Best shampoos for coloured hair: 10 picks to protect your dye job

Hair dyeing is a fun way to experiment with your looks but maintaining that colour is equally difficult. Following a good hair care routine becomes essential when it comes to retaining the vibrant hues of your strands. So, consider using specialised shampoos in place of regular ones. Shampoos for coloured-treated hair are made with ingredients like natural oils, UV filters and antioxidants, which can help protect your hair colour from fading. Unlike regular shampoos, which can strip away the colour molecules, leaving your hair looking dull, faded and brassy, colour protection shampoos can infuse protein and other strengthening agents in your hair to repair damage and make your hair stronger. These shampoos also contain antioxidants, which can help shield your strands from environmental stressors. We have compiled a list of the best shampoos for coloured hair, which you may try to preserve your hair colour.

How environmental elements and heat styling tools can impact hair colour?

Because environmental factors and heat styling equipment affect the structure and colour molecules of hair, they can dramatically affect the brightness and strength of coloured hair.

• UV radiation: Extended sun exposure can cause colour fading and deterioration. The chemical bonds in hair dyes and pigments are broken by UV radiation entering the hair cuticle, which causes colour fading or a change in hue. Brighter or lighter colours emphasise this appearance more.
• Pollution and environmental factors: The surface of the hair can become accumulated with air pollutants, including smoke, dust, and environmental contaminants. These particles can stick to the hair shaft, dulling coloured hair and perhaps changing its tone or tint over time.
• Heat styling tools: Excessive use of heat styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can damage coloured hair. High temperatures can weaken the hair structure, causing colour molecules to break down more rapidly. This leads to diminished colour intensity and shine. Additionally, frequent heat exposure can result in dryness, brittleness, and split ends, affecting the overall appearance of coloured hair.

Also Read: Best hair toners: 5 top picks to improve hair texture and neutralise colour

Top picks for best shampoos for coloured hair

1. Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure pH 4.5 Color Freeze Shampoo (1000ml)

A great option for keeping coloured hair is the big 1000ml container of Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure pH 4.5 Colour Freeze Shampoo. This pH-4.5 shampoo helps seal in colour pigments by sealing the hair’s surface to avoid fading and preserve sparkle. Its mild cleaning action gets rid of pollutants without fading the colour of the hair. This shampoo, enhanced by pH-balanced technology, guarantees colour brilliance that lasts while also enhancing the strength and suppleness of hair. To maintain and extend the life of colour-treated hair, Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure pH 4.5 Colour Freeze Shampoo is the best shampoo and suggested choice.

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2. L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color Shampoo (300ML)

For maintaining hair colour, L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Colour Shampoo is an excellent option, coming in a handy 300ml bottle. This shampoo is made with advanced technology that protects coloured hair while gently cleansing it. Its antioxidant-infused formula protects hair from UV radiation and environmental aggressors, hence halting colour loss. In addition, the shampoo helps to maintain the vibrancy of the colour, leaving hair feeling hydrated and smooth. L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Colour Shampoo has colour-protecting properties and salon-quality performance, making it the best shampoo investment for glossy, brilliant-coloured hair.

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Also read: Regretting colouring your hair? Magic mantras to infuse life back in your dead tresses

3. Wella Professionals ColorMotion+ Colour Protection Shampoo

For effective treatment of hair treated with colour, use the Wella Professionals ColorMotion+ Colour Protection Shampoo. With its unique mix, this shampoo gently cleanses hair while also helping to seal in colour pigments. Rich in antioxidants, it protects hair from the elements for a longer-lasting colour vibrancy and a lustrous, healthy finish. Wella Professionals’ ColorMotion+ Shampoo is the best shampoo that ensures your hair colour stays vibrant and lively. Its triple-blend technology helps to strengthen the hair structure and prevent colour fading, making it ideal for coloured hair. Experience improved manageability and visibly healthier hair with this nourishing shampoo.

