Coloured Hair is a chemically treated hair that has changed in colour. Colouring hair has been popular nowadays as a way for people to express themselves. There are different kinds of hair colouring styles and techniques that can be done on the hair. One can add highlights, which means that only a few strands of the hair are altered or changed in colour. These strands are usually lighter than the rest of the hair. One variation of highlight is Balayage which leaves a much softer-looking colour on the hair. Another hair technique is Ombre, wherein the hair shows a gradient effect wherein the hair is darker from the top and lighter from the bottom. When the hair is subjected to this extensive process of altering the hair colour, it can become dry, dull, and damaged. In the worst-case scenario, the hair can be damaged enough for it to fall out of the scalp.
Good thing is that different companies have formulated hair products like shampoo and conditioner that can reverse these damages. These products are specifically designed for coloured hair and its needs. Unlike regular shampoo and conditioner, they do not contain harsh components that may further damage the hair and strip off the hair colour. The well-known chemical that people with colour-treated hair steer clear of is Sulphate. Sulphate can cause the drying of hair by stripping off the excess oil on the scalp. These chemicals are usually present on shampoos as they need to remove debris and dirt. Typically, these are the main concern of people with colour-treated hair. After using hair products, their hair loses moisture and becomes dry, and then the colour of the hair fades or turns brassy. This is why specific products formulated for colour-treated hair should be used. These products keep the hair moisturised without compromising the hair colour. Furthermore, these products contain nourishing oils that aid in keeping the hair hydrated and locking the moisture on the scalp and hair. Since colour-treated hair typically becomes dry from the colouring process, it requires help to keep it hydrated and moisturised by coating the hair with ultra-conditioning products.
Listed below is the top selection list for the best hair products for coloured hair in 2022.
1. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance™ Shampoo (Best Overall)
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance™ Shampoo is an alcohol-free shampoo that is infused with Antioxidants, namely Tocopherol, Rosemary Leaf Extract, and Arctium Lappa Root Extract. Additionally, it contains soothing ingredients like panthenol, and other key components like Glycerin, and Sodium Hyaluronate. Tocopherol or vitamin E aids in maintaining a healthy scalp and hair, thus eliminating the risk of hair fall caused by hair follicle damage. Rosemary Leaf Extract can improve blood circulation to the scalp, which will then prevent the hair from drying and falling. Arctium Lappa Root Extract strengthens and soothes the hair and colour, whilst calming the scalp. Glycerin locks in moisture on the hair and scalp, thus leaving the hair healthy-looking. Sodium Hyaluronate restores the moisture balance of the hair whilst protecting it from external irritants. This shampoo is suitable for people with hair types and hair textures that are fine, medium, and thick. It is a brand that is best known for formulating products that are designed to repair hairs that are ultimately damaged by hair colouring. The average price for Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance™ Shampoo is £23.03 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.4 out of 5 mainly because after just one treatment they already saw an improvement in the hair. The product provided length, strength, and shine to the hair.
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Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance™ Shampoo Advantages |
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance™ Shampoo Disadvantages |
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For all hair types |
Expensive |
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Free from all harsh chemicals |
Some experienced hair fall |
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pH Balanced |
Made the hair oily for some |
2. Davines Oi Shampoo (Best for Daily Use)
Davines Oi Shampoo is a milky-smooth shampoo that contains Roucou oil that is suitable for all hair types. Roucou oil is infused with antioxidants that nourish and defends the hair from ageing, whilst hydrating and smoothing the hair by detangling it. Additionally, the shampoo contains Amazonian extract that soothes and replenishes the hair to make it manageable and shiny-looking. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that calm the scalp and condition the hair. Furthermore, it can protect the hair from damage caused by the sun. This shampoo claims to leave the hair incredibly smooth without frizz like a salon professional took care of it. The alcohol-free shampoo can also add volume to the hair whilst leaving the hair with a pleasant smell that can last all day long. The average price for Davines Oi Shampoo is £28.79 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.5 out of 5 mainly because it made their hair softer, smoother, and shiny.
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Davines Oi Shampoo Advantages |
Davines Oi Shampoo Disadvantages |
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Hydrating |
Expensive |
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Detangle action |
Hair drying for some |
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Paraben-, and sulphate-free |
Some find the smell of an issue |
3. Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Colour Shampoo and Conditioner (Best for Budget-Friendly)
Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Colour Shampoo and Conditioner is infused with rose water and murumuru butter that will keep the hair colour luminous and replenished. Murumuru butter locks in moisture in the hair, thus making it softer, smoother, and hydrated. Additionally, it can serve as a barrier that defends the hair from sun damage, heat, and external irritants. Rose water can aid in reducing dandruff and excess oil on the scalp and hair. It is a mild astringent that provides anti-inflammatory benefits that can help in fixing scalp-related issues. Furthermore, the scent of rose water is not overpowering, but rather pleasing to smell. Moreover, rose water can also tame frizz whilst making hair shiny. Another key ingredient that this shampoo has is coconut oil, which is best known to be beneficial to the hair. Coconut oil maintains the moisture on the hair strands, thus keeping the natural shine of the hair. The average price for Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Colour Shampoo and Conditioner is £5.75 GBP each. Customers rated this product 4.5 out of 5 mainly because it brought back the shine to their hair.
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Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Colour Shampoo and Conditioner Advantages |
Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Colour Shampoo and Conditioner Disadvantages |
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Clean formula |
Use SLS as a surfactant |
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Free from all harsh chemicals |
Made the hair fall out for some |
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Cruelty-free |
Some find the smell of an issue |
4. L'Oréal PARIS Everpure Sulphate Free Moisture Shampoo
L'Oréal PARIS Everpure Sulphate Free Moisture Shampoo is infused with rosemary that deeply restores that colour-treated hair by giving it twice the moisture it needs. The shampoo claims that it does not weigh down the hair whilst protecting the colour of the hair. It aids in protecting the freshness of the hair colour using its Anti-Fade Complex. It makes sure that the colour on the hair will not fade, turn brassy, or dry out. Additionally, it cleanses the hair on a daily basis and moisturises the scalp to prevent hair fall. The average price for L'Oréal PARIS EverPure Sulphate Free Moisture Shampoo is £5.53 GBP, making it the cheapest shampoo on the list. Customers rated this product 4.4 out of 5 mainly because it made their hair smooth and manageable.
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L'Oréal PARIS Everpure Sulphate Free Moisture Shampoo Advantages |
L'Oréal PARIS Everpure Sulphate Free Moisture Shampoo Disadvantages |
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Cheap |
Some experienced colour fading |
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Smells pleasant |
Shampoo does not lather enough |
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Does not cause hair breakage |
Not moisturising |
5. Colour Wow Colour Security Conditioner
Colour Wow Colour Security Conditioner is a hydrating and detangler shampoo that claims that the hair will not turn yellow. It has two available variants on the market—one for normal to thick hair, and one for fine to normal hair. The variant for fine to normal hair is infused with Argan Oil which is rich in vitamin E. It contains fatty acids and antioxidants that provide moisture to the hair and scalp, protecting it against damage from external irritants. Furthermore, the oil will make the hair softer, shinier, and hydrated. The variant for normal to thick hair contains avocado oil that is rich in omega oils and antioxidants. Omega oils are infused with nutrients and proteins that enhance the hair’s thickness. On the other hand, antioxidants lock-in collagen on the hair follicles to stimulate hair growth. Both of these variants are great for colour-treated hair as they contain additional heat protection and prevent flyaways without fading the hair colour. Moreover, it will keep the hair from drying out and being dull by providing moisture to the hair without making it oily. The average price for Colour Wow Colour Security Conditioner is £19.74 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.9 out of 5 mainly because it made their hair soft and shiny.
