I talk a lot about my experimental phase with my hair, a stage that I will not leave any time soon. I colored it at one time, hoping to turn heads with my new look. At the time, my work was not all over the place. However, I did not want to skimp on this process.
So I saved up for some time and headed to a trusted hairdresser. The ‘trusted’ part is crucial. I know of people who have had hairdressers mess up their hair by using dyes that are unsuitable for them. I also hear stories of people who dyed their hair at home, and things went wrong.
Unless you are using natural products as the dye, you should get your coloring done by a professional. That said, I loved the outcome and could not wait to show it to the world. Also, I was afraid that the color would come off, so I used dry shampoo for a few weeks. It became evident that sooner or later, I would need a shampoo that would work for my color treatment. And that is when the struggle began.
Here I was, having spent a chunk of cash on coloring my hair. Was I now going to watch my efforts go down the drain? Was I going to wash away the money that I had saved up for weeks? The thing is that color can quickly fade, more so when you use a regular shampoo. So that was not a suitable choice for me, and it will not work for you either.
What I needed was a shampoo that works for colored tresses, one that would preserve the color and prevent dryness. I finally found some products that worked, and I will get into what made them right for me. I will also get into how you can maintain your color and ways to choose the best product for you. Are you ready? Let’s get started.
List of Top Drugstore Shampoos for Colored Hair
| Photo | Product | Weight | Suitability | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash | 8.5 ounces | Dry Hair | View on Amazon |
| Pureology Hydrate Sheer Moisturizing Shampoo | 8 ounces | Weak Hair | View on Amazon |
| Kenra Color Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner Set | 33.8 ounces | Chemically-Treated Hair | View on Amazon |
| Davines OI Shampoo, 9.46 fl.oz | 9.46 ounces | Dull Hair | View on Amazon |
| Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner for Thinning Hair Growth | 8 ounces | Thinning Hair | View on Amazon |
| Davines Momo Shampoo | 8.45 ounces | Dry Hair | View on Amazon |
| Pantene Gold Series Shampoo and Conditioner Kit | 8.5 ounces | Curly and Textured Hair | View on Amazon |
| Keracolor Clenditioner Color | 12 ounces | Dull Hair | View on Amazon |
| OGX Organix Hydrat Defrizz Shampoo and Conditioner Set | 13 ounces | Sun-Damaged Hair | View on Amazon |
| Alba Botanica Colorific Plumeria Hawaiian Shampoo, 32 oz | 32 ounces | Dry Hair | View on Amazon |
Review of the Best Drugstore Shampoo for Colored Hair
Table of Contents
Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash
General Overview
Maintaining a bold color is not easy when using regular shampoo. That’s why color-depositing shampoos should be part of your routine. Use this shampoo to add vibrancy while moisturizing and softening the strands. It is free of sulfates and parabens, as well as other harsh ingredients.
FAQs
Q: Will this shampoo color my re-growth? I want to hide the uncolored parts.
A: No, this will not work on uncolored parts. It is suitable for use in refreshing color as well as maintaining it.
Q: How should I use this shampoo?
A: The use will depend on what you want to achieve. If you want to maintain the color, you should let the shampoo sit for two minutes before rinsing it out. Where your color is fading, you should leave the shampoo on your scalp for at least five minutes.
Pureology Hydrate Sheer Moisturizing Shampoo
General Overview
Your strands could be weak, owing to several reasons. It could be that you use harsh chemicals on it or unsuitable styling techniques. The weakening could also be a result of neglecting your routine. Whatever the cause is, you need a shampoo that can strengthen the follicles. And the way to do this is by investing in a moisturizing shampoo such as this.
It is free of sulfates and silicone and will thus not have a drying effect on your scalp. Also, the formula is lightweight and will not weigh down your strands. To use this shampoo, use a quarter-sized amount and massage it onto your scalp. Ensure that you work it in for at least two minutes before rinsing off the lather.
FAQs
Q: Why is it essential to use a shampoo that is free of sulfates?
A: Sulfates are components that strip you of essential oils, and this weakens the follicles. You end up suffering breakage, loss of color, and hair loss.
Q: This shampoo is free of silicone. What is the benefit of this?
A: Lack of silicone ensures that your hair does not get weighed down after washing. It also ensures that you preserve your color.
Kenra Color Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner Set
General Overview
Chemically-treated hair requires a lot of moisture for it to remain healthy. This shampoo gently cleans the scalp and restores the lost moisture, thus preventing breakage. It also reduces color fading and makes hair more manageable by detangling it. For the best results, you should use this shampoo, followed by a suitable conditioner.
FAQs
Q: What is the consistency of this shampoo?
A: It is quite thick, and forming lather with it is very easy.
Q: I have semi-permanent dye, and I’m wondering if this can help me in maintaining the color.
