11 Best Conditioners For Color-Treated Hair: Hairstylist Picks
Restore all the damage and dryness in your colored hair with these nourishing conditioners.
Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli 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
Experience: 5 yearsAditi 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
Experience: 11 yearsRamona 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
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Colored hair needs some special care. But in a market filled with hair products containing sulfates and other harsh ingredients, finding the best conditioner for color-treated hair may not be very easy. So, our team of hair experts has done some research and gone through various customer reviews to bring you the 11 best conditioners for colored hair. These conditioners will keep your hair moisturized and repair any damage caused by coloring. They will also prevent the colors from bleeding, and instead, will enhance the vibrancy of the colors. Some conditioners even enhance the life of your hair color! Scroll down and take a look!
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11 Best Conditioners For Color-Treated Hair, According To Reviews
Best For ShineBiolage Colorlast Conditioner
The low pH formula of the Biolage Colorlast Conditioner increases the life of your hair color and leaves your tresses detangled and soft. This moisturizing conditioner is powered by orchid extracts that prevent hair color from fading and preserve color vibrancy for up to nine weeks.
It improves the depth and tone of the color while enhancing shine and gloss. This professional-grade gentle conditioner smooths your hair and protects it from the harmful effects of UV rays and heat styling. It is infused with a blend of 27 fragrant notes to leave the hair with a timeless scent.
Key Ingredients: Orchid
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Travel-friendly
- Salon-quality
- Gentle
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 24,766 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
Best Sulfate-Free Formula Pureology Hydrate Conditioner
The luxurious Hydrate Conditioner from Pureology is fortified with botanical extracts like jojoba, sage, and green tea that prevent breakage and dryness while promoting the growth of stronger and healthier hair. The healing and hydrating ingredients leave your dry hair soft and smooth. They lock in the moisture and make your hair look healthy. The blend of mint, menthol, and greens gives a fresh, tingly feel to your scalp. The Antifade Formula, enriched with sunflower seed, vitamin E, and UV filters, helps maintain color vibrancy and ensures a lasting shine.
Key Ingredients: Soybean oil, Sunflower seed oil, Jojoba butter, Rosemary leaf, and Soy protein
Pros
- Refreshing fragrance
- Anti-breakage formula
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May irritate the scalp
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 9,937 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
Best For UV ProtectionL'Oreal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner
The L’Oreal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner is infused with linseed elixir and antioxidants to offer UV protection and prevent color fading due to sun damage. It seals in color for up to 60 days while strengthening the hair strands to make them less prone to breakage. This creamy conditioner also fortifies the hair follicles to encourage growth and volume. As attested by reviewers, this hair conditioner restores shine to dull, lifeless hair while protecting it from environmental damage, pollution, and smoke.
Key Ingredients: Linseed oil and Niacinamide
Pros
- Has UV filters
- Pleasant scent
- Gentle on the hair and scalp
Cons
- Contains sulfates
- Weighs the hair down
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 3,598 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
Biolage Colorlast Conditioner Best For Shine | Pureology Hydrate Conditioner Best Sulfate-Free Formula | L'Oreal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner Best For UV Protection | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Color Treated, Chemically Treated | Dry | Normal |
| Dimensions | 3.15 x 3.15 x 9.76 inches | 3.15 x 3.15 x 9.76 inches | 2.35 x 3.94 x 9.5 inches |
| Weight | 2.25 Pounds | 8.82 Ounces. | 1.75 Pounds. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 24,766 | 9,937 | 3,598 |
| Price | $21.0 | $74 | $7.99 |
Best pH-Balanced FormulaRedken Color Extend Conditioner
The Color Extend Conditioner from Redken is enriched with ceramides to strengthen the hair by smoothing the cuticles and promoting elasticity and moisture retention. The cranberry oil in the formula conditions and nourishes the strands. The innovative Color Care Complex protects the hair from damage due to sun rays, heat styling tools, and other environmental aggressors. This lightweight formula forms a protective coating on the hair to tame frizz and flyaways and make it soft and manageable.
Key Ingredients: Cranberry seed oil and Ceramides
Pros
- UV protection
- Frizz control
- Lightweight
- Smells good
- pH-balanced
Cons
- None
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 353 rave reviews on Amazon.
Best Hair Thickening Formula:Nioxin Scalp Therapy Conditioner
The lightweight Nioxin Scalp Therapy Conditioner is formulated to fight hair fall and build hair resilience. It helps maintain the moisture balance while amplifying the hair texture and strengthening the strands.
