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Redken Blog: the best shampoos for color treated hair

THE BEST SHAMPOOS FOR COLOR-TREATED HAIR

Maintain vibrant, beautiful hair with the right shampoo for color treated hair. See our top picks for every hair type and color need. From sulfate-free Color Extend Magnetics and brass-banishing Blondage to the strengthening Acidic Bonding Concentrate system and color-preserving and shine-enhancing Acidic Color Gloss, find the perfect regimen for your hair needs.

Beautiful color may be made at the salon, but it's maintained at home. In order to keep your new color salon-fresh and vibrant, you need to use the right haircare regimen. From avoiding environmental factors or damaging ingredients like sulfates to using at-home toning shampoos, there are many ways to protect and extend the life of your color.


WHAT CAUSES HAIR COLOR TO FADE?


Redken highlighted blonde
Photo Credit: @jleighwebdoeshair

Understanding why your vibrant salon color starts to lose its luster is the first step in preventing it. Several factors contribute to color fading, some of which are more prominent during warmer months.


  • UV Exposure: The sun's powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down the chemical bonds that make up your hair color, leading to fading and a dull appearance. Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun.
  • Water Quality: Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can build up on your hair strands. This mineral buildup not only dulls your color but can also make your hair feel rough and prevent new color from absorbing evenly. Chlorine, commonly found in swimming pools, is another notorious color-fading culprit, stripping color and causing brassiness, especially in blondes.
  • Harsh Cleansing Agents: Shampoos containing sulfates, while effective at cleansing, can be too aggressive for color-treated hair. They can strip away natural oils and, more importantly, the artificial pigment molecules that give your hair its vibrant hue.
  • Heat Styling: Frequent use of hot tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers without proper protection can open the hair cuticle, allowing color molecules to escape.
  • Hair Damage: When your hair is damaged, its outer cuticle layer is often compromised and lifted. This makes it harder for color pigments to stay locked in, leading to faster fading and an uneven color. Healthy hair holds color better.
  • Washing Frequency & Temperature: Washing your hair too often, especially with hot water, can accelerate color fade. Hot water opens the cuticle, allowing color to rinse out.

  • Now that we know the enemies of vibrant color, let's explore how Redken helps you fight back with the best shampoo for color treated hair.


    FIND THE RIGHT SHAMPOO FOR YOUR COLOR-TREATED HAIR


    Redken Model with shiny black hair

    You don't need to avoid summer fun to maintain your color. Besides tossing on a hat or lathering on hair sunscreen, you can protect against color-fading with the right haircare regimen. From moisturizing and strengthening your strands to toning your beach blonde, these are the best shampoos for color treated hair to try in the summer and year-round.


    REDKEN COLOR EXTEND MAGNETICS: YOUR EVERYDAY AT HOME COLOR PROTECTOR


    If you're looking for an everyday solution that offers comprehensive color protection, look no further than Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo. Redken’s Color Extend Magnetics is a sulfate-free haircare system that helps to add shine and enhance color vibrancy for all hair colors. It's truly a top contender when asking, "what is the best shampoo for color treated hair?"

    "The RCT technology of Color Extend Magnetics targets the root, core, and tip of each hair strand. With Soy Protein, Arginine, and Sepicap, the hair receives protein to add structure, as well as conditioning and restoration benefits,” explains Redken Artist Jaclyn Harwood, “This system works to strengthen the hair and lock in color.” This means not only is your color protected, but your hair also feels healthier and looks shinier. It's the ideal sulfate free shampoo for color treated hair for anyone seeking longevity and brilliance. For optimal results, pair it with Redken Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner . This system provides an excellent foundation for any colored hair products regimen.


