10 Best Color-Depositing Conditioners to Maintain, Tone, and Tint Your Hair
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I'm going to let you in on a little secret: Color-depositing conditioners are low-key underrated and should absolutely be added to your haircare routine ASAP—especially if you have dyed or color-treated hair. Not only can they remove brassiness, neutralize unwanted undertones, dye your hair, and enhance your color in between salon visits, but they also keep your hair smooth and moisturized. Basically, they're the key to vibrant, healthy-looking hair, and I rounded up nine of the best for every hair type.
To help you choose the best color-depositing conditioners for your hair type and color, I personally tested and reviewed nine on my own hair and consulted celebrity hairstylists Madison Clifford, Laura Rugetti, and Venner James—as well as gathered tips from hairstylist Ro Morgan—for everything you need to know about color-depositing conditioners, below.
Our top picks for the best color depositing conditioners in 2024:
Best Color-Depositing Conditioner for Vibrant Colors
Overtone Haircare Color Depositing Conditioner
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Keep scrolling to find the full list of color-depositing conditioners to maintain, tone, or tint your hair. Then, read on for everything you need to know about color-depositing conditioners, including how to choose the best one for you and how often to use it on your hair, according to experts and my personal testing.
Pros
- If you want super-intense results, you can apply to dry hair for a brighter effect
Cons
- No bright, vivid colors available
Available in 11 pigmented colors and one clear gloss, the dpHUE Gloss+ is one of the best color-depositing conditioners for giving your hair a boost of color, adding moisture, and a ton of shine. Safe to use weekly to maintain all-over color, refresh highlights, or to deep condition, this pick can be used on all hair types.
- Shades: 12
- Size: 6.5 oz
Glowing Customer Review: "I actually use this in the shower along with conditioner after I wash my hair. I comb it through and let it sit for a couple of minutes. My long blonde hair is definitely shinier, which fixed a problem for me because my hair texture makes my hair look dull. Have tried several other products and this works best for shine and conditioning."
Overtone Haircare Color Depositing Conditioner
Pros
- Impressive shade range
Cons
- Tends to stain easily
No, I don't think you get it—I'm obsessed! If you've ever wanted to get adventurous with a vibrant hair color, this semi-permanent option has basically every color of the rainbow, from silver and yellow to pastel purple and teal. This formula leaves hair super soft and shiny thanks to the incorporated coconut oil, shea butter, and avocado oil. I'd recommend using this on dry hair for maximum color deposit, and if you're wondering, this baby lasts anywhere between 2-20 (!!!) washes.
- Shades: 28
- Size: 8 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "Love the easiness of this product! You don’t really have to be specific on where you put the product. I was covering my faded purple toner and it picked up all the highlights with ease! Left it on for 15 min both times I used it and styled accordingly and it looked great! Love the smell too! I’ll try a different color during the summer!"
Pros
- Super quick process and results
Cons
- May have to remove cap during use due to the formula being so thick
Say hello to my favorite conditioning gloss for keeping my brunette hair with highlights from turning brassy and dull. Though the formula is available in 12 pigmented colors and one clear gloss, I am absolutely obsessed with the "Lights" shade series for keeping my highlights toned and bright. Once per week, I apply this no-mix formula to my damp hair, chill for ten-ish minutes, rinse it out, and then style my hair.
- Shades: 3
- Size: 6.4 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "This glaze is amazing. It took my brassy tones and made the tones cool and refreshed. I use every few weeks as well for a few minutes in the shower for a quick refresh. If you are toning your hair at home, this product works wonders. It also leaves a great shine and softens."
Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Purple Intense Repair Hair Mask
Pros
- Testers love how it leaves their hair smelling good and feeling soft
Cons
- Some testers note that overuse can result in a purple tint due to the concentrated formula
Blonde and platinum hair shades know all too well that keeping a purple shampoo and/or conditioner in their arsenal is key to maintaining a bright and fresh color. Intended for all hair types, this one by Amika reduces breakage from color-treated hair thanks to its super moisturizing formula (hi, mango butter extract, borage oil, and shea butter), all while keeping brassy tones at bay and your light hair bright.
