Whether you’re rocking a new hair color or looking to spruce up your existing hue, you’ll want to use a shampoo that’s specifically designed for your locks. A regular shampoo is fine, but finding one that caters to color-treated hair can help cleanse your scalp, while also preserving the vibrancy of your shade. From a more budget-friendly option like bondbar to a splurge-worthy find like Kérastase or our overall pick (we’re looking at you, Olaplex), keep reading to find the 14 best shampoos for color-treated hair.
The 14 Best Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair, According to Experts, Editors and Reviewers
A guide for all hair types
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Published Feb 23, 2024
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Dasha Burobina/PureWow
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The Best Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair at a Glance
1
Best Overall
Olaplex No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
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2
Best for Highlights
Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
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3
Best Splurge
Kérastase Bain Riche Chroma Respect Shampoo
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4
Best Purple Shampoo
Biolage Color Last Purple Shampoo
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5
Best Value
bondbar Bonding Shampoo
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Meet the Experts
- Sunnie Brook is a celebrity hairstylist and a global ambassador for Biolage. She has over 20 years of experience as a hairdresser, salon owner and educator. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including Vogue, Allure and Harper's Bazaar. Her previous clients include Ashley Park, Elisabeth Moss and Jenna Ortega.
- Sophie Georgiou is a professional colorist for Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon. She has over 15 years of experience in the industry and has previously worked with renowned hairstylists like Bruno Pittini, Serge Normant and John Frieda. Georgiou has been with Sally Hershberger since 2009 as a lead colorist in balayage, color transformations and more.
- George Papanikolas is a hair colorist and brand ambassador for Matrix based in Los Angeles. His work has been featured in Allure, InStyle and People Magazine. His clients include Madonna, Hailey Bieber, Nicole Scherzinger and Kim Kardashian.
- Michelle Cleveland is a celebrity hairstylist, extension artist and educator at the Hair Addict salon in New Jersey. Michelle has trained in advanced cuts and color techniques in London, Miami, and New York and has multi-certifications with Vidal Sassoon, Toni & Guy and Wella.
- Laura Gibson is a professional colorist at Bomane Salon and th global artistic director for Joico. She has a decade of experience, specializing in custom coloring, balayage and hand-painted highlights. Her work has been featured in Elle, Allure, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire.
How We Chose the Best Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair
We asked our editors for their top recommendations and honest reviews on color-safe cleansers they’ve used on their locks. We also tapped professional colorists to share shampoos they love to use on their clients. From there, we analyzed each shampoo’s ingredients, scents and various benefits. We also considered different hair types and wide-ranging colors (from blonde to brunette and red) to find the best shampoos for color-treated hair.
Best Overall
1. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- great for damaged hair
- improves shine
What We Don't Like
- can be drying for some hair types
Olaplex
Between the heat, dye and stress our hair is subjected to on a regular basis, we ask a whole lot of it. This Olaplex shampoo promises to reduce breakage and frizz, while leaving your strands with a healthy shine. Its secret weapon lies in the bond-building technology (aka bis-aminopropyl diglycol diamaleate), which repairs bonds in your strands to prevent damage and split ends. As one Sephora shopper shares, “I have damaged curly hair [and] I'm regularly changing my hair color and using heat on it. The only way to keep my hair healthy has been using Olaplex. I love the N4 because it cleans my hair but leaves it so hydrated and healthy at the same time. It doesn’t irritate my scalp and it works wonders as a bond builder!”
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: dryness, dullness
- Size: 8.5 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: N
Best for Highlights
2. Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
What We Like
- maintains color
- hydrating formula
- has a rich lather
What We Don't Like
- can feel drying for some hair types
Color Wow
If you love Color Wow’s Dream Coat Spray, their shampoo is equally popular for color-treated hair. Formulated with coconut-derived ingredients, one of our editors recommended this shampoo as a go-to for highlights. “It’s an absolute must-have for anyone with highlights or babylights (especially if you have fine hair like me). Not only does it keep my money pieces looking bright instead of brassy, but it also has a lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh my hair down or leave it feeling greasy. I typically get my roots touched up every 6 to 8 weeks and this has definitely helped prevent my color from fading in-between visits to the salon. And unlike other color shampoos I’ve tried, it made a noticeable difference with frizz and fly-aways,” says Sydney Meister, assistant editor at PureWow.