A: This shampoo also works on semi-permanent dyes so you can rely on it for this.
Davines OI Shampoo, 9.46 fl.oz
General Overview
Not many shampoos work for all hair types, so this product stands out in this aspect. It works in nourishing such that the strands look and feel soft after you wash them. Also, it adds sheen and creates more volume. Additionally, it has a sweet scent to it that is not at all overpowering. So for anyone looking for a fragrant-filled shampoo that can soften their strands, this would be a good choice.
FAQs
Q: How should I use this shampoo?
A: You should massage a small amount of this product onto your scalp. Follow through with a deep rinse before conditioning it.
Q: My hair is oily and curly. Can I use this shampoo?
A: Yes, this product works for all hair types. It is gentle and will not strip you of natural oils.
Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner for Thinning Hair Growth
General Overview
Do you have trouble with thinning and hair loss? If yes, you need a shampoo that can strengthen your follicles. This shampoo features thickening agents such as coconut oil and rosemary extracts. These, and other ingredients, stimulate growth to fill those thinning patches. They also add to volume.
FAQs
Q: How does this shampoo work?
A: It features natural ingredients that inhibit the production of DHT, thus reducing loss. They also stimulate follicles, adding to the growth rate.
Q: Can I use this shampoo on color-treated hair?
A: Yes, this product is suitable for use on all hair types, including color-treated and brittle hair.
Davines Momo Shampoo
General Overview
This shampoo is ideal for use on dehydrated hair, which is a common condition when you dye your hair. It feels dry to the touch and can become so brittle that it breaks off with ease. This shampoo moisturizes it and gives it a shine, making it easy to manage. The formula is lightweight and does not weigh it down. Eventually, it feels soft and much more moisturized.
FAQs
Q: What is the texture of this shampoo?
A: It comes in a gel texture. When you use it on hair, it creates a creamy foam that you massage onto the scalp. Work this onto your head for a few minutes and let it sit for a while. It allows the shampoo to clean out the dirt and oils. You can then finish off with a thorough rinse.
Q: What are the ingredients in this shampoo?
A: It features natural active ingredients that clean and soften dehydrated hair without drying it.
Pantene Gold Series Shampoo and Conditioner Kit
General Overview
Sulfates are not good for you, color treatments or otherwise. They will strip you of natural oils and leave you with dry and weak strands. With this shampoo, you do not have to worry about these harsh ingredients as they are not in play. And neither are parabens and silicones. Instead, the formula comprises natural ingredients such as Argan oil, which gently clean the scalp. The result is soft and strengthened tresses that look and feel healthy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use this shampoo on normal to oily hair?
A: Yes, this product removes buildup and is safe for use on oily scalps.
Q: I recently relaxed my strands. Can I use this shampoo?
A: Yes, the gold series is suitable for you, although anyone can use this product.
Keracolor Clenditioner Color
General Overview
Maintaining your color is very important, and with this product, it is possible. This cleaning conditioner adds color with every wash, allowing it to remain vibrant. That way, you can look fantastic in-between visits to the salon. Also, it adds shine and softness to it.
FAQs
Q: How long will the results last?
A: The color should remain vibrant for the next ten shampoos. However, this will depend on the shampoo that you use.
Q: Will this work on my dark blonde hue?
A: For darker colors, you will need a few washes for the color to show.
OGX Organix Hydrat Defrizz Shampoo and Conditioner Set
General Overview
Exposure to the elements is a quick way to weaken and damage your follicles. If your hair looks tired and dry, you need a moisturizing shampoo, such as this. It gently gets rid of dirt on the scalp while giving your hair body and shine.
FAQs
Q: I have used moisturizing shampoos in the past that made my scalp feel oily. Is this the case with this product?
A: No, this shampoo gets rid of buildup and leaves it smelling fresh and strands looking smooth. Also, it is frizz-free.
Q: Does this shampoo contain sulfates?
A: No, so you will not suffer dryness when you use it.
Alba Botanica Colorific Plumeria Hawaiian Shampoo, 32 oz
General Overview
This shampoo features a blend of botanicals that are sure to leave you with soft and moisturized strands. It is free of harsh chemicals such as parabens and phthalates and has not undergone animal testing. If you are in the market for a shampoo that will lock in moisture while protecting your color, this is a good option.
FAQs
Q: What is the foaming capacity of this shampoo?
A: It features natural ingredients and produces little to no foam. However, it cleans the scalp and leaves it feeling smooth and clean. A little goes a long way in this case and you can make do with a quarter sized amount.
Q: Can I use this on an oily scalp?
A: This shampoo is suitable for use on dry scalps and may not produce good results when used on an oily scalp.
