How Often Should You Shampoo Color-Treated Hair

How Often Should You Generally Shampoo Color-Treated Hair?

Shampooing color-treated hair too frequently can lead to premature fading and dullness. The general recommendation is to shampoo color-treated hair 2-3 times per week at most. Extending the time between shampoos allows the hair’s natural oils to moisturize and protect color-treated strands.

However, the optimal shampooing frequency ultimately depends on your individual hair type, texture, and scalp condition. Those with fine hair or an oily scalp may need to shampoo color-treated hair slightly more often, around 3 times weekly. On the other hand, people with thick, coarse, or dry hair can usually stretch washes to just 1-2 times per week.

It’s important to find the right balance for your color-treated hair – shampooing often enough to keep your scalp and hair clean, but not so frequently that you strip away moisture and color vibrancy. Pay attention to how your color-treated hair looks and feels, and adjust your washing schedule accordingly.

Why Is Proper Shampooing Technique Important for Color-Treated Hair?

Using the right shampooing technique is crucial for maintaining the health and color of treated hair. Improper washing methods can lead to several issues:

Roughing up the hair cuticle: Aggressively scrubbing color-treated hair can raise the cuticle layer, making color more likely to escape.
Stripping moisture: Washing colored hair too vigorously or using harsh shampoos can strip away essential oils and hydration.
Causing tangles and breakage: Rubbing color-treated hair into a big, matted mess while washing can lead to knots, snarls, and damage.
Fading color faster: Shampooing color-treated hair incorrectly can cause color to fade significantly after just a few washes.

To avoid these problems, it’s important to use a gentle touch and products specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Some tips for proper shampooing technique include:

Shampooing Step	Proper Technique
Wetting hair	Thoroughly drench color-treated hair with lukewarm water before applying shampoo. Avoid hot water which can open the cuticle.
Applying shampoo	Gently massage color-safe shampoo primarily into the scalp and roots. Don’t rub or twist the lengths of color-treated hair.
Rinsing	Carefully rinse shampoo down the lengths of color-treated hair using lukewarm water. Make sure to remove all product.
Conditioning	Apply color-safe conditioner from mid-lengths to ends of color-treated hair. Detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

Taking a little extra care with your shampooing technique can go a long way in preserving your color-treated hair’s vibrancy and health.

What Are Some Tips for Extending Time Between Washes?

Stretching out your wash cycle is one of the best things you can do for color-treated hair. Each shampoo session slowly strips away color, so the less frequently you wash, the longer your color will last. Here are some tips to help you extend time between shampoos:

Use dry shampoo

Dry shampoo is a great way to refresh color-treated hair between washes. It soaks up excess oil, adds volume, and can even enhance your color. Apply dry shampoo to your roots, let it sit for a couple minutes, then brush it through.

Try co-washing

Co-washing, or “conditioner-only washing”, can help cleanse color-treated hair without stripping moisture or color. On off days from shampooing, simply massage some silicone-free conditioner into your scalp and hair, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Wear a shower cap

When you shower, put on a shower cap to protect your color-treated hair from moisture and humidity. This will help preserve your style and color between full shampoo sessions. Look for lined caps that won’t slip off.

Touch up with color-depositing products

If your color-treated hair is looking a little dull or faded between shampoos, try a color-depositing conditioner, gloss, or mask. These deposit temporary pigments to revive your shade until your next full wash.

Style strategically

Certain hairstyles can help camouflage oily roots and extend your color. Sleek ponytails, braids, and buns are great options to get through an extra day or two before shampooing color-treated hair.

By utilizing these tips, you can usually go at least 3-4 days between full shampoos of color-treated hair. Some may even be able to stretch a full week, depending on hair type and texture. Experiment to find your ideal washing frequency.

What Are Signs That You Need to Shampoo Color-Treated Hair?

While it’s good to extend time between washes, you don’t want to go so long that your color-treated hair becomes unhealthy. Here are some signs it’s time to shampoo:

Scalp odor: If you notice any unpleasant smells coming from your scalp, you’ve likely waited too long between shampoos. Washing color-treated hair removes odor-causing buildup.
Visible oiliness: Some oil is good for color-treated hair, but if your hair starts looking greasy or stringy, especially at the roots, it’s time to shampoo.
Itching and flaking: An overly oily, dirty scalp can lead to irritation and dandruff in color-treated hair. If your scalp becomes itchy or flaky, shampoo is needed to rebalance.
Limp strands: Color-treated hair can start to look and feel limp or lifeless when weighed down by too much oil and product buildup. Shampooing will restore bounce and volume.
Dull color: If your hair color is looking lackluster or muted, a good shampoo can help revive it. The cleanser will remove residue that may be masking your color-treated hair’s vibrancy.

If you experience any of these signs consistently between your normal shampoo sessions, you may need to increase your washing frequency slightly. However, try to shampoo color-treated hair only as often as truly necessary to avoid over-cleansing.

How Should You Shampoo and Condition Color-Treated Hair?

