12 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos For Color-Treated Hair

Preserve the color and vibrancy of your hair for a long time with these gentle shampoos.

Reviewed by Yvey Valcin, Hairstylist Yvey Valcin Yvey ValcinHairstylist insta_icon
Written by , MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by , MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Aditi Naskar MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Fact-checked by , MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Last Updated on
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.

If you have bleached hair or find yourself coloring your hair too often, getting your hands on the best sulfate-free shampoo for colored hair is essential in making the color and shine last longer. Hair dye contains harmful chemicals that can make your hair strands weak and prone to wear and tear. That’s why your colored tresses and bleached hair need to be taken extra care of. A sulfate-free shampoo not only makes the color last longer but also aids in keeping your strands strong and protected. To help you choose amongst the many available options, we have shortlisted the 12 best sulfate-free shampoos to help manage your colored tresses better.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Color-Treated Hair:NEXXUSColor AssureLong Lasting Vibrancy ShampooPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best UV Protection:LUXEORGANIX Rejuvenating Argan Oil ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best Gentle:PUREOLOGY PROFESSIONAL COLOR CARE Strength Cure ShampooPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Vegan:MAPLE HOLISTICS Tea Tree ShampooPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Strengthening:Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend ShampooPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best pH Balanced:MIXED CHICKSSulfate-Free ShampooPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Moisturizing:Arvazallia Advanced Color Care System Moisturizing ShampooPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best With Amino Acids: Redken Color Extend Magnetics ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best Nourishing:LOVEbeauty ANDplanet Murumuru Butter & Rose Blooming Color Sulfate-Free ShampooPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Plant-Based: Framesi Color Lover Moisture Rich ShampooPrice on Amazon

12 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos For Colored Hair

1. Best Color-Treated Hair: NEXXUSColor AssureLong Lasting Vibrancy Shampoo

If you want to protect the beauty and vibrancy of your freshly colored hair, try the NEXXUS Color Assure Long Lasting Vibrancy Shampoo. It ensures that your hair color remains vibrant for up to 40 washes and replenishes it with nutrients that are usually lost during the coloring process. This sulfate-free shampoo for color-treated hair is formulated with a PROTEINFUSION blend of quinoa and elastin protein to boost life into your colored hair. Multiple positive reviews on trusted platforms attest to its lasting ability.

Pros

  • Silicone-free
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • No residue

Cons

  • Causes tangles and knots
protip_icon Pro Tip

Pair the shampoo with Nexxus Color Assure Long Lasting Vibrancy Conditioner to achieve added volume and shiny hair.


worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 5,062 great reviews on Amazon.

2. Best UV Protection: LUXEORGANIX Rejuvenating Argan Oil Shampoo

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.1
LUXEORGANIX Rejuvenating Argan Oil Shampoo Image: Luxeorganix

Rejuvenate your hair and experience luxury with the LUXEORGANIX Rejuvenating Argan Oil Shampoo. This sulfate-free shampoo for color-treated hair not only protects your hair color from fading away but also helps in taming frizz and enhancing your curls.

It is ideal for keratin-treated hair and works wonders for curly hair, as well as straight, fine, and coarse hair types. The shampoo is infused with Moroccan argan oil, UV absorbers, and thermal protectants to protect your hair from damage, provide hydration and strength, and make it easier to manage. It is not tested on animals and has a fresh citrus scent with notes of orange and vanilla.

Pros

  • UV protection
  • Mild citrus fragrance
  • Sodium chloride-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Petrolatum-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Not suitable for sensitive scalp

protip_icon Pro Tip
While washing off the shampoo, go gentle on your scalp. Rinse your scalp thoroughly for three to four minutes while focusing on the nape of your neck and the back of your head.

3. Best Gentle: PUREOLOGY PROFESSIONAL COLOR CARE Strength Cure Shampoo

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.6

The PUREOLOGY PROFESSIONAL COLOR CARE Strength Cure Shampoo is a gentle and sulfate-free shampoo that helps repair damaged and dry hair. In addition to providing color retention and adding velvety softness, it strengthens and treats the hair.