The formula is fortified with the BioAmp technology that volumizes and thickens the hair. It is enriched with peppermint oil that refreshes the scalp and delivers a healthy shine to the hair. This hydrating conditioner nourishes the hair from root to tip, reduces hair breakage, and combats progressive thinning. It is a part of the three-step Nioxin regime for colored hair.
Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, White tea extract, Citric acid, and Polysorbate 60
Pros
- Lightweight
- Provides intense hydration
- Suitable for fine hair
- Smells good
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Colorant-free
Cons
- None
Best Color-Safe FormulaNexxus Color Assure Conditioner
The ProteinFusion blend of elastin protein and quinoa in the Nexxus Color Assure Conditioner creates a protective layer on the hair strands to seal in essential proteins and strengthen the fibers. This deep conditioner maintains color vibrancy for up to eight weeks or 40 washes while adding a brilliant shine to the hair. It softens, smooths, and detangles the hair to make it manageable and ready for styling. This restorative conditioner moisturizes the hair, replenishes essential nutrients lost during the coloring process, and aids hair revitalization.
Key Ingredients: Quinoa, Hydrolyzed elastin, Sweet almond oil, and Coconut oil
Also Recommended By: nbc4i has also listed Nexxus Color Assure Conditioner in their top 10.[1]Best conditioner for color-treated hair. nbc4i. https://www.nbc4i.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/hair-products-br/best-conditioner-for-color-treated-hair/
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Gentle
- Anti-tangle formula
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Contains DMDM hydantoin
- Leaves the hair slightly greasy
. Best Lightweight Conditioner:Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Conditioner
The easy-to-apply Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Conditioner covers each hair strand with an invisible protective layer without weighing it down. It deeply nourishes the hair while playing an important part in hair color protection.
This glazing conditioner gently conditions the hair and leaves it soft and manageable while taming frizz and flyaways. The acidity in the formula smooths the outside layer of the cuticles to enhance shine and color vibrancy. It is infused with fragrant notes of vanilla, cotton candy, and coconut. This lightweight conditioner can be used daily to extend hair color up to 21 washes and keep the hair refreshed and energized.
Key Ingredients: Pearl infusion
Pros
- Lightweight
- Color-enhancing formula
- Smells good
- Works great for thick, curly hair
Cons
- None
Best For Daily UsePaul Mitchell Color Protect Conditioner
The detangling and soothing Color Protect Conditioner from Paul Mitchell keeps the hair soft and adds shine and color vibrancy. It is fortified with sunflower extract to protect the hair from UV damage and prevent the color from fading. The white ginger extract in this formula promotes healthy hair growth by stimulating the follicles. This daily conditioner also contains jojoba leaf and aloe leaf extracts that moisturize hair cuticles and hydrolyzed wheat protein that strengthens and thickens the strands. It is infused with orange, bergamot, and apple to impart a refreshing, energetic fragrance to the hair.
Key Ingredients: Sunflower extract, Jojoba, and Aloe vera
Pros
- UV protection
- Maintains color longevity
- Lightweight
- Smells amazing
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
Best Anti-Fade FormulaL'ANZA Healing ColorCare Color Preserving Conditioner
The signature Flower Shield Complex of the L’ANZA Healing ColorCare Color Preserving Conditioner uses extracts from fade-defying flowers to deliver optimal color retention. It contains echinacea flower extract that provides flavonoids to protect color vibrancy while keeping the hair silky soft and smooth. The calendula and yellow rose flower extracts enhance warm tones like yellow, green, reds, and oranges, while cornflour works for cool tones like blue, purple, and violet. The natural ingredients in this lightweight conditioner restore vital nutrients to the hair, fight environmental damage, and impart shine and gloss to your tresses. Using this anti-color fade formula will extend the life of the color and make the hair soft and shiny.
Key Ingredients: Calendula, Yellow rose extract, Echinacea flower extract, and Cornflour
Pros
- Natural, nourishing ingredients
- Lightweight
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Sodium chloride-free
Cons
- Leaves a residue
Best Strengthening Formula:Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend Conditioner
The Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend Conditioner moisturizes and strengthens damaged hair and leaves it silky soft and manageable. This cream conditioner is formulated with the goodness of blackberry and quinoa protein to nourish your scalp and hair and protect it from damage caused by heat styling. This creamy blend prevents your hair color from fading and provides your locks with soothing and moisturizing care that helps maintain color radiance and vibrancy.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Suitable for all hair types
- Provides heat protection
Cons
- Can make the scalp itchy
Best For All Hair Types:Kenra Color Maintenance Conditioner
The daily use Kenra Color Maintenance Conditioner helps retain the color for up to 35 washes. It maintains the vibrancy of the hair color, both lighter or darker shade up to 67% and adds sheen to your hair. This conditioner contains glycerine that leaves your hair shiny and helps protect the color. Its pH-balanced formula keeps your sensitive scalp and hair healthy. It locks in the color of your treated hair for a long period and enhances it shine and softness.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- pH-balanced formula
- Paraben-free
- Value for money
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Contains alcohol
Coloring your hair adds an instant vibrancy to your appearance. The only downfall is that it can strip your hair off its natural moisture and ruin the texture of the strands. The best way to replenish your hair with the necessary moisture and keep your hair color intact and vibrant, is a quality conditioner. There are many color-safe conditioners in the market, and to help you choose the right formula, we have curated a list of a few features to consider before choosing a conditioner for your color-treated hair.
