How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Colored Hair

By Upasana KakatiNov 11, 2024 5 mins read

Understanding the needs of colored hair

Choosing the best shampoo for colored hair

Ingredients to look for

Ingredients to avoid

How often should you use color-safe shampoo

FAQs

References

Coloring your hair is an exciting transformation until that fresh-from-the-salon look starts to fade. Then, you need to choose the best shampoo for colored hair and other products to keep the strands vibrant. The right shampoo can make all the difference in preserving color, shine, and hair health over time. Before we delve deep into the benefits of color-safe shampoo and which one to pick, let’s understand the needs of your colored hair.

Understanding the needs of colored hair

When you color your hair, the process often involves opening up the cuticles to deposit pigments. This makes strands more porous and prone to moisture loss. Color-treated hair can become fragile, so it’s crucial to be gentle with it. Choosing a color-safe shampoo helps protect your hair’s integrity, minimizes fading, and keeps it looking fresh and hydrated.

Additionally, dyed hair is more susceptible to damage from external factors like UV rays, pollution, and frequent heat styling. A dedicated shampoo for colored hair is designed to cleanse while locking in shine and preventing dullness. GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann explains, “Shampoos for colored hair usually have lower concentrations of cleansing surfactants. The formulas also use special conditioning agents that coat your hair’s surface to prevent dye molecules from escaping.”

Choosing the best shampoo for colored hair

Not all shampoos are created equal, especially for color-treated hair. Here’s what to look for in a color-safe shampoo.

Gentle cleansing agents - Opt for a shampoo with mild surfactants that clean without stripping. Harsh cleansers can lead to dullness, dryness, and quick fading.
Low pH formula - A slightly acidic pH helps seal the cuticle, which prevents color molecules from escaping and protects the mane from external aggressors.
Moisturizing properties - Shampoos with hydrating ingredients like oils or aloe vera keep color-treated strands from becoming brittle. Proteins and amino acids also help rebuild strength, which is essential for damaged or processed hair.
Shampoos for specific colors - For blonde or brunette tones, using a purple shampoo like Color Vibrant Blonde Shampoo can counteract brassiness. It neutralizes yellow undertones and prevents your hair color from turning too warm. Similarly, gray hues need Color Vibrant Silver Shampoo to prolong freshness and vibrancy.

Ingredients to look for

Have you ever wondered what’s in your shampoo? Well, you need to know every bit of it now that you’ve colored your hair. We’ve rounded up the three most important ingredients to look for—color-sealing agents, natural oils, and antioxidants. They form a protective layer on the hair shaft and infuse moisture without weighing down the strands. They also help reduce breakage and keep hair feeling soft and manageable. Emollients like argan oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and aloe vera restore moisture retention and improve overall texture. Since color-treated hair is vulnerable to sun damage, antioxidants work as UV filters to shield against harmful rays and environmental stressors.

Moehair Color Alive Shampoo is one such formulation packed with shine-boosting ingredients that go the extra mile to preserve both color and hair vitality. It is a science-backed color-safe shampoo that gently cleanses the mane without compromising its appearance.

Ingredients to avoid

Certain ingredients can be too harsh on colored hair, causing dryness, brittleness, and faster color fading. Make sure to steer clear of the following:

Sulfates - While common in regular shampoos, sulfates are considered aggressive for colored tresses. They strip natural oils along with color molecules, leaving hair dry and lackluster.
Drying alcohols - Some alcohols can be drying and contribute to parchedness. Look out for ingredients like SD alcohol 40, isopropyl alcohol, and ethanol. While not all alcohols are bad, these types can be harmful to colored tresses.
Sodium chloride - Often used to thicken shampoo, sodium chloride can cause color-treated hair to lose its flare. It’s best to avoid shampoos with added salt, as they can dry out the strands and shorten the life of your color.

How often should you use color-safe shampoo

Keeping up with a consistent routine of washing your hair every two to three days will help preserve the stunning color. If you have oily hair or exercise frequently, using dry shampoo in between washes can help. Fine hair may need more frequent cleansing, while coarse textures can go longer without shampooing. Additionally, note that hot water makes the cuticles swell and strips dye molecules. It is best to use cold or lukewarm water to keep the hues intact. Color-safe shampoo doesn’t need to be used daily; instead, adopt a washing routine that maintains both scalp health and color longevity.

FAQs

Q1. Does color-safe shampoo really work?

Absolutely! Color-safe shampoos are formulated to prevent color molecules from washing out quickly. Unlike regular shampoos, they contain milder surfactants and often have pH levels optimized to keep color from fading.

Q2. Can you use color-safe shampoo on non-dyed hair?

Yes, you can. Color-safe shampoos are generally formulated with gentle ingredients that won’t harm non-colored hair. In fact, their hydrating and protective benefits make them a great choice for anyone looking for a mild, everyday shampoo that supports healthy hair.

Q3. Are sulfate-free and color-safe shampoos the same thing?

Not always. While sulfate-free shampoos are often color-safe because they avoid the harsh sulfates that strip color, some color-safe shampoos may still contain mild sulfates or other surfactants. It’s always best to check the label. If you’re concerned about sulfates specifically, look for products labeled both “sulfate-free” and “color-safe.”

Q4. Do you need to use a conditioner after color-safe shampoo?

Yes, a conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair helps seal the cuticle, lock in moisture, and add shine. Opt for Moehair Color Alive Conditioner for deep nourishment after every wash.