I used to wear my hair long when I was younger, and I liked it a lot. People knew me for my signature ponytail, and I spotted it almost everywhere. At the time, all I cared about was having long hair, and I would even wear extensions to make it look longer.
Then I joined college and started experimenting with my hair. I cut it, dyed it, and tried a ton of hairstyles. The truth is that many women have been through this experimental stage, and most of them go for color. You will hear that blondes have the most fun and will color your hair blonde. The next month you’re listening to some gothic music and think that you’d look great with purple hair. Hair color changes with moods and seasons, and the more you experiment with hue, the more you learn about your hair.
You may have thought of coloring your hair, and people tried to steer you away from that idea. I had a friend who swore that hair dye was making her hair fall off.
Well, do you want to know the truth?
Coloring your hair will not weaken it, but failing to treat and condition it will weaken the strands. So when you color your hair, you must follow through with proper care practices. Else, you will end up losing a lot of hair. I am glad I knew this before dyeing my hair, or this would be a story of how I shed my hair. That would also be a great read and a cautionary tale. But I am glad this is not the case.
There is no denying that colored hair gives you a new lease in life. You feel great about it. Do you know what would make it better? Keeping the hair clean and healthy! Now, you cannot use the same shampoo you were using before coloring your hair. Your hair care needs change the moment that hue changes. So you need a shampoo that works for color-treated hair. In this case, I will focus on red hair. That’s right! I went for a fiery red and did not look back for a long time. Eventually, I tried other shades. As I said, I was in an experimental stage, and I still am, so be sure to check out my takes on other shampoos.
I will take you through the best shampoos for red color-treated hair before telling you what you should consider when getting hair products. Are you ready? Let’s get started:
List of Top Shampoos for Red Color-Treated Hair
| Photo | Product | Weight | Suitability | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Frieda Radiant Boosting Shampoo | 9.6 ounces | Dull Hair | View on Amazon |
| Biolage Colorlast Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair | 14.1 ounces | Color Protection | View on Amazon |
| Joico Color Infuse Shampoo and Conditioner Set | 1.32 pounds | Dry Hair | View on Amazon |
| Natural Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set Sulfate Free | 1.7 pounds | Dry Hair | View on Amazon |
| L’Oreal Paris Hair Care EverPure Sulfate Free | 1.23 pounds | Weak Hair | View on Amazon |
| Tigi Bed Head Colour Goddess | 3.47 pounds | Weak Hair | View on Amazon |
| Redken Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner | 4.14 pounds | Dry Hair | View on Amazon |
| Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash | 8.5 ounces | Dry Hair | View on Amazon |
Review of the Best Shampoo for Red Color-Treated Hair
Table of Contents
Well, there are two ways to go about this question. One, you can get an opinion from your hairstylist as they know what works and what does not. The second option is the better choice as it gives you control over the process. It involves researching what is on the market and making a decision accordingly. Here are the products I like best and what makes them so suitable for red color-treated hair:
John Frieda Radiant Boosting Shampoo
General Overview
This gentle shampoo is suitable for people with radiant red hair. It features anti-fade properties that protect the hair from losing the red pigment. Additionally, the shampoo uses vitamin E and pomegranate extracts to add some shine to the hair. It is suitable for use on natural as well as color -treated red hair and also conditions the strands for a healthy look.
Using this shampoo is quite easy. Take some of the product and work it into the hair till it lathers. Massage the shampoo into the hair, ensuring that you clean the scalp before rinsing off the product. You will get better results if you use the shampoo with a conditioner.
FAQs
Q: My hair is naturally red, but I have some white hair here and there. Can I use this shampoo to make my hair redder?
A: Yes, this shampoo has a reddening effect, and over time, you should notice a more even color distribution. Note that this result is temporary, and you need to keep using the shampoo to maintain this hue.
Q: I have black hair with some blue tones underneath. Can I rely on this shampoo to reduce the blue tones?
A: No, this shampoo works to enhance redness and will deposit red pigment in the strands. In your case, this will not help much. Consider getting a shampoo with black tones.
