Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Color-Treated Hair

Getting your hair colored, whether with traditional or fantasy colors, can be a great way to change up your look. But while those colorful tresses can put a pep in your step, color-treated hair doesn’t always play well with particular shampoos and conditioners. This is because many products can pull the dye out of your hair, leading to premature fading, brassiness, and dullness. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of shampoos and conditioners on the market that are specifically designed to gently cleanse and condition your colorful hair without sapping it of its color. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily, there’s a solution that not only protects your color but also brings out the best in your hair type. Keep reading to check out our top picks for your hair needs and how to pick the right shampoo and conditioner combo. 

Best shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair overview

• Best overall: Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
• Best budget: Suave Keratin Infusion Color Care Shampoo
• Best moisturizing: DERMA E Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner Set
• Best for the Curly Girl Method: DevaCurl No-Poo Original
• Best for blondes: Aveda Blonde Revival Purple Toning Shampoo 
• Best for fantasy colors: Overtone Pastel Teal Complete System
• Best for redheads: John Frieda Radiant Red Red Boosting Shampoo
• Best clarifying: Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
• Best thickening: OGX Beauty Extra Strength Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
• Best for scalp: Pura D’or Scalp Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner

How we chose the best shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including which hair type each product’s best suited for, what concerns it addresses, how much is in a bottle, and more to create a short list of the top shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair for each category.

Our picks for the best shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair

While some might view it as a splurge, Color Wow has become a fan favorite for people that need to care for color-treated tresses. While many people know this company for its Dream Coat product line, this is the go-to brand if you’ve colored your hair and don’t want that hue to fade in record time. The color security shampoo is a sulfate- and residue-free formula that works to remove product buildup from your scalp for an effective cleansing experience that doesn’t strip your scalp of essential moisture. 

It’s also free from silicones and suspiciously harsh ingredients that are often included to thicken hair or prevent frizz — but also leave hair feeling weighed down. This pick is safe for all hair types and is also cruelty free. And if you prefer, it comes with a companion conditioner, the Color Security Conditioner.

Hair type: All | Size: 8.4 oz

Maintaining colorful hair between salon appointments doesn’t have to cost more than your phone bill. Suave’s Keratin Infusion Color Care Shampoo promises to keep your color vibrant for up to 40 washes — especially if you pair it with the brand’s matching conditioner, the Keratin Infusion Color Care Conditioner. 

The shampoo gently cleanses while helping to seal your hair’s cuticle. This aids in preserving your hair’s color by preventing dye molecules from leaching out during each wash. Note that this is important, as oftentimes, coloring your hair can be incredibly damaging to the hair shaft, depending on the process used to achieve your desired color. If you pair this with the accompanying conditioner, Suave promises you’ll get 48 hours of frizz control.

Hair type: All | Size: 12.6 fl oz

Dry hair is never a good look. And let’s face it — as pretty as color-treated hair can be, it can be prone to dryness. This is especially true if you had to lift (read: bleach) your hair first before depositing color. So, if your hair is starting to feel more like it belongs on a scarecrow than on your head, you’ll appreciate this hydrating duo from DERMA E. 

Known as a clean beauty and conscious health and beauty brand, this company has made a name for itself by creating innovative and effective products that tackle a wide range of common concerns that might plague your head, face, and body. The Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner Set is a match made in heaven for thirsty tresses. But keep in mind that this is a low-suds formula — meaning that if you’re used to an abundance of soap bubbles, you won’t be getting it.

Safe for all hair types, this set not only infuses critical moisture with ingredients like argan oil but also works to smooth your hair and minimize frizz. The sulfate-free shampoo is packed with plant-based proteins, vitamins, and oils that work to hydrate your hair while also adding shine. Meanwhile, the conditioner offers antioxidants that work to provide a silkier, softer feel to your hair. And, you can rest easy because this is a clean beauty product that’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free certified.

Hair type: All | Size: 10 fl oz per bottle

If you have wavy, curly, or coily hair, you’ve probably heard of the Curly Girl Method — even if you don’t follow it. Long story short, this method requires you to avoid traditional shampoos and cleanse with conditioners or cleansers instead. Cleansers can vary in formula but are usually a hybrid form of a conditioner with a much more liquid texture. 

So if you’re a Curly Girl Method convert, you’re probably familiar with DevaCurl — a popular brand among that cohort. The cult favorite No-Poo Original is specially designed for those with waves, curls, and coils to help gently remove dirt without stripping hair or leaving it looking weighed down. Note that this is a non-lathering formula. If you’re new to the cleanser world, this means you won’t find any suds, regardless of how vigorously you work the product through your hair. 

Hydration is the name of the game with this dual-service product, which pulls double duty as a cleanser and conditioner. Because textured hair types are more prone to dryness, this pick is ideal, as it’s free from SLS/SLES sulfates, phthalates, and other harsh nasties that can leave your hair parched. The No-Poo Original is also perfect for encouraging curl clumping, a must-have if you like to plop your curls.

