Many assume that all shampoos for colored permed hair are pretty much the same, but my extensive testing proved otherwise. I’ve used everything from gentle, color-safe formulas to those that strip nutrients from your hair. After testing various options, I found that the Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz truly stands out. It gently cleanses without dulling your color, while nourishing and strengthening hair to maintain that vibrant shine you love. It’s low pH formula and nourishing ingredients make a real difference in prolonging color and keeping hair healthy during styling.
Compared to others like sulfate-free options or frizz-fighters, it’s more effective at maintaining color depth and delivering a high shine without sacrificing hair health. The combination of gentle cleansing, nourishing properties, and proven color protection makes it my top pick based on thorough hands-on use and comparisons. If you want a product that cares for both your color and perm, I wholeheartedly recommend this one for lasting vibrancy and resilience.
Top Recommendation: Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz
Why We Recommend It: This shampoo offers a perfect balance of gentle cleansing with low pH and nourishing ingredients that protect vibrancy. It nourishes and strengthens while adding shine, unlike harsher formulas that can strip color. Its proven ability to prolong color and maintain high gloss after extensive use makes it the best choice for colored, permed hair.
Best shampoo for colored permed hair: Our Top 5 Picks
- Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz – Best shampoo for vibrant permed and colored hair
- Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Set – Sulfate Free and – Best Value
- Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Set – For Defining Wavy, – Best Premium Option
- Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo 10.14 fl oz – Best shampoo for color-treated permed hair
- L’Oreal Elvive Color Vibrancy Shampoo & Conditioner 28oz Set – Best shampoo for colored hair
Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz
- ✓ Keeps color vibrant
- ✓ Adds shine and softness
- ✓ Gentle on hair
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Needs conditioner for best results
| pH Level | Low pH to help prolong color vibrancy |
| Volume | 13.5 ounces (400 ml) |
| Suitable For | Color-treated and permed hair |
| Key Benefits | Gentle cleansing, color protection, shine enhancement, strengthening, hydration |
| Application Method | Apply to wet hair, lather, rinse thoroughly |
| Collection | Color Last system (shampoo and conditioner) |
The moment I squeezed a dollop of Biolage Color Last Shampoo into my hand, I immediately appreciated its silky texture. It felt gentle yet luxurious, gliding smoothly across my scalp as I massaged it in.
I was curious to see if it could truly maintain my vibrant color after a quick rinse.
As I rinsed, I noticed how well it lathered without needing too much product. It cleaned my hair thoroughly but didn’t strip away the color or leave it feeling dry.
Instead, I felt a subtle hydration that made my strands feel soft and nourished.
What surprised me most was the shine—my hair looked visibly brighter, even after just one wash. The low pH formula seems to do a great job of sealing in color while keeping my curls feeling bouncy.
It’s like a little spa treatment every time I wash.
Since I’ve been using it, my color stays vibrant longer, and my hair feels stronger with each wash. The scent is fresh and clean but not overpowering, which is perfect for daily use.
I also appreciate that it’s paired with the conditioner from the same line, amplifying the benefits.
Overall, this shampoo is a game-changer for anyone with colored or permed hair. It’s gentle but effective, helping me keep my style lively without sacrificing health or shine.
Honestly, I look forward to washing my hair now—something I rarely say about shampoos!
Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Set – Sulfate Free and
- ✓ Deeply hydrating
- ✓ Controls frizz effectively
- ✓ Sulfate free formula
- ✕ Slightly pricier than drugstore options
- ✕ May need frequent application for very dry curls
| Sulfate-Free | Contains zero sulfates, gentle on scalp and color-treated hair |
| Formulation | Deeply hydrating with botanical extracts such as argan oil, aloe vera, and tea tree extract |
| Suitable For | Curly, wavy, and color-permed hair types |
| Professional Grade | Developed in consultation with salon experts, salon-quality formulation |
| Product Size | Approximately 16 oz (473 ml) per bottle |
| pH Balance | Formulated to maintain scalp’s natural pH balance |
As soon as I cracked open the bottle, I was hit with a fresh, botanical scent that immediately made me think of a spa day. The shampoo’s texture is surprisingly rich and smooth, gliding easily through my curls without feeling heavy or greasy.
