15 Best Expert-Recommended Color Depositing Shampoos Of 2024

Let these amazing must-buy products take care of the longevity of your hair color.

Reviewed by Yvey Valcin, Hairstylist
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness
Fact-checked by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

It can be a struggle to make your colored hair maintain that bomb look that it did a few months later, but the best color-depositing shampoo will totally do justice. It is natural for hair color to fade and lose its charm, but with the right product usage, it will look glam. It is better than drilling a hole in your pocket after repeated parlor visits. You can do it yourself at home with ease. Here are the15 best color depositing shampoos that you should try!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Plant-Based Formula:Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash - Extreme PurplePrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Pleasant Fragrance:Matrix Total Results Brass OffPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Gray Coverage:John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Color Deepening ShampooPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best pH-Balanced Formula:Redken Color Extend Blondage ShampooPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Vegan Formula:Provoke Illuminex Touch Of Brunette Enhancing ShampooPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Frizzy Hair:Pure Blends Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo - SunPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Stain-Free Formula:Matrix Total Results Dark EnvyPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For UV Protection:Four Reasons Color Mask Toning Shampoo—RosePrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Non-Irritating Shampoo:Laguna Moon Tone-Correcting Purple Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Best For Color-Treated Hair:Water Colors Intense Shampoo—PurplePrice on Amazon

What Are Color Depositing Shampoos?

Color depositing shampoos contain color pigments that replenish your hair color. The pigments are not strong enough to set as your natural hair color, but they effectively neutralize brassy orange or unwanted yellow hues. The color depositing shampoos also brighten the colored highlights, making them last longer.

Color depositing shampoos come in different shades for different hair colors. Here’s how you can pick the perfect one for your highlights.

How To Pick A Color Depositing Shampoo For Your Colored Hair

Now let’s take a look at the 15 best color depositing shampoos you can buy online.

15 Best Color Depositing Shampoos You Need To Try Right Now

Best Plant-Based Formula:Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash - Extreme Purple

4.2
Celeb Luxury Colorwash Color Depositing Shampoo + Bondfix Bond Rebuilder Image: Celeb Luxury

The Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash is best suited for dry hair. This extreme color depositing shampoo contains purple pigments, which neutralize brassy hues in pre-lightened white to palest bright hair. It also tones colors like medium blonde, all brown shades, and virgin hair with highlights. The shampoo has a plant-based formula and refreshes color in a single-use. It is formulated with colorposit technology, which replenishes the vibrancy of color-treated hair. The formula has extra conditioning and smoothing properties to nourish your tresses instantly. You can mix this shampoo with other vibrant colors to create custom blends. Learn more about Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash – Extreme Purple in this reviewer’s experience video. This product is not tested on animals and is an ideal chice for ethically conscious consumers.

Pros

  • Good coverage
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Might leave a blue tint

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply the shampoo on wet hair and keep it for three to five minutes before rinsing off. Pair the shampoo with a color-depositing deep conditioner for added shine.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 21,717 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.


The Matrix Total Results Brass Off color depositing blue shampoo is ideal for brunettes that lighten their hair color, and dark blonde hair. The cleansing formula of the shampoo has blue-violet pigment to neutralize brassy, orange hues from brown hair in just one application. This deep conditioning shampoo gives a light brown shade and has a sweet floral fragrance of nectarine, vanilla, and rose. Check out a tester’s experience in this video to better understand the Matrix Total Results Brass Off.

Pros

  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Suits over-processed hair

Cons

  • May leave a purple or blue tint
  • Dries out hair

protip_icon Did You Know?
The Matrix Total Results Brass Off’s formula uses vitamin E oil as the key ingredient for better moisture retention and shine.


The John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Color Deepening Shampoo contains natural ingredients like cocoa and evening primrose oil. It tones and color-corrects the hair, intensifies the color, hydrates, and adds shine to it. The natural cocoa and primrose oil blend enhances dark brown hair and coats each hair strand to give full gray coverage. The shampoo has a lightweight texture and intensifies natural shades of brunette hair colors. For best results, use this shampoo daily.

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Cool-tones
  • Covers gray hair

Cons

  • May cause hair fall
  • Color comes out darker

protip_icon Pro Tip
After using the shampoo, apply a color deepening treatment to enhance your hair color.

Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash - Extreme Purple
Best Plant-Based Formula
Matrix Total Results Brass Off
Best Pleasant Fragrance
John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Color Deepening Shampoo
Best For Gray Coverage
Color Viral Purple Colorwash Shampoo --
Dimensions 2 x 1.25 x 9.13 inches 3.15 x 3.15 x 9.76 inches 1.87 x 3 x 8.22 inches
Weight 10.1 Ounces 2.4 Pounds 9.6 Ounces
Hair Type- Color Treated Chemically Treated
Rating
Reviews21,71727,3833,786
Price$35.0$38$9.79

The Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo has a gentle formula that cleanses the scalp and is ideal for chemically treated hair. It contains ultraviolet pigments and a triple acid protein complex, which tones, fortifies, and brightens hair color. The shampoo prevents undertones from affecting your hair color and makes blonde shades and highlights brighter and healthier.  It is formulated with key ingredients like salicylic acid, which strengthens hair and clears clogged hair follicles, and pure violet pigments neutralize brassiness. The citric acid in the brassiness neutralizing formula fortifies hair and makes blonde hair cool and vibrant.

Pros

  • Pleasant scent
  • Gentle cleansing
  • pH-balanced

Cons

  • Contains SLS
  • Contains phenoxyethanol


The Provoke Illuminex Touch Of Brunette Enhancing Shampoo is best suited for oily, dry, and normal hair. It contains hair color restorative properties. It eliminates brassy tones in all brown shades, natural or colored. The shampoo is developed with an exclusive IoPlex technology, which improves color vibrancy and blends away grays after a single wash. It contains inca inchi oil that makes hair soft, smooth and silky and works on coarse hair. The hydrating AquaPlex formulation of the shampoo replenishes and restores hair. It contains UV filters that seal to prevent color washouts or fading.

Pros

  • Pleasant grape fragrance
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Dries out hair
  • No gray coverage


The Pure Blends Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo in the shade sun has a soft yellow color base to brighten or refresh all shades of blonde tones. The cleansing formula contains coconut oil, keratin, eggplant, marigold, cherry bark, and collagen. This blend of ingredients smoothes and fortifies hair to make it healthy. The formula also uses a fade protection complex and a color correction system to refresh colored hair.

This sulfate-free shampoo is formulated without any animal testing, and allows moisture to enter deep into the hair to nourish it from within. It suits all hair types, including chemically-treated hair. The gentle formula cleanses the scalp and hair, removing all dirt and buildup. It repairs and rejuvenates dry, damaged hair, smooths the cuticle, minimizes frizz, and prevents hair breakage.

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Sodium chloride-free
  • SLS-free
  • Rich pigments
  • Pleasant fragrance

Cons

  • Dries out hair


 

The Dark Envy color depositing shampoo from Matrix Total Results is a green shampoo that neutralizes brassy red undertones in black and dark brown hair colors. It leaves hair with a glossy finish and is best suited for chemically-treated hair. The shampoo contains a combination of blue and yellow direct dyes to neutralize red undertones and give a classy hue to the current hair color. It has a pleasant scent of citrus, jasmine, and cedarwood.

Note: Do not use it on gray or white hair as it may leave a greenish hue..

Pros

  • Intense color
  • Easy application
  • Stain-free

Cons

  • May leave red deposits


Best For UV Protection:Four Reasons Color Mask Toning Shampoo—Rose

4.2
Four Reasons Color Mask Toning Shampoo Image: Four Reasons

The Four Reasons Color Mask Toning Shampoo in the shade rose is ideal for color-treated hair and contains pink pigments to neutralize brassy tones in blonde and light brown hair. It strengthens color-treated hair without stripping moisture and enhances highlights. . This shampoo improves gray hair shine and reduces static. The shampoo is not tested on animals and is a 100% vegan and sulfate-free product that also provides UV protection to hair.

Pros

  • UV Protection
  • Sulfate-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Color may bleed

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 562 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.


Laguna Moon Tone-Correcting Purple Shampoo is specially formulated for blonde, gray, and silver hair. It contains violet pigments that remove brassy and yellow undertones, thereby brightening up your hair. It also contains a nourishing blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, rose essential oil, and rosehip oil that repair damaged hair, replenish moisture, and offer a little bounce. Additionally, the shampoo has nutrients that repair your split ends for a frizz-free look.

Pros

  •  Refreshing scent
  • Imparts a brightening effect
  •  Non-irritating
  •  Paraben-free
  •  Cruelty-free
  •  Suits all hair types

Cons

  • None


Best For Color-Treated Hair: Water Colors Intense Shampoo—Purple

4.3

The Water Colors Intense Shampoo in the shade purple is ideal for chemically and color-treated hair. It is developed with specially formulated reflective color enhancers, which deposit color to the hair shaft that further brighten hair color and improve shine. This pH balanced shampoo seals the moisture within hair strands to intensify hair color without stripping. It accentuates natural and pre-lightened hair colors, neutralizes unwanted tones and hues, and prevents fading. The shampoo is formulated without animal testing and comes with a free steel pin, rat-tail comb for precise and better application.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Stain-free
  • pH-balanced
  • Includes free rat-tail comb
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • May leave a purple tint


Best Non-Greasy Option:dpHue Cool Brunette Shampoo

3.9

The dp Hue Cool Brunette Shampoo contains blue pigments to eliminate unwanted orange, red and yellow brassy tones. This shampoo contains silk proteins and hibiscus flower extract, which improves the luster, and brightness of hair and strengthens the hair follicles. It hydrates and softens hair, cleanses the scalp, increases color brightness, and prevents color fading. The shampoo is perfect for both color-treated and naturally brown and dark hair and it balances the tones of your hair color.

