What To Look For
It's not easy to tell a good shampoo for color-treated hair from a poor one. Look for gentle shampoos that state they are for color-treated hair. Avoid shampoos with ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate; they will strip color from the follicles, fading your hair every time you wash. Choose shampoos with sodium laureth sulfate or TEA laureth sulfate instead. Look for shampoos that contain dimethicone, a form of silicone, to condition color damaged hair and make it soft and manageable.
Common Pitfalls
Choosing a shampoo for colored hair based on price is poor economy. Shampoos with ammonia can strip color and shorten the time between colorings regardless of their price. Color treatments damage hair follicles to penetrate the strands with color. Because a shampoo foams a lot does not indicate its ability to restore moisture or repair breakage; check for hydrators and silicones.
Where To Buy
Hair salons and professional stylists use shampoo products with ingredients designed to repair and care for your colored hair at microscopic levels. They can also recommend products for your specific hair type. Their shampoos can be more expensive than brands on retail store shelves. If you know what shampoo you want, try salon supply stores that may be less expensive or online beauty product suppliers.
Cost
Shampoos for color-treated hair can range from $9.99 to $37.99. But you need to consider hidden costs. If you use a more expensive shampoo that heals breaks and restores moisture, you will extend the life of your color treatment and reduce the cost of frequent touch-ups.
Accessories
Shampoos for color-treated hair can be enhanced by conditioners manufactured to coat hair follicles and protect the color. Good conditioners protect hair from fading in the sun and make it healthier and shinier. Leave-in conditioners generally contain sunscreens to protect against color fade whereas wash-out brands do not. Using color-enhancing conditioners as your hair grows out blends the color into the root areas and extends your time between colorings.
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