Biolage Colorlast Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair
General Overview
This shampoo is best for anyone struggling with maintaining a shine in their dyed hair. Additionally, it cleanses the hair without stripping it of essential oils and moisture. It also protects the hair from losing the red hue while promoting vibrancy. Its low pH ensures that no imbalance occurs, and you should thus not suffer a dry scalp.
To use this shampoo, wet your hair before applying some of the product to the hair. Massage the shampoo in and rinse it off. You can use the shampoo again if you feel that the scalp is not clean enough. It is free of parabens, and in the guide, you will see why this works in your favor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use this if my hair is not colored?
A: Yes, shampoos designed for use on colored hair also work for non-colored hair.
Q: How long will this product last?
A: It depends on the length of your hair and the frequency of washes. For shoulder-length hair, you need quite a small amount of product to achieve some lather. So you can use this for months.
Joico Color Infuse Shampoo and Conditioner Set
General Overview
This shampoo works for any shade of red. Thus, whether you are rocking a ginger or a scarlet look, it has got you covered. It helps that this is a hydrating shampoo that will leave your hair looking and feeling glossy. It is an excellent choice for people with dry hair who want to put moisture stripping at bay. Additionally, it has UV protection, and this prevents damage to the hair resulting from exposure to the sun. Plus, it has tons of antioxidants designed to strengthen your hair.
FAQs
Q: I like washing my hair daily and was wondering how this will work when using this shampoo.
A: This shampoo has color-depositing properties. So each time you wash your hair, it will get redder. Also, note that frequent washing of your hair is not advisable. While the washing should be regular, it should not lean on too much.
Q: I want to use this shampoo to correct the color on my hair. Is this advisable?
A: No, this is not a color corrector. It works to maintain red tones but will not work for other shades.
Natural Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set Sulfate Free
General Overview
Using natural products is always advisable when it comes to hair. It is especially so when you have already used chemicals in color treating your hair. With this shampoo, you benefit from the Argan oil in play, which nourishes your hair. As such, you no longer have to worry about dry strands that feel and look weak. It moisturizes the scalp and does away with flakes, and is suitable for use on all hair types. Also, it is cruelty-free.
Start by wetting your hair before massaging a small amount of the shampoo onto the scalp. Rinse the product out and use more shampoo where necessary before rinsing again. Do this until your scalp feels clean.
FAQs
Q: Can I use this shampoo on color-treated hair?
A: Yes, this shampoo works on both natural and color-treated hair. It features sealing properties that protect hair strands from losing pigment during washes.
Q: I have used some shampoos in the past, which left my hair feeling greasy like it was still dirty. Does this product have the same effect?
A: While your hair will feel soft after using it, you will not feel greasy. Instead, the hair will feel fresh and clean.
L’Oreal Paris Hair Care EverPure Sulfate Free (Pack of 2)
General Overview
The first thing you should note with this shampoo is that it is free of sulfates. That means that its cleansing action is gentle and will not leave you with flat and dull hair. Instead, the result will be lustrous hair with added volume. Also, this formula is lightweight, and it aids in the protection of color, allowing you to do away with touchups. Other than the lack of sulfates, this product also doesn’t have salts and surfactants.
FAQs
Q: Does this shampoo have a scent?
A: Yes, it has a slight mint smell, which is not too strong. It smells nice and would work for anyone who avoids strong smells. Also, the scent disappears after application.
Q: I have a very greasy scalp, and I need a product that I can use on my red hair every day without stripping the color. Can this work?
A: Yes, this shampoo washes out the dirt but not the color. So it would be a good fit.
Tigi Bed Head Colour Goddess 25.36oz Duo
General Overview
If you have weak hair, the best thing to do would be to strengthen it before using hair dye. However, you may choose to dye your hair first then strengthen it. And thanks to products such as these, the approach will not backfire on you. It features sweet almond oil and coconut oil, among other natural oils that nourish the hair.
Additionally, it features keratin, which strengthens the strands. You should thus not worry about losing hair during washes. Also, it cleans the hair and gives it a refreshing look without stripping the color.