How To Choose The Best Conditioners For Color-Treated Hair
- UV and Hard Water Protection
Constant exposure to sunlight may fade out the hair color and make your hair dull and lifeless. It is best to choose a conditioner that is formulated with UV protection. Same way, hard water strips off the hair color, causes buildup, and makes hair unmanageable. Pick a conditioner that has a proven efficacy of reversing the effect of hair damage from hard water and sunlight.
- Moisturization
Most often coloring strips off the moisture from your hair and leave you with dry, coarse, and frizzy hair. In the long run, you might even experience split ends, hair fall, hair thinning, breakage, and a lot of other side effects. Therefore, it is essential to choose a conditioner that provides intense moisturization to the scalp and strands, resulting in healthy and shiny hair. Some nourishing ingredients to look for are murumuru butter, coconut extracts, sunflower oil, jojoba butter, glutamic acid, corn silk extract, etc.
- Ingredients To Avoid
- Propylene Glycol: This chemical plays a major role in allowing the nutrients to penetrate the scalp. But, it also causes irritation and itch on the scalp.
- Sodium Chloride: NaCl is added in the conditioners to thicken the consistency. But, it fades away all the natural oil from the scalp and hair strands making them dull, frizzy, and coarse. Over a period of time this chemical also results in major hair fall.
- Petroleum And Mineral oil:These two ingredients are heavy in nature which may result in weighing down the hair. Your hair also loses shine and bounce, if used repeatedly.
- Consider Your Hair Type
For an oily scalp, avoid a conditioner loaded with essential oil as it makes the hair heavy, limp, and greasy. For thin or fine hair, avoid heavy conditioners that weigh your hair down and make it look wet, with no volume.
Infographic: Conditioners For Color-Treated Hair: Key Ingredients & Application Tips
If you wish to maintain the vibrancy of your hair color for a long time, replace your regular conditioners with formulas specially designed for color-treated hair. They nourish and volumize your strands without fading the color. Take a look at the infographic below to learn the key ingredients of a color-safe conditioner. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Seeing your desirable hair color getting washed away after a shampoo session is not a very pleasant experience. So besides using a color-protect shampoo, you also need to get your hands on the best conditioners for color-treated hair. The Biolage Colorlast Conditioner is a great option for maintaining the shine of colored tresses, while the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner has a creamy texture to it and encourages hair volume while protecting the hair from UV rays. But if you are looking for a formula that stimulates hair follicles, strengthens the hair, and protects it from sun damage, try the Paul Mitchell Color Protect Conditioner. These conditioners prevent hair color from bleeding or fading. They also moisturize your brittle strands and prevent any damage to your delicate scalp caused due to coloring. The products reviewed in the curated list have a gentle formula, are devoid of synthetic fragrances, and some of them also offer UV protection. These conditioners for color-treated hair are a must-have in your arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a special conditioner for color-treated hair?
Yes, if you want your hair color to last longer, use conditioners suitable for color-treated hair.
Should you deep condition hair after coloring?
Yes, to make your scalp and hair hydrated and moisturized, deep condition them after treating them with dyes.
How often should you condition color-treated hair?
Pamper your color-treated hair with a nourishing conditioner once a week.
What should you not use on colored hair?
Do not use hair care products that contain toxic and harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, sodium, and alcohol on colored hair.
Can I use a color-treated conditioner for regular hair?
Yes, it’s completely safe to use a specialized conditioner on regular hair.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care enthusiast who loves reviewing hair care products. She has curated this list of the best conditioners for color-treated hair after carefully researching and reading online reviews on several e-commerce websites. These conditioners are fragrance-free and help keep your hair color intact. They also contain UV filters and are gentle on the hair and scalp.
- Best Leave-in Conditioners For Color-treated Hair
- Best Color-Safe Clarifying Shampoos
- Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos For Color-Treated Hair
- Best Shampoos For Oily Color-Treated Hair
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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