So many of us have dyed our hair at some point - whether it was a one-off during those teenage years, or something you’ve done for as long as you can remember. Whether you’ve only recently taken the plunge to branch out color-wise, or regularly visit the salon for a professional color, there is one common thing everyone who dyes their hair has in common - and that’s trying to avoid color fade. Color fade is something that will always happen as a result of dyeing your hair. It doesn’t matter if you opt for balayage, highlights, platinum blonde, glossy brunette or the darkest of black locks, nobody and no hair is exempt. However, there are plenty of smart and effective ways to help prolong the vibrancy and color of your dyed strands, ensuring it looks glossy and healthy, and has that immediate post-dye glow for as long as possible.
One of the most efficient ways of doing this is by using a specially formulated shampoo. Washing your hair is something that’s part of your regular hair care routine, so switching up your regular product for something with built-in color protection abilities is a no brainer, right?
What is color-protecting shampoo?
First, let us explain exactly what a color-protecting shampoo is. The clue’s in the name really, but essentially it is a product that you use in the same way as regular shampoo, just with two key differences. One, color-protecting shampoo contains a number of ingredients that help to prolong the life of your color. And two, they are formulated without any of the ingredients that could be responsible for stripping your hair of the dye or essential oils it needs to stay in prime condition. Look out for them by choosing products labeled as ‘color safe’ (or sometimes just as ‘gentle’).
Some - not all - shampoos can contain sulfates, the most common of which include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Sulfates get a bad rap, and while they’re not as damaging as some people will have you believe, they are an ingredient that should be avoided if your hair is colored because they can strip the color, leaving it looking dull and lifeless. By default, color-protecting shampoos - such as Nexxus’s Color Assure Long Lasting Vibrancy Shampoo - are formulated without sulfates, so choosing one negates the need to trawl an ingredients’ list.
As well as being sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos contain a blend of ingredients that work to protect and restore hair to its former glory. Like all Nexxus products, the Color Assure range is made with a unique PROTEINFUSION blend with elastin protein and quinoa - which contain many of the same amino acids that are lost throughout the hair coloring process. So by reinjecting them into hair with each and every wash, you’ll have softer, shinier, healthy-looking, colored hair.
Let’s be honest here: it’s less than ideal to spend all your hard-earned cash - and your precious time - on coloring your hair if it’s just going to fade within a few short weeks. However, that’s something that can be prevented by using a specialist shampoo. Alongside the nourishing and conditioning benefits sits a blend of ingredients that help preserve the color and hair condition, while also working to help prevent breakage and split ends - two common side effects of using hair dye, especially for those who’re choosing to use bleach in order to lighten their locks. Lasting color, and hair that stays healthier for longer? Count us in. Split ends? Breakage? Learn how to repair bleached hair and put an end to the thinning once and for all with our guide for fried bleached hair.
Colored hair may need an additional deep cleanse. Discover & read if you should be clarifying your hair & what can cause build up in hair and scalp here! Most Common Hair Problems, Solved!
What to look for in color-safe shampoos
When you’re looking for a shampoo for color-treated hair, it’s important to prioritize gentle, cleansing formulas-which, for one, means steering clear of harsh cleansing agents that can strip away your fresh color, such as sulfates. If you have oily hair or a lot of product buildup that needs deep cleansing, that doesn’t mean you need to skip clarifying shampoos entirely: They definitely have their place, but they shouldn’t be your everyday shampoo if you’re trying to maintain your color. Instead, seek out sulfate-free formulas, as well as shampoos and conditioners that contain amino acids, antioxidants, ceramides, and lightweight proteins; these can help boost the health of your strands. “Color-treated hair tends to be more fragile and porous, so keeping the cuticle healthy is really important,” explains a color expert.
How often should you wash color-treated hair? It depends on your scalp, your hair, and your lifestyle, so it’s best to ask your hairstylist or colorist what they recommend. But as a general rule, “the less often you wash, the longer your color tends to stay vibrant,” and two to three times a week should suffice for most people.
What causes hair color to fade? Extra care is a must for your dye job since there are a number of contributing factors when it comes to your color fading. Watch out for exposure to hard water, the overuse of heat-styling tools (and hot shower temperatures), and even UV rays. The sun bleaches color out of everything, including your hair. If you’re going outside for extended periods of time, protect your scalp and hair with a hat, and consider hair sunscreen to cover all bases.
Which shampoo is right for color-treated hair?
Like many experts, brands champion sulfate-free offerings as they can extend the shelf life of your color. Adding to the chorus is a cosmetic chemist who notes that sulfates can dry hair out, which is especially damaging after coloring. Your best bet, when it comes to preserving your color, is to switch your regular shampoo with one that’s specially formulated for color-treated hair. (Please, no clarifying shampoos.)
To minimize brassy tones, use tinted shampoos and balanced color-focused products. Blonde shades may benefit from purple shampoo to counteract yellow hues, while brunettes often need moisture and shine-enhancing care to prevent a faded look. Red shades can be especially prone to fading, which is why a gentler hair-care approach and fewer washes can help maintain vibrancy.
Meet the experts
- Sierra Kener Mehl, West Hollywood-based hairstylist
- Abby Haliti, New York City-based hair colorist
- Ian McCabe, Washington, DC-based colorist
- Nikki Ferrara, New York City-based hair colorist
- Danita Hampton, North Carolina-based hairstylist
- Caitlin Ford, St. Louis-based colorist
- Randy Schueller, cosmetic chemist
- Aanand Geria, MD, dermatologist
- Matt Rez, Los Angeles-based colorist
- Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist
- Kristina Cheeseman, St. Louis-based colorist
How we test and review products
We enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical; hair-care products and tools are tested by editors, writers, contributors, and colorists who have color-treated hair. Testers consider efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. Our process ensures diverse perspectives and reliable results for color-treated hair products.
What to look for in a color-safe shampoo: a practical example
Our Pro Pick: Wella Professionals ULTIMATE COLOR Sulfate-Free Shampoo. It’s designed for all hair types, with a sulfate-free formula that cleanses while protecting color, and an anti-metal technology called Metal Purifier. It also promises color vibrancy for up to 10 weeks and a comfortable scalp experience. The formula includes Glycine and Vitamin B5 to nourish and lock in moisture from scalp to tips.
Key features to consider in color-safe shampoos include:
- Mild surfactants that cleanse without stripping oils
- Moisturizing ingredients with amino acids and vitamins
- Anti-metal technology to neutralize color-distorting metals
- Proven color protection supported by studies
Color-safe shampoo is just the first step. After washing, a color-safe conditioner or a dedicated mask helps seal pigments, reduce porosity, and sustain vibrancy. The ULTIMATE COLOR Miracle Leave-In Mask is a popular choice for its leave-in convenience, UV protection, and added defense against breakage.
How to integrate color-safe shampoo into your routine
- Set a wash schedule based on your color type (permanent, demi-permanent, semi-permanent).
- Use a gentler washing technique-focus on the scalp and let the lather cleanse through mid-lengths and ends.
- Choose color-specific care tailored to your shade; purple or blue-tinted products can counteract brassiness as needed.
Ultimately, color-treated hair benefits from a gentle, nourishing, anti-metal routine that defends color while maintaining scalp health. A good color-safe shampoo, paired with a complementary conditioner or mask, helps you keep color looking fresh and glossy for longer.