- Shades: 1
- Size: 8 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "The absolutely must have for all the blondies out there! I’ve tried so many anti-brass products and while some of them do work, they over dry my hair and make it look like a broom. This mask is a 100/10! I left it on for 20 mins and my hair was sooo silky smooth after, I couldn’t believe it. It toned the hair nicely, without making it look purple or gray. Overall amazing product like all the other ones from Amika!"
Pros
- 100 percent vegan formula
Cons
- Lasts longer than most semi-permanent conditioners, so if you use a bright color keep that in mind if you're not looking for it to last awhile
Unlike color-depositing shampoos, those with curly hair have a little more to choose from when it comes to color-depositing conditioners. This formula by Maria Nila is filled with super moisturizing argan oil, making it the perfect pick for anyone working with color-treated curly hair.
- Shades: 15
- Size: 10.1 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "I bought this hair masque to extend my color between visits to the salon. It brightened my color, and left my hair soft. Don’t be alarmed- it does stain your palms while you are putting it on your hair, but it washes off by the time you’re done showering. I first tried the copper, then switched to autumn red when I darkened my color for winter, and I love the results. You could even use it in lieu of hair dye to tint your natural color without using harsh chemicals. I give this masque a 10/10."
Pros
- Widely available at most drugstores and beauty stores
Cons
- Some testers note that it may be difficult to get out of color-treated hair over time
"My favorite brand is the Moroccanoil color-depositing mask, as it has dual benefits," says hairstylist Venner James. "While it deposits the color, it also moisturizes the hair." Formulated with a blend of amino acids (to help strengthen hair), oils (for moisture), and a semi-permanent dye, this drugstore conditioner adds a boost of color that is designed to fade out naturally over the course of a few weeks.
- Shades: 4
- Size: 6.7 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "I just got this to keep my toned hair the same shade between salon visits. I love it!!! My hair was super soft and glossy after using, and the color is perfect for me. Took my chocolate colored hair to a slightly cooler, darker espresso. I’m very pleased."
Pros
- Can be added into any shampoo or conditioner, so it works for all hair types
Cons
- Can leave a purple tint if you use too much
Do you have a favorite conditioner that is perfect for your hair type, yet need to boost your color and are not sure where to start? Enter: IGK'S Mixed Feelings Leave-In Toning Drops that are designed to be mixed into any regular shampoo or conditioner. Celebrity hairstylist Laura Rugetti says that she loves this formula as the pigment stays true and looks natural on your hair color.
- Shades: 1
- Size: 1 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "I use this with my leave-in conditioner and it does a good job for me. It tones down the brassiness in my blonde and lasts a few days or at least until I need to shampoo again. It's a little pricey but it does seem to be lasting a while. And it's saving me from further damaging my hair with toner. I plan to buy again."
Pros
- Great shade range of natural and vibrant colors
Cons
- Not the best for hair that hasn't been processed with color before
Loaded with a slew of moisturizing ingredients (see: coconut oil and shea butter), this affordable color-depositing conditioner is a great option to achieve smooth, shiny hair. But the winning feature? It also gently cleanses, making it a multi-tasking and easy-to-use product for maintaining your color in between dye jobs. Oh, and over 80,000 reviewers agree that it's just that good.
- Shades: 19
- Size: 12 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "My hair is a vivid red, I use the red conditioner to deposit color back into my hair when I need it and it looks like a fresh dye job! Smells great, leaves my hair silky smooth. I highly recommend this product. I always find myself purchasing it with whatever hair color I am."
Pros
- Does a decent job at covering gray hair in between salon visits, which most color-depositing conditioners do not do
Cons
- Some testers note that you need to leave it on a bit longer than it advertises
Another one of Rugetti's faves is this one by Madison Reed. "I love it because it fades into the perfect toned and rich color," she says. While some color-depositing conditioners can leave unwanted tones in your hair after application due to the fading process over time, this one stays true to its color and fades in the most even, natural way.
- Shades: 7
- Size: 4 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "I've used this stuff a few times and it has saved my hair every time. My hair is fine, low density, and curly. It doesn't weigh my hair down and it makes it SO soft. I use the copper colored one and it replenishes my copper tones within minutes. I use I on wet or dry hair and get the same results."