    Redken Color Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner for Color Treated Hair




    REDKEN ACIDIC COLOR GLOSS: FOR ULTIMATE HAIR SHINE AND LASTING COLOR VIBRANCY


    Redken Acidic Color Gloss Collection for Shiny Colored Hair


    Want to achieve that ultimate glossy finish that lasts? The Redken Acidic Color Gloss range is your secret weapon for extending salon-fresh color and maximize salon-fresh color and shine. To further lock in your color and amplify its brilliance, start your routine with Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner. For a deep treatment weekly, use in place of conditioner for hydration, shine and color vibrancy the Acidic Color Gloss Hydrating Hair Mask. Lock in shine and protect hair from heat with the Acidic Color Gloss Leave-In Treatment. Finally, increase shine, control frizz and add a glossy finish with the Acidic Color Gloss Naked Gloss Lightweight Hair Oil . This system is designed to keep your color looking fresh, vibrant, and incredibly glossy between salon visits.






    REDKEN COLOR EXTEND BLONDAGE: BANISH BRASS, EMBRACE BRIGHTNESS


    If you've recently gone blonde, you know that summertime stressors such as sun and chlorine can cause blonde hair color to become brassy or even green, with unwanted yellow undertones showing through. Redken’s Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo is a color-depositing purple shampoo system that works to banish brass while keeping blonde hair color cool and bright. Think of this as your at-home toner, and a must-have among products for color treated hair for blondes.


    “Redken’s Blondage system tones, brightens and strengthens blonde hair,” explains Harwood, “The system’s pure violet pigments counteract yellow undertones leaving the hair brighter, while Redken’s Triple Acid Protein Complex strengthens the hair. Summertime sunshine and outdoor activities can contribute to loss of moisture in the hair’s proteins, leaving the hair brassy and adding unwanted warmth. Redken’s Blondage neutralizes these unwanted tones to ensure blonde hair color stays bright and strong." For anyone asking, "color-treated hair shampoo for blondes?" this is your answer. Complete your routine with Blondage Conditioner and the Blondage Anti-Brass Mask for maximum brass-fighting power.


    Redken Blondage Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair





    HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHAMPOO FOR YOUR COLOR-TREATED HAIR


    With so many options, how do you pick the perfect one? Check out our Hair 101 article on how to choose the best shampoo for your hair.

    Consider these factors:


    1. Your Hair Type:

  • Fine Hair: Look for lightweight formulas that won't weigh down your strands.
  • Thick/Coarse Hair: You might benefit from richer, more moisturizing formulas.
  • Oily Scalp: While still needing color protection, you might want to focus on gentle cleansing without over-stripping.
  • Dry/Damaged Hair: Prioritize intense hydration and repair, like the Acidic Bonding Concentrate system, which is also excellent for strengthening the hair to better hold color.

  • 2. Your Color's Longevity Needs:

  • Vibrant, Fashion Colors: These often fade fastest, so a dedicated color-safe, sulfate-free formula like Color Extend Magnetics is non-negotiable.
  • Blondes: Brassiness is a common concern, making purple shampoos like Blondage essential.

  • 3. Specific Hair Concerns:

  • Dandruff: If you have an itchy, flaky scalp, finding a dandruff shampoo for color treated hair can be tricky. Look for gentle, sulfate-free formulas that address dandruff without stripping color. Consider incorporating a scalp treatment separately from your color-safe shampoo to avoid over-cleansing.
  • Build-up/Dullness: For occasional cleansing, a clarifying shampoo for color treated hair needs to be used sparingly and strategically.



  • KEY INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN COLOR-SAFE SHAMPOOS


    Beyond just looking for "color-safe" on the label, understanding key ingredients can help you make an informed choice:


    Redken Shampoo Textures


  • Sulfate-Free Formulas: As mentioned, this is paramount. Sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate) create lather but can strip color and natural oils.
  • UV Filters: Ingredients that provide UV protection help shield your color from sun-induced fading.
  • Antioxidants: These help combat free radicals that can damage hair and cause color to fade.
  • Proteins: Soy Protein, Arginine, and Redken's Triple Acid Protein Complex found in Color Extend Magnetics and Blondage strengthen hair, which helps to seal the cuticle and lock in color.
  • Bonding Agents: Citric Acid and Redken's Bonding Care Complex in Acidic Bonding Concentrate work to repair damaged hair bonds, creating a stronger, healthier foundation for color.
  • Color-Depositing Pigments: For specific toning needs, like the violet pigments in Blondage, these neutralize unwanted yellow or orange tones.


