The 11 Best Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair of 2025, Tested
If you’ve ever dyed your hair, you know that maintaining that fresh-from-the-salon color is no easy feat. Between fading tones, dryness, and dullness, color-treated hair needs special care—and that starts in the shower. The right color-safe shampoo can be the difference between keeping your hue vibrant for weeks or watching it fade after a few washes.
To save you time and money, we’ve tested and reviewed the 11 best shampoos for color-treated hair of 2025—all designed to protect, nourish, and enhance your gorgeous color.
Why Choosing the Right Shampoo Matters for Color-Treated Hair
Color-treated hair is more porous and fragile than natural hair. That means it loses moisture faster and is more susceptible to damage from harsh cleansers. Ordinary shampoos can strip away color pigments, leading to fading, frizz, and dryness.
That’s where color-safe shampoos and sulfate-free formulas come in. These are specifically designed to:
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Preserve vibrancy by using gentle cleansers.
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Maintain moisture with nourishing oils and proteins.
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Extend salon color so your hair looks freshly dyed for longer.
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Reduce damage caused by styling and UV exposure.
Top 11 Color-Safe Shampoos of 2025 (Expert-Tested & Reviewed)
Below are our editor-approved shampoos that performed best during testing for color protection, hydration, and shine.
1. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
A cult favorite for a reason! Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology repairs damaged strands while keeping your color vibrant. It’s sulfate-free and safe for daily use.
Best For: Chemically treated, bleached, or brittle hair
Why We Love It: Strengthens from within and leaves hair silky smooth
2. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
Pureology remains a gold standard for color protection. Infused with jojoba, green tea, and sage, this vegan, sulfate-free shampoo gives your hair a deep clean while locking in moisture.
Best For: Dry or coarse color-treated hair
Pro Tip: Pair it with the Pureology Hydrate Conditioner for long-lasting softness.
3. Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo
Redken’s formula uses amino acids and protein complexes to strengthen color-treated hair. It’s lightweight, non-stripping, and smells divine.
Best For: Everyday color protection and shine
Why It Works: Maintains the integrity of both natural and dyed hair tones.
4. L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care Shampoo
Affordable, effective, and sulfate-free—this drugstore gem provides UV filters and anti-fade protection to help your hair stay radiant longer.
Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers
Bonus: 100% vegan formula.
5. Kerastase Chroma Absolu Bain Riche Respect Shampoo
A luxurious pick for salon-color lovers, this shampoo gently cleanses while reinforcing fibers weakened by dye. It’s enriched with amino acids and Centella Asiatica for healthy, soft strands.
Best For: Fine-to-medium hair with frequent coloring
Why It’s Worth It: Prevents color oxidation and maintains glossiness.
6. Moroccanoil Color Continue Shampoo
Known for its argan oil magic, this color-continuing shampoo helps rebalance the scalp and maintain pigment depth after each wash.
Best For: Color-treated hair needing extra nourishment
What Stands Out: Sulfate-free and full of antioxidants.
7. Aveda Color Control Shampoo
Aveda’s plant-powered blend features organic apricot oil and green tea extract to enhance color retention naturally. The scent is a soothing spa-like mix of floral and herbal notes.
Best For: Eco-conscious consumers and natural color care
Sustainability Win: 100% post-consumer recycled packaging.
8. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
This deeply hydrating formula infuses your strands with biotin, algae extract, and rosehip oil—ideal for dry, colored hair that needs a rescue.
Best For: Damaged, over-processed hair
Results: Softer, more manageable hair after just one wash.
9. Living Proof Color Care Shampoo
A science-backed shampoo that repels dirt and oil to help your color stay vibrant longer between washes. Plus, it’s silicone- and sulfate-free.
Best For: Busy schedules and long-lasting freshness
Smart Tech: Uses patented “Healthy Hair Molecule” to reduce washing frequency.
10. Davines MINU Shampoo
Infused with capers blossom extract, this Italian-made shampoo keeps colored hair luminous and hydrated. It’s light, creamy, and smells fantastic.
Best For: Those who love a luxurious, salon-quality formula
Eco-Friendly Touch: Packaged in recyclable containers.
11. Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo
A drugstore steal with salon-level results. This protein-rich shampoo protects the surface of dyed hair, helping your color stay bold and bright for weeks.
Best For: All hair types needing affordable color care
Pro Tip: Follow up with Nexxus Color Assure Conditioner for optimal results.
How to Choose the Right Color-Safe Shampoo
When selecting your ideal color-safe shampoo, consider the following:
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Sulfate-Free Formulas: Avoid harsh detergents that strip pigments.
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Ingredients to Look For: Oils (argan, coconut), keratin, amino acids, and antioxidants.
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Hair Type: Fine, thick, curly, or straight—different formulas cater to each.
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UV & Heat Protection: Shields your color from environmental and styling damage.
💡 Expert Tip: Always rinse with lukewarm (not hot) water to preserve color longer.
Bonus Tips for Lasting Hair Color
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Limit washing to 2–3 times per week.
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Use a color-safe conditioner and heat protectant spray.
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Avoid clarifying shampoos unless absolutely necessary.
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Deep condition weekly to replenish moisture.
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Protect your hair from UV rays with hats or SPF-infused sprays.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right color-safe shampoo can completely transform how your dyed hair looks and feels. Whether you prefer salon-grade formulas like Kerastase and Pureology or affordable picks like L’Oréal and Nexxus, there’s a perfect match for every hair type and budget.
Give your locks the love they deserve—because vibrant color starts with proper care.
💬 Ready to Level Up Your Hair Care Routine?
Explore our latest hair care essentials collection featuring salon-quality shampoos, conditioners, and treatments designed to keep your color glowing and gorgeous.
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