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Beauty/Hair/Shampoos & Conditioners/Shampoos

Top 10 Shampoos For Color-Treated Hair

Meet The Beauty Industry's Leading Shampoos For Color-Treated Hair

Image credits: sephora

Protecting color-treated hair can be difficult. Harmful factors like UV rays, damaging deposits found in our water supply, styling products, and hair tools can all cause the color to fade. Since scheduling another trip to the salon shortly after going isn’t ideal, and neither is letting the color fade away prematurely, what does one do to help maintain color-treated hair in between appointments? 

Our advice? Don’t go straight for the box dye to add additional shine and vibrancy. Instead, invest in a shampoo that's specifically formulated to prevent color from fading, hydrate chemically dried hair, and add back shine. 

However, if you're unsure about what to look for in a color-safe shampoo or which ones are the best in the market, we're here to help. We'll guide you through the ingredients that enhance your hair color and recommend the formulas that professional hairstylists use. So, you can get all the information you need about shampoos for color-treated hair.

What to Look For In A Color-Safe Shampoo

When searching for a shampoo that won't damage your hair color, there are a few important factors to consider. Many haircare brands advertise their products as having "Color-Protecting Technology" or being "Sulfate-Free," but it's important to understand what these terms really mean. To ensure that your shampoo is appropriate for color-treated hair, look for the following features:

1. Color-Protecting Technology: Choose shampoos that are specifically labeled as "color-protecting" or "color-extending." These formulas are designed to lock in your hair color and prevent fading. Some may also contain UV filters to protect against sun damage.

2. Sulfate-Free Formulas: Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. These ingredients can strip away natural oils and color molecules, leaving your hair dry and dull. Sulfate-free shampoos will help preserve your color while keeping your hair soft and nourished.

3. Moisturizing Properties: Color-treated hair can be more prone to dryness, so it's important to choose a shampoo that will keep your hair hydrated. Look for moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, coconut oil, and shea butter to help keep your hair healthy and shiny.

4. Protein-Enriched Formulas: Proteins like keratin and silk can help strengthen color-treated hair and prevent breakage. Look for shampoos that contain these ingredients to maintain the health and beauty of your hair.

Ingredients To Avoid

Probably more important than what to look for in a color-safe shampoo are the ingredients to avoid. Here are some to watch out for:

1. Sulfates: These can be harsh on color-treated hair and cause color to fade prematurely.

2. Parabens: These preservatives may impact hormone function, so many people choose to avoid them, although evidence is inconclusive.

3. Silicones: While they temporarily smooth and add shine, they can lead to buildup over time, which can dull hair and reduce vibrancy.

4. Alcohol: Alcohol-based ingredients can dry out hair, which is particularly damaging for color-treated locks that need extra moisture.

Other Helpful Tips For Caring For Color-Treated Hair

Want to really know how to preserve your hair color? Here are some extra tips to help you care for your color-treated hair and extend the life of your dye job. 

1. Wash with Cool Water: Hot water can open up your hair cuticles, causing color molecules to escape. Washing with cool water helps seal the cuticles and preserve your color.

2. Limit Washing Frequency: Washing your hair too frequently can strip away natural oils and color molecules. Aim for every 2-3 days, or invest in dry shampoos for refreshing between washes.

3. Avoid Heat Styling: Excessive heat styling can lead to color fading and damage. Embrace heat-free styling methods or use heat-protectant products when using hot tools.

4. Regular Trims: Regular trims help maintain healthy ends, reducing split ends that can contribute to color fading.

How We Found The Best Shampoos For Color-Treated Hair

Now for the real reason you’re probably here. “What are the best shampoos for color-treated hair?” Lucky for you, we've done the research and found the best shampoos on the market for preserving color jobs while also providing hair with nourishing and strengthening ingredients. As always, our Top 10 lists are generated by our unique algorithm. Factoring in rave reviews, editor recommendations, and social media buzz, this proprietary tool finds and ranks the best products out there. From a cult favorite by Olaplex to an impressive under-$20 find by Amika, the list ahead contains the beauty industry's leading shampoos for color-treated hair. Take a look at our list of the Top 10 best shampoos for colored hair for 10 ways to keep the color alive and your hair happy.

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May 17, 2024

Written By:Meredith Rimmer

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: ulta
Rank & Style Approved

ulta

Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo

Overall Score

4.55

10

Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo

4.54

10497 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Learn More
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Best ph-Balancing Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair

WHAT IT DOES
Redken's shampoo is equipped with The Color Extend Magnetics System, which is an acidic formula that helps to balance the pH levels of the hair. This system also takes care of the tone and vibrancy of professional color in between salon services.

PROMISING REVIEW
"This is a must have shampoo for anyone who has color treated hair. It will make your hair look and feel just like in the salon. This might not matter to everyone but it smells amazing. It keeps my color intact longer."


