After you have colored your hair, use only sulfate-free conditioning cleansers and shampoos. Sulfates remove moisture from your hair, leaving it brittle and dry.
“These shampoos can remove the fresh pigment and tone of your hair,” he says. Instead, Sacco says to opt for a sulfate-free or color-safe shampoo so you can cleanse without worry. “Sulfates are fresh color's worst enemy,” says Sacco.
Avoid shampoos that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and sodium chloride. Sulfate in shampoo can cause hair color to fade.
Leo Izquierdo, a colorist at New York's IGK Salon, agrees, adding that hot water will lift the outer layer of hair color and cause the color to fade. “Instead, rinse with cold or lukewarm water, as it will help seal up the cuticle and lock in your fresh color,” says Cleveland.
Use the Best Shampoo on Color-Treated Hair
– When you wash color-treated hair, be sure to use a color-protecting shampoo. Using a good shampoo will help your color last longer and help maintain the health of your processed hair. – Sulfates can strip color from hair, so look for a sulfate-free shampoo.
Since sulfates can be overly harsh on colored hair, we recommend starting with a sulfate-free shampoo that gently cleanses without stripping color. If you have color-treated hair, you should also look for a shampoo that locks in color to help prevent fading, strengthens your strands, and adds intense hydration.
"Sulfates may strip away too much moisture and leave the hair dry and possibly damage it," she says. "They may also make the scalp dry and irritated." For those with color-treated hair, sulfates can also strip and dull your hair color, says Jennifer Korab, a professional hairstylist.
If you do have colored hair and you're wondering how to treat it, it's best to look for clarifying shampoo for color-treated hair. These clarifying shampoos work by removing the excess sebum, a naturally occurring oil, from the hair shaft. Milder surfactants won't be so aggressive as to affect hair dye, though.
What ingredients should you avoid if you have color-treated hair? The most important part of caring for color-treated hair involves avoiding the following ingredients, as shared by pro colorist Richy Kandasamy: sulfates (SLS or SLES), parabens, sodium chloride, and petrochemicals.
As natural brunettes, brown hair dyes can last the longest compared to other hair dyes. There's no need to bleach your hair colour as the eumelanin content will allow the hair colour to stay on longer.
Shampooing Too Often After Coloring
Depending on whether your dye is temporary or permanent, your color may last anywhere from 6 to 30 washes. For those who wash their hair multiple times a day or week, this means your hair color may fade faster. The solution is simple – wash your hair less to save your color.
Don't sleep with your hair in a tight bun or ponytail – keep it from tangling while tossing and turning with a loose scrunchie or braid, or wrap it in a silk scarf. Let hair dry before hitting the pillow as hair is most elastic and fragile when wet.
A colour hair rinse that isn't permanent doesn't penetrate the hair shaft, so is the perfect solution for anyone looking to dye their hair without causing breakage or damage. There are many shades available, but because these rinses don't contain strong chemicals or bleaches, don't expect a dramatic colour change.
Dyed Hair is more likely to become dry and brittle, so treat it often with conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair. It helps create a protective barrier, which can prevent your dye from quickly washing out. Make sure to condition every time you shampoo, even if you have fine hair.
Final Thoughts on the Best Shampoo without Chemicals
If you're a total beginner, I highly recommend Acure Organics because there's a few options to choose from and you can find them anywhere. If you're looking for something more luxurious, I highly recommend Evolvh, Rahua, or Josh Rosebrook for truly stunning hair.