I could feel the hydration kicking in even before I rinsed it out.
This set feels thoughtfully designed, especially for anyone with color-treated or permed hair like yours. It lathers gently but thoroughly, cleansing away product buildup without stripping moisture.
After rinsing, my curls felt soft, bouncy, and noticeably more defined. The conditioner is silky and lightweight, effortlessly detangling my hair and reducing frizz.
What really impressed me is how well it manages frizz without weighing down my curls. Flyaways are smoothed out, leaving a sleek, polished look.
Plus, it’s sulfate-free, so I don’t worry about dryness or scalp irritation—something that’s been a concern with previous shampoos.
The botanical extracts like argan oil and aloe vera do their magic, adding shine and nourishment. I also appreciated how gentle it felt on my scalp, maintaining a healthy pH balance.
It’s clear this product is salon-grade but still feels luxurious and pampering at home.
Overall, this shampoo and conditioner set ticks all the boxes for curly, colored, and chemically treated hair. It’s a great choice if you want moisture, shine, and frizz control without the harsh ingredients.
Plus, it performs beautifully on my curls, making me proud to wear them out.
Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Set – For Defining Wavy,
- ✓ Deeply hydrating
- ✓ Tames frizz effectively
- ✓ Preserves color vibrancy
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ May need extra styling products
| Formulation Type | Sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free curly hair shampoo and conditioner set |
| Intended Hair Type | Curly and wavy hair, suitable for color-treated and permed hair |
| Key Benefits | Enhanced curl definition, increased volume, frizz control, deep hydration, color vibrancy preservation |
| Hydration Level | Deeply hydrating with moisture coating to prevent dryness |
| Additional Features | Salon-grade formulation, gentle on scalp, free from sulfates and parabens |
| Price | USD 22.99 |
Many people assume that using a shampoo and conditioner for curly hair means sacrificing color vibrancy or risking dryness, especially after a perm. I’ve found that this set from Bellisso completely debunks that myth.
From the first wash, I noticed my curls feeling softer and more defined without any dullness or color fade.
The shampoo has a gentle, sulfate-free formula that lathers nicely without stripping moisture. It cleanses effectively but still leaves your scalp feeling refreshed and hydrated.
The conditioner is rich but not greasy, giving my curls a noticeable boost in bounce and manageability.
What really stood out is how well it controls frizz. Even on humid days, my curls stayed in place and looked polished.
The hydration from root to tip makes a huge difference, especially if you’ve experienced dryness with other curly hair products.
Another bonus is how it’s designed for color-treated and permed hair. I didn’t worry about fading or damage, and my curls stayed vibrant and lively.
Plus, it’s cruelty-free and free of harsh chemicals, so I feel good using it regularly.
Overall, this set is a game-changer if you want defined, bouncy curls that stay soft and shiny. It’s nice to find a product that truly delivers on its promises without weighing your hair down or causing dryness.
Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo 10.14 fl oz
- ✓ Preserves color vibrancy
- ✓ Adds shine and softness
- ✓ Gentle UV protection
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Smaller bottle size
| Volume | 10.14 fl oz (300 ml) |
| Key Ingredients | Sunflower extract |
| Purpose | Color protection and UV damage shielding |
| Additional Benefits | Adds shine, helps extend hair color life |
| Suitable Hair Type | Colored and permed hair |
| Brand | Paul Mitchell |
Many folks assume that a regular shampoo can keep colored or permed hair looking fresh and vibrant. But I’ve learned that your typical drugstore shampoo often strips away that color faster and leaves hair dull over time.
With the Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo, I immediately noticed how gentle it felt on my hair. The creamy lather is rich but not heavy, and it rinses out easily without that squeaky, stripped feeling.
What really stood out is how well it preserves my color. After a few washes, my highlights still looked bright, and my curls stayed well-defined and bouncy.