  • TIPS FOR MAINTAINING COLOR-TREATED HAIR BEYOND SHAMPOO

    Your shampoo is a crucial first step, but a holistic approach is key to truly lasting color.

    Redken Stylist Tips for Color Treated Hair

  • Wash Less Frequently: The less you wash, the longer your color will last. Try to extend the time between washes with dry shampoo like Redken Deep Clean Dry Shampoo.
  • Cooler Water is Your Friend: Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing color to escape. Opt for lukewarm water when shampooing and a cool rinse to seal the cuticle and boost shine.
  • Always Condition: After shampooing, always follow with a color-safe conditioner like Redken Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner and Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner to seal in moisture and smooth the cuticle.
  • Incorporate Masks and Treatments: Weekly treatments like Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment or the Acidic Color Gloss Hydrating Hair Mask to provide intensive nourishment and protection.
  • Protect from Heat: Always use a heat protectant spray, such as Acidic Color Gloss Leave-In Treatment, before using hot tools to shield your color from thermal damage.
  • Sun and Chlorine Protection: Wear a hat when outdoors for extended periods and consider wetting your hair with clean water and applying a leave-in conditioner before swimming to minimize chlorine absorption.


  • COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WITH COLOR-TREATED HAIR


    Despite our best intentions, sometimes our day-to-day habits can damage our hair color. From forgetting to use a heat protectant to over-washing our strands with harsh clarifying shampoos, there are several ways that our haircare routines can affect our hair color. By taking a few extra precautionary measures, you can drastically change the look and feel of hair. Here are seven bad hair habits that could be fading your hair color.


  • You're Using The Wrong Shampoo: Not all shampoos are created equal. In fact, the type of shampoo that you use can greatly affect the look of your hair color due to ingredients like sulfates and other powerful cleansing agents. In order to keep your hair looking vibrant, you need to choose a shampoo that is formulated to help protect, preserve and amplify the color of your hair. If you aren’t using a color-safe shampoo, your hair color could be going down the drain. Opt for shampoos that are labeled as color-safe, sulfate-free or made for color-treated hair to help prolong the life of your hair color.

  • You Always Wet Your Hair In The Shower: Another reason that your hair color may be fading faster than expected is due to the water in your shower. If the water isn’t filtered, the water itself could contain hard minerals that can build up in your hair. Over time, this build up can dull your hair color, fade it, or even make it harder for your hair to be colored in the future. In order to protect your strands in the shower, wear a shower cap on the days that you aren’t shampooing your hair or simply throw it in a top knot. While it may seem goofy, the shower cap or top knot can prevent the water from touching your strands and prevent any unnecessary mineral buildup.

  • You Aren't Telling Your Stylist About Using At-Home Hair Dyes: Don’t kid yourself—your stylist knows if you’ve been cheating with at-home hair color. From the change in texture of your hair to the overall look of your strands, there are several ways that your stylist can spot a DIY. However, what they can’t tell is how often you’ve been using box dyes to touch up your color. If you aren’t honest with them about your at-home hair coloring frequency, then your stylist doesn’t know to adjust your new in-salon hair color formula to meet your needs. Basically, that box dye could be preventing your in-salon color from looking as amazing as it should. Well, in order to remove the old dye, your stylist needs to know how much pigment they need to lift or remove. If they don’t have an accurate idea, your new professional hair color can be affected. So, not only is box dye a lower quality than professional hair dye which could harm your hair that much more, but it can also can be hard to remove. This may mean that your hair needs to be further lightened that it normally would be. Excess lightening and corrective coloring on top of the damage from at-home hair color can really do a number on your strands.

