The best shampoos for coloured hair boost vibrancy, hydrate and prevent dullness - here are our favourite 11

All that time and effort should not be for nothing

best shampoos for coloured hair - woman with dyed blonde hair during fashion week - gettyimages 2075877560
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Whether you're a redhead, blonde or brunette, if you colour your hair, chances are you'd like your new shade to stay put. And one of your must-haves to do so is the best shampoo for coloured hair.

The sun might be slowly slipping away seeing as we're now officially in autumn, but the UV rays can still peek through the clouds. We all know they aren't the best for maintaining coloured hair, so a shampoo for coloured hair is still necessary when it comes to autumn haircare. With balayage and the Scandi hair line proving to be some of this year's biggest hair trends, it's safe to say that our love for all things hair dye isn't going anywhere.

While blonde hair's freshness can be extended using the best purple shampoo and conditioner, it's also important to protect the hair colour overall. So, we asked an expert: what should we be doing in the hair colour maintenance department?

"Make sure to have professional repairing treatments after colour and in between colour appointments," says Jack Cunningham-Rose, Colour Educator at Aveda. "Looking after the health and condition of your hair is my top tip for maintaining your colour."

Having a trim on the regular is also essential to maintain your hair's look and overall health. "Maintain a sharp haircut with regular trips to the salon; this will improve the health of hair in the long-run by reducing split ends and further damage," Jack adds. It's also important to make sure you're using heat protection spray whenever you're using hot tools.

Above all, though, it's important to switch up your shampoo. With so many formulas containing stripping and drying ingredients, it could be that the shampoo you're using right now is making the state of your colour even worse. It's important to look for colour-safe, gentle shampoos which have been tested for their colour reviving properties. So with all this in mind, we've hand picked the very best shampoos for colour treated hair below to seal your shade for as long as possible. Buh-bye, colour fade!

The 10 best shampoos for coloured hair—confirmed by our beauty editors

1. Color Wow Color Security Shampoo

Color Wow Color Security Shampoo

(Image credit: Color Wow)

Color Wow Color Security Shampoo

The best shampoo for coloured hair

Reasons to buy

+
Leaves strands super silky
+
Prolongs and protects colour

Reasons to avoid

-
It's not cheap (and you'll want to buy the conditioner, too)

Dionne Brighton, Freelance Beauty Writer says: "This is, hands down, the best shampoo for coloured hair—even if the colour is just a few highlights. I swear by the Color Wow Color Security shampoo. Formulated with a Japanese amino complex, this shampoo will make sure your hair looks bright after every wash and helps to prevent breakage. All while preventing colour fading and leaving strands super silky. I've been using this every wash since my highlights over three months ago and they still look freshly done, so it's a win for me."

2. Briogeo Color Me Brilliant Colour Protect Shampoo

Briogeo Color Me Brilliant colour protect shampoo

(Image credit: Cult Beauty)

Briogeo Color Me Brilliant Colour Protect Shampoo

Best naturally-derived shampoo for coloured hair

Reasons to buy

+
Offers a deep clean as well as colour protection

Reasons to avoid

-
Better for brightly coloured hair over blondes or highlights 

Just because it's a shampoo for coloured hair, doesn't mean the cleanse has to suffer. It's what a shampoo is there for after all. This shampoo will give you the cleanse you need, while also stopping colour from fading. Formulated with mushroom, bamboo and radish ferment, it promises to protect hair from heat styling too, (although we would still use a heat protecting spray). Added vitamin B5 helps the hair retain moisture making your strands look silky. 

3. Bleach London Reincarnation Shampoo

Bleach London Reincarnation Shampoo

(Image credit: Bleach London)

Bleach London Reincarnation Shampoo

Best shampoo for damaged coloured hair

Reasons to buy

+
Will hydrate dry stands in one wash 

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't stop colour from fading as well as others but will help with post-dye dryness

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: If you're searching for the best shampoo for coloured hair because you're suffering from post bleach damage, then this is the shampoo you have been looking for. Bleach London says its Reincarnation Shampoo brings hair back to life, and I have to agree. I bleach my hair every six to eight weeks (without fail), so naturally my lengths take a real battering and they show it. This shampoo (and the conditioner) works wonders at taking my straw-like strands and treating them with kindness, which in turn leaves them softer, glossier and makes my blonde pop. It's made with creatine and wheat proteins to build bonds from within the hair with every wash. "

4. Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo

Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo

Best shampoo for colour longevity

Reasons to buy

+
Will help colour last longer with each wash 

Reasons to avoid

-
The results are really supercharged with the conditioner—so we recommend getting both

Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor says: Harnessing the power of plants, Redken's shampoo and conditioner duos are now completely vegan. This gentle formula is sulphate free and has a fruity scent that's hard not to love. "Whenever I've had my greys covered up, I reach for this shampoo. It feels super luxurious to use and prevents colour from turning flat." – 

