The Best Shampoos for Color Treated Hair 

Coloring your hair is an amazing way to express your own style and personality, but over time it can cause damage and strain on your hair. 

Although the hair itself is not alive, 95% of the hair strand is made up of proteins, which actively protect the hair from environmental damage such as moisture, heat, and UV rays. Coloring or bleaching the hair causes these proteins to lift, allowing chemicals to penetrate the hair strand and change its color. This alteration of the hair’s protein structure can cause the hair to be vulnerable to breakage, dryness, thinning, and frizz. 

Color protectant and color safe shampoos are a great way to keep your new color looking fabulous while simultaneously repairing and strengthening your hair. We also love shampoos with natural moisturizers that help to boost the hair’s hydration and prevent breakage or frizz. 

We have found some of the best shampoos for color treated hair in 2023, and we can’t wait to share them with you. 

1. Blu Atlas Shampoo

If you are someone who dyes their hair on a regular basis or you love to experiment with color and style, your hair will most likely be suffering the consequences. Blu Atlas Shampoo is one of the best shampoos for color treated hair, as its replenishing formula boosts your hair’s health and appearance while deeply moisturizing the scalp to promote growth. 

Blu Atlas has enriched this shampoo with premium, natural ingredients that will make it feel super soft and full of life. The product is also cruelty free and made from simple, clean ingredients, making this one of our favorite shampoos on the market. 

A stand-out ingredient is jojoba protein, which repairs damaged and brittle hair and helps to fortify against further adversity. Aloe vera soothes the scalp and is gentle on skin, and coconut-derived surfactants cleanse the hair of impurities and build up. We love that the formula lathers from the scalp all the way to the ends, and makes the hair washing experience luxurious and easy, not like those silicone filled products that make your hair feel rubbery and coated in plastic.

Blu Atlas focuses on natural, high quality ingredients that are proven to promote hair health, and it is vegan, preservative-free, paraben-free, synthetic dye-free, and phthalate free. It also smells amazingly fresh with a subtle coconut aroma that is great for the whole family. 

2. Amika Vault Color Lock Shampoo

Color treated hair may look incredible, but it does require a little extra TLC. Amika Vault Color Lock Shampoo is the perfect solution for those who want to maintain their color treated hair, as this formula is targeted at improving hair resilience, moisture, and vibrancy. 

Amika Vault Color Lock Shampoo is infused with UV filters and antioxidants to protect your hair from environmental damage, while also nourishing and adding shine with its unique amino acid blend. Soybean oil helps maintain color and keeps even the most vibrant of colors from fading, plus this shampoo is sulfate-free, color-safe, gluten-free, and vegan, so it won’t strip your hair of its natural balance.

This shampoo also contains betaine, a powerful strengthening agent that protects the hair’s cuticle, while increasing elasticity and moisture retention for volume and a radiant shine. The shampoo is also amazing for keratin-treated hair, helping to maintain its silkiness and prevent frizz. 

We respect that Amika provides a one-year warranty on this product, because that’s how confident they are in its ability to tick all of the right boxes!

3. Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo is a crowd favorite, and like a dog to a bone, we just keep coming back for more. Specially formulated for damaged hair, this sulfate-free shampoo is rich and creamy, and full of so many nourishing ingredients for colored hair.

Its intense conditioning element protects against color fade, while citric acid reinforces weakened bonds within your hair to improve strength and shine. pH balancing defends against the detrimental effects of coloring, and it also protects your hair from heat styling and harsh water. 

Redken professionals know how to improve the look and feel of your hair, and incorporating this shampoo into your routine will leave your hair less prone to breakage, with fewer visible split ends, and smoother than ever before. Suitable for all types of hair, this shampoo doesn’t leave your scalp oily and it’s super safe on the skin. 

4. Living Proof Color Care Shampoo

Living Proof Color Care Shampoo is one of the best shampoos for colored hair in 2023. It’s super effective at brightening and toning colored hair, and it also helps to prevent the frizz and fly-aways that come with repeated hair treatments. 

This shampoo is free from harsh chemicals that can often be found in mainstream hair products such as sulfates, silicones, and parabens, making the hair feel light, clean, and voluminous. 

Living Proof Color Care Shampoo is specially formulated for blonde hair, but it is suitable for all types of color-treated hair. It provides long-lasting shine and color coverage, while also protecting your hair from color fade with its UV filter and infusion of esters which replenish the hair’s protective outer layer. 

With added softness and a light, fruity scent of bergamot oil, lemon peel, and orange peel oil, your hair will not only look great but also smell like a summery treat. 

5. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

With the winter months approaching, we highly recommend you get your hands on Pureology’s Hydrate Shampoo. Its gentle, moisturizing formula replenishes dry and damaged hair, making it a great solution for thicker hair types. Vegan and sulfate-free, this shampoo not only nourishes your hair but also protects your color from fading with its patented Antifade Complex.

The rich lather of Pureology Hydrate Shampoo has been crafted in such a way that your hair feels soft, shiny, and protected, without being weighed down. Sage stimulates the hair follicle to promote growth and strength, and jojoba penetrates the strand with moisture and nourishment. Green tea extract helps to purify the scalp, and aromas of lavender, bergamot and patchouli allow you to breathe deeply and calm the mind. 

Perfect for coarse hair or for any hair type in those dry winter months, this shampoo will leave your hair (and mind!) feeling nourished and taken care of. 

6. Morrocanoil Hydrating Shampoo

To put it simply, we have fallen in love with this shampoo. Affordable, hydrating, color-safe, and scented like a tropical cocktail, this is one of the best options for a low-budget hair care routine. Argan oil is one of nature’s wonders and is incredibly rich in tocopherols (also known as Vitamin E), which help to repair and restore damaged hair to its former glory. This shampoo also contains algae, a great moisturizer for colored hair, and helps to protect the hair cuticle from drying out. 

Overall, this shampoo pampers your hair and offers a high-end treatment for a great price. It is also amazing for maintaining the manageability of your hair if you are prone to tangles, as the silky formula helps keep the hair soft and tangle free. Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo is a great shampoo for all of the family as it is sulfate-free, phosphate-free, paraben-free, and gentle on skin. 

Give your hair the care it deserves with Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and enjoy the benefits of vibrant, healthy-looking hair.

7. Color Wow Color Security Shampoo

If you’re looking for a color care shampoo that leaves your hair feeling super clean for longer, this color Security Shampoo by color Wow could be a great choice for you in 2023. 

This shampoo is suitable for all hair types with a clean and simple formula and is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with thin hair or brittle ends. Coconut-derived cleansers help to get rid of all dirt, grime, and oil from the scalp, and also foam to create a juicy, bubbly lather that smooths and cleanses the hair from root to end. 

This shampoo is sulfate-free, SLS, and SLES free, and does not contain any pesky silicones that are often found in mainstream shampoos and can weigh the hair down. 

8. Joico Blonde Life Shampoo

Joico Blonde Life Shampoo is a gentle and softening shampoo for colored hair, specifically targeted at blonde tones. Its nutrient-rich formula is free from SLES and sulfates, and it is enriched with beautiful natural oils that deeply cleanse dirt and oils without stripping color or moisture. 

The team at Joico has harnessed the natural powers of tamanu oil, which comes all the way from South East Asia and has a range of therapeutic properties. Tamanu oil is full of fatty acids that help to rejuvenate dry ends and promote hair growth, and it is believed to possess powerful healing properties. It also works as an effective UV-absorber, so on those summer beach days, you can let your hair down and not have to worry about your luscious locks. 

Arginine works from the scalp down, as it rebuilds the hair from the inside out, fortifying the strand against future damage. We also love the infusion of monoi oil, which blends coconut oil and Tahitian gardenia flower to prevent frizz and create a divine aroma when lathered into the hair. 

This shampoo’s formula is designed specifically for blonde hair, as it keeps blondes bright and luminous, preventing the yellow, brassy tinge that can come from using regular shampoo. However, we found this to be effective at maintaining all hair colors, as Joico’s own Smartrelease technology uses liposomes to protect all colors from fading. This technology is also amazing for preventing damage from heat styling, so you can use your favorite styling techniques without any stress.. 

9. Matrix Keep Me Vivid Sulfate Free Shampoo

If you’ve got a habit of dying your hair a new color every season, you have to get on the Matrix haircare train. Whatever color of the rainbow your hair may be, Matrix Keep Me Vivid will help keep your hair bright and healthy, even if it is an extreme color that tends to fade quickly. 

Its milky formula gently cleanses without stripping the hair strand, and it helps to combat color fading with one key ingredient; Pearl. Pearl infusion delivers incredible results on all hair types, and fights against discoloration from chlorine or color oxidation. It has also been found to help with dryness and frizz, so your hair is manageable and easily tamed. 

You’ll love the fragrance of this shampoo as well – it’s a mouth-watering blend of vanilla, coconut, and cotton candy that will leave your hair smelling as good as it looks. 