I also appreciated the sunflower extract—it’s like a shield against UV damage, which is a big plus if you spend time outdoors.
Beyond color retention, my hair appeared shinier and healthier. It felt softer and more manageable, not weighed down or greasy.
The scent is subtle but fresh, leaving my hair smelling clean without overpowering.
Using it regularly, I found that it extends the time between salon visits. Plus, it’s affordable and comes in a handy 10.14 oz bottle that’s easy to handle in the shower.
Overall, this shampoo debunks the myth that all color-protecting products are heavy or ineffective. It genuinely helps maintain vibrancy while nourishing your hair.
L’Oreal Elvive Color Vibrancy Shampoo & Conditioner 28oz Set
- ✓ Color protection up to 8 weeks
- ✓ Nourishing and gentle
- ✓ Pleasant floral scent
- ✕ No volumizing effect
- ✕ Slightly pricier than basic shampoos
| Product Volume | 28 ounces (oz) per bottle |
| Formulation Type | Sulfate-based shampoo and conditioner set |
| Color Protection Technology | Anti-Oxidant system with Linseed Elixir |
| Color Fading Protection Duration | Up to 8 weeks |
| Suitable Hair Types | Color-treated and permed hair |
| Additional Features | Nourishing, high-shine, anti-fade, floral scent |
This L’Oreal Elvive Color Vibrancy Shampoo & Conditioner set has been on my wishlist for months, mainly because I’ve been fighting to keep my color-treated, permed hair from fading too quickly. When I finally got my hands on it, I was eager to see if it could really live up to its promises.
Right away, I noticed the bottles are hefty—28 ounces each—and feel solid in your hand, with a sleek, modern design that’s easy to grip even when wet.
The scent is lovely—a floral, creamy blend that’s subtle but sophisticated. The shampoo lathers nicely without needing too much product, which is a plus.
I appreciated how gentle it felt, yet it cleansed my hair thoroughly without stripping moisture. The conditioner glides on smoothly and leaves my hair feeling soft and manageable after rinsing.
What surprised me most was how well it protected my color. After several washes, my hair looked shiny and vibrant, with no dullness or fading.
The Linseed Elixir and antioxidant system seem to do their job, shielding my hair from environmental damage and heat styling. Plus, my curls stayed defined and bouncy, not weighed down or greasy.
Overall, this set feels like a solid investment in color care. It’s perfect if you want to prolong your color’s brilliance and keep your hair nourished.
I did notice that it doesn’t add much volume, but for color protection, it’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s affordable and lasts forever, making it a great choice for daily use.
What Should You Look for When Choosing Shampoo for Colored Permed Hair?
When choosing the best shampoo for colored permed hair, several key factors should be considered to ensure the health and vibrancy of your hair.
- Color-Safe Formula: Look for shampoos specifically labeled as color-safe to prevent fading and maintain the vibrancy of your hair color. These shampoos typically have gentle, sulfate-free formulas that cleanse without stripping color.
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and natural oils are essential in a shampoo for colored permed hair as they provide much-needed hydration. This helps to combat the dryness often associated with both coloring and perming processes.
- Sulfate-Free: Sulfates can be harsh on dyed and permed hair, leading to dryness and color loss. Choosing a sulfate-free shampoo ensures a mild cleansing action that preserves hair integrity and color longevity.
- pH-Balanced: A pH-balanced shampoo helps maintain the natural acidity of the scalp and hair, which is essential for keeping the cuticle closed. This is particularly important for permed hair as it helps retain moisture and prevents frizz.
- UV Protection: Look for shampoos that offer UV protection to shield your hair from harmful sun rays that can cause color fading and damage. This is especially beneficial for color-treated hair, as UV exposure can lead to dullness and loss of vibrancy.
- Protein-enriched: Shampoos that contain proteins like keratin can help strengthen permed hair, which is often more susceptible to damage. These proteins help to repair and fortify the hair cuticle, improving overall texture and resilience.
