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12 Best Shampoos That Help Preserve Color-Treated Hair
Don’t know when you’ll make it back to the salon? These can help.
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.
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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.
Kérastase Chroma Absolu Shampoo
Pros
- Repairs damage
Cons
- It'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.
Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo
Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo
Pros
- Keeps color bright up to 40 washes
Cons
- Might 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.
Nounou Shampoo
Pros
- Gentle formula
Cons
- Might 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.
Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Shampoo
Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Shampoo
Pros
- Protects against UV rays
Cons
- Not 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.
SACHAJUAN Colour Protect Shampoo
SACHAJUAN Colour Protect Shampoo
Pros
- Increases smoothness and shine
Cons
- Some 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.
Sebastian Dark Oil Lightweight Shampoo
Pros
- Jojoba and argan oils moisturize hair
Cons
- If 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.
UNITE Blonda Shampoo
UNITE Blonda Shampoo
Pros
- Protects 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.
Wella Invigo Brilliance Shampoo for Fine Hair
Pros
- Doesn't weigh hair down
Cons
- Not 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.
Joico Color Infuse Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Pros
- Protects all types of red hair
Cons
- Some 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.
Herbal Essences Color Me Happy Shampoo
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Not 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.
shu uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo for Damaged Hair
shu uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo for Damaged Hair
Pros
- Promotes fullness
Cons
- It'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.
EVO Ritual Salvation Repairing Shampoo
Pros
- Reduces frizz and damage
Cons
- Some 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.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
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