Moroccanoil Color Care Shampoo

Overall Score

4.65

09

Moroccanoil Color Care Shampoo

4.6

1636 User Reviews

3.2

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Shine-Enhancing Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair

WHAT TO KNOW
Infused with argan oil and replenishing nutrients, this gentle yet effective shampoo cleanses while locking in moisture, leaving hair feeling silky smooth and luminous. It's specially formulated to protect against color fading caused by environmental stressors and UV exposure, enhancing color retention and promoting long-lasting, radiant results.

REVIEWER HIGHLIGHT
"I dye my hair myself and usually don't care if the shampoo is color safe bc I do it all myself and don't mind doing touch ups. This shampoo has been making my hair bearly fade and I am in love with it. I dye my hair a dark blue knowing it will fade, and this has kept it a steady dark blue for weeks, and I shower just about every day. The only downfall is it stings your eyes if you accidentally get it in while washing, but it's an easy fix with water. It smells amazing and really keeps your hair color lasting, highly recommend for dyed hair."


L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo

Overall Score

4.7

08

L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo

4.46

21655 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair

WHY YOU NEED IT
Although it's the most affordable shampoo on the list, it's equally effective. It helps to maintain and safeguard the color of your hair while providing additional moisture without weighing it down.

PROMISING REVIEW
"My favorite affordable color-safe shampoo. I have coarse vibrant/fashion color hair. This is my fave affordable shampoo for moisture, cleansing and color protection. Gets rid of build-up without stripping my color. Rosemary smell is lovely and herbal. Bottle is big and lasts!"


Oribe Shampoo For Beautiful Color

Overall Score

4.7

07

Oribe Shampoo For Beautiful Color

4.48

3328 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Shampoo For Color-Treated And Damaged Hair

WHAT IT DOES
Featuring high-tech ingredients that target damaged areas, this intensely moisturizing formula shields your hue from environmental pollutants and their color-depleting effects. Plus, it smells divine.

HELPFUL TIP
Pair it with the conditioner to hydrate and prevent fading.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


ColorWow Color Security Shampoo

Overall Score

4.75

06

ColorWow Color Security Shampoo

4.64

8512 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Cleansing Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair

WHO IT'S FOR
Scalp feeling a little weighed down? Reach for ColorWow's Color Security Shampoo. Sulfate- and silicone-free, it's specially formulated to rinse out residue and leave behind cleaner, glossier, brighter hair.

PROMISING REVIEW
"I’m a hairstylist, and the past salons I’ve worked at have sold this brand and the shampoo. I decided to try it for myself, and I LOVE IT!!! It smells amazing, and it makes you feel clean after using it. The best part is that it’s sulfate free, and it will not strip your hair color out. I’m super glad Sephora is now selling the brand, and I couldn’t be happier. I highly recommend this shampoo if you’re looking for a color-safe and sulfate-free shampoo."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Kérastase Chroma Absolu Shampoo

Overall Score

4.75

05

Kérastase Chroma Absolu Shampoo

4.48

729 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Shampoo For Color-Treated Fine Hair

WHAT IT DOES
Infused with advanced technology and enriched with chelators, UV filters, and vitamin E, this shampoo gently cleanses while safeguarding your hair's vibrancy and shine. It effectively removes impurities and residues, leaving your locks feeling fresh, soft, and revitalized.

WHO'S IT FOR
Formulated to extend the life of your color and enhance its radiance, Kérastase Chroma Absolu Shampoo is ideal for fine to medium hair types. 


R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo

Overall Score

4.8

04

R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo

4.6

1127 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Weightless Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Thanks to a unique blend of lychee extract, okra seed extract, vitamin E, and sunflower sprout extract, this formula is made to keep color as vibrant and polished as possible for up to 10 washes. R+Co understood the assignment.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
In addition to prolonging your color, this shampoo also helps to balance the scalp, tame frizz, and repair damage.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo

Overall Score

4.8

03

Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo

4.62

13923 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Strengthening Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair

WHAT TO KNOW
This gentle, sulfate-free shampoo strengthens and repairs hair damaged from color, heat, and everyday wear and tear. Its vegan formula includes a signature blend of raspberry, peach, and water flowers, as well as a patented Antifade Complex® to protect color vibrancy. Additionally, it contains sunflower seed, a UV filter, and vitamin E to combat color-depleting environmental effects while ensuring lasting shine.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
This shampoo can be used on non-color-treated hair as well.


Biolage Colorlast Shampoo

Overall Score

4.9

02

Biolage Colorlast Shampoo

4.78

56156 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Anti-Fade Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Inspired by the anti-fade properties of the vibrant orchid, this shampoo is formulated to help protect, balance, and restore your color's vibrancy.

PROMISING REVIEW
“I recently got a balayage and the salon washed my hair with this shampoo. I loved how my hair felt even days after the treatment so I bought myself a bottle. My hair feels clean and soft even three days after the original wash!”

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Overall Score

5

01

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

4.56

80989 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair Overall

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Whether you're battling dry hair, frizz, flyaways, or breakage, this cult-favorite shampoo and its conditioner counterpart are the holy-grail solution.

WHAT IT DOES
This shampoo repairs damage by relinking broken bonds, and it's been proven to reduce breakage and strengthen hair of all types and textures.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

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