Best Shampoo for Colour-Treated Hair: 5 Top Picks

Colour-treated hair requires specialised care to maintain vibrancy and prevent premature fading. We've compared five shampoos designed to protect and nourish dyed hair, helping you find the right formula for your needs and budget.

LUX Japan - Super Rich Crystal Color Care & Repair Shampoo & Treatment Trial Set - 10 g+10 g

This trial set from LUX Japan offers an affordable way to test a colour care system before committing to full sizes. The compact format is ideal for travel or trying new products without significant investment.

Price: $1.19 USD

Pros:

• Very affordable entry point
• Includes both shampoo and treatment
• Perfect for testing before purchasing full size
• Portable trial size format

Cons:

• Minimal amount for regular use
• Trial size may not provide long-term results assessment
• Limited information on specific colour-protection technology

Goldwell Dualsenses Color Brilliance Shampoo 1.01 oz

Goldwell's colour brilliance formula is designed to maintain colour vibrancy while cleansing gently. This professional-grade option sits at the budget-friendly end of the specialist shampoo market.

Price: $2.00 USD

Pros:

• Professional brand credibility
• Specifically formulated for colour brilliance
• Small size for travel or sampling
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Very small size limits extended use
• Minimal quantity for assessing effectiveness
• Professional products often require specific application

Matrix Biolage COLORLAST Shampoo 1.7 oz

Matrix Biolage's COLORLAST line targets colour longevity with a targeted formula. This mid-range option provides a slightly larger size while remaining accessible for budget-conscious shoppers.

Price: $3.95 USD

Pros:

• Dedicated colour-last technology
• Established brand with professional backing
• Slightly larger size than comparable options
• Reasonable price for specialist formula

Cons:

• Still a travel or sample size
• Limited quantity for assessing long-term results
• Requires repeat purchases for ongoing care

LUX Japan - Super Rich Crystal Color Care & Repair Shampoo Refill - 300 g

This refill size from LUX Japan provides significantly more product for regular use. The larger format makes it practical for establishing a consistent colour-care routine at an economical price.

Price: $5.59 USD

Pros:

• Substantially larger size for regular use
• Refill format offers good value
• Sufficient quantity to assess results
• Budget-friendly for a colour-care system
• Compact refill reduces packaging waste

Cons:

• Limited visibility on complete product specifications
• Refill format requires existing bottle
• Japanese product may have limited detailed ingredient information

Sebastian Drench Moisturizing Shampoo 1.7 oz

Sebastian Drench emphasises moisture retention, which is crucial for maintaining colour-treated hair's health and shine. This professional option focuses on hydration as a key component of colour preservation.

Price: $6.00 USD

Pros:

• Professional-grade product
• Emphasises moisture retention
• Healthy, hydrated hair supports colour longevity
• Reputable brand in salon products

Cons:

• Travel size limits practical use
• Premium pricing for small quantity
• Moisture focus may not address colour-specific needs
• Requires frequent repurchasing

Which Shampoo Is Right for You?

On a tight budget: The LUX Japan trial set ($1.19) offers the lowest entry point to colour-care formulas, while the 300g refill ($5.59) provides better value for regular use.

Seeking professional results: Goldwell and Matrix offer salon-professional credibility at affordable prices, though sizes are limited.

Prioritising hydration: Sebastian Drench focuses on moisture, which indirectly supports colour longevity by keeping hair healthy.

For ongoing colour protection, investing in a larger, refill-size product offers better value than repeatedly purchasing small samples. Consider starting with a trial size if you're new to colour-care systems, then moving to a full-size refill once you've confirmed the formula works for your hair.