Do You Really Need To Use A Color-Safe Shampoo?

Color-depositing shampoos have some merit—if you go easy on them.

Unlike shampoos that are formulated to go easy on dyed locks, color-depositing treatments do just what they say—add color. They give your blonde, red or brown a little somethin’ somethin’ and ward off premature brassiness, but they can’t replace real deal color, nor should they be used every day. “Color depositing shampoos literally dye the surface of hair temporarily—dropping tiny color polymers onto the hair’s outer layer,” explains White.

Wilson adds: “It's strictly a cosmetic effect—like putting a lip stain on lips.”

Despite their fleeting payoff, most salon colorists are fans, saying these formulas keep color vibrant longer—and since they’re clearly targeted for color-treated hair, they’re likely to contain all the aforementioned healthy hair go-tos (milder surfactants, moisturizers and UV protection). “They replace pigments lost from shampooing or sun exposure to maintain a rich tone, ” says White, who suggests diluting them a bit by mixing one with your normal color-safe shampoo so they don’t eclipse your colorists’ hard work. “They're a great way for clients to make minor adjustments to their color without having to run back to the salon.”

Marie Robinson, owner of the Marie Robinson Salon in New York City advocates for these tinted cleansers but warns: “If it isn’t the right tone match, it’ll alter the original, intended shade.” Don’t risk a botched color job by picking up just any bottle brown, red or blonde shade; ask a colorist what the tint is going to do your color.



TRY: L’Oreal Colorist Collection shampoos; $26; Quantum Riveting Reds Color Replenishing Shampoo, $7