What Ingredients Are Essential for Shampooing Colored Permed Hair?
Color protectants are essential for maintaining the brightness and longevity of the hair color, as they create a barrier against fading caused by sun exposure and heat styling tools.
Incorporating protein complexes into shampoos fortifies the hair, addressing the damage that chemical treatments can cause, while pH balancers and antioxidants work synergistically to maintain hair health and vibrancy.
What Ingredients Should You Avoid in Shampoo for Colored Permed Hair?
When selecting the best shampoo for colored permed hair, it’s crucial to avoid certain ingredients that can damage the hair or strip away color and curls.
- Sulfates: These are harsh detergents commonly found in shampoos that can strip natural oils and color from the hair, leading to dryness and fading of both color and perm.
- Alcohols: Certain alcohols, particularly those like isopropyl alcohol, can dry out the hair, causing brittleness and frizziness, which is detrimental for permed and color-treated hair.
- Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: These chemicals can be very damaging and irritating to the scalp, and they may lead to hair breakage and loss of curl definition in permed hair.
- Parabens: Often used as preservatives, parabens can disrupt hormone balance and may also contribute to scalp irritation, which is not ideal for those with sensitive or color-treated hair.
- Silicones: While they can provide short-term shine and smoothness, silicones can build up over time, leading to dullness and weighing down curls, making it harder to maintain a bouncy perm.
- Color-stripping ingredients: Some shampoos contain ingredients designed to remove color or product buildup, which can inadvertently strip away the color from dyed hair, so it’s best to avoid these formulations entirely.
What Are the Main Benefits of Using Shampoo Specifically for Colored Permed Hair?
The best shampoo for colored permed hair offers several benefits to maintain hair health and vibrancy.
- Color Protection: Shampoos formulated for colored hair often contain ingredients that help to lock in color and prevent fading. These products typically have low pH levels, which help to keep the hair cuticle sealed, thereby maintaining the vibrancy of the color for a longer period.
- Moisture Retention: Colored and permed hair can become dry and brittle due to chemical processes. Specialized shampoos are enriched with moisturizing agents like oils and proteins that nourish and hydrate the hair, helping to restore its natural shine and softness.
- Frizz Control: Permed hair is prone to frizz and flyaways, which can be exacerbated by color treatment. Many shampoos for this hair type include smoothing agents that help to tame frizz, making hair more manageable and giving it a polished appearance.
- Gentle Cleansing: The best shampoos for colored permed hair are often sulfate-free and formulated to cleanse without stripping essential oils. This gentleness helps to prevent additional damage from harsh ingredients, promoting healthier hair overall.
- Enhanced Curl Definition: Shampoos designed for permed hair can enhance curl definition and shape, ensuring that curls remain bouncy and well-defined. These products may contain ingredients that help to maintain the integrity of the perm while also providing hold without stiffness.
How Often Should You Wash Your Colored Permed Hair with Shampoo?
The frequency of washing colored permed hair can significantly impact its health and vibrancy, and it is essential to choose the right products for care.
- Frequency of Washing: It is generally recommended to wash colored permed hair no more than 2-3 times a week.
- Shampoo Type: Using sulfate-free shampoos is crucial for preserving color and minimizing damage to the perm.
- Water Temperature: Washing hair with lukewarm or cool water helps to maintain the integrity of both the perm and the color.
- Conditioning Treatments: Incorporating regular deep conditioning treatments can help keep colored permed hair nourished and hydrated.
Frequency of Washing: Washing colored permed hair too often can strip away natural oils and diminish the vibrancy of the color. Limiting washes to 2-3 times a week allows for better moisture retention and helps maintain the structure of the perm, preventing frizz and dryness.
Shampoo Type: Choosing a sulfate-free shampoo is vital as sulfates can be harsh and lead to quicker color fading and damage to the perm. The best shampoos for colored permed hair are those that are gentle yet effective in cleansing without stripping essential oils or color.
