Which shampoo's best for dyed hair?

Updated on , validated by our team of René Furterer experts.

Shampoos for dyed or highlighted hair do a lot more than give it a wash! They fix the pigment and strengthen the hair shaft. But which one should you choose, bearing in mind the multitude of formulas and products available? Here are our tips for choosing the right shampoo for your dyed or highlighted hair.

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Why should you choose a shampoo specially formulated for dyed or highlighted hair? 

Dyed and highlighted hair is often more porous than undyed hair. This is because chemical dyes harm the hair shaft, and repeated colouring will cause long-term damage even if you have naturally strong hair. 

The type of shampoo you use is therefore of the utmost importance: aggressive shampoos will dry out already weakened hair and leave you with the bird's nest we all dread.
Shampoos formulated for dyed or highlighted hair contain repairing active ingredients and colour-fixing active ingredients to keep your locks looking radiant. 

Active ingredients that will keep your colour looking fabulous

Whatever shampoo you choose, one thing's for sure - it's always better to use formulas with natural active ingredients. Indeed, active ingredients derived from petrochemicals such as silicones, parabens or sulfates may seem harmless, but they can damage your hair and scalp in the long term, not to mention their possible effects on the endocrine system. With a natural shampoo, you'll reap all the benefits of its active ingredients, without putting your hair and your health at risk.
Here are some active ingredients that professional colourists swear by thanks to the wonders they do for coloured hair. When choosing your shampoo, go for one that has at least one of these ingredients:

Organic Okara

Okara is an active ingredient extracted from soy beans that's packed with amino acids with incredible repairing properties. Its composition is similar to the keratin sheath that's naturally present in our hair.Chemical dyes damage the sheath, leaving hair dull and lifeless. Organic Okara's long-lasting action restores and strengthens this bond for hair that's soft and shiny. 

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Organic lemon essential  oil

Organic lemon essential oil is a powerhouse of the best active ingredients found in lemons. Its antioxidant action protects the colour and prevents oxidation, meaning dyed hair will retain its striking tones for much longer

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How to choose the right shampoo for coloured hair

Nowadays, you'll find dozens of shampoos specifically formulated for coloured hair, to the point that it becomes a minefield: so how do you know which one is the best product for your hair?

First off, you should read the ingredient lists on products that have caught your eye. Ditch any that have a significant amount of chemical ingredients. Secondly, take a good look at each product's composition : ideally the shampoo should contain colour-fixing active ingredients, antioxidant active ingredients and repairing active ingredients. 

Use a shampoo formulated for your hair colour

The shade of your colour should dictate the type of shampoo you use. Shampoo formulated for dyed hair is designed to revive its glints and keep a freshly-dyed look for as long as possible. Some shampoos are formulated for light hair, while others are particularly effective for dark or highlighted hair.

For blonde or light colours

Have you gone for a light chestnut shade with golden tones or did you opt for strawberry blonde? Choose a shampoo that contains lemon, which has active ingredients that provide an antioxidant action. This staves off oxidation to keep your colour fresh and prevent the appearance of unsightly patches. 

For dark or bright colours

For darker colours (such as black or dark brown) and bright colours (such as pink or green), choose a shampoo formulated for dyed hair that contains witch hazel. This natural active is rich in tannins, which are molecules that boast exceptional properties. Tannins will fix the colour because they create a bond between the hair shaft's keratin and the dye's pigments.

For highlighted hair

Highlighted hair, on the other hand, needs a repairing shampoo. Hair usually needs to be bleached before apply highlights and this harms the hair shaft. The right shampoo will moisturise your locks and give your highlights a lovely shine. 

Haircare routine for dyed hair

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