The best shampoos for coloured hair that keep your shade luminous

Hair colour is an investment of time, money and emotional commitment (because no one books a three-hour balayage only to let it fade in two washes). The right shampoos for coloured hair make all the difference between your colour and hair staying luminous or slipping into dull, straw-like territory.

In the densely populated world of shampoos, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the endless bottles promising shine, repair, hydration and colour protection all at once. The truth is, not every formula is built with dyed strands in mind. Coloured hair needs gentler cleansers that don’t strip pigment, formulas with added hydration to counter post-colour dryness and sometimes even purple or blue pigments to keep brassiness in check.

Whether you’re maintaining a chestnut brown, a bleached blonde or a jewel-toned red, the right shampoos for coloured hair will keep your hair feeling healthy, soft, and expensive-looking. Here are the ones that deliver.

Kerastase Chroma Absolu Bain Respect Shampoo

A gentle all-hair type cleansing formula for fine to medium colour-treated hair, this sulphate-free shampoo hydrates, reinforces and helps prevent fading. Enriched with amino, tartaric and lactic acids, it rebuilds the fibre and reduces porosity, leaving strands luminous and lightweight.

Sachajuan Colour Protect Shampoo

This Swedish formula uses Ocean Silk Technology to create a protective barrier around each strand. This shampoo for coloured hair cleanses without stripping away colour vibrancy. Its low-acidity method helps seal in colour pigments, promoting longer-lasting results.

L’Oreal Professionnel Vitamino Colour Shampoo

A cult favourite from L’Oréal Professionnel, this resveratrol-infused shampoo defends against colour fade for up to 8 weeks. It removes impurities without stripping pigment, balances hydration and enhances softness.

Redken Acidic Colour Gloss Sulphate-Free Shampoo

Part of Redken’s professional glossing range, this sulphate-free shampoo works at an acidic pH to seal the cuticle and lock in colour vibrancy for up to 32 washes. It leaves hair with a reflective, salon-like shine while protecting against dullness. Perfect for those who want longer-lasting colour between appointments.

Forest Essentials Hair Cleanser Japapatti & Brahmi

Forest Essentials’ Ayurvedic-forward cleanser is safe for coloured hair, blending Reetha, Hibiscus (Japapatti), Brahmi and Nagarmotha extracts with mild surfactants. It nourishes and strengthens strands while maintaining natural pigment, offering balance and care beyond just cleansing.

Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Colour Freeze shampoo

With a precisely balanced pH of 4.5, this shampoo helps stabilise colour pigments deep within the hair matrix. It strengthens the hair structure, preserves vibrancy and reduces fading over time.

Nexxus Colour Assure Replenishing Colour Care Shampoo

Formulated with elastin protein and quinoa, this shampoo replenishes moisture and enhances vibrancy in colour-treated hair for up to 40 washes and is a great shampoo for coloured treated hair since it restores softness and shine while protecting pigment integrity.

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

A cult classic for damaged hair, Olaplex No.4 goes beyond cleansing with its bond-building technology. It repairs the internal structure and reduces breakage. N°4 is colour safe, it preserves colour brilliance while leaving hair soft and manageable.

Moroccanoil Colour Care Shampoo

Infused with argan oil, antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract, this gentle cleanser defends against colour fade while restoring hydration. It locks in colour by repairing and sealing the cuticle for superior retention and maintains vibrancy and shine while keeping strands soft and silky. A nourishing, oil-enriched choice for colour care with a luxe feel.

Also read:

Why a cold water rinse is the hair care tip every hairstylist swears by

Why argan oil is considered “the liquid gold” of hair care

What blonde hair taught me about myself