10. Nexxus color Assure Shampoo

Nexxus scientists have formulated this shampoo to help replace the amino acids that are damaged or lost during the hair coloring process. They have enriched their color Assure Shampoo with elastin protein and quinoa, replenishing the hair to promote health and appearance. These protein-rich ingredients also extend the life of your color, making your investment into your hair more worth your while. 

Nexxus knows how to take care of fragile hair and has included a conditioning polymer in this shampoo, which helps it stay nourished and soft. With its ability to provide vibrancy, shine, and longer lasting color, this shampoo is highly rated and a must-have for anyone looking to maintain their color-treated hair and protect it from root to tip

11. Maria Nila Eco Therapy Revive Shampoo

One of our goals for 2023 is to invest in brands that make an effort to care for the planet. 

Maria Nila Eco Therapy Revive Shampoo is an affordable choice for an eco-friendly, detoxifying shampoo for damaged hair, and one of our favorites this year. The scent of jasmine and linden blossom is sure to leave your hair smelling beautiful and floral, and the packaging is CO2 compensated. 

This shampoo is perfect for those who have been coloring their hair for a long time and have noticed it becoming weaker or having a sticky, waxy coating. With its micellar cleansing technique, this shampoo effectively removes impurities and residual product build up, leaving your hair feeling light and refreshed. Infused with natural, organic ingredients and botanical proteins from kale, carrot, and lemon, this shampoo not only nourishes your hair but also helps to repair it from the damage caused by coloring.

12. Hask Rose Oil & Peach Color Protection Shampoo

Hask Rose Oil & Peach Color Protection Shampoo is a great option for young people experimenting with hair coloring who don’t have the budget to purchase high-end color-retaining shampoos. This shampoo is available at a range of stores, making it easily accessible for everyone to protect their hair, and smell fun and fruity while doing so. 

This shampoo is specially formulated to fight fading, leaving you with voluminous, shiny hair that can withstand heat styling and color damage. Hask’s addition of rose oil not only provides a lovely fragrance for this shampoo, but also helps to nourish and soften your hair. Peach extract is added to revive moisture in dry, dull hair, and hydrolyzed quinoa helps to fortify the hair and keep it looking vibrant. 

We love that this shampoo is free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol, and artificial colors, allowing your hair to heal and repair itself, unlike most low-budget hair products. 

13. DpHUE Color Fresh Shampoo 

This minimalist shampoo is made with botanical ingredients that help to protect and maintain colored hair, plus it is free from parabens, sulfates, and animal testing, making it safe for all hair types. 

The unique combination of kumquat extract and sunflower seed is definitely a winning formula. Kumquat extract boosts the vibrancy of your hair color and protects it from UV damage, while sunflower seed extract protects your hair from future damage and nourishes your scalp. This shampoo is also fortifying against hard water damage, which is great for big city dwellers.

The fresh and clean scent of this shampoo leaves your hair smelling great, with a subtle fragrance that is unisex and won’t overpower your perfume of choice.

14. Eleven Australia Repair My Hair Nourishing Shampoo

When you have colored your hair for a long time, you know how important it is to have a shampoo that not only protects your color but repairs your hair from the damage it has endured. Eleven Australia Repair My Hair Nourishing Shampoo is color-safe and uses natural ingredients to repair and revitalize hair from the effects of coloring and heat styling.

One thing that we like about this shampoo is that it was designed with the environment in mind, using 100% recyclable packaging. Inside, the product itself is gentle on your hair, infused with hydrolyzed rice protein to increase volume, strength, and shine. Quinoa helps to rebuild the hair from the scalp to the ends, leaving you with less breakage, and green tea boosts hair health and helps with color retention.

Experience the benefits of Australian-made hair care and enjoy the soft, nourished hair you deserve. 

15. Bruns Silver Shampoo Nr. 25

Lighter hair colors tend to require a slightly different treatment than other types of colored hair, as the hair has usually been gradually lightened over time, making it more susceptible to breakage and thinning.

Bruns Silver Shampoo Nr. 25 is handcrafted with care by a small business in Sweden and is specifically formulated to deeply moisturize and condition while effectively neutralizing yellow or gold tones in blonde, gray, and bleached hair. Say goodbye to dull, lackluster locks and hello to shimmering silver highlights with the help of Kampeche, also known as bloodwood. This flower has amazing toning powers and gives your hair the most subtle and beautiful highlights. 

Bruns Silver Shampoo Nr. 25 also contains grapefruit essential oil to promote hair growth and scalp health, leaving your hair feeling refreshed and revitalized. The refreshing citrus scent is also sure to invigorate your senses and give you a welcome boost. And the best part? It’s vegan, super gentle on skin and scalp, and can be used every day without adding too much pigment to light-colored hair. 

