The 25 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Color-Treated Hair
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Your hair color is gorgeous.
But it seems to wash away all too soon.
Perhaps you’ve noticed that your lustrous locks are drier than usual.
That’s an unfortunate side effect of chemical processing.
That’s why you need the best shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair.
Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner
- Perfect for daily usage
- Contains quinoa and elastin protein
- Chemical free-formula
L’Oréal Paris Hair Care EverPure Moisture Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner
- No salt, parabens or gluten
- Completely eco-friendly and vegan
- Infused with rosemary for a pleasant scent
L’Oréal Paris Hair Care EverPure Frizz Defy Shampoo & Conditioner
- Marula oil usage
- Free of parabens, dyes or other chemicals
- It is the perfect frizz enemy
Can you use regular shampoo on colored hair?
Sure, you can use regular shampoo on colored hair — if you want to damage it.
Hair dye starts slipping away from the fiber as soon as you get it wet (1).
That’s right; just getting caught out in the rain can be a disaster.
Then, if you use a shampoo that has harsh detergents, the color fades faster.
Red hair dye lightens even faster than other shades.
But you can only skip washes and use dry shampoo for so many days.
That’s when it’s time to switch to something gentle and moisturizing.
What kind of shampoo is best for dyed hair?
Color-safe shampoos have less aggressive surfactants – those detergents that wash away oil and dirt.
That means they may not lather up as much. But that’s the only downside.
Many times, they are free of the harsher sulfates like sodium lauryl (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
Moreover, they moisturize and condition each strand.
As a result, less dye runs down the drain. Plus, your hair feels softer and smoother.
Well-conditioned hair is going to hang onto that color for longer.
What conditioner is best for colored hair?
To get the maximum benefits from a color-safe shampoo, use the accompanying conditioner.
They are formulated to work together.
Many times, the conditioner will offer additional features like sunscreen and resistance to damage from heat styling.
And please don’t skip the conditioner as it’s essential for processed hair.
You’ll avoid tangles, frizz, and split ends if you condition regularly.
There’s nothing wrong with deep-conditioning once a week to keep your hair strong and shiny.
Many deep conditioners don’t require extra work. You can use them in the place of your regular conditioner in the shower.
Other tips to make your color treatment last as long as possible
I’m sure your stylist will tell you to hold off on shampooing for three days after dyeing your hair.
This allows the cuticle to close and retain the dye.
Also, when you wash, rinse with lukewarm or cool water. That’s because hot water roughs up the cuticle.
Then blot dry and avoid blow-drying if you don’t need it.
Finally, if you’re outdoors in the sun, wear a hat( 2). Keep the sun off your hair because UV rays will make it fade faster.
But, as you’ve realized, washing is the biggest problem.
Now, let’s discover shampoos and conditioners to protect your color-treated hair.
Top Shampoos and Conditioners for Color-Treated Hair
1. Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner
Product Overview
One of the best salon shampoos for color-treated hair is made by Nexxus.
Color Assure is sulfate-free. It promises to keep the dye vibrant for up to forty washes.
Yes, you can use it every day.
- Rich in essential vitamins
- Moisturizing and nourishing effect
- Contains quinoa and elastin proteins
- Perfect formula for daily usage
But please apply the conditioner each time you shampoo. Let it sit for at least three minutes before you rinse with cool or lukewarm water.
Both formulas contain quinoa and elastin protein. Since hair is mostly protein, this serves to make it more resilient.
Pros
- Repairs damaged hair
- Controls frizziness and split ends
- Works great with color-treated hair
The Cons
- The package might be broken
2. L’Oréal Paris Hair Care EverPure Moisture Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner
Product Overview
My favorite drugstore shampoo for color-treated hair is made by L’Oreal.
Actually, they make more than one kind, and all of them are sulfate-free.
This one is vegan, and it doesn’t have parabens, dyes, or gluten, either.
- Sulfate-free formula
- Moisturizing and nourishing effect
- Only natural ingredients
- Nice, pleasant fragrance
There’s no salt, either. That’s good news as salt can strip color.
The shampoo and conditioner can keep hair dye from fading for up to four weeks.
They’re infused with rosemary, which gives them a pleasant fragrance. It also helps with hair growth.
Pros
- Prevents hair damage
- Keeps fading away for weeks
- Moisturizes and hydrates your scalp and hair
The Cons
- Doesn’t smell so great
3. L’Oréal Paris Hair Care EverPure Frizz Defy Shampoo & Conditioner
Product Overview
If frizz is your enemy, check out this set.
Both products are enriched with marula oil to prevent frizz for up to twenty-four hours.
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Plenty botanicals and natural ingredients
- Marula oil usage
- No harsh chemicals
Both are free of parabens, salts, and sulfates, too.