This shampoo is infused with keravis and astaxanthin and a signature aromatherapy blend of peach, raspberry, and water flowers to give your hair visible transformation. It also contains the brand’s patent Antifade Complex, which protects the long-lasting hair color’s vibrancy and ensures fade prevention.The UV filters from sunflower seeds and the antioxidant properties of vitamin E fight environmental aggressors that cause hair color to fade. This reviewer’s experience video will give you better insights about the product.

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Vegan
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Overpowering smell
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 276 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

NEXXUSColor AssureLong Lasting Vibrancy Shampoo
Best Color-Treated Hair
LUXEORGANIX Rejuvenating Argan Oil Shampoo
Best UV Protection
PUREOLOGY PROFESSIONAL COLOR CARE Strength Cure Shampoo
Best Gentle
Hair Type Color Treated All Damaged
Dimensions 6 x 5 x 4 inches 3 x 3 x 8 inches 1.66 x 2.51 x 7.25 inches
Weight 1 Pounds 1 Pounds. 8.82 Ounces.
Rating
Reviews5,0621,505276
Price$25.49$29.48$36

4. Best Vegan:MAPLE HOLISTICS Tea Tree Shampoo

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.4
MAPLE HOLISTICS Tea Tree Shampoo Image: Maple Holistics

This shampoo revitalizes your scalp and makes your hair feel naturally bouncy and lustrous along with helping to get rid of oily hair. It is infused with tea tree oil that balances the natural oils of the scalp and hair, fights dandruff, and soothes dry and itchy scalps.

The shampoo is also loaded with botanical keratin and rosemary oil that strengthen the hair and promote hair growth. Lavender essential oil soothes your scalp, stimulates the hair follicles, and reduces hair loss. Aloe vera conditions the hair and scalp to treat seborrheic dermatitis and argan oil strengthens, repairs, hydrates, and imparts shine to dull and damaged hair. No animal testing is done for this formula, which makes it an ethical choice for users. Watch this video for a thorough understanding of the product.

Pros

  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Silicone-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Natural ingredients

Cons

  • Might cause flakes

5. Best Strengthening : Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend Shampoo

The Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend Shampoo has a wholesome balance of nourishing ingredients that also calm your scalp. Its star ingredient, oats, keeps your scalp health intact and free from any irritation. Multiple reviewers have praised the soothing effects of its rich lather on the scalp. Also, the rich mixture of blackberry and quinoa helps prevent your chemically treated hair color from fading. The lightweight gel-based shampoo helps reduce any damage or remove any residue buildup from the color treatment and adds a healthy and natural shine to your hair.

Pros

  • Dye-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • 100% farm-based

Cons

  • Some might find the fragrance an irritant.

6. Best pH Balanced:MIXED CHICKSSulfate-Free Shampoo

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.5

The MIXED CHICKS Sulfate-Free Shampoo cleanses oily scalp and colored hair without stripping the natural oils. It helps in deep cleansing, refreshing, and revitalizing your scalp health and hair strands with its mild and gentle formula. This shampoo adds shine and softness to your hair and increases manageability without weighing your hair down or leaving any residue buildup to clog your scalp.

This sulfate-free shampoo contains avocado oil, sweet almond oil, and aloe vera promote healthy hair growth. Avocado oil helps in moisturizing and nourishing dry, brittle, and damaged and brittle hair, while sweet almond oil helps in shine-enhancing and strengthening of the hair. Aloe vera soothes dry and irritated scalps, reduces dandruff, and restores the natural pH balance of the scalp and hair. Other ingredients like panthenol, sesame seed oil, and olive oil nourish and strengthen the hair and impart shine, softness, and body.

Pros

  • Mild formula
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Smells amazing

Cons

  • Not suitable for sensitive scalp
  • May dry out the hair

7. Best Moisturizing:Arvazallia Advanced Color Care System Moisturizing Shampoo

The Advanced Color Care Moisturizing Shampoo by Arvazallia is infused with argan and macadamia oils to promote hair growth and impart luminous shine. It extends the life of your hair color and provides gentle care to your tresses by restoring their natural oils and bounce. The potent and advanced formula contains color-locking and restorative technologies to lock in the color for a long time and moisturize and strengthen your hair.