Selecting the best drugstore shampoo
Buying a shampoo for colored hair follows the same process you would when getting a regular shampoo. However, there are some factors that you cannot overlook in this case; else, your will suffer from breakage. Yes, that is a thing when it comes to dyed strands. Look at it this way. You have introduced chemicals to your scalp, and these have changed the structure of your strands.
Thus, anything else you do should work towards enhancing their strength. But if you use products that dry or weaken them, losing your hair is likely. So, when going through all the options you have on the market, keep these determinants in mind:
The first is your hair type. Do you know what you need? People often go wrong in this regard. They will see that shampoo has hydrating features and think that it will work for them. It could, but it could also not be the right option for you.
For people with greasiness, this could aggravate the problem. So figure out what works for you. If you suffer from dryness, you need a moisturizing shampoo. For damaged tresses, you need a strengthening shampoo. The list goes on, and it is up to you to figure out where you lie and make a decision accordingly. Also, ensure that the shampoo you choose works for color-treatments. And in doing so, select a product for your hue.
Secondly, you have to think about the ingredients. Start by looking at the label, and if you find sulfates among the components, run! Sulfates have drying effects, and they also enhance the fading process. So with these components as part of your care routine, breakage and color fading would be likely.
Manufacturers often use these components to make shampoos lather up a lot. People like this lather, but little do they know that this lather could be the reason behind their breakage. You should choose a shampoo that mainly comprises natural ingredients.
Three, what can the shampoo do for you? Your hair is likely to dry up a little after you get it colored, and you need to keep it moisturized. Failure to do this will weaken the strands, and this will leave it vulnerable to breakage. Choose a shampoo that can hydrate it and thus protect it from the elements. Also, look at other ways in which the shampoo can protect it. Some products offer protection from UV rays, and this allows you to walk in the sun without worry that the color will fade.
The shampoo should additionally seal the cuticles to ensure that pigments do not seep out. In this way, you can enjoy the hue for longer. Look for products with color enhancing and color protection properties and opt for these. Some shampoos can deposit color into the strands as you get rid of dirt on the scalp. The result is added color retention, which allows you to enjoy the color for longer. You can avoid having regular touchups and save some money this way.
Commonly Asked Questions
What makes color fade?
When you color your hair, the dye goes into the shafts in your strands. That means that if something penetrates the shafts, the pigment can escape. With regular shampoo, you will not enjoy protection from harsh ingredients, and the dye could seep out. But that is not the case with shampoo meant for color treatments. The latter will seal the shafts and lock in the pigment.
You could lose color when the cuticle lifts because of exposure to a lot of heat. When showering, you should wear something on your head to prevent it from coming into contact with hot water. Also, if you swim a lot or work in a humid environment, you put your cuticles at risk of lifting.
In this case, you would need a color depositing shampoo. UV rays work against retaining the color. You should try as much as possible to avoid direct sun rays. Some shampoos offer protection from UV rays, and it would help if you checked these out. Also, wearing a hat when in the sun would help.
You can see that keeping the color intact is a lot of work. I learned a lot when I first tried dying. For one, I liked to take shortcuts such that I would wash my hair when showering. It was hot water all through, and I realized that this was compromising the color. Also, hot water can dry out your scalp, and you need to be careful with this. Using hot water will leave you dry and you will lose a lot of hue owing to this. Use lukewarm or cold water.
Is baby shampoo good for you?
If you have color treatment, you might be thinking of using baby shampoo on it. After all, this product works for babies and must be the gentlest shampoo on the planet. However, while this is the case, it cannot work for you. It has a pH that is higher than what you find in regular shampoos. Manufacturers do this to ensure that babies do not get hurt when the product gets into their eyes.
So when you use this alkaline formula, color fading will take place. Instead of going down this route, you should stick to products designed with color treatments in mind. They will retain your color while providing hydration to the strands—alternate these shampoos with a dry shampoo that reduces buildup while protecting your color.
How should you wash your hair?
Shampooing with these color-protecting products follows the same process you would use when using regular shampoo. Of course, this will depend on the product you use, as manufacturers offer different directions. You start by wetting the hair before massaging the shampoo onto the scalp. Ensure that you work the shampoo and massage your scalp for at least two minutes.
With some shampoos, it helps to let the product sit on the scalp for a while. You can then rinse out the product. If the massaging was adequate, your work is over. However, if you still feels greasy, you may need another wash. It could also indicate that the shampoo is not suitable for your scalp type. Ideally, one wash should be enough for the week or few days ahead.
How do you maintain color?
Getting your strands dyed is an investment. For one, you spend a lot of money to get it done, and protecting it would work in your favor. Secondly, you feel good when you look great, so you need to keep that color popping. How can you do this?
