The Best Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair: A Salon Guide

A fresh color service is an investment, and the shampoo you use at home has a big effect on how long that color looks its best. Hair color fades for many reasons: washing, heat styling, sun and simply time. You can't stop all of them, but choosing a shampoo made for color-treated hair is one of the easiest steps you can take. This guide explains what to look for and highlights color-care shampoos from the professional brands we carry.

Why color-treated hair needs a different shampoo

Coloring opens the outer layer of the hair (the cuticle) so color can be deposited or lifted. Afterward, hair can be more porous, which means it can lose moisture and color more easily with each wash. Shampoos designed for color-treated hair are usually formulated to cleanse gently. Many are sulfate-free, and many brands pair them with a matching conditioner to help smooth the cuticle and add moisture.

What to look for

  • A gentle cleansing system. Many color-care shampoos are sulfate-free. Check each product page for the brand's own description.
  • A matching conditioner. Color-care lines are designed to be used as a system, so pairing shampoo with its conditioner is a simple way to get the result the brand intends.
  • The right shade support. Blondes and silvers often add a purple or violet shampoo once or twice a week to help neutralize brassy tones. Brunettes who see orange tones sometimes use a blue shampoo.
  • Your hair's texture and condition. Fine hair may prefer a lighter formula, while dry or coarse hair may want extra moisture.

Color-care shampoos we carry

Joico

Joico offers several color-focused lines. Joico Colorful Anti-Fade Shampoo and Conditioner are made for color-treated hair, and K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo is designed for color-treated hair that also needs repair. Browse the full Joico Colorful and K-Pak Color Therapy collections.

Kenra Professional

Kenra Color Protecting Shampoo and Color Protecting Conditioner are a straightforward daily option for color-treated hair. For styling, Kenra Color Maintenance Thermal Spray 11 adds heat protection.

Moroccanoil

Moroccanoil Color Care Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo made for color-treated hair. Many clients pair it with Moroccanoil Treatment for shine.

Schwarzkopf Professional Fibre Clinix

The Fibre Clinix Vibrancy range is Schwarzkopf's color-care line. Start with Fibre Clinix Vibrancy Shampoo and Vibrancy Conditioner.

Keune, Brazilian Bond Builder and more

Keune Color Brillianz Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Color Brillianz Conditioner are Keune's color-care pair. The BB3 Color Care line, including BB3 Color Care Shampoo, is another option for colored hair.

Simple habits that help color last

  1. Wait before the first wash. Ask your colorist how long to wait after your appointment.
  2. Use lukewarm or cool water. Very hot water can leave hair feeling drier.
  3. Don't over-wash. Washing less often means less exposure to water and cleansers. A dry shampoo can help on off days.
  4. Protect from heat. Use a heat protectant before blow-drying, flat-ironing or curling.
  5. Condition every time. Follow shampoo with a conditioner, and add a hair mask once a week if your hair feels dry.
  6. Protect from sun. A hat helps on long days outdoors.

How to wash color-treated hair

Wet hair thoroughly. Massage a small amount of shampoo into the scalp, where oil and buildup collect, and let the lather rinse through the lengths rather than scrubbing the ends. Rinse well, then apply conditioner mainly to the mid-lengths and ends. Leave it on for the time listed on the product page, then rinse with cooler water.

Choosing between them

There is no single best shampoo for everyone. The best choice depends on your color, texture and how your hair feels after washing. If your hair feels coated, try a lighter formula. If it feels dry or rough, look for a more moisturizing line or add a mask. If you're not sure, your stylist knows your color formula and can point you to the right line. You can also browse all shampoos and conditioners by brand.

Shop locally or online

Every product mentioned here is available at parkavesalons.com, shipped from our salon in Deer Park, NY, or ready for free pickup at 1940A Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729. Have a question about which product fits your hair? Call 631-434-5540, or book a salon visit at 631-243-5927 and ask your stylist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sulfate-free shampoo better for colored hair?

Many color-care shampoos are sulfate-free because they cleanse more gently. Check each product page for the brand's description, and ask your stylist what suits your hair.

How often should I wash color-treated hair?

It depends on your scalp and lifestyle, but many people with colored hair wash less often and use dry shampoo between washes. Your stylist can recommend a routine.

Do I need a purple shampoo?

Purple shampoo is mainly for blonde, silver or highlighted hair that turns brassy or yellow. Use it as the label directs, usually once or twice a week.

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