Grab your head: choose a shampoo for colored hair

To figure out which shampoo is the best for color-treated hair, we tested a dozen formulas on our own heads, read tons of reviews, and talked to an expert. We present the result of our research – the rating of shampoos for colored hair. The most worthy, according to Healthy-Food.

Features of shampoos for colored hair

The task of any shampoo is to cleanse the scalp of accumulated sebum, dead particles of the epidermis, and hair – of dust, styling products and other contaminants. Any shampoo can perform this function, however, when it comes to dyed hair, it is important that, together with the dirt, the cleansing composition does not wash out the paint, and also does not aggravate the dryness of the scalp and hair, which have already experienced the stress of chemical exposure during dyeing.

It is for this reason that dyed hair requires special shampoos that, on the one hand, will be able to remove impurities, on the other hand, retain artificial pigment, and on the third, provide proper care.

So, the number one task of shampoo for colored hair is to protect them from overdrying.

Task number two is to smooth the scales of the hair cuticle to “seal” the color.

How does your hair feel?

How to choose a good shampoo for colored hair

When you need to get a new good shampoo (especially for colored hair), a modern girl will certainly have a question: which shampoo to choose, sulfate or sulfate-free?

It is known that sulfates (SLS and SLES), which, as a rule, are part of shampoos, can act quite aggressively, lifting the scales of the hair cuticle and thus contributing to the washing out of color, as well as loss of moisture. However, how harsh or soft the shampoo will be depends on each particular formula.

Shampoo is better to choose according to the type of scalp, and balm and conditioner – according to the condition of the hair.

If the composition is generously enriched with moisturizing and regenerating components, the shampoo can provide a gentle cleansing even in the presence of sulfates.

Regenerating and moisturizing ingredients include:

  • berry extracts (eg goji, cranberries);

  • aloe;

  • glycerol;

  • hyaluronic acid;

  • panthenol;

  • vegetable oils.

However, if you are categorically against sulfate shampoos or have a sensitive scalp, choose products with a mild detergent base, they are also in our rating. In the end, which shampoo is better is up to you, but remember that the criterion for choosing any shampoo, including for colored hair, is the type of scalp.

“You can use shampoo and care from the same line, but in any case, I recommend choosing a shampoo according to the type of scalp, but care (conditioner and mask) according to the type of hair. If you dye your hair, then choose care from the lines for dyed hair, ”advises Evgeny Sedoy.

To find out which shampoo you need, answer a few questions.

As for professional shampoos for colored hair, they are of two types:

  1. Shampoos for use in the salon immediately after dyeing, with their help the coloring composition is washed off, it cleans very well, and also stops the oxidative process.

  2. Special lines for colored hair for home use (which includes shampoo), they prolong the durability of the color due to the same moisturizing, restoring and softening ingredients. Sometimes shampoos are tinted – they include special pigments to prolong the brightness of the color after salon staining: for brunettes, blondes, light and dark brown-haired women, red, copper and red shades.

Shampoos for colored hair with colored pigments and a slight tinting effect can be found not only in the range of professional brands. True, the palette of their shades is not so extensive, but the trend is obvious, and there is hope that there will be more shades in the foreseeable future.

Top 8 Best Shampoos for Colored Hair: Our 2021 Rating

To rank shampoos for colored hair 2021, we had to personally test a fair amount of products, as well as scrupulously study the opinions of users. And here is the result – the top 8 best shampoos for colored hair, according to Healthy-Food.

Shampoo Botanic Therapy. Argan oil and cranberry” for colored and highlighted hair, Garnier

Argan oil takes care of the hair during cleansing, nourishes and softens it, while cranberry extract acts as an antioxidant. Shampoo helps to preserve the brightness of the color of dyed hair.

Soothing shampoo-care for normal and oily hair Dercos, Vichy

Delicate shampoo gently and at the same time thoroughly cleanses the scalp, helps reduce itching and has a calming effect. Panthenol, included in the formula, is known for its ability to protect hair from damage and dehydration.

Laminating shampoo-care “Elsev. Color Expert” for colored or highlighted hair, L’Oréal Paris

For the effect of “lamination”, that is, smoothing the hair, as well as for the preservation of color, the elixir with flax oil is responsible. Shampoo-care nourishes the hair and makes it smooth and shiny.

Shampoo Fructis Goji. Lasting color, strengthening for colored or highlighted hair, Garnier

Provides color shine for up to 10 days, gently cares for hair, and also nourishes and makes them stronger thanks to fruit concentrates and vitamins in the composition. The hair looks great.

Shampoo to maintain the color of dyed hair with sunflower oil Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo, Kiehl’s

It does not contain sulfates and very gently cleanses the hair, enriched with sunflower and apricot oils, helps protect the color from washing out, smoothes and softens the hair. Really good shampoo for colored hair, reviews confirm our opinion.

Delicate 3-in-1 shampoo-care for hair Elseve Low Shampoo “Color Expert” for colored and brittle hair, L’Oréal Paris

This shampoo for color-treated hair is so delicate and gentle that you may not even need a conditioner after, according to some users. The formula includes glycerin, vitamin E, vegetable oils, caring and cleansing ingredients. There are no sulfates, so the shampoo does not foam – and we love it.

Shampoo for colored and dull hair Botanicals Fresh Care Geranium. Radiance Elixir, L’Oréal Paris

Enriched with Geranium, Coconut and Soybean Oils, this moisturizing shampoo for color-treated hair gently cleanses scalp and hair to help maintain color and shine.

Elseve Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair and Highlighted Brunettes, L’Oréal Paris

Due to the purple pigment, this shampoo helps to neutralize the yellowness and reddish tint that can appear on blond, highlighted and even gray hair.

How to use a color-preserving shampoo for color-treated hair

Shampoo for colored hair is used in the same way as any other shampoo.

  1. Wet your head and hair well with warm water.

  2. Squeeze a small amount of shampoo into a damp palm and lather (if the shampoo lathers).

  3. Distribute the composition evenly over the scalp.

  4. Make massage movements until a thicker foam is formed. If the composition is sulfate-free and does not foam, just massage the scalp for 30 seconds.

  5. Wash off with plenty of water.

  6. Repeat the procedure again if required. The second time you may need less shampoo.

  7. Lightly wring out the hair and apply a balm, conditioner or mask for colored hair. Wait a certain time, following the instructions.

And finally, find out if you know how to wash your hair. Answer our quiz questions.

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