Water is hair color’s worst enemy, so the best thing you can do to safeguard your new hue is simply to minimize how often you wash your hair. That being said, when you do suds up, using a color-safe shampoo is critical to preserving your temporary, permanent, or semi-permanent hair color while nourishing your tresses and keeping your scalp healthy.
Specially formulated to not strip color molecules, color-friendly shampoo is a surefire way to keep your strands shiny and vibrant, while also stretching out how long you can go in between DIY dye jobs or salon appointments. Whether you have highlights, balayage or an all over tint, Celebrity colorist Mark Debolt says that if you're serious about keeping your hair in its best condition then investing in a shampoo designed specifically for dyed hair is essential.
We conducted research on the best shampoos for colored hair and got to work testing them out on blondes, reds, brunettes and every shade in between. We evaluated each option on their active ingredients, texture, value and targeted results. After using them for weeks at a time, we combined our favorites with stylist-recommended products to create this list.
Best Overall
K18 Peptide Prep pH Maintenance Shampoo
Helps repair damaged hair
Only a small amount is needed
Subtle citrus scent
May be too heavy for those with thin hair
This shampoo took the top spot because of its ability to improve everything from dryness, damage, shine, static and color vibrancy. We saw a difference after just one wash and it only got better as we continued to use it. It uses the patented K18 peptide to limit protein loss while washing and maintain each individual strand’s strength, resulting in an overall healthier and thicker looking head of hair. The pH in the formula was created to align with our own hair and scalp’s natural pH to keep the scalp’s protective barrier functioning and prevent the cuticles from swelling.
This shampoo uses fewer but more effective ingredients to gently cleanse your hair while simultaneously improving its health and appearance.
Who It’s For
We especially loved how it reversed the negative effectives of washing your hair in hard water and the toll pollution takes on our hair. This shampoo offers a long-term solution to getting and keeping your hair in its optimum condition.
Key Ingredients: K18 peptide, cocamidopropyl betaine | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Citrus | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Runner-Up, Best Overall
Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
Rinses clean
Strengthens hair
Leaves scalp feeling fresh and clean
Can be a little drying
This pick is free of not only sulfates but also is also formulated sans silicones, oils, and parabens (just to name a few). It leaves behind not even a trace of residue, so you’re never left with any build-up. Suitable for all hair types, it is also safe to use on keratin treated hair and extensions.
Who It’s For
While this shampoo works for straight and curly hair alike, the fact that it doesn’t leave any residue makes it the ideal choice for those who find their hair gets greasy quickly. Switching up your shampoo for this option means you may be able to stretch the amount of days in between washes—therefore saving you time and lessening the amount of heat styling on your hair.
Key Ingredients: Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate and sodium cocoyl glycinate | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Mild | Size: 8.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Bond Builder
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Read Full Review: The Olaplex Bond Maintenance System Kit Transformed My Hair
Helps repair damaged hair
Effective formula
Lathers well
Could be more hydrating
Olaplex is a mainstay in the hair coloring world; there’s both a reparative in-salon treatment that many colorists use while coloring, as well as a beloved at-home version. The shampoo offers similar benefits, working to rebuild the hair bonds that are broken during the color process so that strands stay ultra-strong and healthy. That alone earns it top honors on this list, but we can’t fail to mention that while it’s sulfate-free—essential criteria for any type of color-safe shampoo—it still foams up nicely and rinses completely cleanly.
We tried out Olaplex’s Bond Maintenance System Kit (which includes the Bond Maintenance Shampoo along with the Bond Maintenance Conditioner and Hair Perfector mask) and gave it a perfect five-star rating. The shampoo thoroughly cleansed our hair without leaving it feeling stripped and kept our hair feeling fresher, longer.
Key Ingredients: Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 3.3 or 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget
Love Beauty And Planet Murumuru Butter & Rose Blooming Color Shampoo
Smells great
Helps preserve color
No silicones
Could be more hydrating
The sulfate-free formula keeps hair super shiny, so the color looks bright and fresh. It also has plant-based detangling ingredients to ward off snarls and add a glossy sheen, leaving color-treated hair soft and manageable. But honestly, the best part may be the rose fragrance that elicits tons of compliments every time we use it.
