Color Depositing Shampoo: Find The Perfect Match For Your Hair Shade!

Picture this: You’ve just strutted out of the salon with your newly colored hair, and you’re feeling like a million bucks. Everyone’s raving about how incredible you look. But then, as days turn into weeks, the color starts fading. That is when color depositing shampoo comes into the spotlight. 

The reasons for the fading color could be many- sun exposure, harsh hair products, and heat styling. 

What Is Color-depositing Shampoo?

Color depositing shampoo is a special shampoo that is packed with special pigments. These pigments are not as strong as permanent hair color but if you already have colored hair, then the color-depositing shampoo can refresh your hair with a fresh coat of color every time you wash your hair. 

The beauty of color-depositing shampoos lies in their ability to revive and refresh your hair’s hue, creating the illusion of a freshly applied coat of color every time you step out of the shower. 

What Does Color-depositing Shampoo Do?

Color-depositing shampoo does its magic by placing color pigments on the outer layer of your hair. These pigments are tiny enough to get into the hair a bit, but they’re not super strong like the ones found in regular hair dye. So, the color looks good for a while, at the same time it won’t wreck your hair.

10 Best Color Depositing Shampoos

We have curated a list of the best color-depositing shampoos according to hair color, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of endless searching. 

1. Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash Shampoo In Copper

Adds vibrant color while cleansing, is sulfate-free, maintains and refreshes color, available in various shades.

$35 for 8.25 oz

Pros

• Keeps your color vibrant with repeated use
• Stains darker hair with a bright tint
• Made with plant-based ingredients 

Cons

• Expensive
• More likely to spill in the shower because of its watery texture

2. Joico Color Infuse Copper Shampoo

Perfect for red hair, color-depositing, sulfate-free, boosts vibrancy, protects against fading

$15 for 10.1 oz

Pros

Ideal for copper hair, helps maintain vibrancy, and protects against fading.

Cons

It contains sodium lauryl sulfate- it strips more color from the hair than it deposits.

Color Depositing Shampoo – Red

Getting that perfect red hair can be a bit of a puzzle, and there’s a science behind it too. As Jessica Page, the brains behind Blondie & Co Salon in Utah, puts it, “Red molecules are a bit bigger than other color molecules.” Even celeb hairstylist Jennifer Korab agrees, adding that not only is red hard to nail, but it also tends to fade away faster than the other shades. 

3. Davines Alchemic Shampoo In red 

Great for both color-treated and natural hair. Leaves hair soft and silky.

Price: $34 for 9.47 oz

Pros 

• Maintains and enhances warm red tones
• Does not stain hands or shower curtains

Cons

• Expensive

4. Punky Colour 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo + Conditioner

Cleanses, conditions, and adds color, contains wholesome ingredients like shea butter and pro-vitamin B5. 

Price: $14 for 8.5 oz

Pros

Convenient 3-in-1 formula, best for bright red hair color

Cons

Not as long-lasting as some other options, color may fade quickly.

Best Color Depositing Shampoo To Cover Gray

5. Hair Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo

If you want to keep your stylish silver hair on point, Aveda’s Blue Malva Shampoo is the way to go. It not only cleanses your hair but also adds a nice touch of brightness.

Price: $66 for 33.8 oz

Pros

• Neutralizes brassiness
• Enhances cool tones
• Gentle cleansing

Cons

• High price
• Specific for blonde and gray hair, not suitable for other hair colors.

6. Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo (For Blonde And Silver Hair)

Its protein-enriched conditioning(1) formula tones down brassiness on blonde and silver hair

Price: $15.99 for 16 oz

Pros

• Tones down brassiness
• Enhances color

Cons

• High price
• Overpowering artificial fragrance

Color Depositing Shampoo – Black

7. Maria Nila Black Color Refresh

Specially formulated for black hair. Eliminates reddish and coppery tones. Contains Argan oil which softens and nourishes hair. 

Price: $33 for 10.1 oz

Pros

• Balances unwanted tones
• Leaves hair shiny

Cons

• Does not clean hair like regular shampoo

Color Depositing Shampoo – Brown

8. John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Color Deepening Shampoo

Works both on natural and color-treated hair. 

Price: $12 for 8.3 oz

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Natural pigments

Cons

• The results are not dramatic

Color Depositing Shampoo For Dark Hair

9. Ion Brunette Shampoo

It is enriched with honey and smells amazing. Cleans hair without making the hair look dull. 

Price: $15.19 for 10.5 oz

Pros

• Softens and rejuvenates brunette or color-treated hair
• Refreshes color while intensifying shine
• Enriched with honey

Cons

• No noticeable difference in the color

10. Tressa Watercolors Intense Shampoo In “Black”

Specifically formulated for dark hair, adds deep color while cleansing is sulfate-free.

Price: $18 for 8.5 oz

Pros

• Enhances and maintains rich dark tones,
• Helps extend the time between color treatments.

Cons

Some users report color transfer onto hands or shower surfaces, color may fade more quickly with frequent washes.

How To Use Color-depositing Shampoo?

Adding a color-depositing shampoo to your hair routine can be a cool and flexible way to play around with your appearance. Just remember, it’s important to read and stick to what the instructions on the bottle say. Oh, and before you go all in, do a little patch test first with a small amount of shampoo. That way, you can be sure it’s a good match for your hair type and won’t lead to any surprises

1- Preparation

Start by selecting the color-depositing shampoo that matches your desired shade or complements your current hair color. It’s a good idea to wear gloves during the process to prevent staining your hands.