First, you should not attempt to dye it on your own when using chemical products. Sure, you can get these from the store with instructions and all. However, given the stories I have heard of DIYs gone wrong, I would not advise you to do this.
You could end up with damaged or ending up with some shoddy work. Get a professional to do this for you, and you can enjoy great results for longer. For natural dyes, you will not have much trouble with the outcome. However, the work could look better if a pro was in play.
The second thing is to avoid water. I am not suggesting that you should not shower for weeks on end. But instead, you should only use shampoo when necessary. However, for people who exercise a lot, daily cleaning might be of the essence. Note that the more you wash it, the more dye you will lose.
Ideally, shampooing should take place once or twice a week. In between, use a shower cap to protect it from the water. Using a dry shampoo also helps such that you can avoid water for a while. And yes, this irregular cleaning must happen even when using a shampoo suited for your dye.
You must protect your color from the elements, and this includes the wind, sun, and rain. When outside and the sun is out, wear something to cover your head. Otherwise, you will lose a lot of pigment owing to sun exposure. If covering up is not a suitable choice for you, try wearing a conditioner with UV protection. That way, you will have a barrier between it and those awful sun rays. For people who swim in chlorinated water, you have your work cut out for you. The chemicals in this water are potent such that they can wash away your color quite fast. You need to use a leave-in conditioner and to cover your head with a swimming cap. Also, you can swim with your head out of the water, but you can only do this for so long. The best approach is to cover your head.
Using a suitable treatment will go a long way in preserving the color. Shampooing will get rid of the dirt, but you will need something that will offer you protection for the days that follow. When selecting a treatment, go for one with color-depositing properties. That way, you can enjoy hydration and repair, which will allow you to have soft and healthy tresses. Maintaining color without using good treatment is asking for trouble, so do not attempt to do so. As you come up with a maintenance routine, do not forget to shop for a good treatment product.
In the selection process, I have touched on some ingredients you must avoid having in your shampoo. Alcohol is a threat to your color. As you avoid it in your shampoo, you should also ensure that it is not in any of your products. Why is that? Well, alcohol has a drying effect, which can make a dry scalp even drier and itchier. Also, this dryness affects the strength of the cuticle such that it lets up and allows for the pigment to seep out.
This dryness makes your strands brittle, and upon exposure to the sun, they are likely to break off and lose some color. That is why you hear of people saying that dyeing their hair led to breakage. The problem is not the dye- the issue lies in the maintenance practices in play. So, as you undertake this big step, ensure that you are willing to go the extra mile to keep the color intact.
Choosing Color
You might think that all colors are equal when it comes to maintenance, but that is not the case. Take this from a girl who has tried so many colors that I have lost count. Granted, I would try three shades of pink then move to five shades of blue. Quite a rainbow! Here is what I gathered from my experiments:
Red stands out and looks fantastic. On the downside, the red dye tends to fade much faster than other colors. It owes to the large molecules of this dye, which seep out with ease upon exposure to the elements. So if you want to go for a fiery red look, you need to be careful about the products you use. You will also need to keep up with frequent touchups.
Where are the blondes? I think that many people go blonde at one point in their life, out of curiosity. I have been blonde, and I will tell you that they sure do have a lot of fun! If that does not get you to try this color, I am sure to find something that will. I will cover the blonde hue together with the silver look. With this color, you have to be ready to spend a lot of time and money in maintaining the look. If you want a hue that you can ignore and still get the most out of, this will not work for you. Toning is a crucial part of the process; else, your hair will look tired.
Remember, I said that I once went blue. Well, there is a beauty to going with bold colors and one that I enjoyed. You stand out, and people look at you in shock and admiration in equal measure. It feels like you are a rockstar living on the edge of life, or something like that. But away from the glamour, you have to work hard in maintaining the color. These hues look great when they are bright. The moment they start fading, they look terrible, and it will cost you a lot of time and money to retain the color. Whether you are going green or blue, the last thing you want is to rock a faded look. So invest a lot in color-depositing shampoos that bring out the brightness of the looks.
If you want a color that will not offer you much trouble with maintenance, go brown or black. Brown hues settle in the hair deeper than other dyes, and it is hard for them to seep out. You can expose your hair to the elements without worrying about losing the color fast. However, this is not advisable, even with your natural hair. Exposure to weather can dry out the scalp and lead to brittle hair. So, do everything in moderation.
Bottom Line
Dyeing is a big decision and one that you will live with for a long time. It would help if this experience were great such that you did not suffer breakage or wear a faded look. And the key to this is using a shampoo that works for you. Use proper maintenance practices, and it will be evident in how vibrant your color will be. Fail to do so, and you will wash away the hue and some strands along with it. Take it from someone who has been there – you need a specific shampoo for this. I hope you learned a lot from this review, and you can now make an informed decision. Good Luck!
Leave a Comment