Who It’s For
Those with thick and long hair who feel like they go through shampoo at a rapid rate will love how much bang you get for your buck with this product. Not only is it one of the more affordable options on our list but it also comes in one of the biggest bottles.
Key Ingredients: Murumuru butter and coconut oil | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Rose | Size: 32.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Fine Hair
L'Oreal Paris Thickening Shampoo
Boosts volume and thickness
Invigorating, fresh scent
Inexpensive
Might not works as well on very dry hair
For those who color their hair but are also constantly trying to bulk up and style fine strands, this pick is the best choice. Sulfate-free, it cleanses beautifully (and foams up great!), while the formula also helps to boost volume. The minty-rosemary scent is fresh and invigorating—great for sleepy mornings—and we’d be remiss not to mention the affordable price, too.
Who It’s For
This shampoo was created especially for those with fine hair. Not only does it help in adding some extra volume to thin hair, it also strengthens the strands to prevent further breakage from coloring.
Key Ingredients: Rosemary leaf oil | Hair Type: Fine, thin | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Mint | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dry Hair
R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo
Reduces static
Moisturizes
Boosts shine
Can be difficult to lather
To keep your shade vibrant and your mane nice and moisturized, reach for this sudser. It boasts a litany of good-for-your-hair ingredients—namely antioxidant-rich lychee extract, okra seed extract, vitamin E, and sunflower seed extract. It will help add shine and fight static, all while conditioning and moisturizing your color-treated locks. We’ve seen a noticeable difference after only one wash, just saying.
Who It’s For
If you have finally achieved your dream shade only to be left with parched strands from all the coloring, then this is the shampoo deserves a well-earned place in your shower. The cocktail of nourishing ingredients replenishes moisture while also maintaining the vibrancy of your color.
Key Ingredients: Lychee extract, vitamin E, okra seed extract, and sunflower seed extract | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Earthy | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Curly Hair
Briogeo Curl Charisma Shampoo
Moisturizes curls and coils
Strengthens hair
Safe for chemically-treated and relaxed hair
Might not work for those with oily hair
This gentle, sulfate-free formula from Briogeo was developed with waves, curls, and coiled textures in mind and is fortified with hair-loving ingredients like rice amino acids, tomato fruit ferment, shea butter, and avocado oil. The hair is left nourished and hydrated, and the natural curl pattern is more defined.
Who It’s For
This is the go-to shampoo for anyone who has both curly and colored hair. The extra hydrating formula enhances the natural shape of waves making it the ideal option if you are looking to let your hair air-dry to create naturally healthy and bouncy curls.
Key Ingredients: Amino acids, tomato fruit ferment, shea butter, and avocado oil | Hair Type: Curly, coily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Avocado | Size: 2 to 33.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Thick Hair
OUAI Thick Hair Shampoo
Softening formula
Boosts shine
A little goes a long way
Not for very oily hair
Formulated with thicker hair textures in mind, this shampoo from OUAI is rich in hydrating ingredients like marshmallow root extract, shea butter, and avocado oil. The ultra-nourishing formula works to detangle and boost shine while keeping static at bay, plus it’s sulfate-free, meaning it’s safe for color-treated hair, to boot.
Who It’s For
Those lucky enough to have been born with thick hair will know that while it’s great for creating volume, it can also be hard work come wash day. Styling thick hair can sometimes feel like an arm workout but this shampoo lightens the load by delivering a powerful combo of ingredients that soften the hair making it that much easier to brush and therefore prevent breakage.
Key Ingredients: Marshmallow root extract, shea butter, and avocado oil | Hair Type: Thick | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Floral | Size: 10 or 32 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Natural Hair
GIRL+HAIR CLEANSE+ Moisturizing Shampoo
Rich, foaming texture
Soothes the scalp
Applicator bottle gets right to the root
Not everyone may like the minty scent
Natural hair requires a whole different kind of washing and styling protocol, so for colored kinky, coiled hair, reach for this mega-gentle cleanser. It starts as water, turns into a rich foam, and leaves curls, which can be innately drier and more prone to damage than straight strands with plenty of moisture. In short, it doesn't strip natural oils or color. There's also shea butter and tea tree oil in the mix, and it'll help nourish both your locks and your scalp.