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: fine, thin hair
- Size: 8.4 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: Y
Best Splurge
3. Kérastase Bain Riche Chroma Respect Shampoo
What We Like
- improves shine
- great for dry hair
- adds softness
What We Don't Like
- pricey
- strong scent
Kerastase
This salon favorite has a reputation for gently cleansing, enhancing shine and preserving your hair color. Its acidic blend of amino, lactic and tartaric works to target damage and prevent color from fading, while adding softness and shine to strands. “I dyed my hair a copper brown a few months ago, and this shampoo has managed to maintain that rich, subtle undertone of warm red. The sulfate-free formula won’t strip or cause color to fade, and I’ve noticed I can go longer than the recommended four to six weeks between my glosses. In fact, it’s been about four months since my last gloss and the color hasn’t turned brassy on me yet,” says Stephaine Meraz, associate fashion commerce editor at PureWow.
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: dryness, damaged
- Size: 8.5 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: Y
Best Purple Shampoo
4. Biolage Color Last Purple Shampoo
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- moisturizing
- great for highlights
What We Don't Like
- can stain hands
- can feel drying for some
Biolage
If you’re looking for a purple shampoo, consider adding this stylist-approved pick to your routine. It's formulated with pure purple pigments, fig and orchid extract that helps neutralize brassiness and protect hair from breakage. As Brooks explains, “Gray and blonde hair can tend to look yellow easily because of product buildup and minerals in water. Because of this, I always recommend using a clarifying shampoo once a week, followed by this purple shampoo to really enhance those sparkly tones.”
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: blonde and gray hair
- Size: 13.5 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: N
Best Value
What We Like
- cleanses scalp
- reduces frizz
- budget-friendly
What We Don't Like
- not great for thin hair
bondbar
Want salon-quality ingredients on a budget? Our editors love this bonding shampoo for color-treated hair. The gentle formula cleanses and hydrates hair, so you can forget about frizz. As Associate Editor Chelsea Candelario shares, "When I had reddish brown highlights, I relied on this shampoo to bring back moisture to my strands. And as someone with an oily scalp, the shampoo helped cleanse it without drying it out (or stripping my color). It also made detangling easier, which is a major plus for a curly girl."
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: damaged, dryness, frizziness
- Size: 8 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: Y
Best for Dull Hair
6. Shu Uemura Color Lustre Shampoo
What We Like
- adds shine
- pleasant scent
- has a rich lather
What We Don't Like
- pricey
Shu Uemura
Your hair deserves to shine and this shampoo is ready to make that happen for you. The rich formula has Japanese musk rose oil and goji berry extract, which is known to deeply nourish and protect color from fading so you end up with a more vibrant finish. It also gets raving reviews from Georgiou, who enjoys using this shampoo on her clients. “I recommend it because it’s very gentle and doesn’t strip away any of those hair color molecules,” she adds.
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: dullness
- Size: 10 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: Y
Best for Blonde Hair
7. Matrix So Silver Purple Shampoo
What We Like
- adds softness
- great for highlights
- pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
- can stain easily
- can feel drying for some hair types
Matrix
Matrix does a good job at offering shampoos for all hair colors, but Papanikolas recommends this one in particular for blondes. The formula promises to brighten your hair color and neutralize any brassy or yellow tones, while also adding shine and softness throughout. The purple shampoo also works well for silver and platinum locks.
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: blonde and gray hair
- Size: 10.1 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: N
Best Lather
What We Like
- adds shine
- softens hair
- has a rich lather
What We Don't Like
- might feel drying for some hair types
Wella
Cleveland loves this shampoo from Wella for protecting and preserving hair color. With rich antioxidants, the formula helps strengthen strands, locks in moisture and adds shine. Plus, it produces a rich foamy lather that leaves your scalp feeling fresh. "This shampoo provides shine and protection for your hair. It also extends the life of your hair up to eight weeks," she adds.
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: dullness, damaged
- Size: 8.4 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: N
Best for Dry Hair
9. Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Shampoo
What We Like
- gentle formula
- has a rich lather
- tackles frizz
What We Don't Like
- strong scent
Joico
Gibson stands by this Joico shampoo for color-treated hair and we can definitely see the appeal. The gentle formula has African manketti oil (which is rich in vitamin E) to protect color against fading, keratin to strengthen and repair strands and argan oil to deeply nourish hair. The shampoo claims to maintain 82 percent of your hair color for up to eight weeks. As Gibson shares, "This shampoo is great because it preserves color significantly, adds shine, restores and protects hair. [It also has] UV protection!”
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: damaged, dryness, dullness
- Size: 10.1 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: N
Best Scent
10. Method Simply Nourish Shampoo
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- gentle formula
What We Don't Like
- can feel heavy for some hair types
Method
A shampoo that’s safe for hair color is great, but adding a heavenly scent is icing on the cake. Infused with coconut, rice milk and shea butter, fans appreciate the spa-like fragrance it provides in the shower. Plus, the gentle formula also hydrates dry strands, reduces frizz and protects color from fading. “This shampoo is hands down the best-smelling shampoo I’ve ever used—and the scent actually lasts in my hair. It does a great job of making my hair feel squeaky clean and it’s definitely a re-buy for me,” says one shopper.
