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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Best Scent

R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo

Best Scent

R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo

Pros

• Helps improve manageability
• Preserves color for up to 10 washes

Notes of citrus, eucalyptus, green tea, tree moss, and amber combine to give this nourishing shampoo an earthy scent. It also uses sunflower sprout extract, vitamin E, and more to add moisture to dry hair while reducing frizz.

One satisfied customer writes: “Silky consistency! My hair and scalp felt nice and clean afterwards, and the fragrance is amazing. My color has stayed in longer than it has with other shampoos, too.” —Kaylene C.

Best for Scalp

Shu Uemura Color Lustre Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Best for Scalp

Shu Uemura Color Lustre Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Pros

• Great for damaged hair

Cons

• Subtle citrus-floral scent may be off-putting to some

This sulfate-free shampoo not only cleanses hair and keeps color intact, but also helps balance scalp oil at the same time. Lipids in the formula help guard hair against damage from water when you’re in the shower, and environmental stressors when you’re not.

Best All-Around Shampoo

Davines Minu Shampoo

Best All-Around Shampoo

Davines Minu Shampoo

Pros

• Earth-friendly

Brown counts herself as a fan of Davines’s top-rated Minu Shampoo, which uses caper blossom extract to remove dirt and oil while preserving your shade of choice.

Singer and hair-color enthusiast Billie Eilish also loves using this professional-approved pick in her hair care routine. “I use a lot of Davines,” she previously told Bazaar. “Specifically the Minu shampoo and their Naturaltech collection.”

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Best for Shine

IGK Legendary Shampoo

Best for Shine

IGK Legendary Shampoo

Pros

• Safe for chemically treated hair

Cons

• Not specifically for color-treated hair

Although it’s technically not formulated just for color-treated hair, Brown says this shampoo’s sulfate-free formula works for just about every hair type. And since its formula provides UV protection, you won’t have to worry about sunlight altering your color.

One satisfied customer writes: “My hair type is thick, coarse, unruly and I have lots of split ends due to coloring my hair over the years. This IGK shampoo was extremely gentle on my hair and it was easy to wash and lather. It also made my hair feel soft but not limp. The light scent was pleasing and not overpowering. The only critique I have would be I wish the bottle was bigger.” —Cheftoobe

Best for a Deep Clean

Color Wow Color Security Shampoo

Best for a Deep Clean

Color Wow Color Security Shampoo

Pros

• Fragrance-free

Over 3,000 Amazon shoppers are raving about this sulfate- and silicone-free shampoo. It’s formulated to rinse clean without lingering residue, leaving behind shinier hair and brighter color.

One satisfied customer writes: “Brings out the highlights. Rinses out better than other color treating shampoos. I use Wow conditioner with it I’ve found it helped to make it more manageable.” —Lynette C.

Best for Blondes

dpHue Cool Blonde Shampoo

Best for Blondes

dpHue Cool Blonde Shampoo

Pros

• Minimizes brassy tones

Shades of blonde, white, and silver need a little extra TLC so they don’t turn brassy or dull, or dry out. Unlike some other purple shampoos, this one won’t leave hair with a lavender tint if you leave it on a minute too long, either.

One satisfied customer writes: “It does what kits supposed to do; keeps my blonde bright. It has a nice subtle scent and doesn’t dry out my hair. Will definitely repurchase after I finish my current bottle.” —Lacey

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Best for Brunettes

John Frieda Blue Crush for Brunettes Shampoo

Best for Brunettes

John Frieda Blue Crush for Brunettes Shampoo

Pros

• Minimizes brassy tones

Like purple cleansers for blondes, this blue shampoo from the pros at John Frieda neutralizes orange, brassy tones for brunettes. And as an extra plus, this formula is safe to use on both natural and not-so-natural hues.

One satisfied customer writes: “Works great for highlights on dyed brown hair which can turn brassy and a bit orange over time. This blue shampoo is super concentrated and counteracts those changes after one use. I do this treatment a couple times a week. If the brassiness is really bad, I put it on dry hair for a few minutes before getting in the shower. This can really help to maintain highlights in dark hair. Worked better than purple shampoo for me.” —Drew

Best for Redheads

Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo

Best for Redheads

Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo

Pros

• Results last up to 12 washes

Cons

• Must be used two to three times per week for best results

Redheads know how easily the vibrant hue can fade, but Joico’s color-depositing shampoo keeps it looking vibrant long after your trip to the salon. Leave it on for up to three minutes for extra oomph.

One satisfied customer writes: “I love this red shampoo, it’s addicting! Just a drop of shampoo lathers up quickly and is enough for my long hair. My curly, frizzy hair turns out shiny, soft & manageable! I get so many compliments on the red color. The shampoo brightens up my hair also when overdue for my hair color appointment.” —SM

Best Value

L’Oréal EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Shampoo

Best Value

L’Oréal EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Shampoo

Pros

• Under $10

With color-treated hair, it’s just as important to find something that coddles strands as much as it keeps them looking vibrant. This shampoo helps fortify the hair from the inside-out, so it will feel as healthy as it looks.

One satisfied customer writes: “I absolutely love this shampoo and conditioner! My hair was damaged from bleaching and coloring, and i tried and tried many different shampoo, nothing was working until this! My hair went from frizzy and dry and matted looking to soft silky glossy and revived! I wont go back to any other shampoo and conditioner! Can you please make a bigger size because my hair is super thick lol thank you L’Oréal! :)” —Sicilianmom32

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Best Plant-Based Shampoo

Innersense Color Awakening Hairbath

Best Plant-Based Shampoo

Innersense Color Awakening Hairbath

Pros

• Refillable

This super-gentle clean cleanser helps return moisture to dry strands, and conveniently comes in three size options (two of which are already sold out). It uses a blend of ingredients like coconut and pumpkin seed oils, plus shea butter for ultimate hydration.

One satisfied customer writes: “I’m loving this shampoo after a few washes. It smells good and leaves my hair feeling clean. I have searched for a cleaner shampoo for some time but came up short when looking for something that was color safe. I regularly get full highlights so this was important to maintain that color. You won’t regret getting this shampoo!” —Lauren M.

Best Low-Acidity

Sachajuan Colour Protect Shampoo

Best Low-Acidity

Sachajuan Colour Protect Shampoo

Pros

• Great for shine

Here’s a low-acidity pick from Sachajuan that’s gentle on your hair and scalp. Its formula contains algae-derived proteins and minerals to brighten color while leaving hair its silkiest and shiniest.

One satisfied customer writes: “I love, love this shampoo. And it makes my hair silky and clean. The scent is amazing.” —art momma

Which shampoos should not be used on color-treated hair?

Experts advise avoiding shampoos with harsh cleansing ingredients like sulfates (typically the main ingredient that creates a lather), which can be stripping to color-treated hair. Professionals also advise avoiding clarifying shampoos, as they can also cause color to appear less vibrant. Instead, opt for cleansers with pigment-depositing formulas and UV protection to enhance your go-to shade.

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How do you keep color-treated hair healthy?

While it’s a great first step, proper color upkeep involves more than just simply swapping out your shampoo. “As a general reminder, cooler showers, less hot tools, and protection from the sun help preserve color,” Brown notes. And to keep your hair protected overnight, try sleeping with a satin bonnet or pillowcase to reduce snags and breakage.

Meet the Experts

• Stephanie Brown is a master colorist at the IGK SoHo in New York City.

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.

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