In today’s era of self-expression, hair coloring has become a popular way for many to showcase their personal style. But how long your hair color stays vibrant depends largely on proper washing techniques and the right shampoo choices. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to extend your hair color’s longevity by using color-protecting, color-depositing, and toning shampoos—and recommend some must-have color-depositing shampoos worth trying!

Do you need to use shampoo after coloring?

The answer is: Absolutely yes! Whether you color your hair or not, shampoo is essential for proper cleansing.

The main function of shampoo is to clean the scalp and hair by removing dirt, oil, and buildup. Here’s why shampoo is necessary after coloring:

• Better cleansing effect: The surfactants in shampoo effectively dissolve and remove sebum, sweat, and dust from the scalp, something water alone cannot achieve.

• Maintain scalp health: Excess oil buildup can clog hair follicles, leading to scalp issues such as dandruff, folliculitis, or unpleasant odor. Shampoo helps regulate oil secretion and keeps the scalp healthy.

• Improve hair condition: Shampoo removes impurities from hair strands, leaving them fresh and smooth. Some shampoos are enriched with conditioning ingredients that nourish hair and prevent breakage.

• Address specific scalp problems: Specialized shampoos for dandruff, sensitive scalp, or itchiness contain active ingredients to treat or relieve these issues.

However, using regular shampoo may cause color to fade faster, especially since the hair cuticle remains more open right after coloring. That’s why it’s important to choose shampoos formulated specifically for color-treated hair—they not only slow down color fading but also help maintain a healthy scalp.

What type of shampoo should you use after coloring?

Choosing the right shampoo after coloring is crucial, as it helps maintain your hair color, protect hair quality, and even enhance the vibrancy of the shade.

Toning Shampoo

Function:
Neutralizes unwanted yellow tones after bleaching, or reduces overly saturated colors after dyeing.

Suitable for:

People with bleached hair or those who dyed their hair blonde, gray, or cool-toned shades.

Anyone wanting to reduce warm undertones.

Features:

Contains cool-toned pigments (such as purple or blue) that cancel out yellow or orange hues.

Commonly known as “purple shampoo” or “blue shampoo.”

 Color-protecting, color-depositing, and toning shampoos each serve a different purpose—choose the one that best fits your hair needs.

Correct steps and tips for washing hair after coloring

Step 1: Wet your hair
Thoroughly wet your hair with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as high temperatures can accelerate color fading.

Step 2: Choose the right shampoo
Use an appropriate amount of color-protecting or color-depositing shampoo. Gently massage into the scalp and hair, avoiding vigorous rubbing to minimize pigment loss.

Step 3: Rinse thoroughly
Make sure no shampoo residue remains on your hair. Finish with a cold-water rinse to help close the cuticles and lock in color.

Other ways to make your hair color last longer

• Wait two days before washing:
  After coloring, give the dye more time to fully adhere to the hair. Washing too soon can cause color to fade more quickly.

• Reduce heat styling:
  High heat damages the cuticle and accelerates pigment loss. When blow-drying, use the cool-air setting or keep the dryer at a safe distance.

• Protect from the sun:
  UV radiation can break down color pigments, leading to faster fading—similar to the effects of high heat. Use a hair sunscreen spray to shield your strands and extend your color’s vibrancy.

• Keep hair moisturized:
  Maintaining hair quality is just as important as using color-protecting shampoos. Dry, frizzy hair cannot hold pigments well. Always apply conditioner after shampooing, and use a deep conditioning treatment once a week. Color-protecting hair masks are a must to nourish and preserve vibrancy.

When can you start using a color-depositing shampoo after coloring?

After coloring, wait 2–3 days before your first wash. From then on, you can begin using a color-depositing shampoo. It’s best to use it 2–3 times a week for optimal results.

Two ideal timings for using a color-depositing shampoo:

 1. If you prefer your hair color to fade naturally, start using it only when the shade begins to noticeably wash out.

 2. If you like to keep your color vibrant and saturated, begin using it right from your first post-color wash.

Can you use a color-protecting shampoo every day?

Yes! Color-protecting shampoos contain antioxidants that effectively slow down fading while being gentle enough for daily use—perfect for those who wash their hair every day.

Let Color Fairy help you keep your color radiant!
If you want long-lasting, vibrant color, choosing the right shampoo is key. We recommend MCG Color-Depositing Shampoo, which not only extends the life of your color but also has unique toning properties to keep shades pure and fresh. You can even message our customer service team before purchase for personalized advice and product recommendations.

Stay beautiful, starting with your shampoo—let your hair shine every day as if freshly dyed!