If you’ve dyed your hair, you probably know the struggle—fading colour, dry ends, or that dull look creeping in way too soon.
The right shampoo can make all the difference. We’ve picked out the top shampoos that actually help your colour last longer while keeping your hair feeling soft, clean, and healthy.
Table of content
Best shampoo for coloured hair: Our top picks
- Best overall: Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Strength Shampoo
- Best budget option: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo
- Best for blonde hair: Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo
- Best for damaged hair: Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
- Best for shine: Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo
- Best sulfate-free formula: IGK More Life Color Extending Gloss Shampoo
- Best for dandruff: Head & Shoulders Supreme Color Protect Shampoo
- Best vegan formula: Maria Nila Luminous Colour Shampoo
- Best hydrating option: Pureology Hydrate Moisturising Shampoo
- Best for preventing fade: Aveda Colour Conserve Shampoo
- Best luxury choice: Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Colour
1. Best overall: Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Strength Shampoo
This shampoo stands out if you’re after something that supports both your scalp and colour-treated hair.
It’s made with effective, plant-inspired ingredients like Capilia Longa, amino acids, and niacinamide—each known to help reduce thinning, strengthen strands, and regulate oil. The fresh eucalyptus scent is light and clean, not overwhelming.
It’s also vegan, dermatologically tested, and doesn’t leave your hair feeling stripped or dry. The only downside is the price—it’s more of a premium option.
But if your goal is healthier-looking hair with less fading and a calmer scalp, it delivers.
2. Best budget option: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo
If you're looking for something wallet-friendly that doesn’t compromise on performance, this is a strong pick.
It’s sulfate-free, gentle on the scalp, and helps maintain colour without stripping it away. The rosemary leaf oil gives it a nice herbal scent, and it lathers surprisingly well for a gentle formula.
It may not be rich enough for dry or coarse hair on its own, but paired with a good conditioner, it does the job. For the price, it’s hard to beat—especially for regular use between salon visits.
3. Best for blonde hair: Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo
Brassiness is every blonde’s enemy, and this purple shampoo helps tone it down while keeping hair soft. Unlike some toning shampoos that leave your hair dry, this one has argan oil to help maintain moisture and shine.
It doesn’t foam as much as a regular shampoo, but it spreads easily and smells lovely.
If you’ve lightened your hair and want to keep it cool-toned and fresh, this is a great one to rotate into your wash days.
4. Best for damaged hair: Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Olaplex has a reputation for a reason. This shampoo helps repair and reinforce colour-damaged hair by targeting the bonds inside the strand. It leaves hair noticeably smoother and stronger, especially if it’s been through bleaching or heat styling.
The texture is thick and creamy, so a little goes a long way. It might feel heavy on fine or oily hair, but for dry, over-processed strands, it can make a real difference over time.
5. Best for shine: Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo
If your colour looks dull, this shampoo helps bring back that just-left-the-salon look. It’s designed to keep your dye job from fading while leaving your hair with a clean, lightweight feel.
The pH-balanced formula is gentle but still effective at washing away build-up. It’s not the most moisturizing, so drier hair types might need a richer conditioner afterward.
But for normal to slightly dry hair, it adds a soft shine and helps your colour hang on longer without weighing things down.
6. Best sulfate-free formula: IGK More Life Color Extending Gloss Shampoo
This one’s for those who want to avoid sulfates but still enjoy a nice lather. It manages to cleanse gently while helping colour-treated hair maintain its tone.
The scent is pleasant and subtle, and it rinses out easily without leaving buildup.
It’s a better fit for fine or oily hair, as it’s not super moisturizing. But if you want to skip harsh detergents and still keep your colour fresh, this is a solid choice.
7. Best for dandruff: Head & Shoulders Supreme Color Protect Shampoo
This is a rare find—an anti-dandruff shampoo that also plays nice with colour-treated hair. It uses pyrithione zinc to help fight flakes and itchiness, while ingredients like argan oil and manuka honey keep your hair soft and smooth.
Most dandruff shampoos leave hair feeling dry or stripped, but this one manages to be gentle and moisturizing.
It’s especially helpful if your scalp tends to act up after dyeing. That said, it might not be ideal for curly or highly textured hair, as some users found it didn’t help much with detangling.
Still, for scalp care without sacrificing colour, it’s a solid go-to.
8. Best vegan formula: Maria Nila Luminous Colour Shampoo
If clean beauty matters to you, this vegan shampoo from Sweden is worth a look. It’s made with a colour guard complex and pomegranate extract, both aimed at helping your hair stay bright and feeling healthy.
The fruity scent—peach, apple, and blackberry—is a nice bonus without being over-the-top. It’s gentle and works well for daily use, especially if your hair isn’t super dry.
Those with coarse or textured hair might want a richer conditioner afterward, but if you're after a cruelty-free option that helps maintain shine and softness, this one delivers.
9. Best hydrating option: Pureology Hydrate Moisturising Shampoo
Dry, coloured hair can get worse fast without the right care, and this one helps keep things in check. The formula is thick and creamy, but not heavy.
