8 best shampoos for dyed hair that protect against colour fade and enhance vibrancy — tried and tested

According to Melissa, colour-protecting shampoos are often acidic, "because a lower pH helps the cuticle lie flat, giving you smoother, shinier hair and helping colour stay locked in." Redken's much-loved Acidic Color Gloss is a prime example - it's sulphate-free, formulated with a range of conditioning agents and amino acids, and works hard to restore each strand to a pH of 4.5-5.5.

The result? Yes, a visible improvement in tone, but also a silky, glass-like shine.

Glowing customer review: "Lathers up beautifully and left my hair feeling light and tactile. I have very long straight hair. Nowadays I only buy sulphate free products and my hair has gotten used to it, and this shampoo beats the others I have tried so far. I regularly colour, but my faded purple did look glossier after the first use. I have grey bits now, and even they felt softer!"

When you think of colour-protecting, chances are your mind goes to Color Wow (and for good reason!). We love the Color Security Shampoo - a real OG - not only for its fade-proof ingredients, but its purifying Japanese amino-fortified complex. In short: it clarifies the hair from the roots to the ends, eliminating product residue and build-up, so you can enjoy a fresh, deep cleanse.

Glowing customer review: "Best shampoo I’ve ever used. A little goes a long way. My hair feels clean but not weighted down. It’s shiny and soft without any fizz."

For those with curls or coils, preventing dryness and frizz comes hand in hand with colour-protection. Umberto Giannini's purse-friendly offering gives results that belie its price, with a powerhouse sulphate-free formula that's designed for colour-treated, chemically-treated and relaxed hair alike.

Simply massage a coin-sized amount into the scalp (no need to tackle the lengths) for all the joy of a satisfying cleanse, with none of the 'stripped' feeling.

Glowing customer review: "I have type 2b/2c wavy hair which is very fine. This is one of the best sulphate free shampoos I’ve ever used. It thoroughly cleanses my hair with only one application, removing buildup and leaving it feeling clean and weightless! It’s perfect when paired with the associated conditioner and curl jelly. It can be really difficult to find good products that are also vegan so this ticks all the boxes."

As well as the usual culprits (excessive washing and heat) which can cause your colour to fade more quickly, environmental aggressors can play a part too. Whether that's sunlight, pollution or daily UV exposure, this pH-balancing treat from Morocannoil covers all bases.

With the help of arganid (infused with argan oil), pomegranate extract and a colour defense shield, the Color Care Shampoo creates an invisible, but protective barrier along each strand.

Glowing customer review: "Recently went green. I used a brand that has great color but historically bleeds a lot for the first few washes. Using this shampoo, I've had very minimal bleeding, and my clothes/pillows are safe! Even when I cheat and use warm water."

The first thing you'll notice about this deliciously fruity blend is that it smells divine (and the scent lasts for days!). The second thing, naturally, is the result - not just mininal colour fading over time, but equally limited breakage.

Formulated with colloidial oats (known for their moisturising benefits) and botanical ingredients like blackberry and quinoa, in true Aveeno style, this shampoo is as kind to dry or itchy scalps as it is ideal for anyone after healthy, vibrant hair.

Glowing customer review: "I LOVE this! I have coloured hair it did not take any colour out at all it make it more shinier, the smell is absolutely gorgeous and it made my hair feel so soft and nourished, it is a squeeze bottle easy to use i would recommend this and I will be purchasing it in the future."

Relax, this is a strictly judgement-free zone! I'm no stranger to box dyes myself, so I'm well aware of the havoc they can wreak on the texture of your hair. Luckily, when breakage calls, Pureology's luxurious Keravis- and Astaxanthin-infused formula answers.

While both ingredients work to restore strength to the surface of each strand, a soothing blend of raspberry, peach and water flowers removes any impurities without stripping its vibrancy. We recommend using this twice to three times a week, for a longer-lasting colour.

Glowing customer review: "This shampoo is easy to lather up, you don’t need much, no shampooing twice, beautiful thick, creamy product with a scent that’s not overpowering. Leaves my hair incredibly shiny and soft and doesn’t strip my colour out. Plus the longer you use it the nicer your hair looks."