FAQs
Q: My hair is oily, so I am looking for a product that will not worsen the problem. Can I count on this shampoo?
A: One, this shampoo smells like caramel, which gets me all the time. Also, it cleans out dirt and does not feel oily. If you have curls, this is a good choice.
Q: What does this shampoo do for colored hair?
A: It does not enhance the color of the hair, but rather it helps in keeping the color in place. So you cannot use this to dye your hair.
Redken Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner
General Overview
A good shampoo for color-treated hair should nourish the hair while keeping color in place. That is what you get with this shampoo, which also strengthens hair strands and leaves your hair glossy. It works on the root through to the tip, ensuring that your hair looks healthy. So if you want to enjoy some radiance in your red hair, this sulfate-free shampoo is the way to go.
FAQs
Q: I have unwanted red tones in my brown hair. Can I use this shampoo to get rid of the red spots?
A: No, what you need is a clarifying shampoo. This product will work to enhance the red tones and will make the color stay.
Q: I have not colored my hair but would like to use this product to strengthen my hair. Is this a good idea?
A: This shampoo also works for non-color-treated hair, so that is okay.
Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash
General Overview
This color-depositing shampoo ensures that you do not lose color when you wash your hair. Instead, it refreshes your strands and keeps them looking healthy. Thanks to the lack of sulfates, you will not have to worry about dry hair. If you want to maintain the hair color, you should use a lot of this product on wet hair before rinsing it out. It also refreshes the color when it appears faded.
FAQs
Q: I colored my hair some months back, and now I have some re-growth. Can I use this shampoo to color these parts?
A: No, this product will only maintain color but cannot work as a dye.
Q: Is this product cruelty-free?
A: Yes, it is also free of sulfates, ammonia, and parabens, making it an excellent choice for dry and weak hair.
Choosing the best shampoo for red color-treated hair
When buying anything, you always have to ask yourself if it will work for you. For example, you want to buy a pair of jeans, and you come across a great deal. You have to think about the fitting and if that is suitable for you. There are very few things where ‘one size fits all.’ And that is why a buying guide is always necessary. Now, when getting a shampoo for your color- treated hair, these are the things you have to consider:
What is your hair type?
As much as you have colored your hair, you have not changed the biology that comes with it. The genes or chemical processes in play are still the same. That means that if you generally have curly hair, you will still need a shampoo that works for curly hair. If your hair is dry, this will not change. In most cases, the dryness increases. So if you were not using a hydrating shampoo in the past, it is high time you did so.
Figure out what your hair type is and look for a shampoo with this in mind. It helps to note that you should also consider the working mechanism of the shampoo. Sure, it could work for your hair type but end up stripping your hair of the color in a few washes. Strike a balance without compromising on the health of your hair.
What Ingredients are in use?
The number one rule, in this case, is that you should avoid sulfates as much as you can. Do you know what these are? If you have been keen on the advertisement-approaches, you will notice that many companies advertise their products as sulfate-free.
Why is this? Well, this chemical is so strong that it not only affects the color of your hair but also dries it. Keep in mind that coloring your hair will strip your strands of some moisture. Thus, adding a potent chemical to the mix will only worsen matters. So, whatever you do, sulfates should not be part of your hair care regimen. In this way, you can look forward to protecting your hair as well as keeping the red color in place.
Also, you should avoid any products with salt, parabens, and alcohol. These are also key culprits in the fading of hair color as well as contributing to strand weakness. They will not only strip you of moisture, but they will also cause an imbalance in the pH. Before long, you will experience problems such as flaking and itching of the scalp. Not to mention the fact that you will continuously need touchups, given that you will also lose hair color! It is a lose-lose situation, and there is no need to go down that road.
Can it hydrate your hair?
Coloring uses chemicals, and these will not only partly weaken your hair, but they will also strip it of moisture. However, if you follow through with hydrating shampoo, hair loss should not take place. Thus, when getting a shampoo, opt for one that can lock in moisture, other than dry the hair. With most shampoos for colored hair, nourishment and hydration are part of the package. Some offer more hydration than others, and your choice here will depend on the state of your strands. Do not compromise on this, unless you secretly want to lose hair by washing it off at the sink.
