-Free

    Nounou Shampoo

    $34 at Amazon$34 at AmazonRead more

  • 4Color Protect Daily Shampoo

    Best for Fading Hair

    Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Shampoo

    $14 at Ulta Beauty$14 at Ulta BeautyRead more

  • 5Colour Protect Shampoo

    Best for Shine

    SACHAJUAN Colour Protect Shampoo

    $28 at Amazon$28 at AmazonRead more

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"While the lather helps to deep clean, using it too frequently does a number on color treatments," she says. Your best bet is finding sulfate-free shampoos that also hydrate to help keep the color strong for as long as possible. However, if you love the feel of a rich sudsy lather, just make sure not to use it every wash day and instead alternate it with a color-preserving formula. No matter what haircolor—from bright red to blonde hue—or texture you have, stylists say these are the best shampoos for color-treated hair.

1Best for Medium and Thick Hair

Kérastase Chroma Absolu Shampoo

Chroma Absolu Shampoo 1Best for Medium and Thick Hair

Kérastase Chroma Absolu Shampoo

$42 at SephoraCredit: KérastasePros

  • ProRepairs damage

Cons

  • ConIt’s pricey for a shampoo

Try this sulfate-free shampoo, says Dana Tizzio, a hairstylist at Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City. "It’s safe and gentle enough for even the most highly damaged, sensitive hair, plus it smells amazing," she says.

2Best Long-Lasting

Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo

Color Assure Shampoo 2Best Long-Lasting

Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo

Now 16% Off$13 at Amazon$18 at Ulta BeautyCredit: NexxusPros

  • ProKeeps color bright up to 40 washes

Cons

  • ConMight feel drying on fine hair

Get long-lasting results with this formula that infuses a blend of proteins and quinoa to preserve color vibrancy. It keeps color bright for up to 40 washes.

3Best Sulfate-Free

Nounou Shampoo

Nounou Shampoo3Best Sulfate-Free

Nounou Shampoo

$34 at Amazon$34 at Nordstrom$20 at belk.comCredit: DavinesPros

  • ProGentle formula

Cons

  • ConMight feel heavy for very fine hair

Even though it’s a sulfate-free shampoo, this formula lathers exceptionally well and performs with a wide variety of hair types, says Norris. And although it’s gentle enough to preserve color, it still cleans effectively.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best for Fading Hair

Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Shampoo

Color Protect Daily Shampoo4Best for Fading Hair

Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Shampoo

$14 at Ulta Beauty$17 at JCPenneyCredit: Paul MitchellPros

  • ProProtects against UV rays

Cons

  • ConNot meant for everyday use because of sulfates

A hydrating and strengthening shampoo that not only protects color but also contains sunflower extract to shield strands from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, says Eliut Rivera, hairstylist and owner of Eliut Salon.

5Best for Shine

SACHAJUAN Colour Protect Shampoo

Colour Protect Shampoo5Best for Shine

SACHAJUAN Colour Protect Shampoo

$28 at Amazon$32 at Saks Fifth Avenue$31 at Neiman MarcusCredit: SACHAJUANPros

  • ProIncreases smoothness and shine

Cons

  • ConSome reviewers wish it came in a larger bottle

To promote lasting color, this shampoo has tons of antioxidants, as well as UV protection to keep hair from turning brassy, says Trey Gillen, a stylist at Ceron Hair Studio in Houston. It also helps leave hair more hydrated, smooth, and shiny, he says.

6Best Moisturizing

Sebastian Dark Oil Lightweight Shampoo

Dark Oil Lightweight Shampoo6Best Moisturizing

Sebastian Dark Oil Lightweight Shampoo

$20 at Ulta BeautyCredit: SebastianPros

  • ProJojoba and argan oils moisturize hair

Cons

  • ConIf you don’t like musky scents, you may not like this formula

Protect color from stripping or fading with this formula that contains jojoba and argan oils for an added boost of hydration, says Jackie Wright, an artistic designer at Salon Eva Michelle in Boston.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best for Blondes

UNITE Blonda Shampoo

Blonda Shampoo7Best for Blondes

UNITE Blonda Shampoo

$35 at Amazon$35 at Dermstore$35 at SkinstoreCredit: UNITEPros

  • ProProtects blonde hair from fading and turning brassy

Cons

    This purple shampoo contains special pigments that help preserve blonde hair, without over-toning or making blonde hair look gray, says celebrity stylist Graham Nation.

    8Best for Fine Hair

    Wella Invigo Brilliance Shampoo for Fine Hair

    Invigo Brilliance Shampoo for Fine Hair8Best for Fine Hair

    Wella Invigo Brilliance Shampoo for Fine Hair

    $20 at Ulta BeautyCredit: WellaPros

    • ProDoesn’t weigh hair down

    Cons

    • ConNot meant for everyday use because of sulfates

    Copper encapsulating molecules maintain vibrancy, while vitamin E helps protect against fading, says celebrity stylist Michelle Cleveland. The formula also contains lime caviar, which has restorative protein, antioxidants, and vitamins.

    9Best for Red Hair

    Joico Color Infuse Shampoo and Conditioner Set

    Color Infuse Shampoo and Conditioner Set9Best for Red Hair

    Joico Color Infuse Shampoo and Conditioner Set

    $43 at AmazonCredit: JoicoPros

    • ProProtects all types of red hair

    Cons

    • ConSome reviewers say it can be drying

    This duo—a favorite of Amazon reviewers—works together to preserve any shade of red, from carrot cake to auburn, plus tame frizz and add shine.

    Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Best Drugstore

    Herbal Essences Color Me Happy Shampoo

    Color Me Happy Shampoo 10Best Drugstore

    Herbal Essences Color Me Happy Shampoo

    $8 at AmazonCredit: Herbal EssencesPros

    • ProAffordable

    Cons

    • ConNot meant for everyday use because of sulfates

    Though this shampoo does have sulfates for lather, it’s infused with ingredients that don’t strip hair oils and helps retain color, says Norris. It’s a great—and widely available—budget-friendly pick.

    11Best for Thinning Hair

    shu uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo for Damaged Hair

    Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo for Damaged Hair 11Best for Thinning Hair

    shu uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo for Damaged Hair

    $52 at SephoraCredit: shu uemuraPros

    • ProPromotes fullness

    Cons

    • ConIt’s expensive compared to other options on this list

    If you have fine or thinning hair, Tizzio recommends this lightweight shampoo, since it promotes volume and fullness. It’s also a great choice for anyone with split ends resulting from too much color, she says.

    12Best Vegan

    EVO Ritual Salvation Repairing Shampoo

    Ritual Salvation Repairing Shampoo12Best Vegan

    EVO Ritual Salvation Repairing Shampoo

    $32 at AmazonCredit: EVOPros

    • ProReduces frizz and damage

    Cons

    • ConSome reviewers don’t like the watery texture

    This vegan, sulfate-free shampoo works to repair the hair from damage done due to lightening, says Bryant Anthony, an advanced designer at Salon Eva Michelle in Boston.

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