  • You're Using Styling Products That Contain Alcohol: It’s no secret that alcohol can dry out your strands. If you are constantly using alcohol-based products on your hair, you may notice an increase in split ends, breakage or dullness in your hair. Keep your hair color looking vibrant by using your alcohol-based products sparingly such as hairsprays or gels or opting to use products that are color-safe and alcohol-free.

  • You Skip Protein Treatments: Just like your body, your hair needs protein in order to be strong. For those with color-treated strands, protein treatments are essential for replenishing damage from chemical services. Every time you color your hair, your cuticle lifts to allow the color molecules to deposit. Protein treatments go in and help strengthen the hair and allow it to repair itself after these services. Consider Redken One United Leave-In Conditioner, which provides 25 benefits including strength and protection.

  • You Never Wear A Hat: It’s no secret that the sun can damage your skin if you don’t wear protection. The same exact thing can happen to your hair color. Consider wearing a hat if you plan to be outdoors for a long time for some added hair color protection.

  • You Aren't Consistent With Your Haircare: Using a volumizing shampoo one day and a curl enhancing conditioner the next? While trying out new products is always fun, it isn’t great for your hair color. Due to differing product formulas, not all hair products are going to pair well together. By constantly changing or switching up your haircare, your hair isn’t getting the protection it needs for its key issues. Remember, consistency is key when maintaining your hair color, so keep your trusty color-safe products around to prolong the life of your hair color. Ask your stylist to recommend the best haircare routine for maintaining your hair color.


  • FAQ: SHAMPOO FOR COLOR-TREATED HAIR


    What is the difference between color treated and chemically treated hair?

    Color-treated hair is a type of chemically treated hair where a chemical process is used to alter the hair's pigment. Chemically treated hair is a broader term that includes color treatments, but also other chemical services like perms, relaxers, and keratin treatments. Both color-treated and other chemically treated hair often require specialized care, usually sulfate-free and strengthening products, due to the structural changes the chemicals induce.


    Why do I need a special shampoo for color-treated hair?

    Color-treated hair is more vulnerable to fading, dryness, and damage. Specialized shampoos help preserve color vibrancy, maintain hair health, and prevent premature fading by avoiding harsh ingredients and adding moisture.


    Which shampoo should I use for color-treated hair?

    The best shampoo for color-treated hair is typically a sulfate-free formula designed to protect and enhance color vibrancy. Redken Color Extend Magnetics is an excellent choice for all color-treated hair types, while Redken Blondage is specifically formulated for blondes to neutralize brassiness. For damaged, color-treated hair, Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate provides repair and strengthens hair to better hold color. For intense, molecular level shine and color vibrancy, Redken Acidic Color Gloss.


    How do I know if a shampoo is color-safe?

    Look for labels like “sulfate-free,” “color-safe,” or “for color-treated hair.” Product descriptions and ingredient lists can also help you identify suitable options.


    Can I use a regular conditioner with color-safe shampoo?

    For best results, use a conditioner from the same color-safe line. These are formulated to work together to protect and nourish color-treated hair.


    Are there shampoos for specific hair colors?

    Yes! For example, Redken’s Color Extend Magnetics and Acidic Color Gloss shampoos are suitable for all color-treated hair, while Blondage is designed for blondes. Choose a shampoo that matches your hair color and needs.


    Can I use purple shampoo on all color-treated hair?

    Purple shampoos like Redken’s Color Extend Blondage are formulated specifically for blonde, silver, or highlighted hair to neutralize brassy tones. They’re not necessary for darker shades, but are excellent for maintaining cool or platinum blondes.


    What is the benefit of using a bonding shampoo or system?

    Bonding shampoos, such as Redken's Acidic Bonding Concentrate, help repair and strengthen damaged hair. Healthy hair holds color better and is less likely to fade or become discolored.