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Smells good
  • No residue

Cons

  • Does not lather well
  • Leaves the hair greasy

8. Best With Amino Acids:Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.5
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo Image: Redken

The Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo is a pH-balanced, gentle cleansing formula enriched with amino acids. It helps to neutralize yellow shades and maintain the tone and vibrancy of your colored hair. The shampoo is designed with an RTC Protein complex that works to protect and nourish all three layers of your hair from the roots to the tip. The absence of sulfate in this shampoo helps to maintain your long-lasting hair color for up to 6 weeks without fading.

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Tones blonde hair
  • Neutralizes yellow shades

Cons

  • May make your hair greasy
  • Thin consistency

9. Best Nourishing:LOVEbeauty ANDplanet Murumuru Butter & Rose Blooming Color Sulfate-Free Shampoo

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.4
Love Beauty And Planet Blooming Color Sulfate-Free Shampoo Image: Love Beauty And Planet

This sulfate-free shampoo for color-treated hair is infused with a star ingredient like murumuru butter that nourishes, softens, and protects the hair. It also contains ethically sourced rose petals from the Rose Valley of Bulgaria to revive your senses and coconut oil to lock in moisture and repair hair damage, dryness, and split ends. Multiple reviewers have mentioned the restorative care offered by the nourishing ingredients in this formula. This shampoo delivers healthy shine while protecting your hair color. The vibrant rose notes and juicy freshness of red berries impart a refreshing scent to the product.

Pros

  • Silicone-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Dye-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Makes scalp itchy
  • Leaves residue

10. Best Plant-Based:Framesi Color Lover Moisture Rich Shampoo

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.6
Framesi Color Lover Moisture Rich Shampoo Image: Framesi

The Framesi Color Lover Moisture Rich Shampoo helps in color maintenance and is a moisturizing hair cleanser with an elegant floral smell that will leave your hair fresh and nourished all day long. The shampoo is plant-based and has a clean formula. It contains quinoa, shea butter, aloe vera, meadowfoam seed oil, provitamins B5, and vitamins E, and C that can instantly revive dull hair strands and dry hair and give it a vibrant color. The no-sulfate formula of the shampoo can offer 95% longer color retention.

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Salt-free
  • Hydrating formula

Cons

  • Can have an overpowering smell

11. Best Vibrant-Colored:Mai Hair Brazilian Keratin Treatment Sulfate-Free Moisturizing Shampoo

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
3.9
Mai Hair Brazilian Keratin Treatment Sulfate-Free Moisturizing Shampoo Image: Mai Hair

The Mai Hair Moisturizing Shampoo comes at an affordable price and helps maintain, restore, and preserve your hair color. It moisturizes and conditions hair that often tends to dry out post coloring treatments. This shampoo adds shine, boosts vitality, and reduces split ends, dryness, flaking, and breakage. It is lightweight and designed for everyday use and is sure to give you well-nourished, moisturized, healthy-looking, vibrant-colored, and manageable hair.

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Sodium-chloride-free
  • Amazing smell

Cons

  • Dries out the scalp

12. Best For Red Hair:Bold Uniq Color Saviour Shampoo

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
3.8
Bold Uniq Color Saviour Shampoo Image: Bold Uniq

The Bold Uniq Color Saviour Shampoo cleanses red and brunette locks with gentle care. The blend of goji fruit, acai, and pomegranate helps to retain the color and to fight external aggressors. It works wonderfully for all colors from reds to pinks and keeps them shiny and vibrant. The formula is enriched with sunflower, licorice, and coffee seed that keep your hair strands smooth and healthy. It has a neutral pH base. The shampoo also has a pleasant smell of berries and is packaged in consumer-recycled plastic.

Pros

  • Pleasant smelling
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Neutral pH base
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • Can make hair feel 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.

We all love getting an eye-catching and vibrant color, whether mermaid hues or elegant streaks. However, the real challenge is protecting the hair and the color from all kinds of damage. To preserve your vibrant hair and maintain the lush color, it is crucial to use high-quality shampoo, preferably sulfate-free. Before choosing the best sulfate-free shampoo for colored hair, here is a list of things to consider.

