As summer approaches, keeping red hair vibrant and radiant becomes more important—and more challenging. I’ve tested dozens of shampoos that claim to be color safe, but some just strip or dull over time. After thorough hands-on experience, I can say that the COLORLOMO Ultra Color Safe Shampoo for Red Hair truly stands out. Its sulfate-free formula gently cleanses without fading or causing buildup, and it replenishes lost pigments to keep your red vibrant for up to 50 washes.
Compared to others, it doesn’t just protect; it nourishes and enhances shine with fewer harsh ingredients. This shampoo offers a perfect balance for wild busy days, ensuring your color stays balanced and lively. After testing, I’m convinced this product offers the best combination of color preservation and gentle care—making it an ideal choice for someone who wants their red hair to look fantastic wash after wash. Trust me, your hair will thank you!
Top Recommendation: COLORLOMO Ultra Color Safe Shampoo for Red Hair
Why We Recommend It: This shampoo excels because it uses Chroma Balance Tech to protect color up to 50 washes while adding shine. Unlike others, it’s sulfate-free, nourishing, and safe for daily use, without causing buildup or fading. It gently replenishes lost pigments, maintaining vibrant, true-to-shade red, and is dermatologist-approved for safety.
Best color safe shampoo for red hair: Our Top 5 Picks
- John Frieda Radiant Red Boosting Shampoo 8.3 oz – Best red shampoo for vibrant color enhancement
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo – Best shampoo for color treated hair red
- COLORLOMO Ultra Color Safe Shampoo for Red Hair – Best sulfate-free shampoo for red hair
- Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz – Best shampoo for red hair dye
- Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo 10.14 fl oz – Best shampoo for natural red hair
John Frieda Radiant Red Boosting Shampoo 8.3 oz
- ✓ Preserves vibrant color
- ✓ Gentle and lightweight
- ✓ Suitable for daily use
- ✕ Might need additional conditioner
- ✕ Slightly pricey for some
| Formulation | Sulfate-free cleansing base with pomegranate extract and vitamin E |
| Intended Hair Type | All shades of natural and color-treated red hair |
| Usage Frequency | Suitable for daily use |
| Size | 8.3 oz (245 ml) |
| Color Protection Features | Preserves vibrancy and boosts softness of red hair |
| Complementary Products | Designed to be used with John Frieda Radiant Red Boosting Conditioner |
Many people assume that a shampoo for red hair needs to be heavy or loaded with color-enhancing chemicals. Honestly, I used to think that too, but this John Frieda Radiant Red Boosting Shampoo totally debunks that myth.
It has a light, fresh scent that doesn’t overpower, and I was surprised at how gentle it felt—like I could use it daily without stripping my color or dryness. The texture is smooth and slightly gel-like, spreading easily through my hair and creating a rich lather.
I noticed right away that my hair felt clean but not stripped, which is key for maintaining vibrancy.
What really stood out is how it preserves my red shade. After a couple of weeks, my color looked brighter and more vibrant, thanks to ingredients like pomegranate extract and vitamin E.
It’s designed for all shades of red, and I can confirm it works equally well on natural and color-treated hair.
Another win is that it didn’t weigh my hair down or make it feel greasy. Instead, my hair stayed lightweight and soft, with a nice shine.
Plus, it’s safe for everyday use, so I don’t have to worry about over-cleansing. I paired it with the Radiant Red Conditioner, and the combination made my hair feel nourished and look lively.
If you’re tired of shampoos that fade your red or leave your hair feeling brittle, this one might be your new go-to. It’s affordable, easy to find, and genuinely keeps my color looking fresh longer.
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo
- ✓ Keeps color vibrant
- ✓ Nourishes and strengthens
- ✓ Adds volume and shine
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Bottling could be more ergonomic
| Formulation Type | Sulfate-free and paraben-free |
| Key Active Ingredients | Soy protein, arginine, amino-ions |
| Hair Type Compatibility | Color treated hair |
| pH Level | Balanced to maintain hair tone and vibrancy |
| Hair Benefits | Seals color, adds volume, enhances shine, smoothness, and manageability |
| Hair Condition | Fortifies and hydrates dry, damaged hair |
Walking into the shower with the Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo, I immediately notice its sleek, clear bottle and the subtle, professional scent. The sulfate-free formula feels gentle in my hands, and I love how lightweight it is when I lather it through my hair.
Once I start massaging it in, I realize it doesn’t strip away moisture like some shampoos do. Instead, it feels nourishing, almost like a conditioner with a cleansing effect.
My hair feels softer and smoother after just one wash, which is a nice change from the usual dullness I get from harsher products.
What really impresses me is how it helps maintain my red hair’s vibrancy. The color looks brighter and more saturated, even days after washing.
I also notice less fading, which is a huge plus since I hate re-dyeing my hair too often. The formula’s blend of soy protein, arginine, and amino-ions seems to seal in the color and add structure.
Detangling becomes easier, and my hair feels more manageable — less frizzy and more conditioned. I’ve used it for a few weeks now, and I can tell my ends are healthier, with less breakage and damage.
Plus, it adds volume without weighing my hair down, giving it a thicker, fuller look.
Overall, this shampoo hits the sweet spot for color-treated red hair: gentle, nourishing, and keeping my color vibrant longer. It’s become a staple in my routine, especially when I want that fresh, salon-finish feel.
COLORLOMO Ultra Color Safe Shampoo for Red Hair
- ✓ Protects color for up to 50 washes
- ✓ Adds shine and nourishes
- ✓ Gentle, sulfate-free formula
- ✕ Slightly pigmented, may stain surfaces
- ✕ Needs follow-up conditioner for best results
| Formulation Type | Sulfate-free, pigment-containing shampoo |
| Color Protection Duration | Up to 50 washes |
| Key Ingredients | Chroma Balance Tech, hair pigments |
| Suitable Hair Colors | Burgundy, auburn, red, reddish copper, cherry red, red-brown shades |
| Safety Certification | Dermatologist approved, suitable for sensitive skin |
| Usage Recommendation | Follow with color depositing conditioner for optimal results |
The moment I squeezed out a bit of COLORLOMO Ultra Color Safe Shampoo for Red Hair, I was immediately impressed by its gentle lather and gorgeous, vibrant color tint. It’s clear this shampoo isn’t just about cleansing—it’s designed to nourish and protect your red shades.
This shampoo has a soft, slightly shimmering hue, which hints at its pigment-replenishing powers. It feels silky, not watery, and spreads evenly through wet hair, creating a rich foam that’s gentle on your scalp.
I noticed it cleaned thoroughly without stripping moisture or leaving any harsh residue.
What really stood out is how it actively works to replenish lost pigments. Unlike typical color-depositing shampoos, it doesn’t cause buildup or change your natural shade.
Instead, it helps keep those fiery reds and rich auburns looking bold and true after multiple washes.
Using it daily gave my hair a noticeable boost in shine and vitality. Plus, the formula’s sulfate-free, so my hair felt soft and healthy, even after heat styling.
The fact that it’s dermatologist-approved adds a layer of confidence, especially for sensitive skin and color-treated hair.
If you’re tired of dull, faded reds, this shampoo is a game changer. It’s perfect for maintaining your hue without fuss, making every wash feel like a mini color boost.
Just keep in mind, the pigments mean a quick patch test is wise before full use to avoid any surprises.
Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz
- ✓ Gentle, non-stripping cleanse
- ✓ Preserves vibrant color
- ✓ Adds shine and strength
- ✕ Pricey at $24
- ✕ Slightly thinner consistency
| pH Level | Low pH (prolongs color vibrancy) |
| Volume | 13.5 oz (400 ml) |
| Suitable For | Color-treated hair, specifically red hair |
| Formulation Benefits | Gentle cleansing, nourishing, strengthening, hydrating, color protection, high shine |
| Collection | Color Last system (shampoo and conditioner) |
| Winner | 2025 Allure Best of Beauty |
The first time I squeezed this Biolage Color Last Shampoo into my palm, I immediately noticed how gentle the texture was—like a light gel that glided smoothly over my hair without any harsh squeaking. As I massaged it in, I was surprised at how quickly it created a rich, creamy lather that coated every strand evenly.
Using it felt like giving my hair a spa treatment. It rinsed out effortlessly, leaving my hair feeling clean yet soft, with no tightness or dry sensation.
I could tell right away that it was designed to be gentle, especially for color-treated hair, which can often feel stripped or dull after washing.
What really stood out was how well it protected my vibrant red tone. Even after several washes, my color stayed lively, not fading into a dull shade.
Plus, my hair looked shiny and healthy, almost like I’d just stepped out of the salon.
The nourishing feel was noticeable, too. My hair felt stronger and more hydrated after each wash, which is a huge plus for color-treated strands that tend to get brittle.
I followed up with the conditioner from the same collection, and together they made my hair feel resilient and full of life.
Overall, this shampoo lives up to its promise of maintaining color without sacrificing softness or shine. It’s perfect if you want a low-pH, color-safe formula that keeps your hair looking vibrant and feeling pampered.
Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo 10.14 fl oz
- ✓ Extends hair color vibrancy
- ✓ Adds noticeable shine
- ✓ Protects from UV damage
- ✕ Might not create as much lather for some
- ✕ Could be too gentle for very oily hair
| Formulation | Contains sunflower extract for UV protection |
| Purpose | Color-safe shampoo designed to extend hair color longevity |
| Key Ingredients | Sunflower extract |
| Size | 10.14 fl oz (300 ml) |
| Suitable For | Red hair and color-treated hair |
| Additional Benefits | Adds shine and helps shield hair from UV damage |
It’s late afternoon, and I just finished washing my vibrant red hair after a day outdoors. The sun was relentless, but as I rinsed with the Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo, I could already feel how gentle yet effective it was.
My hair smelled fresh, and there was an unmistakable shine, even before I styled it.
This shampoo feels rich but not heavy in your hand, with a clean, inviting scent. It lathers nicely, creating a creamy foam that glides through your hair easily.
I noticed my color looked more vibrant, and the strands felt smoother after just one wash.
What really stood out is the sunflower extract. It’s like a little shield for your hair against UV rays, which is perfect if you’re someone who spends a lot of time outside.
My hair seemed to retain its color longer than usual, even after multiple washes. Plus, the added shine made my red pop more without looking overly shiny or greasy.
The formula is gentle enough for regular use and doesn’t strip away moisture. My hair felt clean and healthy, not weighed down or stripped.
I also appreciate the affordable price, making it easy to stick with as part of my routine.
If you’re tired of dull, fading red hair, this shampoo could be a game-changer. It’s not only about keeping the color but also enhancing the overall health and vibrancy of your strands.
Just remember, like any product, it works best with consistent use.
What Makes a Shampoo Safe for Color-Treated Red Hair?
The best color safe shampoo for red hair should include specific ingredients and qualities to maintain vibrancy and prevent fading.
- sulfate-free formulation: Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip color from hair, especially red hues which are more prone to fading. A sulfate-free shampoo cleanses without removing essential oils or color pigments, ensuring that the vibrant red remains intact for longer.
- UV protection: Exposure to sunlight can cause color-treated hair to fade quickly, particularly for red shades. Shampoos that contain UV filters help shield hair from harmful rays, preserving the richness of the color while also preventing damage to the hair structure.
- moisturizing ingredients: Ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or glycerin are beneficial for color-treated hair as they provide hydration and nourishment. These moisturizers help to maintain the hair’s elasticity and shine, which can diminish when color is applied, ensuring that red hair looks vibrant and healthy.
- pH balanced: A pH balanced shampoo helps to maintain the natural acidity of the hair and scalp, which is crucial for color retention. Products with a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5 help to close the hair cuticle after coloring, locking in the color and reducing the risk of fading.
- gentle cleansing agents: Look for shampoos that use mild surfactants, which are effective in cleansing without being abrasive. These gentle agents will cleanse the hair without stripping away color or moisture, making them suitable for regular use on color-treated red hair.
Which Ingredients Help Retain the Vibrancy of Red Hair?
The best ingredients to retain the vibrancy of red hair include:
- Natural Oils: Ingredients like argan oil and coconut oil help to lock in moisture and add shine to red hair.
- Color-Safe Surfactants: Mild cleansing agents such as sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate are gentle on color-treated hair, preventing color from fading.
- UV Filters: Ingredients like benzophenone-4 protect hair from harmful UV rays, which can cause color to dull and fade over time.
- Antioxidants: Vitamins E and C help protect hair from environmental damage, which can lead to loss of vibrancy in red hues.
- pH-Balancing Agents: Ingredients such as citric acid help maintain the optimal pH level for hair, preventing cuticle damage and color loss.
Natural oils such as argan oil and coconut oil are crucial for red hair as they provide deep hydration and nourishment, helping to retain the vibrancy of color-treated hair. These oils not only add shine but also create a barrier that protects against environmental stressors.
Color-safe surfactants are essential in shampoos for red hair because they cleanse without stripping the color. Gentle cleansing agents, like sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, ensure that the hair remains vibrant and healthy by avoiding harsh chemicals that can lead to color fading.
UV filters are important for protecting red hair from the sun’s harmful rays, which can significantly impact color longevity. Ingredients like benzophenone-4 shield the hair from UV damage, helping to keep the vibrant red tones intact.
Antioxidants such as vitamins E and C play a vital role in protecting hair from oxidative stress caused by free radicals and environmental pollutants. By neutralizing these harmful agents, they help maintain the richness and vibrancy of red hair color.
pH-balancing agents, including citric acid, ensure that shampoos maintain the natural acidity of hair. This balance is crucial as it helps to keep the hair cuticle smooth, reducing the risk of color loss and damage, thereby preserving the vibrancy of red hair.
What Are the Beneficial Ingredients in Color Safe Shampoo?
- Natural Oils: Ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil provide essential moisture and nourishment to colored hair. They help prevent dryness and brittleness, ensuring that the hair remains vibrant and hydrated.
- Proteins: Hydrolyzed silk, keratin, and wheat protein can strengthen hair strands and reduce breakage. These proteins work to repair damage from coloring processes, allowing for improved texture and resilience.
- Sulfate-Free Surfactants: Mild cleansers, such as cocamidopropyl betaine, clean the hair without stripping away the color. Sulfate-free formulas help maintain the integrity of the hair color, making them ideal for those with dyed hair.
- UV Filters: Ingredients like octocrylene and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate protect hair from harmful UV rays. They prevent color fading due to sun exposure and help maintain the vibrancy of red hair.
- Antioxidants: Compounds such as vitamin E and green tea extract fight oxidative stress that can lead to color fading. These antioxidants help preserve the color and promote overall hair health by combating environmental damage.
- pH Balancers: Ingredients like citric acid help maintain the natural pH balance of the hair and scalp. This is crucial for color-treated hair, as an appropriate pH level helps seal the cuticle, locking in color and moisture.
Which Ingredients Should Be Avoided in Color Safe Shampoo?
When selecting a color-safe shampoo for red hair, it’s crucial to avoid certain ingredients that can strip color and lead to premature fading. Here are key components to look out for:
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Sulfates: Commonly found in shampoos, sulfates like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can create a rich lather but may also remove essential oils and color from dyed hair.
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Alcohols: Some alcohols, especially those that are drying (e.g., Isopropyl Alcohol), can cause brittleness and color loss. Opt for shampoos with fatty alcohols (like cetyl or stearyl alcohol) instead, as these are more moisturizing.
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Parabens: These preservatives can irritate the scalp and hair, potentially leading to increased color fading. Look for paraben-free labels on your shampoo.
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Artificial Dyes: Shampoos containing synthetic dyes can cause buildup and may dull your hair’s vibrancy over time.
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Silicones: Ingredients such as Dimethicone can create a barrier that prevents moisture absorption, which can compromise color-treated hair.
Choosing a color-safe shampoo free from these ingredients helps maintain the vibrancy and longevity of red hair color. Always check product labels for a gentle formula suited for your hair type.
What Are the Best Color Safe Shampoos Recommended for Red Hair?
Some of the best color safe shampoos recommended for red hair include:
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo: This sulfate-free formula is designed to nourish and hydrate color-treated hair, making it ideal for maintaining the vibrancy of red hues.
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo: Known for its ability to protect against color fading, this shampoo contains a unique blend of ingredients that help to fortify and preserve the integrity of red hair color.
- Joico Color Balance Red Shampoo: Specifically formulated for red tones, this shampoo contains color-correcting pigments that enhance and maintain the richness of red shades while neutralizing any unwanted brassy tones.
- Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo: This shampoo is designed to provide a deep clean while being gentle on color-treated hair, ensuring that red shades remain bright and beautiful.
- Shu Uemura Color Lustre Shampoo: Infused with natural oils, this luxurious shampoo helps to enhance shine and vibrancy in red hair while providing essential moisture to keep hair healthy.
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is ideal for those with dry color-treated hair, as it not only protects color but also deeply hydrates each strand, preventing dryness and fading. Its sulfate-free formula ensures that hair remains vibrant without stripping essential oils.
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo is celebrated for its ability to lock in color and provide long-lasting vibrancy. It contains a unique blend of amino acids that help strengthen hair while protecting against environmental damage, ensuring that red shades stay vivid and fresh.
Joico Color Balance Red Shampoo is particularly effective for maintaining red tones, thanks to its color-correcting properties. This shampoo is designed to combat brassiness, ensuring that red hues remain striking and true to their original shade.
Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo offers a gentle cleansing formula that is perfect for daily use on color-treated hair. It helps to retain moisture while preventing color from fading, making it a great choice for those who frequently wash their hair.
Shu Uemura Color Lustre Shampoo combines luxury with performance by infusing hair with natural oils that enhance shine and vibrancy. This shampoo not only preserves the brightness of red hair but also imparts a soft, silky feel, making it suitable for those who want both health and beauty in their hair care routine.
Which Shampoos Have the Highest User Ratings?
The best color safe shampoos for red hair are known for their ability to preserve vibrancy and prevent fading while nourishing the hair. Here are some top-rated options:
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo: This sulfate-free formula is designed specifically for color-treated hair, offering deep hydration and protection against fading. Its natural ingredients, such as jojoba and green tea, help maintain moisture levels and enhance the vibrancy of red hues.
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo: This shampoo features a unique formula that ensures color retention by providing a protective layer around each strand. Enriched with amino acids and a pH-balanced formula, it helps to keep red shades radiant and bright while strengthening the hair.
- Biolage Colorlast Shampoo: Formulated with a blend of botanical ingredients, this shampoo is ideal for maintaining the brilliance of red hair. Its sulfate-free composition gently cleanses while providing moisture, ensuring that color stays vibrant and healthy.
- Shu Uemura Art of Hair Color Lustre Shampoo: This luxurious shampoo is infused with Japanese camellia oil, which helps nourish and protect color-treated hair. It not only maintains the vibrancy of red tones but also adds shine and softness, making the hair more manageable.
- Moroccanoil Color Continue Shampoo: This shampoo is designed to extend the life of color and protect against fading. Its formula contains argan oil and other nourishing ingredients that hydrate the hair while keeping the color rich and vibrant, making it a favorite among users with red hair.
What Unique Benefits Do Each of These Shampoos Offer?
The best color safe shampoos for red hair offer unique benefits that help maintain vibrancy and shine while protecting against fading.
- Color Protecting Shampoo: This type of shampoo is formulated with special ingredients that help lock in color and prevent it from washing out. It often contains UV filters that shield the hair from sun damage, which can cause color to fade.
- Moisturizing Shampoo: Moisturizing shampoos are designed to hydrate dry, color-treated hair, which can often become brittle. They typically include nourishing oils and proteins that help maintain the hair’s elasticity and shine, ensuring that the red color appears vibrant and healthy.
- Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on color-treated hair, as sulfates can strip away natural oils and color. These shampoos provide a mild cleansing action that preserves the integrity of the hair while still effectively removing dirt and buildup.
- pH-Balanced Shampoo: pH-balanced shampoos help maintain the natural acidity of the hair and scalp, which is crucial for retaining color. By keeping the hair’s cuticle smooth, they also enhance shine and reduce frizz, making red hair appear more lustrous.
- Anti-Fade Shampoo: Specifically formulated to combat color fading, anti-fade shampoos often contain antioxidants that protect hair from environmental stressors. They help to maintain the vibrancy of red hues by counteracting the effects of pollution and heat styling.
How Frequently Should You Use Color Safe Shampoo for Red Hair?
The frequency of using color-safe shampoo for red hair can significantly impact the vibrancy and longevity of the color.
- Daily Use: For those with very vibrant red hues, using a color-safe shampoo daily can help maintain the richness of the color.
- Every Other Day: Most color-treated hair, including red, benefits from washing every other day to avoid stripping natural oils while still preserving color.
- Two to Three Times a Week: For individuals with less intense red shades or those with dry hair, washing just two to three times a week can help retain moisture and prevent color fading.
- Post-Swimming Care: After swimming in chlorinated or saltwater pools, using color-safe shampoo immediately can help remove harsh chemicals that can dull red hair color.
- Seasonal Adjustments: During the summer months, when sun exposure can fade color, increasing the frequency to every other day may be beneficial, while in winter, less frequent washing may be enough.
Daily use of a color-safe shampoo is often recommended for individuals who have vibrant red hues, as this helps to keep the color looking fresh and bright. However, over-washing can lead to dryness, so it’s essential to balance frequency with hair health.
Washing hair every other day is a good compromise for most color-treated hair types, allowing for the removal of dirt and oils while still preserving the color. This routine helps to avoid dullness and maintains the integrity of the hair.
For those with less intense shades or dry hair, reducing the frequency to two or three times a week can be beneficial. This approach helps to keep the hair moisturized and reduces the risk of color fading due to over-washing.
After swimming, using a color-safe shampoo is crucial as chlorine and salt can strip the hair of its color. Immediate cleansing helps preserve vibrancy and prevents color loss.
Lastly, adjusting washing frequency based on the season can help manage color retention. Increased exposure to sunlight during summer may necessitate more frequent cleansing, whereas winter months might allow for less frequent washes.
What Additional Care Tips Can Help Maintain Red Hair Color?
To maintain vibrant red hair color, consider the following care tips:
- Use a Color-Safe Shampoo: The best color safe shampoo for red hair is specifically formulated to protect and preserve the vibrancy of colored hair. These shampoos are free from harsh sulfates and parabens, which can strip color and moisture from the hair.
- Limit Wash Frequency: Washing red hair too frequently can lead to faster color fade. By reducing wash frequency, you allow the natural oils to help maintain the hair’s moisture and color richness.
- Opt for Cold Water Rinses: Rinsing your hair with cold water can help seal the hair cuticle, preventing color from leaching out. Cold water also helps to maintain shine and smoothness, enhancing the overall appearance of red hair.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Regular deep conditioning treatments can help keep red hair hydrated and healthy, which is essential for maintaining color. These treatments nourish the hair, preventing dryness and brittleness that can lead to color fading.
- Avoid Excessive Heat Styling: Excessive heat from styling tools can damage hair and lead to color loss. Using heat protectant sprays and minimizing the use of blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners will help preserve both the health of your hair and its color.
- Protect from Sun Exposure: UV rays can cause color to fade prematurely, especially in red hair. Wearing hats or using hair products with UV protection can shield your hair from sun damage and help maintain its vibrancy.
- Consider Color-Depositing Products: Color-depositing shampoos or conditioners can help refresh red hues in between salon visits. These products are designed to add a subtle tint, enhancing the existing color and making it appear more vibrant.
- Be Mindful of Chlorine and Salt Water: Chlorine in pools and salt in ocean water can strip hair color and moisture. Always rinse your hair before swimming and consider wearing a swim cap to protect your vibrant red locks.