When it is time to wash, it’s important to shampoo and condition color-treated hair gently and strategically. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Shampooing color-treated hair

Thoroughly saturate your hair with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water which can open the hair cuticle and release color.
Dispense a quarter-size amount of sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo into your palm.
Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips. Don’t scrub or bunch up your color-treated hair.
Let the shampoo sit on your scalp for 1-2 minutes to break down oils and buildup.
Carefully rinse the shampoo down the lengths of your color-treated hair with lukewarm water. Make sure to remove all product.
If your color-treated hair still doesn’t feel clean, repeat steps 2-5. Two shampoos is usually sufficient.

Conditioning color-treated hair

Squeeze out excess water from your shampooed hair.
Apply a dime to quarter-size amount of color-safe conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of your color-treated hair. Avoid the roots which can become oily.
Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle and distribute the conditioner evenly through your color-treated hair.
Let the conditioner sit on your hair for 2-5 minutes to deeply moisturize.
Rinse the conditioner out of your color-treated hair with cool water. The cold temperature seals the cuticle to lock in moisture and color.
Gently squeeze excess water from your hair with a microfiber towel or old t-shirt. Avoid rubbing which can rough up the cuticle.

Following this gentle cleansing routine using products designed for colored hair can help your shade stay vibrant longer. Be sure to shampoo and condition color-treated hair no more than 2-3 times weekly to maintain moisture and color.

What Types of Products Are Recommended for Color-Treated Hair?

Using the right products is key to keeping color-treated hair looking and feeling its best. Here are the types of products that are recommended for maintaining colored hair:

Sulfate-free shampoo

Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip color and moisture from the hair. Look for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos that are specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These will cleanse without fading your shade.

Color-depositing shampoo and conditioner

To keep your color vibrant between salon visits, try a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner. These contain pigments that refresh and enhance your specific shade, whether it’s blonde, brunette, red, or fantasy colors.

Deep conditioning treatments

Color-treated hair is often more dry and damaged than virgin hair. To replenish lost moisture and softness, use a deep conditioning mask or treatment at least once a week. Look for products with nourishing ingredients like oils, butters, and proteins.

Leave-in conditioners

In addition to your regular rinse-out conditioner, a leave-in conditioner can provide extra hydration and protection for color-treated hair. These lightweight products help detangle, smooth, and shield the hair from heat and environmental damage.

Heat protectants

Heat styling tools can fade and damage color-treated hair. Before blow drying, flat ironing, or curling your hair, always apply a heat protectant product. These create a barrier between your hair and the hot tools to minimize color loss and breakage.

Color-safe styling products

Many styling products like hairsprays, gels, and mousses contain alcohol and other ingredients that can dry out and fade color-treated hair. Opt for color-safe formulas that provide hold and shine without stripping your hair. Avoid any products that contain bleach, peroxide, or ammonia.

With these types of products into your hair care routine, you can help your color look salon-fresh for longer. Be sure to follow the usage instructions on each product’s packaging for best results on color-treated hair.

How Can Dry Shampoo Help Maintain Color-Treated Hair?

Dry shampoo is a valuable tool for maintaining color-treated hair between washes. Here’s how this product can benefit dyed locks:

Extends time between shampoos

Each shampoo session fades color-treated hair slightly. By using dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your roots, you can go longer between washes. This helps your color stay vibrant for more time.

Conceals roots

If your roots are starting to show but you don’t have time for a touch-up, dry shampoo can help camouflage the regrowth. Many dry shampoos come in different shades like blonde, brunette, and red to blend in seamlessly with your color.

Boosts volume and texture

Color-treated hair can sometimes look limp or flat, especially when it’s a bit dirty. Dry shampoo adds instant volume and texture to revive your style. It’s great for creating undone, tousled looks on colored hair.

Preserves color vibrancy

Washing color-treated hair too often can make your shade look dull and faded over time. By allowing you to shampoo less frequently, dry shampoo helps maintain the vibrancy and richness of your salon color.

To use dry shampoo on color-treated hair, shake the can well and hold it about 6 inches away from your head. Spray the product directly onto your roots and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to absorb oil. Then, use your fingers or a brush to massage the dry shampoo through your hair and distribute it evenly.

For best results, choose a dry shampoo formula that is specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products will cleanse and refresh your locks without leaving behind any dulling residue or harsh ingredients that could strip your color.

When Should You Use a Clarifying Shampoo on Color-Treated Hair?

Clarifying shampoos are deep cleansers that remove buildup from the hair and scalp. While these products can be helpful at times, they should be used sparingly on color-treated hair. Overusing clarifying shampoos can strip away your color and leave your hair feeling dry.

However, there are some situations where a clarifying shampoo may be necessary for color-treated hair:

Before a color service: If your hair has a lot of product buildup, a clarifying shampoo can provide a clean slate for new color to adhere evenly. Use it a few days before your color appointment.
After swimming: Chlorine and salt water can leave mineral deposits on color-treated hair that make it look dull or green. A clarifying shampoo can remove these deposits and restore your color’s vibrancy.
When your hair feels coated: Heavy silicones and other ingredients in styling products can create a film on color-treated hair over time. If your hair feels limp or coated, a clarifying shampoo can break through the buildup.
If you have hard water: Hard water contains minerals that can discolor and damage color-treated hair. Using a clarifying shampoo once a month can prevent these minerals from affecting your shade.