Hair type: Types 2-4 | Size: 3 oz or 12 oz

You can always tell when someone’s not a true blonde if their hair starts to look brassy after a few weeks. If this is you, then there’s a good chance you’re using the wrong kind of shampoo because it’s not purple. But Aveda has you covered with its Blonde Revival Purple Toning Shampoo. It’s specifically designed to tone, cool, and remove brassiness while gently cleansing your hair. 

Aveda promises to revitalize your blonde hair by using violet pigments that work to create a brighter, more illuminated blonde hue, thanks to eight times the toning pigments. This vegan and cruelty-free formula is also 97% naturally-derived, and it incorporates a blend of hydrating lightweight oils like acai and passionfruit. This is especially ideal if your hair is struggling from being over-processed. So along with moisturized hair, it’ll also feel softer. 

This pick is free from sulfated cleansers, silicones, parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, and synthetic fragrance. Even though this product does have a scent, it’s naturally formulated from osmanthus, certified organic orange, and cedarwood. Note that there’s a companion conditioner, the Blonde Revival Purple Toning Conditioner, if you prefer to stay within this product family.

Hair type: All | Size: 6.7 fl oz

If you love fantasy colors, there are a lot of options out there. But we’re big fans of brands that offer complete system solutions because it’s just easier. If you like that concept too, Overtone is a brand you need to get to know. While we’re only highlighting one color, this brand offers a wide range of colors with products that can be purchased individually or as complete sets. 

The Pastel Teal Complete System is just one of many colors you can choose from Overtone. It comes complete with the coloring conditioner, daily conditioner, and a travel-size version of the daily conditioner. While this might seem like an odd inclusion to our list, this pick is ideal for those confident in managing DIY home coloring or want to dip their toes into this world through a deposit-only color product. More importantly, we like that Overtone is incredibly honest about what you can expect from this product. 

With at-home coloring, you need to have an understanding of color theory and hair levels. The brand clearly shows you what tones you can expect to achieve depending on your starting color. For the uninitiated, fantasy hair colors (especially of the pastel variety) tend to only show up the same as in the bottle if you’re starting on platinum or light blonde hair. For all other starting hair colors, you’ll get a variation of the above — hence the need to understand color theory. 

Did we also mention that this brand’s products have a yummy minty scent so you won’t be knocked out by noxious fumes? Additionally, this set is safe for all hair types and is free from ammonia, parabens, and sulfates. Better still, use the daily conditioner if you want a more subtle hint of color. The more frequently you wash with it, the bolder the color will become. Meanwhile, if you opt to use the coloring conditioner, the daily conditioner acts as a refresher to help your color stay longer.

Hair type: All | Size: 8 fl oz

Blondes aren’t the only ones who struggle with fading hair color. If you’re not a natural redhead, you may find that your hair can also start to look a little dull if you’re using the wrong shampoo. Thankfully, John Frieda’s Radiant Red Red Boosting Shampoo is here to bring your hair back from the brink. The red shampoo works to preserve red tones — even on natural redheads. 

This shampoo incorporates pomegranate extract and vitamin E to hydrate, soften, and smooth your hair. You can also use this with the companion Radiant Red Red Boosting Conditioner. For best results, the brand recommends that you use this shampoo every time you wash your hair. However, keep in mind that this isn’t a color-depositing shampoo. It can only preserve existing color and can’t change the color of your hair.

Hair type: All | Size: 8.3 fl oz

Sometimes you just need a good cleanse. This is especially true if you’re the type who uses a lot of products, relies on a less frequent wash schedule, or struggles with oily hair. Whatever your reason, Olaplex’s No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is designed to get all that gunk and dirt off of your hair and scalp. This color-safe shampoo is designed to remove oil and clarify without leaching moisture out of your hair. 

This shampoo is free from harsh ingredients that can strip your hair of hydration and leave it feeling dry and stiff. More importantly, it’s pH balanced to help restore shine to your hair, protect your color vibrancy, deep cleanse your scalp, and offer lightweight volume for hair so soft that you won’t stop touching it. The brand promises to remove not just product buildup and oils but chlorine, hard water minerals, pollutants, and heavy metals, too. 

Keep in mind that this isn’t meant to be a daily shampoo since it’s billed as a clarifier. Instead, use it once a week, working from roots to ends. It’s safe for all hair types as well. If you like, you can pair it with either Olaplex’s No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner or the No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask for deep conditioning.

Hair type: All | Size: 8.5 fl oz

Most of us know biotin and collagen are essential building blocks for healthy skin, hair, and nails. But many assume they can only be incorporated through supplements. However, topical applications can work too. If you’re interested, OGX Beauty’s Extra Strength Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo is ready to bring you endless good hair days. 

This is a volumizing shampoo that relies on vitamins and proteins to give thinner strands a boost. The lightweight formula is packed with not just biotin and collagen but also bamboo fiber extract and hydrolyzed wheat proteins, making it safe for color-treated hair. It’s a hydrating blend that works to nourish your hair.

If you prefer, pair this shampoo with its companion, the Extra Strength Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Conditioner. However, as a word of caution, if you have over-processed hair (think multiple bleaches, relaxed, or color changes), you may experience dryness using this product because of the intense protein infusion versus the state of your hair cuticle.