Pros
- Testers love how moisturizing the formula is and note that it's great for curly hair
Cons
- Testers report that they don't love the strong scent
Okay, so listen up: You may think dark hair shades don't need a color-depositing conditioner, because, well, it's already super deep and pigmented. However, adding one to your haircare routine can actually amp up the shine and create super great depth and dimension. Plus, it's not a bad idea to use it to cover up grays in between appointments as well if that's your thing.
- Shades: 6
- Size: 8.8 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "This product really does work and has definitely prolonged my hair color. The color is super dark and rich. A little does go a long way and this could probably last me almost a full year but I do have fine thin hair. Product also doesn't irritate my scalp."
Is a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner better?
"I always tell my clients to use color-depositing conditioners versus shampoos," says hairstylist Madison Clifford, adding that some "shampoo toners can make the hair feel brittle and dry, whereas conditioners soften the hair and add shine." The option is up to you, however, it may be smart to go the conditioner route if you need that extra moisture, or have curly or chemically-processed hair.
How long do color-depositing conditioners last?
"These color-depositing conditioners are semi-permanent and can last anywhere from five to 15 washes depending on the brand and also the color pigment," says hairstylist Venner James. Other factors, such as your hair porosity, hair type, and hair color, also contribute to the outcome (more on that below).
The color pigments in a color-depositing conditioner could fade for a number of reasons hairstylist Ro Morgan has explained to Cosmo. Shampooing, salt, and chlorine water, environmental factors such as sun exposure, and/or using hot tools on your hair are all common fading components, he says.
How to choose the best color-depositing conditioner:
Decide on the color
- If you have lighter hair: If you're looking to temporarily dye or maintain your hair color, lighter hair has the most options when it comes to choosing shades. Just note that this also means it is super easy to overdo it (think: blonde hair turning purple from purple shampoo or conditioner), so if begin to notice that your hair is changing color, that's your sign to decrease use.
- If you have darker hair: Because dark hair doesn't take to color-treated products well without chemically lightening it first, if you're looking to add a pop of color, your best bet is to choose a super bright and vivid shade. However, color-depositing conditioners can be beneficial for deep hair shades to add shine and depth, smooth, and deeply moisturize your hair.
Consider your hair type
Though most color-depositing shampoos work for all hair types, they typically work best on color-treated or chemically-processed hair to tone and maintain the pigments between salon visits. This means that if you have dark, non-color-treated, low-porosity hair—AKA your hair cuticles are close together and have trouble absorbing moisture—your hair won't hold the temporary color from the shampoos well.
Meet the experts:
- Madison Clifford is a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist and colorist and her celebrity clientele includes Julia Michaels, Tate McRae, Fletcher, and Jeremy Scott.
- Laura Rugetti is a celebrity hairstylist, extension specialist, and founder of The Beauty Can Salon. Her celebrity client list includes Noah Cyrus, Emily Alyn Lind, Delilah Hamlin, Amelia Hamlin, and the members of the Housewives franchise.
- Venner James is a celebrity hairstylist, a certified hair loss practitioner, and the founder of the Venner-James Brand. His skills include wig making and application, short cuts, relaxers, Locs, custom wigs, barbering, braiding, and more.
- Ro Morgan is a New York-based hairstylist. His specialties include natural hair, wigs, and hair extensions. Morgan works with celebrity clientele such as Naomi Campbell, LionBabe, Precious Lee, and more. Morgan has spoken to Cosmo in the past regarding color-depositing shampoos.
Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty and hair stories, like the best texture sprays and the greatest purple shampoos on the market. She regularly tests and analyzes color-depositing conditioner on her own hair for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top hairstylists and cosmetic chemists to assess new formulas and brands.
Chaise Sanders is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan with experience researching and writing a range of beauty stories, including helping you find the best bikini trimmers or highlighting the best shower filters that'll transform your hair and skin.
Chaise Sanders is a NYC-based writer with a knack for all things lifestyle, beauty, entertainment, and style. Her work has graced the pages of Cosmopolitan, Country Living, InStyle, and more. When she's not busy crafting words, you can find her on Instagram roaming the streets of New York City, hunting down the best food spots, hidden gems, and deals.
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