It hydrates from root to end and leaves hair feeling soft, not coated. It also smells minty and fresh, which gives you that clean feeling without stripping your colour.
It’s a bit pricey, but you only need a small amount each time. If your hair feels dry, frizzy, or lifeless after colouring, this shampoo helps bring back that softness and bounce.
10. Best for preventing fade: Aveda Colour Conserve Shampoo
This shampoo is a gentle, plant-based option that helps keep your hair colour from fading too fast. It’s lightweight and smells like a fancy herbal spa, thanks to its natural fragrance blend.
The formula is vegan and packed with botanical ingredients designed to protect hair against environmental stress.
It’s not super rich, so it works best for normal to slightly dry hair. You might need something heavier if your hair is very dry or thick.
But for everyday use to maintain colour between appointments, it’s an easy, feel-good choice.
11. Best luxury choice: Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Colour
This shampoo is definitely a splurge, but if you’re into high-end haircare, it doesn’t disappoint. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like baobab tree extract, lychee, and watermelon—all aimed at protecting colour while softening and adding shine.
It also has UV protection to help shield against sun damage.
It lathers well, smells amazing, and gives your hair that smooth, salon-finished feel. Just be mindful—it’s pricey, and if you don’t rinse it out fully, it can weigh things down a bit.
But if you’re treating yourself, this one’s a solid indulgence.
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How we tested these shampoos
After testing 24 different shampoos for coloured hair, we narrowed things down to the ones that actually help maintain colour and condition.
We looked at how each shampoo performed across different hair types—from fine and oily to thick and dry—and whether they helped with issues like dullness, dryness, or fast fading.
We also read hundreds of real customer reviews to see how these shampoos worked in everyday routines. Some were loved for their smell, others for how soft they made the hair feel.
And yes, a few didn’t live up to the hype. What’s here are the ones that actually did the job—and did it well.
How to choose the right shampoo for your dyed hair
Finding the right shampoo when you’ve coloured your hair isn’t just about picking the one that smells nice. The wrong one can wash out your colour faster or leave your hair feeling dry and lifeless. Here's what to keep in mind when shopping:
Look for “colour-safe” or “colour-protecting” formulas
These shampoos are made to be gentler on your strands and help your colour stay put for longer. They usually have milder cleansers that don’t strip the dye as quickly as regular shampoos.
Avoid harsh sulfates (sometimes)
Sulfates are strong cleaning agents that can fade your colour faster, especially if you dye your hair lighter shades or bleach it.
That said, not all sulfate-free shampoos are better—some don’t clean as well or might leave buildup. It depends on your hair and how often you wash it.
Consider your hair type (dry, oily, fine, curly, etc.)
Your hair’s texture and condition matter. Dry or curly hair might need something rich and moisturising, while fine or oily hair does better with a lightweight formula.
If your hair gets greasy fast, skip heavy oils and stick to shampoos that leave a clean finish.
Ingredients to look for (antioxidants, proteins, UV filters, etc.)
Certain ingredients go a long way in keeping your hair and colour in good shape. Look for things like:
- Hydrolysed proteins – to help strengthen damaged strands
- Natural oils – like argan or coconut oil to add softness
- UV filters – to protect your colour from sun fading
- Antioxidants – such as vitamin E or pomegranate to keep hair healthy
Expert tips to make your colour last longer
Coloured hair needs a bit more care to stay fresh and bright. A few small changes to your routine can help stretch out your colour between salon visits.
- Use lukewarm or cool water when washing your hair—hot water can cause colour to fade faster
- Don’t wash too often—2 to 3 times a week is usually enough
- Always follow with a colour-safe conditioner
- Use a heat protectant before styling with hot tools
- Limit sun exposure or wear a hat on sunny days
- Try a weekly deep conditioning treatment to keep your hair soft and healthy
Conclusion
Coloured hair can look amazing—but only if you care for it the right way. Choosing a shampoo that suits your hair type and helps preserve your colour makes a real difference.
Whether you’re looking for something affordable, deeply hydrating, or safe for blondes, there’s something on this list that’ll fit into your routine.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about keeping the colour—it’s about keeping your hair happy too. Pick what works for you, treat your strands kindly, and your colour will thank you for it.
FAQs
Do I really need a special shampoo for dyed hair?
Yes, it helps your colour last longer and keeps your hair from drying out. Regular shampoos can be a bit too harsh.
What happens if I use regular shampoo on coloured hair?
Your colour may fade faster, and your hair might start to feel dry or dull. Some regular shampoos strip away the dye more quickly.
Are sulfate-free shampoos better for colour-treated hair?
Often, yes—but not always. Sulfate-free formulas are usually gentler, but some colour-safe shampoos with sulfates still work well. It depends on how your hair reacts.
How often should I wash coloured hair?
Every few days is ideal. Washing less helps preserve the colour and keeps your hair from drying out. Dry shampoo can help on in-between days.
Can I use purple shampoo every day?
Not really. Once or twice a week is usually enough. Using it too often might make your hair look dull or too ashy, especially if it’s already light.