When using a clarifying shampoo on color-treated hair, be sure to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to replenish any moisture that may have been lost. And limit your usage to no more than once or twice a month to avoid over-stripping your hair and color.

If you have very dry or damaged color-treated hair, you may want to avoid clarifying shampoos altogether. Stick to sulfate-free, color-safe formulas for your regular washing routine, and use a scalp scrub or exfoliating treatment to remove buildup occasionally instead.

What Is Co-Washing and How Can It Benefit Color-Treated Hair?

Co-washing, short for “conditioner washing”, is a hair cleansing method that uses conditioner in place of shampoo. This gentle technique can be beneficial for color-treated hair when used in conjunction with a regular shampoo routine.

How co-washing works

With co-washing, you use a cleansing conditioner or regular silicone-free conditioner to wash your hair. Massage the product into your scalp and hair just like you would with shampoo, focusing on the roots. Rinse thoroughly, then condition the lengths of your hair as normal.

The mild surfactants in cleansing conditioners remove light buildup without stripping away moisture or color. Meanwhile, the conditioning ingredients hydrate and soften your color-treated hair.

Benefits of co-washing color-treated hair

Maintains moisture: Co-washing helps color-treated hair retain more moisture than shampooing alone. This is because conditioners don’t contain harsh sulfates that can dry out the hair.
Reduces color fading: By keeping the hair hydrated and the cuticle sealed, co-washing can help color-treated hair maintain its vibrancy for longer. The gentle cleansing action is less likely to strip away color molecules.
Enhances curls and waves: If you have curly or wavy color-treated hair, co-washing can help define and enhance your natural texture. The extra moisture prevents frizz and allows your curls to clump together more easily.
Softens and smooths: The conditioning ingredients in co-washing products leave color-treated hair feeling silky, soft, and smooth. Your hair may be easier to detangle and style after co-washing.

To get co-washing into your color-treated hair routine, alternate it with your regular sulfate-free shampoo. For example, you might shampoo once or twice a week and co-wash once or twice a week in between.

If you have very oily hair or a lot of product buildup, co-washing may not provide enough cleansing power on its own. In this case, try using a sulfate-free shampoo for most washes and co-washing occasionally as a moisture boost for your color-treated hair.

Should You Use Protein Treatments on Color-Treated Hair?

Yes, protein treatments can be very beneficial for color-treated hair. The coloring process, whether permanent or semi-permanent dye, can damage the hair’s protein structure. This is because the chemicals in hair dye cause the cuticle to swell and lift up, allowing the color to penetrate but also making the hair more porous and prone to breakage.

Protein treatments help restore strength and resilience to color-treated hair in several ways:

Reinforcing weakened areas: Protein treatments fill in gaps and tears in the damaged cuticle, temporarily patching the hair’s protective outer layer. This makes color-treated hair less vulnerable to snapping and splitting.
Reducing color fading: By smoothing and sealing the hair cuticle, protein treatments help lock color pigments inside the hair shaft. Your shade may stay vibrant and true for longer between coloring sessions.
Detangling and softening: The strengthening and smoothing effects of protein treatments make color-treated hair more manageable and less prone to tangles. Strands feel softer and silkier to the touch.
Boosting shine: Protein treatments can enhance shine on color-treated hair by temporarily filling in cuticle cracks that cause dullness. Glossy, reflective hair makes your color look even richer.

To get the most benefits, use a protein treatment designed for color-treated hair. These are usually gentler than protein treatments for virgin hair and may contain additional conditioning ingredients to prevent overdrying color-treated strands.

Is Co-Washing an Option for Color-Treated Hair?

Yes, co-washing can be a great option for cleansing color-treated hair in between regular shampoo sessions. Co-washing, which stands for “conditioner washing”, involves using a cleansing conditioner or regular conditioner to wash the hair and scalp.

The benefits of co-washing color-treated hair include:

Gentler cleansing: Cleansing conditioners don’t contain harsh sulfates that can strip color and dry out the hair like some shampoos. Co-washing is a milder way to refresh your scalp and strands between color-protecting shampoos.
Added moisture: The conditioning ingredients in co-washing products help hydrate and soften color-treated hair, which tends to be more dry and brittle. Regular co-washing can improve the look and feel of colored strands over time.
Less color fading: By skipping the strong detergents in shampoo, co-washing can actually help your hair color last longer. The gentle cleansing action is less likely to wash away color pigments.
Curl definition: If you have curly color-treated hair, co-washing can enhance your natural texture. The extra moisture helps define curl patterns and reduce frizz without stripping away your color.

To co-wash color-treated hair, simply apply your cleansing conditioner or regular conditioner to wet hair, gently massaging it into the scalp and lengths. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. You can co-wash color-treated hair a couple times per week, alternating with your usual color-safe shampoo and conditioner.

If you have very oily roots or a lot of product buildup, co-washing may not be cleansing enough on its own. In this case, alternate co-washes with sulfate-free shampoo sessions to keep your color-treated hair clean, hydrated, and vibrant.