How To Choose The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos For Color-Treated Hair

  • Choose a Shampoo Designed For Color Treated Hair Only

Always check the shampoo’s label to see if it is specially formulated for color-treated hair. Color-treated hair needs extra care, and color-safe ingredients in the formulas ensure your hair and the color stay flawless even after months. Additionally, pick a damage repair shampoo if you find your hair heavily damaged due to coloring.

  • Look For Color Preserving Ingredients

Soy extracts, sunflower extracts, amino acids, and ceramides are some of the best-known ingredients to preserve hair color and minimize the risk of fading. They also help retain your hair color for extended periods.

  • Look For Nourishing Ingredients

The process of coloring your hair makes your hair go through various chemical treatments. This might result in lifeless, dry and brittle hair. Therefore, look for a hydrating shampoo formulated with plant oils and other ingredients that delivers intense nourishment and moisture.

  • Stay Away From Harsh Ingredients

Apart from sulfates, other harsh ingredients can also cause your hair color to fade quickly and further damage your hair. Drying alcohol, petroleum, and mineral oil are a few ingredients you should steer clear from. They can cause dry and brittle hair, resulting in dullness which affects hair styling. Look for a dermatologist-approved or specialist-approved formula for a sensitive scalp.

Infographic: How To Choose The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo For Colored Hair

Sulfate-free shampoos are must-have hair products if you want your tresses to look silkier and healthier. Different brands offer various shampoos for every hair type. Since so many options can put you in a dilemma about selecting one, check out our infographic below. Here are a few tips you can watch out for before investing in the right sulfate-free product.

How To Choose The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo For Colored Hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

The term ‘sulfate-free’ has become a buzzword because it carries a lot of expectations and is preferred by most of us now. Irrespective of your hair type, sulfate-free shampoos offer color protection without stripping off your scalp’s natural oils and causing dry scalp. To infuse life into colored hair, opt for the NEXXUS Color Assure Long Lasting Vibrancy Shampoo. The PUREOLOGY PROFESSIONAL COLOR CARE Strength Cure Shampoo, a vegan formula, strengthens hair strands. The LOVEbeauty AND planet Murumuru Butter & Rose Blooming Color Sulfate-Free Shampoo protects and softens hair. Those with color-treated hair also rely on these products to prevent the hair color from fading away while maintaining its vibrancy and reducing hair loss. In addition, they are free from synthetic chemicals and keep your hair color preserved for a longer time than shampoos infused with foaming agents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is any sulfate-free shampoo good for colored hair?

Yes, sulfate-free shampoos are the best pick for colored hair. They help retain moisture in your hair and do not let the dye color fade quickly.

What is the safest sulfate-free shampoo for color-treated hair?

The NEXXUSColor AssureLong Lasting Vibrancy Shampoo is the best in the market and safe for colored hair. It will help you maintain your hair color for an extended period and replenish your hair health.

What happens if you wash dyed hair with sulfate shampoo?

A sulfate shampoo easily breaks down the dyed colors and your natural hair color. Therefore, try to use sulfate-free hair care products for color-treated hair.

Do I need special shampoo for colored hair?

Yes, you must use sulfate-free or sulfate alternatives shampoos to maintain the longevity of your colored hair.

What should you not use on colored hair?

If you have colored hair, watch out for hair care products with sulfate, alcohol, parabens, and sodium chloride, as these ingredients damage your hair and wash out the dye.

How do you moisturize color-treated hair?

Use deep conditioners and hydrating hair masks to nourish your hair and retain its natural moisture. Also, avoid hot showers, as they can make your colored hair dry and result in frizzy hair.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach and has a keen interest in hair care. She has done thorough research and read many reviews to compile the list of best sulfate-free shampoos for colored hair. These shampoos lock the color and do not strip the hair’s natural oils. She says that sulfate-free shampoos are a must-have in a hair care routine for colored hair to maintain lustrous and flawless hair.

disqus_comment

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.

Yvey Valcin
Yvey ValcinHairstylist
Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fashion events, such as New York and Paris Fashion Week.

Read full bio of Yvey Valcin
Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Aditi Naskar
Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Ramona Sinha
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha