10 Best Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair, According to Editors Who Bleach and Dye Their Hair
Team Cosmo has tried 'em all...and we have thoughts.
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Coming from someone who has literally been dyeing their hair since eighth grade (throwback to my ombré years), including with at-home hair colors and dyes, I'll be the first to tell you that upkeep is probably the most important part of a new hair color. Dyed hair requires more TLC than you’d assume, and your ideal shampoo for preserving vibrance totally depends on what color and texture you’re working with.
"When you go in the sun, color-treated hair is more susceptible to damage, especially when you also use hot tools like flat irons or curling irons, your hair could be damaged more," says Sophie Gutterman, celebrity hairstylist. Which hair color you have matters, and specific, regular upkeep is essential to prevent the dreaded lifeless and dull color. Since team Cosmo has tested and rinsed all the best shampoos for dyed hair on the market, we broke down the best ones for everyone from redheads and blondes to those with highlights. Along with Gutterman, we spoke from hairstylists from across the country gave us allll the recommendations and deets you need for picking the right shampoo.
The Best Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair of 2025
Ahead, the 10 very best color-safe shampoos to protect your hair, no matter your hair type or color. Trust us, stocking one of these in your shower is a must.
Kérastase Chroma Absolu Shampoo
Pros
- Lathers really well
- Safe for all hair colors
- 2023 Cosmo Holy Grail Winner
Cons
- On the pricier side, but we think it's worth every penny to preserve your color
This color-protecting shampoo earned the top spot for its ability to deeply cleanse the hair while preserving color and enhancing shine all around. It's also formulated with amino acids to strengthen the hair as it protects it. We also love that it comes in two iterations, one for fine to medium hair, and another for medium to thick hair. Plus, Kérastase has an entire Chroma Absolu system with a conditioner, gloss, leave-in mask, and more, to keep your color in top-tier condition so you can go longer in between salon visits.
One Cosmo editor says: “Any shade of color-treated hair—from platinum blonde to chocolate brown—can benefit from using this shampoo and conditioner. It’s designed to repair damage (an inevitable side effect of dyeing and bleaching) and preserve your color for max richness and vibrancy.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Laura Polko Color Protect Shampoo
Pros
- Smells amazing
- 2025 Cosmo Holy Grail Award Winner
Cons
- Only available at a limited number of retailers
When Hollywood's favorite hairstylist announced that she was creating a haircare brand, team Cosmo was so ready. Laura Polko graces the hair of some of our fave celebs like Gigi Hadid, Hailee Steinfeld, and Alix Earle, and she sought out to create hair products that are effective and more importantly affordable. This Color Protect Shampoo is loaded with proteins and hydrators to nourish the hair while adding vibrance and shine. It even earned itself a 2025 Cosmo Holy Grail award for best shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair.
One Cosmo editor says: “This is genuinely one of the best shampoo and conditioner combos I’ve tried in my entire life. A bold statement, I know, but it makes my bleached hair so shiny, soft, and vibrant—and the scent is heavenly.” —SARAH MABERRY, FASHION AND LUXURY COMMERCE EDITOR
Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color
Pros
- Vegan formula
- Lathers really well
- Luxe packaging looks stunning on your shower shelf
Cons
- A bit drying, so make sure you use it with a solid conditioner or hair mask
Oribe is pricey—but there's a reason so many hair pros swear by it. This formula is beloved for enhancing existing color, preserving salon glosses, and making your hair look freshly dyed weeks after the fact. When I use it, my hair feels like I just left a luxe scalp spa. “It’s also super gentle and helps add extra moisture,” says Boston-based colorist Bridget Kinney.
One Cosmo editor says: "In my balayage era, this Oribe shampoo was my go-to for preserving my blonde and light brown coloring. It cleans my hair so well, leaves it super soft, and lets me go months without needing a gloss or color touch-up."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
OLAPLEX No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Pros
- Comes in a purple version for blondes
- Cosmo Readers' Choice Award Winner
Cons
- Might be a bit drying, so make sure to pair it with Olaplex's No 5 Conditioner or another hydrating one
Ask any colorist for a shampoo recommendation, and they’ll likely sing the praises of this cult-favorite formula. Unlike your typical shampoo, this one works to repair your hair by rebuilding broken keratin bonds in your hair shaft, which means less split ends, frizz, and breakage. It’s also particularly great for those with colored hair (aka those prone to more damage). Curly hair specialist Daisy "Daze" Henson previously told Cosmo she loves this shampoo "because it helps to repair, protect, and strengthen curls by re-linking broken bonds in the curls." It's also a Cosmo reader favorite, earning itself a Readers' Choice Award for the best shampoo for color-treated hair last year.
One Cosmo editor says: "Olaplex's shampoo is basically the blueprint for a color-safe, strengthening shampoo. It's gentle and soothing on my scalp while actually hydrating and rebuilding the broken bonds in my hair. After I rinse, my hair feels extremely soft, even before I use any conditioner." —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo
Pros
- 2024 Cosmo Holy Grail Winner
- Also has a conditioner and heat protectant
Cons
- Not the best option for blondes
Redken’s Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo isn’t exactly drugstore-priced, but it delivers salon-level shine without the major splurge. Designed to seal the cuticle and boost light reflection, it keeps color-treated hair looking freshly glossed for weeks while keeping the hair feeling soft and smooth. With its pH-balanced formula, it protects as it cleanses—so every wash feels like a mini gloss treatment.
One Cosmo editor says: “I don’t normally touch hair products my stylist hasn’t recommended for my hair, but this gave me a really nice shiny gloss which popped my current color. It also felt so hydrating without weighing down my fine hair. I was able to comb through and air-dry with loose but full waves. Great bang for the buck when you are between salon visits.” —MALLORY ROYNON, FORMER CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Kristen Ess Purple Shampoo
Pros
- 2025 Cosmo Holy Grail Winner
- Great Price Point
Cons
- Not great for other hair colors, try the brand's Anti-Fade Shampoo instead
Purple shampoos are ideal for blondes because they help neutralize brassy, yellow tones that naturally develop over time. The purple pigment cancels out unwanted warmth, keeping blonde, silver, and highlighted hair looking brighter and freshly toned. We love this formula from Kristin Ess due to its gentle, sulfate-free formula that tones without drying the hair out. The color-loving shampoo earned a top spot in our Holy Grail Awards for the best shampoo and conditioner for blondes.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve never used a purple shampoo and conditioner before, but after a recent set of highlights, I was eager to give them a go—and I’m so glad I did. I was a little nervous when I saw just how purple these babies were, but it somehow makes my blonde look less brassy and doesn’t even stain my tub in the process. The shampoo lathers up like a dream, and the conditioner left my hair feeling soft and silky immediately after rinsing. I really feel like this acted like a toner of sorts for my hair—my blonde pieces just looked immediately better post blow-dry.” —HANNAH CHUBB, FORMER LIFESTYLE EDITOR
K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
Pros
- Non-drying formula
- Has K18's signature strengthening proteins
Cons
- Ideal for once or twice a week use, not every wash
Unlike most deep cleansing shampoos that leave your strands squeaky and stripped, K18 uses skincare-forward ingredients (like activated charcoal and salicylic acid) to gently lift product buildup and excess oil without ruining your scalp's moisture barrier. It’s color-safe, sulfate-free, and leaves your scalp feeling fresh—not dry. And it's safe for any color.
One Cosmo editor says: "Although I want to preserve my color, my oily roots really need a weekly deep cleanse to get out all the gunk that can weigh down my hair. This one from K18 is really gentle but seriously cleans. I feel like it even makes my color look more vibrant since my hair isn't greasy or coated in dry shampoo when I rinse this out."—BG
dpHUE Cool Brunette Shampoo
Pros
- Gentle but effective
- Leaves the hair looking super shiny
Cons
- Might be too much brunette pigment for everyday use
Noticing orange or red tones in your brunette hair? Along with silk proteins and hibiscus flower extract (both of which leave your hair ridiculously soft), this gentle shampoo is spiked with deep-blue pigments that neutralize brass on contact. So, uh, yeah—not only does it preserve your hair color, but it also truly enhances it.
One Cosmo editor says: "After a botched attempt to cover up my grown-out blonde with at-home dye, I used this brunette shampoo and somehow in just one wash it gave me the richest, glossiest, pure brown hair."—JH
CÉCRED Hydrating Shampoo
Pros
- Great for all hair types, wigs, and weaves
- Smells so incredible
Cons
- For a sweeping cleanse, this is best when paired with the Clarifying Shampoo
Curls of all types can’t live their best life without moisture, which is why it’s super important to use a hydrating cleanser to wash away grease and oil. That’s where this color-safe shampoo comes in handy—rather than harsh sulfates, Beyoncé's beloved formula has a Bioactive Keratin Ferment to strengthen and repair the hair and tons of hyaluronic acid to deliver lots of hydration. The result? Bouncy curls and no stripped color.
One Cosmo editor says: "This hydrating shampoo did exactly as advertised. I appreciated that my hair didn’t feel stripped of moisture and left my hair feeling thoroughly cleansed."—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Nutrafol Nutrafol Shampoo, Cleanse and Hydrate Hair and Scalp, Improves Hair Volume, Strength and Texture, Physician-formulated for Thinning Hair, Color Safe, Sulfate Free - 8.1 Fl Oz Bottle
Pros
- 2024 Cosmo Holy Grail Award Winner
- Smells super fresh
Cons
- Works best in tandem with the conditioner and supplements
If your hair concerns include thinning and color fading, look no further than Nutrafol’s Root Purifier. This dermatologist-developed shampoo is formulated with vegan proteins and prebiotics to deeply cleanse the scalp without stripping color or your hair’s strength. It balances oil, soothes irritation, and sets the stage for healthier, fuller-looking hair over time. And, it's another Cosmo Holy Grail winner (our editors have some amazing taste)!
One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve tried so many formulas to combat postpartum hair loss, but this is the first one I’ve genuinely felt has made a difference. Although it’s sulfate-free, the shampoo lathers gorgeously and leaves my scalp feeling squeaky clean, while the conditioner keeps my hair bouncy and soft. Best of all, my hair feels noticeably thicker after a month of consistent use.” —CORINNE SULLIVAN, SENIOR NEWS EDITOR
Do color protecting shampoos really work?
Yup! Not only do color-safe shampoos work to preserve your dye job, but they also help mask any damage by making strands feel softer and smoother. What you need depends on how you've treated your hair, says Cannon:
- Color-treated clients (aka, single process colors—grey coverage, brunettes, auburns, reds—that add dye to your hair) are aiming to prevent fading and washing out.
- Highlighted clients (aka, removing color from their hair/lightening, with colors ranging from soft caramel to platinum) should aim to prevent dullness and buildup.
In both cases, a shampoo should be designed to prevent buildup and cleanse the scalp without doing damage to the color. Then, a good conditioner will come in with moisture, explains Cannon: "Highlighted girls should be looking for moisture and repair. Color-treated hair should be looking for shine and protection."
A note for the curly-haired on their shampoo-conditioner routine: Your hair porosity and texture matter a lot. A good rule of thumb is that "if you have a looser curl pattern, low density, or fine hair, opt for a lightweight combo. If you have tighter, more dense, or thick hair, opt for a heavier, more nourishing combo," curly hair expert April Story previously told Cosmo. If you're struggling with frizz, opt for a product with hydrating and nourishing ingredients that promote hair health and smooth the outer cuticle, master stylist Nunzio Saviano previously told Cosmo.
What to look for in a color-treated hair shampoo
Here's what to hone in on when you're finding the right shampoo for your needs:
Pay attention to the formulation.
Always, always watch for harsh sulfates, particularly SLS and SLES. "Opt for more gentle sulfates like sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, a surfactant derived from coconuts, or natural cleansers like tea tree or apple cider vinegar," says Cannon. "If you have a sensitive scalp, I would also avoid fragrances."
Don't hyper-focus on marketing.
Basically, you get what you pay for: If you're buying a drugstore brand that says it's good for color-treated hair, "it also may have ingredients in it that aren't necessarily good for your hair type," explains Gutterman. "Most professional hair care lines are great for color-treated hair and will have ingredients that won’t cause the color to fade—even if they don’t say 'color safe.'"
Know that your hair color, texture, and porosity make a difference.
If you have fine hair, a shampoo may work differently than someone with thicker, coarser hair, explains Gutterman. Not to mention: "Coloring your hair will change the texture and porosity," explains Cannon. And if you have fine hair, you'll probably need to wash it more, so stick with something gentler.
It's rlly important to work with an expert, particularly if you're working with a tricky color like gray—as celebrity colorist Richy Kandasamy previously told Cosmo, the coloring process can change "based on the natural color and texture of someone's hair," which means you might need a different product if you've gone from one dyed color to another.
Meet the experts:
- Bridget Kinney is a senior stylist and colorist at the Patrice Vinci salon in Boston, MA.
- Sophie Rose Gutterman is a celebrity hairstylist who has 10 years of experience in hair and has worked with Gwyneth Paltrow, Karlie Kloss and Victoria Justice; She's based in Los Angeles, CA.
- Kimberly Cannon is a colorist and educator at the Mark Ryan salon in New York, NY, and Philadelphia, PA.
- Richy Kandasamy is a celebrity colorist and R+Co Collective Member who's worked with artists like Llane and Erick Brian from CNCO; He's based in New York, NY.
- Daisy "Daze" Henson is a hairstylist, curl specialist, and founder of The Daze Studio, a curly hair salon in San Diego, CA.
- April Story is a hairstylist and curl specialist at Fekkai Salon in New York, NY.
- Nunzio Saviano is a seasoned stylist, hair trend expert, and the owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York, NY.
Why trust Cosmo?
Katherine J Igoe is a contributing editor at Cosmopolitan, and has eleven years of experience as a freelancer—with nearly five of those years writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, including leave-in conditioners and hair detanglers. Her shampoo for color-treated hair picks were based on product reviews, ratings, and personal testing, along with information from experts.
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan where she writes about everything from celebrity hairstyles to the best products to get that perfect blowout. For this story, she, along with team Cosmo spent months testing shampoos to see which are the best for preserving color.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
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