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Color-safe
  • Animal friendly
  • Non-greasy

Cons

  • May dry out hair


Best Moisturising Formula:Infuse My. Colour Shampoo

4
Infuse My. Colour Shampoo Image: Infuse My Colour

The Infuse My. Colour Shampoo is specially created to clean hair gently while also including a balancing dose of beautiful color pigments that provide a splash of life to your hair color. The formula cools down the warm undertones of your hair, protecting the radiance of your gray, white, pale blonde, or highlighted hair. The color-protecting shampoo is formulated with salon-quality ingredients that help revitalize, tone, and freshen colored hair. The shampoo not only protects your hair color from fading but also thoroughly washes away any buildup on your scalp, leaving your tresses looking clean and hair healthy. Instead of drying out your hair, the conditioning shampoo nourishes it with moisture so it looks and feels great. This shampoo’s conditioning ingredients and botanicals moisturize and enhance shine while providing extreme UV protection.

Pros

  • Pigmented formula
  • Vegan
  • Contains nourishing ingredients
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Gluten-free
  • UV protection

Cons

  • None


Four Reasons Color Mask Toning Shampoo—Red

4.2
Four Reasons Color Mask Toning Shampoo Image: Fourreasons

If you have colored your hair red, this shampoo is for you. The Four Reasons Color Mask Toning Shampoo in the shade red cleanses the scalp and hair, improves shine, and reduces static. It contains red pigments that even out and replenish copper, red, and brown colored hair. The lighter the color shade, the more intense the red pigmentation will appear to be. The sulfate-formula also provides UV protection and makes hair healthier.

Pros

  • Intense pigment
  • Color-enhancing formula
  • Easy application
  • Sulfate-free
  • UV Protection

Cons

  • May stain clothes
  • May leave a pink tint


Best Non-Fading:NO FADE FRESH Color Depositing Shampoo

3.9
NO FADE FRESH Color Depositing Shampoo Image: No Fade Fresh

The NO FADE FRESH Color Depositing Shampoo is the pinnacle of products for at-home hair coloring and hair color maintenance. To maintain the vibrancy of the temporary color, use it in between coloring treatments. This shampoo is developed and refined by professional hair colorists and is based on salon technology to rejuvenate bleached and color-treated hair in a manner that is safe for the hair. When used immediately after applying new color, this product helps to maintain the color’s vibrancy, resulting in a natural, glossy finish that is healthy and resistant to fading. This shampoo utilizes a patented technique that deposits a semi-permanent direct dye color into the hair in an easy-to-use delivery system by opening hair cuticles. The shampoo imparts a natural brown color to bleached and color-treated blonde hair and colors your hair as you cleanse it in the shower.

Pros

  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Ammonia-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • PETA certified

Cons

  • None


The Technician Color Shampoo from FEKKAI comes with a new clean formula that extends color intensity. It is formulated to repair processed and olor-treated hair and has a gentle formula suitable for chemically-treated hair. The formula contains mirabelle plum seed oil that is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and polyphenols to protect and nourish your hair. In addition, the shampoo protects the hair from UV and environmental damage. It is lightweight and has a non-greasy texture and lovely peach fragrance.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Vegan
  • Eco-friendly
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gluten-free

Cons

  • Makes hair dry
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Color depositing shampoos are hair cleansers that contain color pigments and work like a color toner for your hair. You may want to choose the right color depositing shampoos to brighten, intensify, or neutralize your hair color. There are multiple available choices and given below are some factors to help you choose from among those options.

How To Choose The Best Color Depositing Shampoos For Your Hair

  • Hair Type And Quality

Take into consideration the type and the quality of your hair before buying a color-depositing shampoo. If you have thin, dry, and frizzy hair, it is best to stick with plant-based formulas that can treat your hair color effectively while also nourishing your hair.

  • Shade

The most important part of picking up a color depositing shampoo is choosing the right shade. If you have blonde, silver or platinum hair, go for purple shades that can neutralize yellow and brass tones. Similarly, green or blue shampoos work best for brown and red hair and for neutralizing any redness.