Who's It For
In addition to being the ideal option for natural hair, this gentle shampoo is the perfect choice for those with sensitive scalps that find regular shampoos cause them irritation. The formula was created with delicate skin in mind, making it safe for anyone with eczema, psoriasis, or dry, flaky skin.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter and tea tree oil | Hair Type: Curly, coily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Minty | Size: 10.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Damaged Hair
Living Proof Restore Shampoo
Smooths hair
No silicones
Value size available
May contribute to buildup over time
The proprietary ingredient this brand relies on—a “Patented Healthy Hair Molecule”—was created by MIT scientists, so you know it’s going to be legit. The formula aims to restore dry and damaged hair cuticles right away while helping to ward off future damage. Yes, please. Not to mention that it also repels dirt and oil so that you can stretch out washes further, always a boon when you have colored hair.
Who It’s For
We have all been told by our stylists to wash our hair less to avoid further damage, but this is easier said than done. Whether you are already on a once a week cycle or have been trying to extend the life of your blow dry—this shampoo is so effective at removing dirt, sweat, oil, pollution, and buildup that it is just the product you need if you are looking to take a break from washing and styling your hair so often.
Key Ingredients: Proprietary amino cleansing complex, glutamic acid-based emollient, and phytantriol | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 8 or 24 ouncs | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Blonde Hair
Amika Bust Your Brass Shampoo
Boosts and preserves blonde shades
Doesn't stain skin or bathroom
Boosts hydration and shine
Strong scent
Blondes are more susceptible to dealing with all kinds of color fading and changes, namely unwanted brassy tones that can make cooler blonde shades appear dingy. Purple shampoo can instantly fix any brassiness, and after testing 26 different purple shampoos, Amika's is one of our favorites. This violet-based shampoo works to instantly counteract those orange and brassy undertones and leaves any cool blonde shade refreshed and revived. It’s a great choice for those with gray hair, too. While a lot of purple shampoos tend be drying and hard to wash out, this one was easy to rinse out, left our hair moisturized, and didn't stain our skin or bathroom.
Who It’s For
For those truly dedicated to keeping their blonde tones intact then this shampoo is worth the investment. It comes in four different sizes from a tiny travel-sized version to an XL bottle, - meaning you can take it on trips away while also having your bathroom stocked up to ensure your highlights stay luminous.
Key Ingredients: Quinoa protein and plant butters | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 8 or 33.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Splurge
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo
Nourishing formula
Boosts shine
Strengthens hair
Could be more moisturizing
Gentle and reparative, this rejuvenating shampoo helps combat split ends, dryness, and breakage and even addresses a dry and flaky scalp. It’s splurgy, yes, but the brand’s Bio-Restorative Complex and Signature Complex—packed with ingredients like biotin, plant collagen, and niacinamide—make it well worth the investment. Plus, it smells incredible, thanks to bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood.
Who It’s For
If you are in the market for a self-gift then look no further. This rich shampoo is definitely an indulgence but the dreamy scent will make your bathroom feel like a luxury salon. Treat yourself and your hair to this revitalizing option that will always have you looking forward to washing your hair.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, plant collagen, and niacinamide | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Floral | Size: 2.5, 8.5, or 33.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Drugstore
Pantene Illuminating Color Care Shampoo
Inexpensive
Contains biotin
Great for fine and thin hair
Could be more hydrating
Devoted drugstore shampoo users will love this formula, but it’s so good that even those who use salon brands exclusively should give it a try. Color-safe and sulfate-free, the formula aims to strengthen and support hair health. Plus, the floral and citrus fragrance is sophisticated yet never cloying.