5. TRESemme Revitalise Colour Shampoo

TRESemme Revitalise Colour

(Image credit: Amazon)

TRESemme Revitalise Colour Shampoo

Best affordable shampoo for coloured hair

Reasons to buy

+
900ml bottle so will last for multiple washes
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't feel particularly luxurious to use

Just because it's affordable doesn't mean it's not fantastic. Promising to cleanse as well as keep your post colour shine, the TRESemme Revitalise Colour Shampoo promises to keep colour looking vibrant for 12 weeks—and we can't disagree. Formulated with scalp and strand loving ingredients, including green tea and rosemary oil, if you've recently coloured your hair, this is one to add to basket.

6. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo best shampoo for coloured hair

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

Best hydrating shampoo for coloured hair

Reasons to buy

+
Super hydrating

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricier than other options

Coloured hair unfortunately tends to get quite dry the more you colour it, so a good hydrating shampoo is a must if this is you. Pureology's entire range is designed to care for coloured hair and the hydrating option is a dream. You'll fall in love with the fresh minty scent as much as we have. Not only does it feel luxurious and joyful to use, it leaves hair looking every bit as great (and glossy).

7. Moroccanoil Color Care Shampoo

moroccanoil color care shampoo

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

Moroccanoil Color Care Shampoo

Best coloured hair shampoo for shine

Reasons to buy

+
Properly cleanses without dulling vibrant colour
+
Argan oil nourishes and improves shine
+
Smells incredible

Reasons to avoid

-
Might weigh down finer hair thanks to the Argan oil content

Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor says: "Moroccanoil is probably one of my favourite haircare brands, not just because the products smell incredible, but also because they never fail to make my hair feel SO soft. Its Color Care shampoo keeps my dyed blonde hair looking bright, with an unreal shine. Unlike the others on this list, this shampoo tackles dullness rather than vibrancy. It's infused with Argan oil to nourish each strand, improving shine."

8. L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Colour Shampoo

L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Colour Shampoo

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Colour Shampoo

Best shampoo for colour longevity

Reasons to buy

+
Stops colour from fading
+
Nourishes and protects hair 
+
More reasonably priced

Reasons to avoid

-
The cleanse is gentle, so if hair is prone to build-up you might want something harder working

Shannon says: "I adore this shampoo—always have, always will. I've been dyeing my hair for years, and I rely on this formula to keep my super-long lengths looking glossy and healthy. Not only will does it keep my colour from fading, but it's enriched with resveratrol which will protect and nourish too. It delivers the ultimate silky finish."

9. Aveda Pure Plant Blue Malva Shampoo

aveda blue malva

(Image credit: Aveda)

Aveda Pure Plant Blue Malva Shampoo

Best shampoo for blonde hair

Reasons to buy

+
No harsh ingredients
+
Bottle will last you ages

Reasons to avoid

-
On the pricier side

Katie says: "I love using it day-to-day thanks to its natural formula, which is kind to my dyed blonde hair. This isn't the strongest of purple formulas - but that's actually the beauty of the product. No harsh ingredients lift your colour so you avoid damaging it in the long run. Also, just so you know, I haven't lost my mind completely, I am aware of the price, but this bottle is huge. It can last me up to a year, as I only use this every third hair wash."

10. L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Shampoo

Loreal serie expert silver shampoo

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Shampoo

Best silver shampoo for grey or white hair

Reasons to buy

+
Perfect for preserving very light, cool-toned hair colours

Reasons to avoid

-
Can be slightly drying if used too often - stick to using it once a week

Want to preserve your ashy grey tones? This silver shampoo is a bestseller for a reason. Formulated with magnesium (which counteracts any yellow tones and brassiness), it's perfect for grey, white or light blonde hair. 

11. Bleach London Rosé Shampoo

Bleach London Rosé Shampoo

(Image credit: Bleach London)

Bleach London Rosé Shampoo

Best shampoo for pink hair

Reasons to buy

+
So affordable
+
A low-maintenance way to play with colour

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most hydrating - pair with a mask

Katie says: "This is a such a clever and simple concept and I recommend it often. If you have pink hair, this shampoo is going to refresh and make your colour pop. If you have blonde hair, like I do, this is a really fun (and affordable) way to add a temporary pop of pale pink. It's so easy to use, doesn't stain your hands and allows you to be playful from your very own shower."

Dionne Brighton

Dionne Brighton is a writer at Marie Claire UK, specialising in all things shopping, beauty and fashion. Born and raised in North London, she studied Literature at the University of East Anglia before taking the leap into journalism. These days, you can find her testing out the latest TikTok beauty trends or finding out what the next full Moon means.  

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