Hair type: All | Size: 13 fl oz

Looking for a gentle shampoo and conditioner combo that effectively removes dirt and product buildup without weighing down your tresses or drying out your scalp? Pura D’or’s Scalp Therapy collection is designed to do just that and is safe for all hair types and color-treated hair. An invigorating blend of peppermint, tea tree, and lavender oils work together to help stimulate the scalp, banish flakes, and provide critical moisture.

This shampoo is gentle enough to be used daily or as an occasional clarifying solution depending on your wash frequency. Meanwhile, aloe vera, patchouli, and black cumin seed oil help to hydrate your scalp — making it ideal for those with dry or flaky scalps. Further, you can rest easy, as this is a vegan, gluten-, and cruelty-free product that’s free from harsh ingredients like sulfates, phthalates, or SLS.

Hair type: All | Size: 8 fl oz each

Gently cleanse color-treated hair

Skipping washday isn’t an option, even if you spent a lot on that fresh new color. Thankfully, plenty of color-safe shampoos, cleansers, and conditioners can infuse much-needed moisture, banish product buildup, and even aid in curl definition or volume if you need it. If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy solution, our best overall pick — the Color Wow Color Security Shampoo — is a solid option. For those who want a ready-to-go set, DERMA E’s Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner Set is an economical choice. 

How to pick the right shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair

Shopping for color-safe hair products can be complex. While you need to ensure that you’re picking products that clearly list they’re safe for color-treated hair, you can’t forget about your hair type, porosity, and specific issues plaguing your tresses. 

Hair type

• Type 1. Type 1 hair is straight hair. This includes find or thick strands, hair that’s hard to curl, and even hair that struggles with dryness, frizz, or excessive oil production.
• Type 2. Type 2 hair is wavy hair, which is further divided into 2A, 2B, and 2C. Wavy hair usually appears straighter at the roots. Depending on the intensity of the wave pattern, they may barely be visible or appear more like beach waves. Just like Type 1s, this also includes people who struggle with dryness, oil control, frizz, and texture definition.
• Type 3. Type 3 hair is curly and is further categorized into 3A, 3B, and 3C. The higher the letter, the curlier the hair appears. Dryness tends to be the biggest issue for this hair type, but concerns around frizz and curl definition are also major factors. 
• Type 4. Type 4 hair is coily hair — also broken down into 4A, 4B, and 4C. As with Type 3s, the higher the letter, the tighter the coil. Similarly, Type 4s face dryness as their primary focus, usually followed by coil definition and softness. 

Porosity

• Low porosity. Low porosity means the cuticles of the hair shaft are tightly aligned, preventing moisture from easily entering or exiting. Dryness is an issue for this porosity type. Focus on shampoos that clarify and volumize and conditioners that hydrate. 
• Medium porosity. Also known as “normal porosity,” the cuticles of your hair shaft are normally aligned, allowing moisture to enter so your hair can retain it. This porosity type can use virtually any color-safe shampoo or conditioner as long as it addresses any other concerns, such as dandruff, clarification, or even volume. 
• High porosity. Like low porosity, your hair struggles to retain moisture but for a different reason — your cuticles are too open. So even though moisture can enter, it can leave just as quickly. Focus on products that contain hydrating oils and opt for cool water when washing your hair. 

Hair concerns

• Product buildup. If product buildup is an issue, look for clarifying shampoos that can effectively cut through dirt, grime, and products. Some options can even remove environmental pollutants, like hard water minerals and chlorine. 
• Dry scalp. Dry scalp can range from simply having a head that feels itchy and tight to embarrassing flakes. Products claiming to target this issue will usually include hydrating ingredients, as well as scalp-stimulating ingredients like peppermint and tea tree. 
• Hydration. Color-treated hair often suffers from dryness depending on how much chemical processing was needed to achieve your desired results. So, dry hair can manifest as having a hard hand feel, or visible split ends. Similar to those with dry scalps, look for moisture-rich formulas. 

FAQs

Does colored hair require special shampoo? 

If you want your color to last more than a few weeks, it’s a good idea to invest in a good color-safe shampoo. These will usually feature formulas free from ingredients known to strip color and moisture. This can include sulfates, parabens, SLS, and harsh surfactants (which create that suds effect we’ve all grown up with). 

Which shampoos shouldn’t be used on colored hair?

Avoid shampoos with SLS ingredients, including sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and sodium chloride. While all of these ingredients are designed to offer a deep cleanse, they can also prematurely fade your color. 

What’s the best way to keep color-treated hair healthy?

Hydrating and avoiding over-processing are essential. As we’ve mentioned, depending on the starting state of your hair, you may have had to bleach, tone, and then deposit color before achieving your desired results. Every time you process your hair, you change the chemical bonds, which can manifest as dry or damaged hair. Along with investing in a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, focus on hydrating products and consider incorporating a color-safe deep-conditioning product into your routine. Likewise, minimize heat styling, as this can compound the problem of damaged hair