16. Ouai Detox Shampoo

Are you tired of dealing with an oily scalp and dull, lifeless hair? Introduce Ouai Detox Shampoo into your hair care routine and say goodbye to buildup and hello to shine. 

Formulated with a unique blend of apple cider vinegar, keratin, tamarind seed extract, and chelating agents, this shampoo effectively cleanses away dirt and oil, leaving your hair looking and feeling refreshed.

If you have thicker, curlier hair that tends to hold more build up and trap oil against the scalp, we highly recommend you try Ouai Detox Shampoo. Apple cider vinegar deeply penetrates the hair and cleanses each and every strand without stripping the hair of its natural moisture balance. It’s also cruelty-free, sulfate-free, and free of all “nasties” that can damage your hair and cause build up. Plus, the floral scent will leave your hair smelling amazing all day long. 

Give your hair the fresh start it deserves with Ouai Detox Shampoo. 

17. Ethique Tone It Down Brightening Purple Shampoo Bar

Dying your hair blonde is always a good idea, but dealing with brassy, yellow tones in your color-treated hair? Not so much. Ethique’s Tone It Down Brightening Purple Shampoo Bar is a great way to neutralize those unwanted hues, and it’s also good for the planet. This shampoo bar is sulfate-free, soap-free, and plastic-free, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. 

This innovative shampoo bar is packed with powerful ingredients that work together to leave your hair looking vibrant and refreshed. Beetroot powder is used to counter yellowness, while ethically sourced mica adds shine. Fairly traded babassu oil and cocoa butter work to nourish and soften your hair, leaving it looking and feeling healthier than ever before. Plus, with at least 80 uses from one bar, it’s perfect for travel, so you can maintain your blonde locks wherever you go.

We love Ethique’s brand and all of the wonderful things they do, making their Tone it Down Brightening Purple Shampoo Bar one of the best shampoos for color treated hair on the market. 

18. Hair Food White Nectarine & Pear Color Protect Shampoo

Infused with the delicious scents of white nectarine and pear, this shampoo is designed to repair and strengthen your hair while protecting your color and shine. 

Hair Food uses white nectarine to give the hair a boost of moisture and a mouth-wateringly good scent, while pear extract provides strength and resilience to vulnerable hair. The sulfate-free, silicone-free, paraben-free and mineral oil-free formula ensures that your hair is left clean, bouncy, and healthy. 

This shampoo is suitable for any hair type, but particularly for those looking for an affordable and nourishing option for color-treated hair. The scent is perfect for the female nose, but great for teens too. So, why settle for a boring shampoo when you can give your hair the ultimate nourishment it deserves without breaking the bank! 

19. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Shampoo

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Shampoo is one of the best shampoos for color treated hair, as it promotes healthy, vibrant hair and helps prevent frizz and breakage. If your hair tends to feel a bit limp and lackluster, this gentle, moisturizing formula could be a great addition to your shower routine.

It’s infused with powerful ingredients like rosehip oil, almond oil, and algae extract to hydrate and nourish your hair, while B vitamins work to add shine and restore your hair’s natural health. This shampoo is specially designed for dry, damaged hair, and is safe for use on color-treated, keratin-treated, chemically-treated, and relaxed hair.

Even better, this shampoo is made with 95% naturally derived ingredients and free from any harmful chemicals, so you can trust that the glossy, silky hair on your head is clean, safe, and thriving. 

20. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

An oldie but a goodie, Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is a top-performing shampoo that continues to be a must-have for anyone with colored hair in 2023. With its ability to tame frizz and repair and protect hair from breakage and brittle ends, this is one of our must-haves.

One of the key benefits of Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is its ability to relink broken bonds in the hair. Its luxurious formula is packed with restorative properties that are great for adding resilience to your hair and leaving it softer than ever before. This is a brilliant shampoo for those who have undergone bleaching or other harsh chemical treatments that can cause split ends and damage to the hair.  

What makes Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo stand out is its commitment to roots and scalp health. Banana fruit extract and rosemary leaf extract help to rid the scalp of dirt, oil, and impurities, and sunflower seed extract adds nourishment to any dry areas. The product is free from DEA, aldehydes, and formaldehyde, making it safe for your skin and hair, as well as the environment. It is also pH balanced, paraben-free, phthalate-free, phosphate-free, sulfate-free, nut-free, and gluten-free! 

Olaplex products are super hydrating and luxurious and adding this shampoo to your shower routine is a great way to give yourself a bit of extra self-love this year (warning, these products are incredible, but not cheap!).