If you dye your hair, you want to protect the vibrancy of your color for as long as possible. To do so, skip over clarifying shampoos (which strip your locks of their natural oils and can make your shade appear dull).
Instead, reach for sulfate-free formulas like this one from Briogeo that was developed with wavy, curly, and coiled textures in mind. It contains nourishing ingredients that keep your strands hydrated.
1. Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and its close relative, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLS), are cornerstones of many cleaning, personal care, and hair products that produce suds, including shampoo, toothpaste, soaps, and laundry detergent. Unfortunately, these sudsy ingredients have been known to strip the hair and scalp of its natural oils, which can cause brittleness and lead to color fade over time.
Oftentimes, sulfates are also harsh enough to irritate sensitive skin and scalp, which can lead to itchy, flaky scalp, rashes, dryness, and even redness. And since colored hair tends to be more prone to dryness, it’s important to choose a shampoo that’s formulated with moisturizing ingredients that can help preserve your color and keep your strands nourished.
The best sulfate-free shampoo for colored hair is the one that’s specifically formulated with color-treated strands in mind, such as these salon-level formulas from Blu Atlas that contain an advanced color-last system that helps extend and intensify your hair color between salon visits. The sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are packed with powerful vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help protect against color fade, while hyaluronic acid and aloe vera juice keep your locks and scalp hydrated and soft for softer, more vibrant strands.
2. Sodium Chloride
Sulfates are a common ingredient found in many shampoos and they’re abrasive, stripping the hair of its natural oils and can cause color to fade. If you have colored hair, sulfates should be avoided at all costs. Similarly, parabens should be avoided in general because they can build up in the body over time and have been linked to cancer in some studies.
The best shampoo for colored hair will cleanse your locks without any sulfates or parabens, which are both damaging to the hair. It should also contain ingredients that protect the strands against color fade and prevent dryness between salon visits. These ingredients include vitamins, proteins, keratin, shea butter, glycerin, avocado oil and other nourishing oils to help the hair retain its moisture and lock in color vibrancy.
Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, is a common ingredient in many shampoos, especially sulfate-free ones. It’s used to create the foaming action in shampoo and achieve that squeaky clean feeling after washing. However, this is the same salt that can rob the strands of their moisture and cause hair to become dry and brittle.
The best shampoo for colored hair will be sulfate and sodium chloride free, and it will also contain moisturizing ingredients to prevent dryness and brittleness. This includes keratin, which is a protein that can strengthen the strands, as well as vitamin E, shea butter and other nourishing oils. In addition, it’s important to wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot.
3. Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid used in a variety of hair products. It is a humectant, meaning it can pull in moisture to keep your strands hydrated and healthy. It is also a solvent and protects your strands from bacteria, which helps prolong the life of your dyed color. Propylene glycol is safe to use in regulated concentrations in haircare products and does not cause adverse skin reactions in the vast majority of individuals. In fact, it is often found in a variety of everyday haircare products, including shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and scalp treatments.
When choosing a shampoo for colored hair, it is important to look for one that is sulfate-free and formulated with a humectant such as glycerin to ensure your strands stay moisturized while being cleaned. You should also choose a shampoo that is designed to protect your color, as the right formula can prevent premature fading and help your hair hold your dye longer.
A great option is a shampoo made specifically for color-treated hair, like Sachajuan’s Color Protect Shampoo. This product is sulfate-free and contains antioxidants to fight off free radicals that can cause fading. In addition, it contains a special formula to protect against brassy or yellow tones, helping your hair maintain its cool tone and rich hue.
4. Alcohol
The right shampoo can help your hair stay vibrant for longer. However, you need to be careful when choosing a shampoo for color-treated hair. Many products are made with ingredients that can strip your hair color or cause it to fade more quickly. To make sure your hair color lasts, look for a shampoo that is sulfate-free and free of silicones. It is also important to limit how often you wash your hair. Washing too frequently can cause dryness and damage your hair strands, causing the color to fade more quickly. Try to wash your hair every 2-3 days or use dry shampoos for a quick refresh between washes.
A clarifying shampoo can be helpful if you dye your hair frequently, as it can help reduce product build-up and dulling residue. It is also a great option if you have hard water that can leave your hair feeling rough and dry. This is because it can help remove excess sebum and chlorine from your strands. Clarifying shampoos are not a good option for daily use, as they can cause your hair color to fade more quickly.
This is because they can open up the hair cuticles and allow color molecules to escape. If you are looking for a shampoo that is safe to use for everyday, this is an excellent choice. It contains pomegranate extract and sun protection quat, which are known to help protect your hair against color fading.
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