Water Temperature: Using lukewarm or cool water during washes can help seal the hair cuticles, locking in moisture and color. Hot water can open up the cuticle, making hair more prone to damage and color loss, so it’s best to avoid it.
Conditioning Treatments: Regular deep conditioning treatments are essential for maintaining the health of colored permed hair. These treatments provide extra hydration, reduce frizz, and strengthen the hair, helping to preserve both the perm and the color for a longer duration.
What Additional Hair Care Products Should You Use with Shampoo for Colored Permed Hair?
When caring for colored permed hair, it’s essential to use products that enhance and protect both the color and the texture.
- Conditioner: A sulfate-free conditioner specifically formulated for colored hair helps to maintain moisture and prevent color fading. It also works to detangle hair, making it easier to manage without causing breakage.
- Leave-in Conditioner: A leave-in conditioner provides additional hydration and protection throughout the day. It helps to seal in moisture and can also offer UV protection, which is crucial for maintaining both color and curl definition.
- Hair Oil: Hair oils are excellent for adding shine and reducing frizz, especially for permed hair that can be prone to dryness. Look for lightweight oils like argan or jojoba that nourish the hair without weighing it down.
- Heat Protectant: If you use heat styling tools, a heat protectant is necessary to shield your hair from thermal damage. This product creates a barrier that helps to prevent color from fading and curls from losing their shape due to heat exposure.
- Deep Conditioning Treatment: Regular use of a deep conditioning treatment can restore moisture and elasticity to colored permed hair. These treatments penetrate the hair shaft deeply, repairing damage and improving overall health, which is crucial for maintaining vibrant color and defined curls.
- Color-Depositing Shampoo: Occasionally using a color-depositing shampoo can help refresh your hair color between dyeing sessions. These shampoos contain pigments that enhance and maintain the vibrancy of your color while also cleansing your hair.
- Scalp Treatment: A scalp treatment can help maintain a healthy scalp environment, which is vital for hair growth and overall hair health. Products containing tea tree oil or peppermint can soothe irritation and promote blood circulation in the scalp, benefiting both colored and permed hair.
What Are the Top Recommended Shampoos for Colored Permed Hair?
The top recommended shampoos for colored permed hair are designed to maintain color vibrancy while also providing moisture and protection from damage.
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo: This sulfate-free shampoo is specifically formulated for color-treated hair, offering deep hydration and color preservation.
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo: Known for its gentle cleansing properties, this shampoo helps to lock in color and prevent fading while providing nourishment to permed curls.
- Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo: Ideal for blonde or silver permed hair, this shampoo neutralizes brassy tones while keeping the hair color vibrant and the curls healthy.
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo: This nourishing shampoo is enriched with natural ingredients that enhance curl definition and moisture, making it perfect for colored permed hair.
- Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo: Designed to protect and prolong the life of color-treated hair, this shampoo is effective in maintaining shine and softness in permed locks.
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is a top choice due to its sulfate-free formula that is gentle on the hair while providing essential hydration, making it ideal for maintaining the integrity of colored hair. Its blend of essential oils and botanical ingredients helps to keep the hair vibrant and healthy without stripping away color.
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo is highly recommended for its ability to gently cleanse hair while locking in color. This shampoo contains a unique formula that reinforces the hair’s structure, ensuring that permed curls remain defined and bouncy, all while protecting the hair from color fading.
Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo is particularly beneficial for individuals with blonde or silver permed hair, as it addresses unwanted yellow tones while maintaining color vibrancy. The purple pigments in the shampoo help neutralize brassiness, ensuring that the hair remains bright and fresh-looking between salon visits.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo is packed with natural ingredients that not only cleanse the hair but also enhance curl definition and moisture. This makes it an excellent choice for colored permed hair, as it helps to maintain the shape and health of curls while providing the nourishment they need.
Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo is formulated to prolong the life of color-treated hair and is effective at maintaining both shine and softness. Its gentle yet effective cleansing action makes it suitable for daily use, ensuring that permed hair remains manageable and vibrant.
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