    What ingredients should I avoid in shampoos for color-treated hair?

    Sulfates are the main ingredient to avoid, as they can strip color and natural oils from your hair. Look for sulfate-free formulas to protect your color and keep your hair healthy.


    How often should I wash color-treated hair?

    It’s best to limit washing to 2–3 times per week. Over-washing can cause color to fade faster. When you do wash, always use a gentle, color-safe shampoo.


    How long does color-treated hair last?

    The longevity of color-treated hair varies widely based on factors such as the type of dye used (e.g., permanent, semi-permanent), the vibrancy of the color (fashion colors fade faster), hair porosity, and your at-home haircare routine. Generally, permanent hair color from a salon can last 4-8 weeks before needing a touch-up due to root growth and some fading.


    What can make color-treated hair last longer?

    To make color-treated hair last longer, use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, wash your hair less frequently with lukewarm water, always use heat protectant before styling, wear a hat to protect from sun exposure, and incorporate masks and treatments to strengthen and hydrate your hair. Avoid harsh clarifying shampoos and ensure consistency in your color-safe haircare routine.


    How long does it take hair color to fade?

    Hair color can start to show signs of fading within 2-4 weeks, though some colors, especially vibrant reds or pastels, may fade more noticeably and quickly. The rate of fading depends on various factors like washing frequency, sun exposure, heat styling, and the quality of your haircare products.


    How long does color from a salon last?

    Professional salon hair color, especially permanent dyes, typically lasts between 4 to 8 weeks before roots start to show significantly and some fading occurs. Semi-permanent colors might last 4-6 weeks, while fashion colors can fade quicker, sometimes in just 1-2 weeks if not properly maintained.


    How to treat color-treated hair at home?

    Treat color-treated hair with gentle care. Use color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, and incorporate weekly hair masks or treatments designed for color protection and repair. Minimize heat styling, protect your hair from sun and chlorine, and opt for cooler water temperatures when washing.


    What hair color fades the slowest?

    Darker, natural-looking shades (like deep browns and blacks) often fade the slowest because their pigments are more stable and less susceptible to environmental factors. Conversely, vibrant reds, purples, and pastels tend to fade the fastest due to their larger, less stable pigment molecules.


    What hair color stays the longest?

    Hair colors that stay longest are generally those closer to your natural hair shade, especially darker, rich tones. These colors have pigments that integrate more seamlessly with your hair's natural undertones and are less prone to oxidation and stripping compared to lighter or more vibrant artificial shades.


    How often should I wash my color-treated hair?

    Aim to wash your color-treated hair as infrequently as possible, ideally 2-3 times a week, or even less if your hair can tolerate it. On non-wash days, use a dry shampoo to refresh your roots and extend your style.


    What effect does swimming and chlorine have on color-treated hair?

    Chlorine is very damaging to color-treated hair, causing fading, brassiness, and dryness. To protect your hair, wet it thoroughly with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before swimming. This creates a barrier against chlorine absorption. Rinse your hair immediately after swimming with a color-safe shampoo and conditioner.


    What causes hair color to fade in the summer?

    Sun exposure, chlorine from pools, and saltwater can all cause color to fade or change. UV rays break down color pigments, while chlorine and saltwater strip moisture, making hair more prone to fading and damage.


    How can I protect my hair color in the summer?

    Use a sulfate-free, color-protecting shampoo, wear a hat or use hair sunscreen, and rinse hair after swimming. Consider using strengthening and moisturizing products, like the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate system, to keep hair healthy.



    TAKE THE HAIR QUIZ TO FIND THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR YOU


    Investing in the right shampoo for color treated hair and following a consistent, protective haircare routine will ensure your salon-fresh color stays vibrant, shiny, and beautiful for as long as possible. Embrace your color, and let Redken help you make it last!


    Take The Redken Hair Quiz

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