Pros
- Nourishes hair follicles
- Repairs damaged hair
- Keeps away frizziness
The Cons
- The packaging might be broken
4. L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner
Product Overview
Lose the brassiness and enhance highlights with L’Oreal’s blond shampoo and conditioner.
- Ideal for blonde hair
- Plenty botanicals and natural ingredients
- Rich in vitamins
- Free of sulfates and parabens
They’re free of sulfates, dyes, and parabens.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses and moisturizes
- Leaves no flakes or dandruff
- Keeps the brassiness away
The Cons
- Contains sulfates
5. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner
Product Overview
Once a week, pamper your hair with a deep conditioner.
This one needs just sixty seconds. That means you can use it in the shower instead of your regular conditioner.
- Packed with antioxidants
- Nice and pleasant scent
- Has a deep conditioning effect
- Leaves no frizziness
It’s packed with antioxidants and conditioners to prevent tangles and add shine. It works even if you have fine hair.
After the first use, you should notice a positive difference.
Pros
- Prevents tangles and adds shine
- Deep moisturizing effect
- Works perfect with thin, fine hair
The Cons
- Doesn’t help with extremely dry hair
6. Redken Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner
Product Overview
Redken recently won awards for the Color Extend products.
Both are sulfate-free.
- Only natural ingredients
- With moisturizing natural oils
- Soy protein and arginine
- UV filters and ceramides
They strengthen your hair and scalp with soy protein and arginine. They also have ceramides to seal in moisture.
After you rinse, your hair will still be coated with UV filters to prevent fading in sunlight.
Pros
- Treats and hydrates your hairs
- Protects from heat and sun
- Coats your hair to keep the extra moisture
The Cons
- A bit pricey
7. Hempz Pure Herbal Extracts Blushing Grapefruit & Raspberry Creme Herbal Shampoo & Conditioner
Product Overview
If you love fruity fragrances, the Hempz shampoo and conditioner smell like grapefruit and raspberry cream.
But who buys shampoos based on the scent? (When I was a lot younger, I used to!)
- Plant-based conditioner and shampoo
- Nice, pleasant fragrance
- Grapefruit and raspberry cream
- Packed with nutrients
Happily, it’s not just the fragrance that will get your attention.
Both products are free of sulfates. They have plant-based cleansers and conditioners to make your hair more manageable and radiant.
Pros
- Protects your hair against damage
- Nourishes and moisturizes
- Makes your hair manageable and radiant
The Cons
- Powerful scent
8. TRESemme Shampoo and Conditioner Set, Color Revitalize
Product Overview
Is TRESemme good for color-treated hair?
I get that question a lot.
After all, this is an inexpensive brand.
- Delicious fragrance
- Fruit and flower extracts
- Sulfate-free formula
- Lot’s of nutrients and moisturizers
And they aren’t sulfate-free.
But what matters is the rest of the formula.
Both the shampoo and conditioner have nutrients and moisturizers to protect your hair and scalp.
And they have a delicious fruity and floral scent.
Pros
- Makes dry and weak hair healthy again
- Gives your hair the hydration it needs
- Ensures healthy and good-looking hair follicles
The Cons
- Smell filled with overwhelming perfume
9. GLISS Hair Repair Color Guard Set with Shampoo and Conditioner
Product Overview
The GLISS Color Guard set is mild enough to use every day. They prevent fading for up to twelve weeks.
Part of the magic is a full-spectrum UV filter. It screens out the harmful parts of sunlight.
- Plenty botanicals and natural ingredients
- Full-spectrum UV filter
- Has keratin
- Loaded with vitamins and minerals
The ingredients also smooth the cuticle and strengthen the strands. Keratin technology repairs damage deep into the core of each fiber.
Pros
- Moisturizes and nourishes hair follicles
- Prevents the color from fading
- Makes your hair more healthier
The Cons
- You might not like the scent
10. Goldwell Dualsenses Color Brilliance Shampoo & Conditioner Duo FadeStop Vibrant Protection
Product Overview
If you have naturally oily hair, try Goldwell’s FadeStop shampoo and conditioner.
They left in the sulfates and added willow bark extract.
- Willow bark extract
- Leaves no frizziness
- Works amazing with oily hair
- Ideal for damaged hair
Fortunately, both products have moisturizing and conditioning ingredients, too.
Pros
- Leaves your hair silky smooth and soft
- Has moisturizing and conditioning effects
- Repairs damaged follicles
The Cons
- Has sulfates
11. Herbal Essences Color Me Happy Shampoo & Conditioner
Product Overview
The shampoo and conditioner from Herbal Essences smell like roses.
Both are free of parabens, and the conditioner is free of silicone and mineral oil.
