Color-treated hair requires special attention to maintain its vibrancy and health. Whether you've recently dyed your hair or are a seasoned color enthusiast, understanding how to care for your locks is essential. To help you make the right choice, we list out our top recommendations ahead—along with some tips and tricks for colour longevity.
Why does coloured hair need extra TLC
Colour-treated hair is more prone to damage and dryness due to the chemical processes involved in dyeing. When the hair cuticle is opened to deposit color, it becomes more susceptible to moisture loss and breakage. Additionally, exposure to UV rays, heat styling, and harsh hair products can further compromise the integrity of color-treated strands.
Use a colour-safe shampoo: Use a shampoo specifically formulated for coloured hair. Look for products that are sulfate-free and contain colour-protecting ingredients like UV filters or antioxidants.
Shampoo less frequently: Avoid washing coloured hair daily to prevent colour fading. Shampooing every two to three days will help preserve the colour.
Use lukewarm water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water can strip the colour and natural oils from the strands, leading to colour fading and dryness.
Massage gently: When shampooing, be gentle with your scalp and hair. Massage your scalp with light pressure using your fingertips, avoiding rough rubbing or scrubbing.
Rinse thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the shampoo out of your hair completely. Residue from shampoo can dull the colour and weigh down your hair.
Apply conditioner wisely: Use a colour-safe conditioner after shampooing to hydrate and protect the hair. Focus on the ends and avoid applying conditioner directly to the roots to prevent greasiness.
Protect from sun exposure: Use hair products that offer UV protection, when spending time in the sun to shield your coloured hair from damage.
Don't use clarifying shampoos often: Clarifying shampoos are excellent for removing product buildup, but they can also strip away colour. Reserve their use for occasional deep cleansing.
Avoid rough towel drying: Gently blot your hair with a soft towel after washing. Avoid rough towel drying, as it can cause breakage and frizziness in coloured hair.
Best shampoos for colour-treated hair
Bare Anatomy Expert Color Protect Shampoo
Specifically designed to protect coloured hair, this shampoo has ingredients like UV filters, antioxidants and nourishing compounds that help maintain colour vibrancy and protect against damage. It’s formulated to address the unique needs of coloured hair—and prevents fading while enhancing shine.
MADES Bath & Body Temptation Pure Shampoo
This formulation is unique to the brand and boasts ingredients that address specific concerns like brassiness and maintaining cool-toned colours. Made particularly for lighter-coloured strands, this helps keep the pigment looking fresh.
Yves Rocher Colour Lotion Shampoo
This shampoo contains ingredients that enhance and preserve hair colour, while also nourishing the locks. Infused with acai and agave, this shampoo provides colour protection while providing botanical benefits.
GK Hair UVA Color Shield Shampoo:
This shampoo is formulated with UVA and UVB filters to protect your coloured hair from the harmful rays of the sun and to maintain the pigment’s vibrancy. Moreover, its formula prevents split ends and dryness, while the aloe vera locks in moisture to maintain shine and softness in your colour-treated hair.
L'Oreal Professionnel Xtenso Care Shampoo
In addition to coloured hair, L'Oreal Professionnel’s Xtenso Care Shampoo is also great for chemically treated hair. Its nourishing ingredients strengthen processed locks and offer shine and smoothness in the long run.
