Shampoo for Colored Hair

Stylist promoting shampoo for colored hair
Photo: Elnur/Shutterstock
Q: What is the best type of shampoo and conditioner to use on colored hair? Can shampoo that is not formulated for color treated hair be used?
 
A: When you are dealing with color-treated hair, you want to use a shampoo that is gentle. This specifically means one that won't overly strip the hair. Most daily use shampoos are fine for this purpose. The only time you really have to worry is in hair color treatments that are prone to fading, such as with some red hair color formulas.
 
Typically speaking, only bright colors or colors applied to damaged or previously chemically treated hair have issues with color fading. It is usually the conditioner that plays the greatest role in maintaining the color service well. A good conditioner helps to smooth and seal the cuticle layer and gives the hair a healthy shine.
 
You should generally use the shampoo and conditioner that you prefer. Base your decisions on which products make your hair look and feel best. There are many products on the market now that boast claims of "extending the life of your hair color" but the claims of these products should be taken with a measure of skepticism. The formulations are based on sound theory, but the actual results are less significant than what may be claimed.
 
The bigger concern in selecting products for hair that is color treated is the condition of the hair after the color service. In color services that included a lightening stage as well as a toner stage, there may be some damage to the hair and increased porosity. A good acid-balanced conditioner will help to contract the swollen hair shaft and compact the cuticle layer, which will help to seal in the color and restore a look of healthy shine. Damage can also occur to hair that is frequently colored and re-colored using non-lightening hair color formulas.
 
Remember that damage done to the hair is cumulative. Think of it this way: the fibers of the hair on your hair are like the fibers that make up the fabric of the clothing you wear. Daily wear and washing, ironing, etc. gradually wear down the fibers and the clothes wear out. You can't buy any product that will miraculously "make the clothing new" again.
 
You can, however, use products that will help to protect your clothes and keep them looking new longer. This is similar to the way hair works. The fibers of the hair are no longer alive and cannot "heal", but you can take proper care of your hair and minimize the daily accumulation of damage to the hair and keep it looking healthy as long as possible.
 
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See also:
 
How to dye hair
 
Are shampoos for specific hair types worth their money?
 
How to take care of colored and chemically treated hair
 
How to prevent that colored hair fades too fast