12 Best Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair 2026, Vetted by Hairstylists

Lather and rinse off this lightweight shampoo to reveal smoother, softer strands after each wash. It has a gel-to-suds texture and does a great job of washing away dead skin cell buildup with piroctone olamine, a popular flake-busting ingredient found in dandruff shampoos. To offset any chance of dryness after washing, this formula contains hydrating aloe vera for its frizz-reducing and shine-boosting properties.

“When my hair feels more like hay than silk, I’ll lather up with this formula,” says Hussein. “It’s the foundational step for giving my hair a soft feel and shine that rivals my favorite slip dress. Even when I need a deeper, flake-removing cleanse, I can use this shampoo without worrying about post-wash dryness and frizz.”

Best for Oily Hair: K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

Original photo from Jen Hussein testing K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
Original photo from Jen Hussein testing K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
Original photo from Jen Hussein testing K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

Pros: Deep-cleansing; supports hair strength
Cons: Actives in formula (salicylic acid) may be irritating or drying for sensitive scalps

When wash days get further apart, it’s time to break out a clarifying shampoo that washes away heavy buildup. Once greasiness becomes noticeable, Bodt recommends this oil-busting shampoo that won’t mess with your faux color. “I absolutely love this as it takes away oil, residue, and mineral buildup, and is color-safe,” she says. In fact, its cleansing formula combines salicylic acid and activated charcoal to target oil and sebum, while the brand’s signature K18Peptide helps retain moisture and pigment for a cleansed feel, volumized look, and more vibrant color.

“My hair is super prone to greasiness, especially now that I run multiple times a week, and this shampoo does a great job at removing sweat and everyday grime without dulling my blonde color,” says Glamour’s Hussein. “Keep in mind that you don’t need much to cleanse—one blackberry-size dollop lathers most of my head.”

Best for Shine: IGK More Life Color Extend Shampoo

Original photo from Mary Honkus testing IGK More Life Color Extend Shampoo
Original photo from Mary Honkus testing IGK More Life Color Extend Shampoo
Original photo from Mary Honkus testing IGK More Life Color Extend Shampoo

IGK More Life Color Extend Shampoo

Pros: Brightens color; hydrating formula; minimizes frizz
Cons: Thicker, coarser hair types may need a more hydrating shampoo

You’ve probably heard of glass skin, but how about glass hair (a.k.a. liquid hair)? This is when hair is so shiny, smooth, and frizz-free that it reflects light like a mirror. Your first step to unlocking your most reflective head of hair yet: lathering up with this pro-approved shampoo. “This was developed by stylists who live and breathe color every day,” says Ballance. “It hydrates, protects, and leaves your hair feeling salon fresh between appointments.” Beyond adding a professional gloss-level shine, the hydrating ingredients and special color-locking polymers help extend the vibrancy of your latest color treatment.

“My hair practically sparkled after one wash with this shampoo,” says Honkus. “I typically refresh my red mane every five weeks, but with this, I’ve been able to push off my regular appointment by two extra weeks. Plus, the conditioner doubles as a nourishing hair mask.”

Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo

Original photo from Jen Hussein testing Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo
Original photo from Jen Hussein testing Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo
Original photo from Jen Hussein testing Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo

Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo

Pros: Moisturizing formula; maintains tone and vibrancy
Cons: May weigh down finer hair types

If you dye your hair, it’s incredibly important to use a moisturizing shampoo that’s sulfate-free, says Ballance. While sulfates function as cleansing agents to help wash away dirt, oil, and buildup, they can also strip color and cause dryness. Though most of the options on this list are sulfate-free, Ballance recommends this pick from Redken, which has the added benefit of being packed with proteins that strengthen hair while giving it that clean, glossy finish.

“My hair feels so soft and smooth after using this shampoo,” says Glamour’s Hussein. “I use it when my hair is feeling particularly crispy after too much heat styling or after a root touchup.”