You will note that hydration and moisturizing are often separated, and I, too, will make this separation in this case.
While hydration protects from the stripping away of moisture, moisturizing adds to the moisture. In other words, it locks in moisture in hair strands. And when you feel and look at your hair, it should feel and look full and lustrous. That is unlike the case with dry hair, which looks like it is generating static electricity with every minute that comes. Why should you moisturize your hair? Easy! You want your hair to look vibrant, don’t you? And the only way to get this is by locking in that moisture. Look for products that incorporate a lot of natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera.
Does it have Color Stay?
Why are you using a shampoo that is specifically designed for color-treated hair? You want to protect your hair and keep the color in place. Otherwise, your hair color will fade over time, and you will need to add more chemicals to add to the color. This repeated addition of chemicals is a sure way to weaken your hair.
So to avoid all that, you use a shampoo meant for color-treated hair. Thus, when looking for hair products, you must ensure that you can use them on your red hair. The same goes for all other hair colors. The shampoo should seal the cuticle of the hair such that the dye cannot leak and this will prevent fading of the color. If a shampoo cannot do this for you, you should save your money by not getting it.
Other than shielding your hair from loss of color, the shampoo should also enhance the hair color. I remember that when I first dyed my hair red, it was so bright that I did not want to wash it out. I kept thinking that if I did, I would lose the brightness and would have a dull and boring look. So I used dry shampoo for a while until it was necessary for me to use regular shampoo. I chose a product with color enhancing properties, and once my hair was dry, it looked as good as it did before.
So, when getting a shampoo, think about it like this. Sure, it will not wash out the color, but how good will my hair look afterward? If the product does not have you looking as good or even better than you did, opt for another option. Also, look at the color-depositing properties of the shampoo. Here is the thing. While the shampoo may seal the cuticle to prevent leaking of the color, you will still lose some brightness over time. However, if every time you wash your hair, the shampoo deposits some color into the strands, you will be good. It will mean that you can avoid frequent touchups at the salon, and you can save money you would have used for this. Also, your hair will look more vibrant, and people will think that you must spend a lot of time at the salon. If only they knew!
What is the relationship between your hair color and the sun? I will give you a secret. The more you expose your hair to the sun’s rays, the more likely it is that the color will fade out fast. So, if you plan on being out in the sun, you will need some exposure from these rays. When picking out a shampoo, look at UV ray protection and choose the product that offers you great benefits. The same goes for your conditioner. The more protection you can get, the longer your hair color will remain in place.
Consider Going Dry
Remember, I told you that I was so scared of losing hair color that I did not use regular shampoo for a long time. Well, it turns out that I was not that lost in this regard. If you want the hair color to last long, consider doing dry washes. You will remove the extra oil on your scalp, and the hair will look clean.
However, this is not a permanent solution to dirt buildup, and you will eventually have to use wet shampoo. But as you buy wet shampoo, think about adding some bucks and getting a dry option too.
Remember that hair is quite sensitive, more so when chemicals are in place. So choosing a good shampoo is the right step in this case. Go for natural products where you can to lessen the chemicals in play.
Common Questions
How can I keep my red hair color from fading?
First off, you need to delay shampooing your hair, even when using shampoos designed for color-treated hair. When you first dye your hair, resist the urge to wash it. Instead, wait three days to allow all the cuticles to seal before washing the hair. Later on, use dry shampoo between washes to avoid the loss of hair color and lengthen the intervals between shampooing. Also, avoid using hot water on color-treated hair and, where possible, use cold water for shampooing.
Do you need special shampoo for colored hair?
Yes, other shampoos will not have color-retaining properties, and they can strip your hair of the color. Also, you need a shampoo that can hydrate and nourish your hair to keep it healthy, which other shampoos may not do.
Bottom Line
Knowing the dos and don’ts when it comes to color-treated hair goes a long way in preventing loss of color. Read about good hair practices and choose a product that is right for you. Treat your hair right, and it will show. The same goes for when you use unsuitable products. All the best- I know you’ve got this!
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