Who It’s For
If you like to keep your hair routine simple and are looking for a shampoo that does exactly what it says it will, then this is your perfect bathroom staple. We love a good drugstore find at Byrdie and this shampoo from Pantene is gentle enough not to strip the moisture from strands while still being effective enough to give your hair a deep clean.
Key Ingredients: Biotin | Hair Type: Fine, thin | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Floral/citrus | Size: 9.6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Sensitive Scalp
Innersense Color Awakening Hairbath
Contains certified organic ingredients
Smooths hair
Hydrating formula
Scent isn't that strong
Completely color-safe, this clean formula is full of natural ingredients like coconut and pumpkin seed oils and shea butter. The creamy texture safeguards your shade and leaves your strands looking—and feeling—strong and healthy. It'll help boost hydration, shine, smoothness, and manageability while keeping flyaways at bay.
Who It’s For
There is nothing worse than an itchy scalp and if you find most shampoos leave you irritated then this hairbath could be the soothing option you have been searching for. Formulated with organic ingredients including honey to improve luster, it gently cleanses your hair without any unnecessary harsh ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, pumpkin seed oil, and shea butter | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Citrus | Size: 10 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Dry Shampoo
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones
No residue
Smells great
Hydrates
Not for very oily hair or scalp
As we said, the longer you can go without washing your hair, the longer your color will last. That's where the beauty of a great dry shampoo, like this guy, comes in. It uses rice starch to do the dry shampoo thing—remove excess oil—but it's also infused with argan oil and leaves the hair hydrated and shiny, not dull. This variant is made for dark tones (so don't worry, it won't leave behind a chalky residue), but there's also an option for light tones with subtle violet pigments that knock out brassiness and keep your blonde fresh.
Who It’s For
Everyone can benefit from having a can of dry shampoo on hand. Whether it’s to get a couple of extra days in between washing or to create an emergency hair refresh after receiving a last minute invite, dry shampoo is a hair care essential. The good news is that as you just need a light spray on the roots - one can is likely to last you a long time.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 1.7 or 5.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Oily Hair
Biolage Scalpsync Cooling Mint Shampoo
Removes excess oil from the hair and scalp
Cooling sensation
Refreshing
Doesn't provide much volume
The mint leaf inside this shampoo not only smells incredible, but it also helps remove excess oil (both from the hair and scalp) and leaves a deeply cooling sensation. According to the brand, mint leaf has unique anti-bacterial and calming properties that make it perfect for oily hair or over-processed tresses. The results leave your hair feeling extra clean, refreshed, and healthier than ever.
Who It’s For
Those with naturally oily hair know all too well the feeling of washing your hair in the morning only to have it turn greasy by the evening. This shampoo has been specially designed to cleanse excess oil from the scalp to maximize how long your roots stay clean for, therefore reducing how often you need to wash your hair.
Key Ingredients: Mint leaf | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Mint | Size: 13.5 and 33.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dandruff
Jupiter Dandruff Shampoo
Clean ingredients
Soothes and moisturizes
Medicated
Coconut scent may be too sweet for some
Jupiter's Balancing Dandruff Shampoo is a cruelty-free scalp treatment that uses an FDA-approved OTC active ingredient, zinc pyrithione, to tackle dandruff from the root. Any issues you have from dandruff, whether it be a dry scalp, itching, or excess oil, will equally be treated with every wash. We noticed an improvement in itchiness after just one wash, and our scalp was complety flake-free after using this shampoo for 12 weeks.
Who It’s For
This is the shampoo you need to keep dandruff under control and never let it take the shine off your new dye job again. In addition to reducing dandruff, the combo of natural ingredients work to protect and enhance your color while also preventing breakage.
Key Ingredients: Zinc pyrithione, squalane, coconut oil, and sugar kelp extract | Hair Type: All, especially oily and dry scalp | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Mint, vanilla, sage, and lavender | Size: 9.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Red Hair
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo
Supports color-retention
Conditioning
Doesn't strip hair
Too much product leaves hair oily
Shades of red were all you saw on your social media feeds this year. To keep the red color at its full vibrancy, it is important to invest in your hair. This shampoo multitasks by gently lathering and conditioning your hair, so your color is always protected. And because it supports color retention, it means fewer visits to the hair salon and more time spent enjoying your fire-y hair.
