The Best Color Shampoos

The Best Color Shampoos
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What To Look For

Shampoo that keeps your hair color rich and vibrant is not found on the shelf at a grocery store. Make sure to look for shampoo that states that it is specifically for color-treated hair. Some are even designed for specific colors of treated hair, such as red, blond or brunette. The higher-quality color shampoo contains certain ingredients that preserve color and prevent damage to color-treated hair. They are also more gentle and moisturizing than normal shampoos, which are designed to strip your hair of dirt, oil and inadvertently . . . the color. Brands like Deva-poo, Aveda and Wen offer the best color protection for the cost.

Ingredients to avoid:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Ammonium Xylene Sulfonate
TEA Lauryl Sulfate
Sulfur (in dandruff shampoos)
Selenium Sulfide (in dandruff shampoos)
Magnesium Sulfate
Sodium Thiosulfate
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Alkyl Sodium Sulfate
Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate
TEA-Dodecylbenzene
Sodium C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfonate

Common Pitfalls

When looking for color shampoo, cost does matter. The most common pitfall is letting price dictate which shampoo you buy. Advertising can also lead you astray, as most salon brands do not spend the money on television and magazine advertising that the more commercial brands do. Another common pitfall is shopping for convenience. Do not purchase shampoo at the same place you buy milk, diapers and mops.

Where To Buy

Deva-poo can be purchased at most salons. Aveda shampoos are offered in Aveda salons and Wen can be purchased online. It is recommended to purchase all of these products online as you will find better pricing and options to buy in bulk, making your purchase even more economical. Purchasing online is also more convenient, and most places offer free shipping on orders over $50.

Cost

Deva-poo can be purchased in either 16-ounce or 32-ounce bottles, and the cost ranges from $20 to $40. Aveda shampoos are available in either 8.5-ounce or 33.8-ounce bottles and the cost ranges from $12 to $45. Wen shampoo is available in 16 ounces or 32 ounces and the cost ranges from $28 to $60.

Insider Tips

Always wait 48 hours to shampoo your hair after coloring. Any salon professional could recommend cleansing, conditioning and styling products that are also appropriate for color-treated hair. The most effective shampoos for color-treated hair are products in a category called "no-poo shampoos." These products do not foam, and contain more gentle and moisturizing ingredients. Wen and Deva-poo are both foam-less shampoos.

References

Article reviewed by demand26900 Last updated on: Dec 8, 2010

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