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Colour Wow Colour Security Conditioner Advantages |
Colour Wow Colour Security Conditioner Disadvantages |
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Three types of heat protection |
Some experienced chemical burns |
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Sulphate-free |
Smell can be an issue for some |
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Free from any harsh chemicals |
Hair can become frizzy after blow-drying |
6. Keracolor Color Plus Clenditioner
Keracolor Colour Plus Clenditioner is a conditioner that also deposits semi-permanent colour on the hair. It claims to nourish, enhance, transform, and tone the hair without damaging it. This sulphate-free conditioner is infused with Keratin, Coconut oil, Shea Butter, Rose hip Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Almond Oil. Keratin acts as a barrier to defend the hair against different damages, thus leaving the hair shiny, smooth, and healthy. Shea butter contains vitamins and fatty acids that lock in moisture on the hair to soften it up. Rose hip Oil and Jojoba Oil nourish and moisturise the scalp to stimulate healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss. Additionally, Jojoba Oil can prevent and reduce dandruff. Almond Oil nourishes the hair to strengthen and soften it. There are three available variants of the clenditioner that are available on the market—Pastels, Vivids, and Naturals. The variants differ from one another in terms of what colours they can deposit on the hair. Pastels variant is used to achieve soft, muted hair colour. Vivids variant is used to achieve vibrant hair colour. The natural variant is used to achieve a darker hair colour. The average price for Keracolor Colour Plus Clenditioner is 18.09 GBP. Customers rated this product 3.9 out of 5 mainly because it gives a great colour payoff whilst being gentle on the hair.
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Keracolor Colour Plus Clenditioner Advantages |
Keracolor Colour Plus Clenditioner Disadvantages |
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Tone out unwanted colour |
Not long-lasting |
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Enhance colour vibrancy |
Time-consuming |
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Sulphate-free |
Messy application |
7. Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Conditioner
Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Conditioner is a purple conditioner that tones down the brassy shade of the hair. It is a hydrating conditioner that is suitable for colour-treated hair, even those who have natural light hair colour. This conditioner maintains the blonde, grey, white, and highlighted colour on the hair. It helps to keep the hair conditioned without compromising the hair colour. This paraben-, and gluten-free conditioner is infused with Cucumber and Melon with a floral scent that is not overpowering. The average price for Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Conditioner is 15.22 GBP. Customers rated this product 3.4 out of 5 mainly because it kept the brass away.
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Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Conditioner Advantages |
Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Conditioner Disadvantages |
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Free from harsh chemicals |
Leaves residue on hair |
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Pleasant smell |
Not moisturising |
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Gentle to hair |
Contains alcohol |
8. SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Shampoo
SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Shampoo is infused with Wild Orchid Oil and Sweet Violet Extract that prevents hair from being dull and restores its strength and natural shine. Wild Orchid Oil maintains moisture on the hair and prevents frizz. This oil provides shine to the hair and helps in maintaining the hairstyle throughout the day. Sweet Violet Extract aids in soothing and making dry hair that is damaged by hair colour manageable. Additionally, this shampoo contains Shea Butter, Argan Oil, and Jojoba Oil to further boost and strengthen the hair with protein and nourishing oils. The average price for SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Shampoo is £9.04 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.3 out of 5 mainly because it made their hair soft and hydrated whilst also leaving a pleasant smell on the hair.
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SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Shampoo Advantages |
SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Shampoo Disadvantages |
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Does not strip hair colour |
Leaves the root greasy |
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Cleanse the scalp |
Watery |
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Free from harsh chemicals |
Scent can be overpowering for some |
9. Nexxus Colour Assure Radiant Colour Care Shampoo
Nexxus Colour Assure Radiant Colour Care Shampoo is infused with Elastin Proten and Quinoa that cleanses the hair without compromising the colour of the hair. This ProteinFusion stimulates hair growth, locks in moisture on the hair, and replenishes the scalp. It is a sulphate-free shampoo that restores the nutrients of the hair that were lost when the hair underwent the colouring process. Furthermore, it restores the shine and improves the hair colour to make it look brighter. The average price for Nexxus Colour Assure Radiant Colour Care Shampoo is £13.97 GBP. Customers rated this product 3.9 out of 5 mainly because it conditioned their hair without the colour fading.