  • Formulation

Look for gentle formulas that offer full coverage and condition the hair to reduce frizz caused due to humidity. Choose lightweight textures that are easy to use and leaves no residue after the shower. If you opt for scented products, choose mild, natural fragrances that do not irritate the senses.

  • Ingredients To Avoid

It is best to avoid the products that contain strong ingredients such as alcohols, parabens, peroxides, silicones and sulfate. Not only will they make your hair dry but it may also disturb the color of your hair, causing more harm than good. For sensitive scalps, consider opting for expert-recommended products that have been clinically tested gentle and safe for regular use.

  • Additional Benefits

While choosing a color depositing shampoo, stay away from products that can easily stain and bleed color onto your skin. look for products that come with UV protectant so that it can shield your hair from the sun and prevent your hair color from fading.

The best part about using these color depositing shampoos is that it does not take much time and energy to use them. Here are a few tips for using color depositing shampoos.

How To Use Color Depositing Shampoos

  1. Section your hair with a  comb.
  2. Wash your hair with warm water.
  3. Apply the shampoo to each section.
  4. If you have a darker shade, leave the shampoo on for a few minutes before washing it off.
  5. Rinse off with cold water and apply a conditioner.

Additional Tips

  1. Color depositing shampoos may stain the walls and floor. So, ensure to cover them.
  2. Wear gloves when applying the shampoo to prevent staining.
  3. Apply petroleum jelly to the exposed areas near the hairline.
  4. Use the shampoo at least twice a week to increase the color intensity and for touch-ups.

Color depositing shampoos are cost-effective and easy to use, so what’s the catch? Find out below!

Are There Any Side Effects Of The Color Depositing Shampoos?

Some color depositing shampoos use chemicals and ingredients that may cause allergic reactions like burning sensations, swelling, redness, severe hair fall, itching, and small red bumps. Perform a patch test before using. To do it,

  • Apply some shampoo to the back of your neck or forearm, Wait for a few minutes and wash off.
  • If you do not experience skin irritation in the next 24 hours, use the shampoo.
  • Alternatively, apply shampoo to a small hair section from the root to the tip. Wait for a few minutes. If you do not experience redness, itching, or swelling, use the shampoo.

Infographic: How To Use A Color-Depositing Shampoo As A Temporary Hair Color

If you want a new hair color but do not want to invest in it long-term, color-depositing shampoos are the solution. While they are different from hair dyes, you can use them to get a subtle temporary or semi-permanent color, especially if you have pre-bleached or lighter hair. Check out the infographic below for steps on using color-depositing shampoos as a temporary hair color.

How To Use A Color-Depositing Shampoo As A Temporary Hair Color (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Coloring our hair is a fun way to bring quick changes to our appearances, but most often, this joy is short-lived. This is because the color fades away real quick, leaving the hair looking dry and lifeless. Traditional hair dyes even leave the natural color of your hair looking dull. The best color-depositing shampoo helps prolong the stay of color on your strands and also keeps it vibrant and healthy. The listed top-rated products cater to various hair colors and also offer other benefits like cleansing and moisturization. For instance, the Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash – Extreme Purple rejuvenates color vibrancy and smoothens the tresses, the Four Reasons Color Mask Toning Shampoo—Rose offers maximum UV protection and enhances shine, and the dpHue Cool Brunette Shampoo boosts the hair follicles and balances the color tone of the hair.

Do color depositing shampoos damage hair?

No. Color depositing shampoos are not permanent hair coloring products. They make hair healthier and softer since they do not contain any bleaching agents.

How long does a red color depositing shampoo last?

Depending on the frequency of usage, it can last anywhere between 2-3 days and two weeks at the most. Use daily for lasting effects.

Does the color wash out in the swimming pool?

Yes. The chlorine in swimming pool water can fade hair color.

Does color depositing shampoo really work?

Yes, color depositing shampoos work well. They neutralize brassiness and enhance the vibrancy of the hair color.

How often should I use a color depositing shampoo?

Ideally, you should use a color depositing shampoo twice or thrice weekly.

How long should I leave the color depositing shampoo on?

Leaving your color depositing shampoo on for five straight minutes is enough.

Does color depositing shampoo work on dark hair?

Yes, some color depositing shampoos with special formulas work on dark hair.

Is color depositing shampoo the same as hair dye?

No, color depositing shampoo and hair dye are very different in how they work. A color depositing shampoo has color pigments deposited onto your already colored hair and enhances the natural vibrancy of the color. But a dye is used to color your natural, uncolored hair.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She relies on color-depositing shampoos to prevent color fading and believes that they are a must-have for anyone who has color-treated hair. She has carefully researched the products and reviewed online reviews to pick the best ones for her readers.



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