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4. Bare Anatomy Hair Colour Protect Shampoo

A specific product made to keep coloured hair looking its best is the Bare Anatomy Hair Colour Protect Shampoo. This shampoo’s formulation promotes maintaining colour vibrancy by using natural components and fortifying them with UV filters. Its mild washing action keeps colour vibrant and nourishes hair, leaving it pliable, glossy, and protected from outside challengers. Perfect for people looking for a mild shampoo that nevertheless works well to prolong the life of their hair colour. With a blend of proteins and natural ingredients, this sulfate and paraben-free shampoo gently cleanses and hydrates while maintaining the brilliance of your hair colour.

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5. 2.Oh! Anti Yellow Shampoo

2.Oh! Anti Yellow Shampoo is especially designed for blonde, silver, bleached and brassy hair. This shampoo can help maintain the vibrancy and shine of your strands. Enriched with crushed violet pigments, this shampoo can neutralised unwanted brassy and yellow tones of your strands, making them look vibrant. Regular use of this shampoo can maintain the colour and prevent it from fading.

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Also Read: Best ammonia-free hair dyes: 10 top picks

6. Biolage Colorlast Shampoo

Biolage Colorlast Shampoo is specially developed for colour-treated hair. It is powered by the anti-fading properties of vibrant orchid flowers. With its low pH, this shampoo helps maintain the colour vibrancy and maintain the colour depth, shine and tone, It may also keep your hair clean and colour vibrant for 9 weeks. The brand claims that this shampoo is cruelty-free and is vegan.

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7. Revlon Outrageous Color Protection Shampoo

Revlon Outrageous Colour Protection Shampoo is packed with ceramides, silicones and mpg molecules. It may help restore moisture, protect your hair and help mend fragile split ends. This shampoo may also help preserve the radiant glow of the colour-treated hair, leaving your hair soft, shiny and healthy.

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8. Arata Tone Perfecting Shampoo

Arata Tone Perfecting Shampoo is specially crafted to revitalise your hair. The enriching colour of this shampoo may help restore, and neutralise brassiness and yellow undertones. It is infused with purple mica, which can help restore the vibrance of your hair, and boost colour luminosity. The presence of argan oil in this shampoo may help hydrate the cuticles and add moisture to dried-out hair.

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9. Wella Professional Invigo Colour Brilliance Shampoo

Wella Professional Invigo Colour Brilliance Shampoo may help protect your hair colour. Suitable for normal hair types, this shampoo may help improve hair surface and enhance colour vibrancy. It is packed with copper-encapsulated molecules, histidine and vitamin E, which may help maintain vibrancy, control the oxidation process after colouration and boost hydration and moisture. Regular use of this shampoo may help add shine and bring life to dry, lifeless and lusterless strands. The low pH formula of this shampoo may also help close the cuticle retention and protect your hair colour for upto 7 weeks.

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10. FLORACTIVE PROFESSIONAL Wone Shampoo

FLORACTIVE PROFESSIONAL Wone Shampoo is suitable for all hair types. This shampoo may help treat damaged, dry and frizzy hair. It is formulated with coconut oil and extracts, which can help nourish and moisturise your strands. The presence of a combination of surfactants may also help break down and remove oil and dirt from the hair. Free from sulphates, parabens and other harsh chemicals, this shampoo may help treat scalp conditions.

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Best value for money:

Among the top contenders, the Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure pH 4.5 Color Freeze Shampoo takes the crown for providing the best value for money. Not only does it come in a generous 1000ml bottle, ensuring long-lasting use, but its pH 4.5 Balancer Technology ensures that every drop counts. The formula locks in the hair’s pigment and prevents colour fading, ensuring your colour-treated hair stays vibrant for an extended period. With its professional-grade performance at a reasonable price point, this shampoo offers value for money.

Best overall product:

For the ultimate colour protection experience, the L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color Shampoo stands out as the best overall product in this category. Its advanced Incell Hydro-Resist technology forms a protective barrier around each hair strand, safeguarding your hair colour from external damage. Additionally, this 300ml bottle packs a punch with its enriching formula that not only preserves your hair’s vibrancy but also imparts a natural shine for a salon-like finish. If you’re looking for a product that delivers exceptional colour protection and overall hair care, this one is a clear winner.