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Nexxus Colour Assure Radiant Colour Care Shampoo Advantages |
Nexxus Colour Assure Radiant Colour Care Shampoo Disadvantages |
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Cleanse the hair thoroughly |
Leaves hair greasy |
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Gentle to the hair |
Does not lather well |
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Improves the overall health of the hair |
Can dry out the hair for some |
10. Hair Food Colour Protect Shampoo
Hair Food Colour Protect Shampoo is infused with ingredients that cleanse, strengthen, and protect damaged hair. It has two different variants that are available on the market—Shea Butter and Almond Oil, Tea Tree oil and Lavender Water. The Shea Butter and Almond Oil variant are suitable for people with curly hair. It aids in strengthening and defending the hair against external irritants, thus making it healthy-looking. The Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Water variant prevents the hair from breaking and being damaged from heat and sun. Tea Tree Oil moisturises the hair and reduces dandruff by preventing dead skin and chemical build-up on the hair and scalp. Lavender Water replenishes and moisturises dull, damaged, and dry hair. These shampoos are all sulphate-, paraben-, and dye-free. The average price for Hair Food Colour Protect Shampoo is £6.53 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.5 out of 5 mainly because it made the hair feel softer, smoother, and smells great.
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Hair Food Colour Protect Shampoo Advantages |
Hair Food Colour Protect Shampoo Disadvantages |
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Free from any harsh chemicals |
Hair feels heavy after use |
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Cruelty-free |
Did not later well |
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Pleasant smell |
Made the hair greasy |
What to look for in choosing coloured hair shampoo and conditioner?
Selecting the right hair shampoo and conditioner is a must for people that have colour-treated hair. Ingredients that shampoo and conditioner contain are important to maintain the colour of the hair whilst keeping it from drying. Listed below are the tips to keep in mind when selecting hair products for colour-treated hair.
How to keep your coloured hair healthy?
Just as mentioned above, colour-treated hair is usually damaged by the chemical process it underwent. But there are things that can be done to keep colour-treated healthy. Do not wash the hair frequently, as this wet hair is more susceptible to damage. Furthermore, the more it gets washed, the more the colour fades. If the hair needs to be washed, choose the right shampoo for the hair or skip straight ahead to conditioner to moisturise and hydrate the hair. Deep conditioner-like hair masks can also be used to further add nourishment and reverse the damage done to the hair. Moreover, avoid using styling tools like straighteners, hair curlers, or blow dryers. The heat from these tools can further dry out the hair. Although, heat protection serums or sprays can be used when in need of styling the hair. Lastly, eat the right food that is rich in omega acids and vitamin E to make the hair look healthy-looking.
What Chemicals should be avoided for colour-treated hair?
Colour-treated hair is already damaged enough from the colouring process it went through. Thus, the shampoo and conditioner must not contain any ingredients that can further damage the hair. If unnecessary chemicals are used on the hair, it can cause drying of the hair, resulting in dull-looking hair. Furthermore, these chemicals can extensively damage the hair to the point that they can fall off the scalp. Listed below are some of the chemicals that should be avoided for colour-treated hair.
- Sulphate (SLS/SLES): sulphates' main job is to remove dirt and oil from the hair and scalp. But this chemical is so strong that it can also strip off the necessary oils that the hair requires, thus drying out the hair. Always remember that colour-treated hair needs to be hydrated most of the time.
- Alcohol: they may come in names like ethanol, propanol, or isopropyl alcohol. But, whatever their name is, they can make the hair dry and frizzy.
Is it safe to oil coloured hair?
Yes, applying oil on coloured hair is safe. Hair dyes usually contain peroxide and ammonia that can make the hair weak and dry. Hair oils can help reverse this damage by moisturising and restoring the hair. That is why most of the products mentioned above contain essential oils. Not only can hair oil moisturise the hair and repair the damage, it can also nourish, hydrate, and promote hair growth whilst nurturing the colour of the hair. Furthermore, using oils on the hair can add shine to the hair that was also stripped away by the chemicals on the hair dyes.
Is it safe to use flat iron in coloured hair?
No, it is not safe to use a flat iron in coloured hair. Just like what is mentioned above, refraining from styling tools like flat irons is a must for people with colour-treated hair. The hair can be further damaged by the heat from the flat iron. Even with using hair protectant serums, it is not a great idea to risk it by using a flat iron. The hair can be damaged enough for it to break, which can result in hair loss, especially for those who are also colouring and styling their hair regularly.