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: dryness
- Size: 14 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: Y
Most Scent
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- great for dry hair
- has a rich lather
What We Don't Like
- not great for oily hair
Odele
This smoothing shampoo is ready to enhance your natural texture and keep your color vibrant in-between appointments. Infused with amino acids, the shampoo reduces frizz, prevents damage and adds shine back to dull strands. The color-safe daily cleanser is so gentle it won’t strip away your natural oils. Shoppers also appreciate the pleasant scent with notes of cucumber, ylang ylang and oak moss that adds a nice addition to wash day. “This shampoo was a pleasant surprise! It's moisturizing and smoothing like the name says, and it smells really good! It doesn't seem too harsh or drying for my colored hair,” says one Ulta reviewer.
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: dullness, frizziness
- Size: 13 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: Y
12. R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- cleanses scalp
- preserves color
What We Don't Like
- can feel heavy for some hair types
R+Co
If a shampoo promises to preserve your color for up to ten washes, then it’s worth checking out. Its nourishing blend of lychee, okra seed and sunflower sprout extract enhances the vibrancy of your hue, along with vitamin E to protect color from washing out. Reviewers say it lathers up well and removes any heavy grease, while replenishing moisture so locks are silky smooth. As one reviewer shares, “This is the best shampoo that I have ever used for color-treated hair. The smell is amazing and it makes my hair silky. I’ve also noticed that it has helped tame my frizz.”
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: frizziness
- Size: 8.5 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: Y
Best for Frizz
What We Like
- comes with a scalp brush
- pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
- not great for oily scalps
- pricey
Hairstory
This cleansing cream is praised for tackling frizz and maintaining your color’s vibrancy. The detergent-free formula has aloe leaf juice, jojoba oil and sunflower seed oil to remove excess residue and nourish strands for shinier and softer locks. Shoppers say the shampoo also prevents tangles and doesn’t weigh down their hair in the shower. As one Amazon reviewer shares, “I took a chance and splurged on this product, [and] it’s proven to be worth it. It took some getting used to, [but] the scent is heavenly. My color-treated, naturally curly hair feels softer with each use.”
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: frizziness, curly hair
- Size: 8 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: Y
Best for Breakage
14. Oribe Shampoo For Beautiful Color
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- softens strands
What We Don't Like
- pricey
$49
This Oribe shampoo is specifically formulated to enhance your color, while incorporating everything your hairstylist could ever want—UV protection (yep, the sun can fade your color) and zero potentially drying or stripping ingredients (like sulfates, parabens and coal tar). According to customers, all you’ll need is a small drop of shampoo to leave even the driest, frizziest hair looking soft and silky. “I regularly bleach my hair, so my ends are beyond split, fried and dead. Because of this my hair gets super frizzy and this shampoo definitely helps with that. I also like to add fun colors [to my hair]. I [recently] had pink in my wedding and the shampoo did a good job at not dulling the color a ton,” shares one Sephora shopper.
Fast Facts
- Hair Type: dryness
- Size: 8.5 oz
- Sulfate-Free?: Y
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Consider When Buying Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair
1. Search for important keywords. Papanikolas says to look for phrases like ‘color protection,’ ‘gentle cleansing’ and ‘moisture-inducing,’ on your shampoo bottles, as they indicate that the formula will protect and even enhance your hair color.
2. Look for hydrating ingredients. Some examples include aloe vera, jojoba oil, shea butter, argan oil and hyaluronic acid. “These ingredients have been shown to hydrate the hair and help balance out the cuticle, so that color evenly adheres to the hair,” says Papanikolas.
3. Avoid harsh formulas. Steer clear from shampoos with sulfates, parabens, silicones, sodium and formaldehyde. According to our experts, these ingredients can strip natural oils from your hair, which dry it out, causing your color to fade faster.
Why Is it Important to Use a Shampoo Designed for Color-Treated Hair?
“A shampoo designed for color-treated hair helps preserve the vibrancy and longevity of your hair color. They are usually formulated with gentle cleansers and ingredients that help maintain the pH balance of the hair, while preventing color from fading,” says Papanikolas.
How Often Should You Wash Color-Treated Hair?
Our experts recommend washing your hair every two to three days to prevent color from fading prematurely. (Note: The frequency can vary depending on your hair type, scalp needs and lifestyle.) In general, Papanikolas says you should avoid over-shampooing, as it “can strip away the delicate color molecules and natural oils leading to dryness, dullness and faster color fading.”
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.