How to choose the best colour protection shampoo?

Choosing the best shampoo involves considering several essential factors tailored to your specific hair type and colour treatment. The following recommendations will help you select the best shampoo:

1. Sulfate-free formula: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos. Sulfates can strip away natural oils and colour from the hair, leading to colour fading. Look for labels mentioning “sulfate-free” or “colour-safe.”

2. pH-balanced formulas: Choose shampoos with a pH level of around 4.5-5.5. pH-balanced formulas help seal the hair cuticle, locking in colour pigments and preventing colour washout.

3. Colour-specific formulation: Select shampoos specifically designed for your hair colour type (e.g., for blondes, brunettes, redheads) or those labelled for general colour protection. These products are often formulated to cater to preserving specific color pigments.

4. Ingredients for colour protection: Look for key ingredients such as UV filters, antioxidants (like Vitamin E or green tea extract), natural oils (coconut, argan), keratin, and vitamins (like B5) that help maintain colour vibrancy and shield hair from environmental damage.

5. Gentle cleansing action: Ensure the shampoo effectively cleanses without stripping color or causing excessive dryness. Clarifying shampoos might be too harsh for daily use on color-treated hair.

6. Hair type consideration: Take into account your hair type (curly, straight, fine, thick) when selecting a color protection shampoo. Some formulas cater to specific hair textures or concerns like frizz or damage repair.

7. Brand reputation and reviews: Consider reputable brands known for their quality hair care products. Reading reviews and testimonials from users can provide insights into a product’s effectiveness.

8. UV protection: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, consider a shampoo with UV protection properties to shield your hair from sun damage, which can cause colour fading.

9. Personal sensitivities or allergies: Check for hypoallergenic or specific ingredient exclusions like parabens, phthalates, or sulfates if you have sensitivities or allergies.

What are the benefits of using shampoos for colour-treated hair?

• The best shampoo to protect colour-treated hair contains gentle, sulphate-free cleansers that can minimise fading. Regular use of these shampoos can help protect the colour, add moisture and boost shine.
• These shampoos are formulated with moisturising ingredients like oils, butter and silicones, which can help to keep your hair hydrated and soft.
• They also contain proteins which can help repair damaged hair. The antioxidants and UV filters of these shampoos may help shield your strands against environmental stressors.
• They are packed with keratin, amino acids and more such ingredients, which can help enhance the natural shine of your hair and make it appear more vibrant and glossy.
• These shampoos are pH-balanced, which can help suit the needs of your colour-treated hair.

How to make hair colour last long?

Here are some tips shared by the American Academy of Dermatology Association to prevent dry and brittle hair:

• While colouring your hair, choose a dye within three shades of your natural hair colour. Lightening your strands more than this recommended shade requires a higher amount of peroxide which can lead to hair damage.
• Before applying the colour to your hair, test the product to ensure that you do not have any allergic reactions.
• Make sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat when you go outside as the sun can make your coloured-hair weak, dry, rough, faded and brittle.

Besides these tips, you should also avoid washing your hair immediately after colouring. You should also avoid taking hot water baths as it may ruin the colour. Make sure to use specially developed products for coloured hair, use colour conditioners, use lightweight hair oil and avoid frequent shampooing.

Also Read: Best hair dye shampoo: 5 top choices for you!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• How to use shampoo for colour-treated hair?
  The first step is to wet your hair. Then apply the shampoo to the scalp and massage gently. Rinse off the shampoo with water and then apply a conditioner.
• Are shampoos safe for colour-treated hair?
  A study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology states that shampoos for colour-treated hair must contain special anionic or cationic detergents, which can help neutralise the harsh effects of chemicals used during the colour treatment process.
• Which is the best shampoo for coloured hair?
  The best shampoo for coloured hair in India is the one that suits your hair type. Several brands offer colour-safe shampoos and some of the best ones are mentioned above. So, evaluate the benefits of the product and choose the one that caters for your needs.

(Disclaimer: This article was collaboratively written by the editorial team. At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. The editorial team carefully curates all products listed. But their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)