We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Hair

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Color Shampoo?

By Amanda R. Bell
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 12,032
References
Share

Color shampoo is a hair care product meant to enhance or preserve color-treated hair. Some of these products are specially formulated to limit color stripping, while others actually deposit a small amount of dye in the hair. Another popular type of color shampoo is the variety that uses toning colors to prevent dyed hair from turning shades of yellow or orange. Specialized shampoo for highlighted hair is also available, and all of these products are typically very gentle, moisturizing, and include vitamins and minerals to help protect hair from damage.

When hair is dyed, the natural hair color is lifted slightly or totally and a new color is deposited in its place. Most types of color shampoo are formulated to be gentle enough not to remove the color deposits, keeping hair color fresher for longer. Shampoos meant for other hair types are typically too harsh for color-treated hair and can cause hair dye to fade prematurely.

For shades that are especially hard to keep vibrant, there are different types of color shampoo that deposit a small amount of color every time the product is used. Deep shades of red or brunette are often prone to changing color, and this type of product can add a small amount of color in place of the original color that is washed out during the cleansing process. These color shampoos come in a range of shades and often include shine-enhancing ingredients as well.

Certain hair colors and hair types tend to change after the hair has been dyed. Shades of blonde and gray are especially prone to this, with the former tending to turn orange over time and the latter turning yellow. Most types of color shampoo with toning properties have small deposits of violet or blue that help to counteract this change in color. Purple shampoo typically helps to keep blonde hair from turning orange, a common occurrence in those with naturally darker hair that has been lightened. Blue-based shampoos aid in keeping gray from yellowing.

There are also separate color shampoos for those with highlights. These tend to having toning properties to prevent highlights from turning brassy, although they are typically not as strong as those meant for all-over color. This helps to protect un-highlighted hair that is a warmer color from losing its depth and turning cooler. As hair is typically highlighted with bleach, this type of color shampoo is often very hydrating and includes proteins to help strengthen hair.

Nearly all types of color shampoo include heavy moisturizers to help replenish processed strands. Both drugstore and higher-end brands often include proteins such as keratin that help to rebuild hair that has been colored, as the dying process tends to strip hair of its natural proteins. Unlike other types of shampoo, which are meant to clean unprocessed hair, color shampoo is typically much gentler and contains weaker cleansing agents to prevent causing further damage to hair and to protect the color.

Share
BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
By bear78 — On Jan 14, 2014

I have blonde hair with highlights and I use blue shampoo to prevent my hair from turning orange. I don't use it all the time, just a few times a month. It seems to do the trick.

By SarahGen — On Jan 13, 2014

All color shampoos are not great. The salon brands and the high end brands at pharmacies are good. But the affordable ones for "color treated hair" at the store are not very effective. I actually don't see any difference between the latter and shampoo for regular hair. Color shampoo is supposed to protect color and strengthen hair, but every brand isn't the same. I still haven't found the best color shampoo.

By serenesurface — On Jan 13, 2014

I've been coloring my hair for many years but I did not try a shampoo for colored hair until recently. I wish I had started using color hair shampoo earlier because it truly is better than regular shampoo for my hair.

The one I'm using is made for brown, color treated hair and it not only protects but also enhances my hair color. It makes my hair shiny and after I wash with this shampoo, it looks like I just got my hair re-colored. I absolutely love it. I don't know why I didn't try this type of shampoo before! I had dull hair for far too long.

Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-is-color-shampoo.htm
Copy this link
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.