- pH balanced formula
- Works great with sensitive scalps
- Free of silicones and mineral oils
- Smells like fresh roses
They are pH-balanced to protect sensitive scalps as well.
Pros
- Repairs and prevents future damage
- Deeply cleansing effect
- Does a great deal moisturizing
The Cons
- The shampoo has silicones
12. TIGI Bed Head Colour Goddess
Product Overview
It’s fun to express yourself with your hair color.
But it’s rotten when your hair ends up dull and dry as a result.
You can trim off the split ends as often as you want, but your tresses are no longer vibrant.
- Works great with severely dried hair
- Cures split ends
- Works nice with damaged hair
TIGI has the cure.
Their shampoo and conditioner strengthen your locks to stand up to brushing. They add shine and take away tangles.
Pros
- Strengthens and protects your hair follicles
- Adds shine and takes away tangles
- Leads to a silky smooth hair
The Cons
- Contains some chemicals
13. Paul Mitchell Preserve And Protect Color Protect Duo
Product Overview
I’d recommend just about any Paul Mitchell shampoo to someone with chemically-treated hair.
But the Color Protect Duo is enriched with sunflower extract. That makes them extra potent.
- Perfect for color-treated hair
- Provides an UV filter
- Does a great job with chemically-treated hair
- Enriched with sunflower extract
They prevent the sun from fading the color while they moisturize.
Pros
- Moisturizes and reduces itchiness
- Strengthens your hair with extra proteins
- Leaves your hair shinier and better-looking
The Cons
- Doesn’t work great with dried out hair
14. Biolage Colorlast Shampoo
Product Overview
Biolage designed the Colorlast shampoo with a low pH to protect your scalp and color-treated hair.
It’s also free of parabens.
- pH balanced formula
- No chemicals
- Orchid extract for extra moisture
- Only natural ingredients
One of the principal ingredients is orchid, which balances moisture.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes and nourishes your scalp
- Restores and rejuvenates your hair
- Has a low pH to prevent flakes
The Cons
- The package might get broken
15. Biolage Colorlast Conditioner
Product Overview
The Colorlast conditioner is a salon product that repairs damaged hair. It’s also free of parabens.
- Free of sulfates, parabens and other chemicals
- Orchid extract usage
- Deeply hydrating effect
Again, it’s the orchid extract that hydrates and prevents fading.
Pros
- Doesn’t need water to work perfectly
- Prevents your hair from fading
- Repairs and protects damaged hair
The Cons
- Be attentive with the scent
16. BIOLAGE Colorlast Shine Shake
Product Overview
Revive dull and lifeless hair with the Shine Shake. It’s a leave-in conditioner that will make your locks luscious and vivid once again.
Think of it as a sort of polish that conditions and moisturizes.
- Conditioning ingredients
- Free of sulfates and chemicals
- Does a great deal moisturizing
- Works great with dull and lifeless hair
Fortunately, it’s free of parabens, too.
Pros
- Has a great impact on hair follicles
- Makes your locks luscious and vivid
- Protects the color
The Cons
- Can be too oily
17. BIOLAGE ColorLast Deep Treatment Pack Multi-Use Hair Mask
Product Overview
Here is a hair mask that’s vegan and free of parabens.
Along with the other Colorlast products, it’s based on orchid extract to extend your color treatment.
- Vegan and free of parabens
- Works great with curly and wavy hair
- Packed with nutrients and vitamins
- Does a great deal moisturizing
It will melt into your hair in minutes.
Expect defined curls and radiant tresses after using it.
Pros
- Protects your hair from damage
- Packs your hair follicles with nutrients
- Defines your curls and hair color
The Cons
- The package might be broken
18. Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo and Conditioner
Product Overview
The appealing aroma of Aveda’s shampoo and conditioner comes from certified organic plant sources. These include lavender, grapefruit, and geranium.
Use these products together to get the best results possible.
- Lavender and grapefruit
- Nice, pleasant scent
- Certified organic plant sources
- Geranium extract usage
They help revive color and resist fading. They are also very moisturizing.
Depending on the natural porosity of your hair, you’re likely to see that it gleams afterward.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes and cleanses
- Packs your hair follicles with needed nutrients
- Provides a nice and fast result
The Cons
- Has some chemicals
19. Pantene Rose Water Shampoo and Sulfate-Free Conditioner
Product Overview
I was happy when Pantene developed the Rose Water shampoo and conditioner.
They’re free of parabens, sulfates, dyes, silicones, and mineral oil. Anyone can enjoy them (as long as they don’t mind the natural rose fragrance).