2- Wet Your Hair

Thoroughly wet your hair in the shower. Make sure your hair is saturated from roots to ends, as this will help distribute the shampoo evenly.

3- Dispense Shampoo

Squeeze an adequate amount of the color depositing shampoo into your palm. The amount you use depends on the length and thickness of your hair, so adjust accordingly.

4- Apply Shampoo

Gently apply the shampoo to your hair, focusing on areas where you want to see the color enhancement. Massage the shampoo into your hair to ensure even distribution. Take care to avoid getting the shampoo in your eyes, as the pigments may harm the eyes. 

5- Wait for 3-5 minutes and Rinse

Depending on the brand and the intensity of color you desire, let the shampoo sit on your hair for the recommended time (usually 3-5 minutes). This allows the color to deposit onto your hair strands. Be cautious not to leave it on for too long, as it could lead to more intense staining.

6- Condition

If your color-depositing shampoo doesn’t have conditioning properties, follow up with a regular conditioner to ensure your hair remains smooth and hydrated.

7- Towel Dry

Gently blot your hair with a towel to remove excess moisture. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously, as this can cause friction and potentially remove some of the color.

8- Style as Usual

Proceed with your regular hairstyling routine. You can use heat tools, apply serums, or leave products as needed. Keep in mind that excessive heat styling can cause the color to fade more quickly.

Frequency 

Depending on the shampoo’s intensity and your desired color outcome, you can use the color-depositing shampoo once or twice a week, or as needed, to maintain the color vibrancy.

Maintenance

To prolong the effects of the color-depositing shampoo, avoid excessive exposure to chlorine, UV rays, and saltwater, as these factors can cause the color to fade more quickly.

How To Remove Color-depositing Shampoo?

Why would you even need to remove this shampoo? Well, color-depositing shampoos are awesome for sprucing up your hair color, but sometimes you might want a fresh start. Whether you’re ready for a new color experiment or you just want to return to your natural shade, getting rid of the deposited color is the way to go.

Clarifying Shampoo

Reach for a clarifying shampoo. These super cleansers are designed to strip away product buildup, and that includes color deposits. Wet your hair and apply the clarifying shampoo. Give it a good massage to lather up and work it through your hair. Rinse it out like you normally would.

Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda acts as a natural exfoliant and can help lift color deposits. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your damp hair, focusing on the areas with color deposits. Gently massage for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. 

Vitamin C Treatment

The ascorbic acid in the vitamin C can help break down color molecules. All you have to do is crush 15-20 vitamin C tablets into fine powder. Mix the powder with a small amount of shampoo and gently massage the mixture onto your hair. Leave the mask for about 3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and condition your hair afterward.

Hot Oil Treatment

Hot oil treatments can help loosen color deposits from your hair strands. Warm up your preferred hair oil (coconut, olive, or argan oil) and apply the oil to your hair. Gently massage your scalp and hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the oil on for about 30 minutes. Shampoo and condition your hair afterward to remove the oil and any color deposits it has lifted.

Visit a Pro

If you’re in a rush and other methods of removing the hair color are not working, it might be a good idea to visit your hairstylist. They can help you safely and effectively remove any leftover color and give you a fresh canvas to work with.

How Long Does Color-depositing Shampoo Last?

The longevity of color-depositing shampoo’s effects isn’t set in stone. On average, if you use the color-depositing shampoo correctly then you might see the vibrant results for about 4 to 6 washes. After that, the color starts to gradually fade out. Keep in mind, though, that this can vary depending on a bunch of things.

Factors That Shake Things Up:

• Color Intensity: The more intense the color you deposit, the longer it’s likely to hang around. 
• Your Hair’s Natural Shade: Your base hair color plays a part. Lighter hair holds onto color more effectively than darker hair, which might let go of it a bit faster.
• Frequency of Washing: Every time you shampoo, you’re bidding a little farewell to the color. Frequent washing can speed up the fade.
• Shampoo Formulation: Not all color-depositing shampoos are created equal. Some have stronger pigments than others. The formula can impact how long the color sticks around.
• Exposure to Elements: Sun, wind, and chlorine can lead to fading faster than you’d expect.
• Washing hair in hot water: Washing your hair with hot water can not only strip away the color but also cause dandruff. 

Tips To Prolong The Color:

• Washing your hair with cool water can help the color last a tad longer.
• If you’re okay with it, try to shampoo less frequently. Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver here!
• Excessive heat styling can speed up the fading process. Give your hair a break from the heat tools(2).

Wrapping Up

If you are someone who has colored hair, then you understand the struggles that come with it. Maintaining that stunning color can sometimes feel like a challenge. This is where color-depositing shampoos come to the rescue. 

Color-depositing shampoos are especially beneficial for hair colors like red and blue, given that these shades wash out with each shampoo session.

Color-depositing shampoos are like your hair’s secret weapon, a tool that not only cleanses but infuses life back into your chosen hue. They work by depositing a subtle layer of color with every wash, allowing you to maintain that freshly dyed vibrancy. If your hair color is a statement, then these shampoos are the exclamation point that keeps it bold and vivid.

But what if you’re not looking for an intense hair transformation? Color-depositing shampoos help with that too. Whether you have sun-kissed blonde hair wanting a hint of rose gold or you have black hair seeking a touch of blue, these shampoos offer a spectrum of shades that can be as subtle as you want. 

So, go ahead, lather up, and let your hair tell your story, one wash at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions