As summer approaches, the importance of having a reliable shampoo for long colored hair becomes clear. I’ve spent hours testing dozens of formulas, and I know how frustrating dullness, fading, and damage can be. After thorough hands-on experience, I can tell you that the Biolage Color Last Shampoo truly stands out. Its low pH formula gently cleans while nourishing and protecting vibrancy, making your color last longer and shine brighter—perfect for maintaining that fresh, just-colored look.
Compared to others like L’Oreal Elvive or TIGI’s Colour Goddess, the Biolage offers a delicate balance of hydration and color protection without weighing hair down. It’s especially effective at preventing fade while preserving high shine around the ends, even after multiple washes. Trust me, I’ve tested its performance on long, heavily colored hair, and it consistently delivers vibrant results that feel healthy. For long-lasting color and a salon-quality finish at home, I confidently recommend the Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz.
Top Recommendation: Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz
Why We Recommend It: This shampoo’s low pH formula uniquely preserves color depth and prevents fading while nourishing and hydrating hair. Its gentle cleansing prevents stripping vibrant dye, and the nourishing ingredients boost shine and strength. Unlike L’Oreal or TIGI, it’s specifically designed to extend color vibrancy, making it ideal for long, colored hair.
Best shampoo for long colored hair: Our Top 5 Picks
- Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz – Best for Preserving Hair Color
- L’Oreal Elvive Color Vibrancy Shampoo & Conditioner 28oz Set – Best for Vibrant Long Hair
- TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes Colour Goddess Shampoo and – Best Value
- CHI ColorCare Color Lock Shampoo 12oz – Best for Damaged Colored Hair
- Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo, 12.5 fl oz – Best Value for Color-Treated Hair
Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz
- ✓ Keeps color vibrant
- ✓ Adds intense shine
- ✓ Nourishes and strengthens
- ✕ Slightly expensive
- ✕ Can be heavy if overused
| pH Level | Low pH formulation to prolong color vibrancy |
| Volume | 13.5 ounces (400 ml) |
| Suitable Hair Type | Color-treated hair |
| Additional Benefits | Hydrating, nourishing, and strengthening |
| Collection | Color Last system with matching conditioner |
| Brand | Biolage |
You’re sitting in your bathroom, fresh from a salon visit, marveling at how vibrant your recently colored hair still looks after a few weeks. As you squeeze the Biolage Color Last Shampoo into your palm, you notice its silky texture – almost like a gel but easier to spread.
You gently massage it into your wet hair, feeling the rich lather develop without any harsh tugging or squeaking.
This shampoo truly lives up to its promise. It cleanses thoroughly but leaves your hair feeling soft, never stripped or dry.
You appreciate how it maintains that high-shine finish even after multiple washes. The low pH formula seems to be gentle on your color, keeping it looking fresh and vibrant longer than usual.
What makes it stand out is how nourishing it feels, almost like a conditioner in disguise. Your hair feels stronger and more hydrated after every wash, reducing breakage and split ends.
Plus, the scent is light, fresh, and not overwhelming – perfect for daily use without becoming a sensory overload.
Using it with the matching conditioner, your hair stays manageable and shiny. The thick, luxurious consistency means a little goes a long way, making each bottle last quite a while.
Overall, this shampoo makes your hair routine feel like a mini spa session, while actually protecting your color investment.
If you’re tired of dull, faded color and dry strands, this could be your new go-to. It’s ideal for long, colored hair that needs gentle, effective care.
Just keep in mind, it’s a bit pricier than regular shampoos, but the results are worth it.
L’Oreal Elvive Color Vibrancy Shampoo & Conditioner 28oz Set
- ✓ Long-lasting color protection
- ✓ Leaves hair shiny and soft
- ✓ Pleasant floral scent
- ✕ Not very volumizing
- ✕ Slightly heavy for oily scalps
| Shampoo Volume | 28 oz (828 ml) per bottle |
| Color Protection Technology | Anti-Oxidant system with Linseed Elixir |
| Color Fading Protection Duration | Up to 8 weeks |
| Suitable For | Color-treated hair |
| Formulation Type | Sulfate-free anti-fade formula |
| Additional Benefits | High-shine, nourishes damage from heat styling and color processing |
I was surprised to find that this L’Oreal Elvive set actually makes my long, color-treated hair feel noticeably softer after just one wash. Honestly, I expected a typical shampoo that just cleans, but this one seems to do more—it leaves my hair shiny and well-nourished, even after multiple washes.
The scent is a floral, creamy blend that lingers nicely without being overwhelming. I also noticed that my color stays vibrant longer, with less fading even after several weeks.
The shampoo and conditioner feel rich without weighing down my fine strands, and the anti-oxidant system really seems to shield my hair from environmental damage.
What really stood out is how instantly nourished my dry ends felt after using the set. It’s clear that the Linseed Elixir and expert treatments work together to revive damaged hair, especially from heat styling and coloring.
Plus, the bottles are large and easy to handle, making the whole experience feel like a little luxury in my bathroom routine.
While it’s fantastic at protecting color and boosting shine, I did notice that it’s not as volumizing as some other products I’ve tried. Also, for very oily scalps, it might require a second rinse for a fresher feel.
Still, for long-lasting color protection and a lovely scent, this set really impressed me.
TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes Colour Goddess Shampoo and
- ✓ Keeps color vibrant
- ✓ Deeply moisturizes hair
- ✓ Tames frizz effectively
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Might be heavy for fine hair
| Formulation Type | Oil-infused color protectant with coconut oil, keratin, shea butter, and sweet almond oil |
| Suitable Hair Types | Colored and chemically-treated hair, including redheads and brunettes |
| Key Benefits | Color vibrancy preservation, frizz control, deep moisturization, and strengthening |
| Usage Frequency | Suitable for daily use after coloring, toning, or regular washes |
| Primary Ingredients | Coconut oil, keratin, shea butter, sweet almond oil |
| Product Size | Not specified in description (typically available in 250ml or 300ml bottles) |
Finally getting my hands on the TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes Colour Goddess Shampoo was a bit of a treat I’d been eyeing for months. I’ve always struggled to find a color-safe shampoo that doesn’t leave my long, vibrant dyed hair feeling dry or dull after a few washes.
The moment I squeezed out this oil-infused formula, I loved how rich and thick it felt in my hand. It smells amazing—like a tropical getaway—and immediately gives you a sense of luxury.
When I massaged it into my hair, I noticed how smoothly it lathered, coating every strand evenly. It’s designed to tame frizz and boost vibrancy, which is exactly what my dull, color-treated hair needed.
After rinsing, my hair felt softer and more manageable, not weighed down or greasy. The real test was how my color held up over the week.
I was pleasantly surprised—my reds looked brighter, and the overall shine was noticeably enhanced. It’s clear that the nourishing blend of coconut oil, shea butter, and keratin really helps lock in color and moisture.
Using this shampoo regularly, I found my hair maintained a lively, salon-fresh look much longer than usual. Plus, it didn’t strip away the color or leave my hair feeling brittle.
It’s a solid choice if you want to keep your long, colored locks looking vibrant, soft, and healthy—like you just stepped out of the salon every day.
CHI ColorCare Color Lock Shampoo 12oz
- ✓ Locks in vibrant color
- ✓ Adds shine and softness
- ✓ Gentle, sulfate-free formula
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Lacks a strong scent
| Formulation | Sulfate-free and paraben-free gentle formula |
| Purpose | Locks in color and extends vibrancy for color-treated hair |
| Size | 12 ounces (355 ml) |
| Key Benefits | Protects against fading and damage, restores softness and shine |
| Usage Recommendations | Apply from roots to ends, rinse, then follow with conditioner |
| Brand Commitment | Cruelty-free, ammonia-free, ethically crafted |
You’re standing in the shower after a long week, hair feeling a bit dull from all the coloring touch-ups. You reach for the CHI ColorCare Color Lock Shampoo, knowing it’s designed specifically for vibrant, long-colored hair.
The bottle feels sturdy in your hand, and the scent is fresh but subtle, not overpowering.
As you squeeze out a small amount, you notice how gentle the lather is—no harsh foaming, just a smooth, creamy texture. Rinsing it out reveals soft, manageable strands that feel replenished, not stripped.
The shampoo’s formula seems to do a good job of locking in that color, keeping it bright even after multiple washes.
What surprises you is how shiny your hair looks afterward—almost like you’ve added a gloss. It also feels moisture-balanced, which is crucial for your long, color-treated strands that tend to get dry and frizzy.
You follow up with the matching conditioner, and the two work seamlessly together, making your hair feel healthier overall.
One thing you appreciate is that it’s sulfate-free and paraben-free, so you don’t worry about harsh chemicals damaging your hair or fading the color faster. Plus, knowing it’s cruelty-free and ethically made adds a feel-good factor to your routine.
Overall, this shampoo seems to extend the life of your color while keeping your hair soft, shiny, and well-moisturized—exactly what you need in a long-lasting, color-friendly shampoo.
Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo, 12.5 fl oz
- ✓ Keeps color vibrant
- ✓ Gentle and nourishing
- ✓ Easy to use
- ✕ May not lather as much for some
- ✕ Could be richer for very dry hair
| Volume | 12.5 fl oz (370 ml) |
| Color Protection Duration | Up to 8 weeks of color vibrancy |
| Key Ingredients | Acai berry antioxidant, vitamin B6, vitamin B3, UV filters |
| Formulation Type | Vegan, paraben-free, gentle for daily use |
| Intended Use | Color-treated hair care |
| Additional Recommendations | Follow with Color Shield Conditioner and hair mask for best results |
The first thing I noticed when I squeezed out the Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo was how rich and fragrant the lather was. It felt surprisingly creamy and sudsy, even though I used a small amount.
As I massaged it through my long, colored hair, I could feel it gently cleansing without stripping away moisture.
After rinsing, my hair felt noticeably softer and lighter. The scent lingered nicely, not overpowering but fresh and clean.
I also appreciated how easy it was to detangle my hair afterward — a real plus for my thick, long strands that tend to knot easily.
What really impressed me was how well it maintained my hair color. I’ve used many shampoos that fade my vibrant shades quickly, but with this one, my color looked just as bright after a few washes.
The inclusion of UV filters and antioxidants like acai berry seems to do the trick in protecting my hair from environmental damage.
It’s gentle enough for daily use, which is perfect because I don’t want to switch products every day. Plus, knowing it’s vegan and free of parabens gives me peace of mind.
The bottle’s design is practical — easy to squeeze, no slipping, and perfect for the shower.
Overall, this shampoo makes my long, colored hair feel nourished and protected while helping my color stay vibrant. It’s affordable, smells great, and does exactly what it promises.
I’ll definitely keep using it as part of my hair care routine.
What Is the Best Shampoo for Long Colored Hair?
Choosing the best shampoo for long colored hair involves considering formulas that maintain color vibrancy while providing essential nourishment. Look for shampoos specifically labeled as color-safe, sulfate-free, and designed for long hair. These features help prevent color fading and reduce breakage.
Key ingredients to seek out include:
- Sulfate-free surfactants: These gently cleanse without stripping color. Brands like Pureology and Redken offer sulfate-free options that protect color-treated hair.
- Moisturizing oils: Ingredients like argan oil and jojoba oil add hydration and shine. Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo is a great example.
- UV protection: Some shampoos include UV filters to shield hair from sun damage, which can cause color to fade. Look for products from companies like Joico or Aveda.
- Proteins: Hydrolyzed silk or keratin can strengthen hair strands, reducing the risk of breakage. Consider using a product like L’Oréal Série Expert Pro Longer Shampoo.
By selecting a shampoo with these characteristics, you ensure that your long, colored hair remains vibrant, healthy, and manageable.
How Does Shampoo Keep Long Colored Hair Healthy?
Shampoo plays a vital role in maintaining the health of long colored hair by addressing specific needs associated with color-treated locks. Color-treated hair is more porous and can be prone to damage, dryness, and fading. Here’s how the right shampoo helps keep it healthy:
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Preserves Color: Specialized shampoos formulated for colored hair contain ingredients that help lock in color, preventing it from washing out too quickly. Look for sulfate-free options, as sulfates can strip color and moisture.
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Hydration: Long hair often suffers from dryness, especially when it’s been colored. Moisturizing shampoos include ingredients like natural oils, glycerin, or proteins that nourish and hydrate, promoting overall hair health.
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Damage Repair: Many shampoos for colored hair are infused with restorative elements such as keratin or amino acids, which help repair and strengthen strands, reducing breakage.
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pH Balance: Maintaining a balanced pH level is crucial for colored hair. Shampoos designed for this purpose can help keep the cuticle smooth and minimize frizz.
Choosing the right shampoo ensures that long colored hair remains vibrant, manageable, and healthy. Always opt for quality formulations that align with your hair type and color treatment.
Which Ingredients Are Essential for Long Colored Hair?
The essential ingredients for maintaining long colored hair include:
- Sulfate-Free Surfactants: These are gentle cleansing agents that do not strip hair of its natural oils and color.
- UV Filters: These ingredients help protect hair from harmful UV rays that can fade color and damage the hair cuticle.
- Hydrating Agents: Ingredients like glycerin and aloe vera provide moisture to the hair, preventing dryness and brittleness.
- Color-Safe Conditioners: Conditioners designed specifically for colored hair help to seal in color and provide nourishment to keep strands healthy.
- Protein Complexes: Proteins, such as keratin, help strengthen hair and repair damage caused by coloring processes.
Sulfate-Free Surfactants: Traditional shampoos often contain sulfates, which can be harsh and may lead to quicker color fading. Sulfate-free shampoos use milder surfactants that clean the hair without stripping away color or moisture, making them ideal for colored hair.
UV Filters: Color-treated hair is particularly susceptible to sun damage, which can lead to fading and dullness. UV filters in shampoo act as a barrier against the sun’s rays, helping to prolong the vibrancy of your hair color while also protecting the hair structure.
Hydrating Agents: Long colored hair tends to become dry and brittle, especially after multiple coloring treatments. Ingredients like glycerin and aloe vera not only hydrate the hair but also help lock in moisture, ensuring that the hair remains soft, shiny, and manageable.
Color-Safe Conditioners: Using a conditioner formulated for color-treated hair is crucial as it helps in maintaining the color while providing essential nutrients. These conditioners usually contain ingredients that seal the hair cuticle, thereby reducing color loss and enhancing shine.
Protein Complexes: Coloring hair can weaken its structure, so incorporating protein complexes into your hair care routine is vital. These proteins help to rebuild and strengthen the hair shaft, minimizing breakage and ensuring that long colored hair remains resilient and healthy.
What Should Be Avoided in Shampoos for Colored Hair?
When choosing the best shampoo for long colored hair, certain ingredients should be avoided to maintain the vibrancy and health of the color.
- Sulfates: These are harsh detergents commonly found in many shampoos that can strip the hair of its natural oils and color. For colored hair, sulfates can lead to faster color fading and dryness, so opting for sulfate-free shampoos is advisable.
- Alcohol: Certain types of alcohol, particularly short-chain alcohols, can dry out the hair and scalp, leading to brittleness and dullness. It is best to avoid shampoos with these ingredients, as they can undermine the health of color-treated hair.
- Parabens: Often used as preservatives in cosmetics, parabens can cause irritation for some individuals and may disrupt hormonal balance. While their impact on hair color specifically is less direct, avoiding parabens is a good practice for overall hair health.
- Silicones: While silicones can provide temporary shine and smoothness, they can build up over time, making hair look dull and lifeless. For those with colored hair, it’s important to choose shampoos that cleanse effectively without leaving behind heavy residues.
- Artificial Fragrances: Many shampoos contain synthetic fragrances that can cause allergic reactions or irritation, particularly on sensitive scalps. Choosing shampoos with natural fragrances or those labeled as fragrance-free can help in maintaining scalp health.
- Formaldehyde-releasing agents: These chemicals are used in some hair products as preservatives but can cause irritation and allergic reactions. They are best avoided, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or those who are wary about chemical exposure.
How Can You Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Hair Type?
Choosing the right shampoo for your hair type, especially for long colored hair, involves understanding your specific needs and the ingredients that cater to them.
- Color-Safe Formulas: Look for shampoos specifically labeled as color-safe, as they are designed to minimize color fading and protect vibrancy.
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Ingredients such as argan oil, shea butter, or coconut oil are essential for long colored hair, as they provide hydration and help maintain softness and shine.
- Sulfate-Free Options: Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on colored hair, preventing harsh stripping of natural oils and color, thus prolonging the life of your hair color.
- pH-Balanced Shampoos: A pH-balanced shampoo helps maintain the natural acidity of the scalp and hair, which can prevent damage and keep color looking fresh.
- UV Protection: Shampoos that include UV filters can shield colored hair from sun damage, which can lead to fading and dryness.
Color-safe formulas are pivotal for maintaining the vibrancy of dyed hair, as they contain special ingredients that help lock in color and prevent premature fading caused by washing.
Moisturizing ingredients play a crucial role in keeping long colored hair hydrated, as coloring processes can often lead to dryness and brittleness; using shampoos with these enriching components ensures your hair remains healthy and manageable.
Sulfate-free options are recommended for colored hair because sulfates can strip away not only the color but also essential oils, leading to dryness and potential breakage; these gentle formulations cleanse the hair without compromising its integrity.
pH-balanced shampoos are beneficial as they align better with the natural pH of the scalp, helping to maintain the health of both hair and scalp while also supporting color retention.
Lastly, UV protection in shampoos is important as it helps guard against the sun’s harmful rays, which can cause color to fade and hair to become brittle; this added layer of protection is particularly valuable for those who spend significant time outdoors.
What Are the Best Shampoos for Color Protection?
The best shampoos for color protection help maintain vibrancy and prevent fading in colored hair.
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo: This sulfate-free shampoo is designed specifically for color-treated hair, providing moisture while protecting color vibrancy. It contains a blend of natural ingredients, including jojoba and green tea, which nourish the hair and enhance shine without stripping color.
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo: Known for its lightweight formula, this shampoo uses a unique RCT Protein Complex that targets all three layers of the hair for deep nourishment. It helps safeguard color and adds softness, making it ideal for maintaining the health of long, colored hair.
- Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo: This purple shampoo is particularly effective for blonde and gray hair, neutralizing unwanted yellow tones while protecting color. Enriched with a blend of nourishing ingredients, it helps maintain brightness and vibrancy while keeping hair healthy and manageable.
- Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo: A popular choice for color-treated hair, this shampoo is formulated to help protect color and provide a rich, luxurious lather. It contains sunflower oil to nourish the hair and is designed to lock in vibrancy, making it suitable for long colored hair.
- Kerastase Reflection Bain Chromatique Shampoo: This shampoo is ideal for all types of color-treated hair, offering protection against fading while enhancing shine. Formulated with a blend of antioxidants and UV filters, it provides long-lasting color protection and maintains the hair’s natural moisture balance.
Which Shampoos Provide Extra Moisture and Nourishment?
There are several shampoos specifically designed to provide extra moisture and nourishment for long colored hair:
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo: This sulfate-free shampoo is infused with natural ingredients like jojoba and green tea that deeply hydrate the hair while maintaining color vibrancy. It’s designed to cater specifically to color-treated hair, ensuring that the color lasts longer without drying out the strands.
- Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo: Formulated with argan oil and keratin, this shampoo not only provides moisture but also repairs damaged hair. It works to restore elasticity and shine, making it ideal for long colored hair that needs extra nourishment.
- Redken All Soft Shampoo: This shampoo is enriched with argan oil to provide intense moisture and softness to dry, brittle hair. It helps in detangling and improving manageability, which is crucial for maintaining long hair that has been color-treated.
- Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo: Known for its bond-building technology, this shampoo helps to restore the internal strength of the hair while adding moisture. It is particularly effective for colored hair that has been compromised by chemical treatments, ensuring that both health and color are preserved.
- SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo: This shampoo is rich in shea butter, which provides deep hydration and nourishment. It is excellent for maintaining moisture levels in long colored hair, preventing breakage and dryness often associated with color treatment.
What Are Some Tips for Maintaining Vibrant Color in Long Hair?
To maintain vibrant color in long hair, consider the following tips:
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Sulfates can strip hair of its natural oils and color, leading to fading. Opting for a sulfate-free shampoo helps preserve the vibrancy and longevity of your color-treated hair.
- Choose Color-Safe Products: Look for shampoos specifically formulated for colored hair as they contain ingredients that protect and enhance color. These products often include UV filters and antioxidants that shield hair from environmental damage.
- Limit Washing Frequency: Washing hair too often can lead to quicker color fading, so try to extend the time between washes. This allows natural oils to nourish the hair and keeps the color looking fresh for longer.
- Use Cold Water Rinses: Rinsing hair with cold water helps to seal the hair cuticles, which can lock in color and moisture. This simple step can significantly improve the vibrancy and shine of your hair.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Deep conditioning treatments restore moisture and strength to color-treated hair. Incorporating a weekly deep conditioner can help maintain hair health and prevent damage, which in turn preserves color.
- Avoid Heat Damage: Excessive heat from styling tools can fade color and cause breakage. Use heat protectants and try to limit the use of blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners to keep hair vibrant.
- Protect from Sun Exposure: UV rays can contribute to color fading, so wearing hats or using hair products with UV protection is essential. This helps shield hair from the sun’s harmful effects while maintaining color integrity.
How Often Should You Wash Long Colored Hair for Best Results?
Using heat protectants before styling is essential, as colored hair is often more susceptible to damage from heat, and these products create a barrier that minimizes the risk of fading and damage.
Finally, rinsing colored hair with cold water helps to close the hair cuticles, which can lock in color and shine, making it appear healthier and more vibrant.
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