- Works great with curly hair
- Free of parabens, dyes and mineral oils
- Perfect for color-treated hair
- Does great with damaged, dry hair
They are good for color-treated, damaged, and dry hair. Folks with curly hair love them also.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes and cleanses
- Suspendisse sollicitudin nec purus
- Works great without chemicals and harsh ingredients
The Cons
- Doesn’t work great with sensitive skin
20. Joico K-pak Color Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner
Product Overview
Joico doesn’t leave out the sulfates – the shampoo has SLES in it. But that’s not a deal-breaker.
Probably most of my readers are not chemists, and neither am I. But I’ve learned a lot from reading labels over the years and hearing from users.
- Plenty of botanics and plant extracts
- Infused with keratin
- Packed with vitamins and nutrients
This shampoo and conditioner set is quite popular.
They are enriched with vitamins, botanical extracts, keratin, and moisturizers. There’s everything you need to repair and strengthen your hair and keep it glossy.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes and cleanses your scalp
- Packs your hair with needed vitamins
- Strengthens your hair with keratin
The Cons
- Has SLES
21. Kenra Color Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Product Overview
The Kenra Color Maintenance set helps maintain and restore chemically-treated hair to health.
The secret ingredient is silk protein. It single-handedly detangles the thickest hair.
- Works great with thick hair
- Has chamomile
- Infused with sage and nettle
- Horsetail usage
But don’t skip out on the other goodies like chamomile, sage, nettle, and horsetail. These promote hair growth and a happy scalp.
The only downside is that the shampoo has parabens. Since it’s a product that you’ll be rinsing off, that’s not so bad.
Pros
- Promotes hair growth
- Does a great deal moisturizing
- Detangles your hair with silk proteins
The Cons
- Has SLES
22. Thermafuse Color Care Shampoo and Condition Set
Product Overview
You might find that this is the best shampoo for fine color-treated hair. It’s also excellent for redheads and brunettes.
They promise to help you retain your color for up to fifteen washes.
Thermafuse avoids sulfates and salt, and they keep the formula pH-balanced. Next, they add UV protection with marine extracts.
- UV protection
- HeatSmart complex
- Nice, fruity floral scent
- pH balanced formula
What’s more, they have something called HeatSmart Complex. It activates when you blow-dry or curl your hair.
And in case you’re wondering, these products have a fruity floral scent.
Pros
- Avoids sulfates and salts
- Works perfect with color-treated hair
- It’s excellent for redheads and brunettes
The Cons
- Can be too oily
23. Scruples Renewal Color Retention Shampoo & Conditioner
Product Overview
Scruples also adds UV-absorbing ingredients to their shampoo and conditioner. It’s like sunscreen for your hair.
- Packed with UV absorbing ingredients
- Works great with heat damaged hair
- Perfect for daily usage
- Moisturizing and nourishing effect
You can wash with them every day if you like. The shampoo has mild surfactants.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses and moisturizes your hair
- Works as a sunscreen for your hair
- Can be used for daily washes
The Cons
- Has mild surfactants
24. Bosley Pro Revive Starter Pack for Color-Treated Hair
Product Overview
Here’s the perfect kit for thinning, color-treated hair.
It includes a nourishing shampoo, a volumizing conditioner, and a leave-in treatment.
The shampoo is sulfate-free.
- Perfect for thinning hair
- Packed with beneficial nutrients
- Infused with essential oils
- Contains high level of antioxidants
None of the products have parabens, either.
And each one has DHT-blockers to prevent hair loss.
Pros
- Gently cleanses your hair
- Hydrates and moisturizes
- Works as an UV filter
The Cons
- Can be too oily
25. Pureology | Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
Skip a day or two between washes to keep your color longer.
Use Pureology’s dry shampoo to refresh your scalp and hair.
- Perfect for daily usage
- Rich in vitamins
- Ideal for damaged hair
- Only natural ingredients
It contains rice starch to soak up oil. There’s also a broad-spectrum sunscreen and AntiFade Complex.
These defend against fading caused by the sun and pollution.
Pros
- Gently cleanses your hair
- Hydrates and moisturizes
- Leaves no frizziness
The Cons
- Can be too oily
Conclusion
It’s essential to use a gentle shampoo in a moisturizing conditioner when you wash color-treated hair.
They prevent the dye from escaping the strands and washing down the drain.
These mild and nourishing products also restore shine and manageability.
Did you discover your new favorite shampoo and conditioner today?
If so, tell me about them in the comments below.
L’Oréal Paris Hair Care EverPure Moisture Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner
No salt, parabens or gluten
Completely eco-friendly and vegan
Infused with rosemary for a pleasant scent
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!
Sources:
1. https://www.matrix.com/blog/26-tips-to-help-protect-color-treated-hair-and-keep-it-looking-fabulous accessed December 20, 2019
2. https://www.esalon.eu.com/hair-color-mastery/colorist-tips/how-to-make-your-hair-color-last-longer accessed December 20, 2019