Who It’s For
Anyone looking to achieve a salon style finish from the comfort of their own home will love how the RCT protein complex in this shampoo nourishes the hair from root to tip to leave it looking healthier and stronger, while amino acids seal in color to limit fading.
Key Ingredients: Protein complex, hydrolyzed soy protein | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Cherry | Size: 33.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Brunettes
Redken Color Extend Toning Shampoo
Boosts shine
Neutralizes brassiness
Non-drying
Stains fingers if not wearing protective gloves
Think of blue shampoo in the same light as purple shampoo: It counteracts any brassiness, except on brown hair. On the color well, orange is the opposite of blue, so blue works to neutralize the unwanted tones in your hair. This shampoo from Redkin is one of the best blue shampoos on the market simply because of its benefits outside of color correcting. If you want a shampoo that also strengthens and improves hair health, this is your best bet.
Who It’s For
Luscious brown hair is one of the most sought after colors around and while it may be less damaging than going blonde, maintaining the richness of the color can be just as tricky. The blue pigments keep brunette shades looking fresh while the color-maintenance technology maintains that newly dyed appearance for longer.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 10.1 or 33.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
Overall, our favorite when it comes to maintaining color-treated hair has to be the K18 Peptide Prep Smoothing pH Maintenance Color-Safe Shampoo due to its innovative peptide formula. Its unparalleled ability to repair the damaged hair bonds broken during the coloring process make it a must have. If you're looking for a budget-friendly pick, reach for Love Beauty and Planet's Murumuru Butter and Rose Blooming Color Shampoo, which is a sulfate-free formula packed with hydrating botanicals to add a glossy sheen.
How We Tested & Reviewed
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We tested several options for weeks at a time and then collaborated with a professional colorist to ensure we landed on the best picks for all hair colors and textures.
Attributes we evaluated each shampoo for colored hair on:
- Ingredients that hydrate and smooth
- Lather and cleaning abilities
- Product value and price
- Customer reviews
- Brand promises
- Overall results
What to Look For in Shampoos for Colored Hair
- Color-Safe Formulas: When it comes to shampooing color-treated hair, Debolt stresses the importance of only using a product designed to prolong the life of color-treated hair. This will ensure that there aren’t any potentially dulling or stripping ingredients in the formula. Debolt also recommends avoiding some sulfates, though it’s worth noting that not all are necessarily bad for your color. “There is often conversation about sulfates in hair care, but it’s a complex topic because there are different grades of sulfates,” he says. “Salon-professional hair care often contains sulfates that are perfectly okay for color-treated hair, while drugstore brands contain harsher sulfates that can remove color.” Our advice? Look for sulfate-free options unless the formula is recommended directly by your colorist. We love the affordable Color Wow free-from formula.
- Avoid "Clarifying" and "Detoxifying" Formulas: Debolt also says to avoid shampoos that are labeled as “clarifying” or “detoxifying.” “These products often contain ingredients that will remove artificial pigment from the hair,” he says. Another ingredient to look out for is chamomile, which he says will also remove pigment from color-treated hair. The R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo is great for preserving color with a vitamin-enriched formula.
- Hydrating Ingredients: Any type of coloring will more than likely leave your hair feeling drier so in addition to using a suitable conditioner applying a shampoo with hydrating ingredients can help to replenish any lost moisture. Look for ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, argan oil, and avocado oil. For instance, Ouai Thick Hair Shampoo has shea butter and avocado oil.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there.
Byrdie contributor Clare Holden's biggest regret is probably bleaching her hair in her early twenties. After years of trying every product she could get her hands on to limit the damage and breakage she finally has her hair back on track after putting down the straighteners and investing in good haircare.
In addition to our own research, Byrdie also consulted an expert colorist to get their top tips:
- With decades of experience working as a hairstylist, salon owner Mark Debolt is the trusted colorist of celebrities such as Naomi Watts due to his specialty color placement techniques.