What To Look For
When you want just a subtle pop of color, a boost to your own natural hue, a refresh on your dye job, or a gradual change, a color-enhancing shampoo may do the trick. Color-enhancing shampoos do just what the name implies--they enhance a specific color by adding small amount of tint to your own hair. The best color enhancers will maintain your color over time by depositing the perfect balance of color on your hair; enough to rejuvenate your color and cover roots while being gentle enough to use three or four times per week. The best color enhancer will not contain harsh chemicals, such as ammonia, alcohol or peroxide, and will contain some sort of UV protection and conditioning for the hair.
Common Pitfalls
Always choose a color enhancer that is close to your hair shade. Women often make the mistake of using a color- enhancing shampoo as a way of gradually dying their hair. However, since the color enhancer isn't permanent, it will take a long time to dye your hair, and may look washed out immediately. Never use a color-enhancing shampoo on an irritated or sensitive scalp since it can worsen the condition or cause a reaction.
Where To Buy
Generic color-enhancing shampoos can be bought at major grocery stores and pharmacy chains, but the best place to buy a reputable brand shampoo is your local salon or beauty supply store. The staff at these places will be knowledgeable on the products available, and will be able to instruct you on what color, type, and use of product to buy. An added bonus is that most beauty supply stores offer a refund or store credit if you are dissatisfied with the results of your color-enhancing shampoo.
Cost
Color-enhancing shampoos will cost around $7 at your neighborhood grocery store or pharmacy, while big-brand labels will cost up to $30 for a shampoo sold at a salon or beauty supply store.
Accessories
To get the full benefits of a color enhancer, it's a good idea to buy the entire product line to use in conjunction with each other. Using a shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in enhancer will ensure full color coverage for a longer period of time, and ultimately give you better results, improving the look of your hair.
Insider Tips
Be sure to rinse your hands, neck, face, and ears off when using colo- enhancing shampoos, and to carefully wipe down your tub or shower after rinsing, as the color enhancer can also stain your skin, not to mention your bathroom. Applying lotion to your skin prior to shampooing will keep it from absorbing the color pigments in the shampoo.
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