The Best Color Depositing Shampoo: 12 Salon-Approved Picks
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
We’ve all wondered what our hair would look like with a new hair color from time to time. From dyes to highlights to hair chalk and gel, there are so many options available when it comes to coloring hair, but the best ways are always the most expensive ones that take serious time.
Well, we can’t offer a completely new style, but we are suggesting a move away from the dyes and weekly salon visits to turn towards the best color depositing shampoo options on the market.
But first, what exactly is a color depositing shampoo? This product works from home to highlight natural (or dyed) tones in the hair. Each bottle contains pigment of the shade typically lost during a wash to revive the vibrance of the color without the need for a trip to the salon.
So, what exactly makes one brand better than the other? How does it work? Let’s break it down and find out.
How Does a Color Depositing Shampoo Work?
Anyone with dyed hair or highlights knows that the color runs out far too fast for the cost of getting the job done. We’ll admit that it can be done from home (but we all know it doesn’t always end well) for a cheaper cost, however, the dye itself just washes too quickly to really avoid worrying about loss of color.
Most hairstylists will recommend a color-preserving shampoo post-dye job, but what does that necessarily mean? The best color depositing shampoo options available work to slow and counteract the sudden change from brunette to blonde.
Containing color pigments, these products pull out the vibrance of the shades to maintain a bright shade that isn’t quite as easily washed away.
While these aren’t meant to be used in place of dying or highlights, they do work with pre-existing colors to extend the length of the lovely look that’s been paid for.
Lighter and vibrant colors such as blonde and red are faster to go and therefore take more work to maintain, so more uses may be recommended to maintain those tones.
How to Choose the Best Color Depositing Shampoo:
When it comes to selecting the best color depositing shampoo for your personal hairstyle and color, there are a lot of elements at play to consider. The biggest element at play is color consideration and cost as some colors will need far more work for a vibrant appearance than others.
Before selecting any product, be sure to research the options on the market. In addition to color and price, brand name and reputation are aspects that can’t go overlooked.
Different brands will be known for varying lasting times on the color, so for those who want a longer lifespan and richer colors, make sure to double-check that name prior to giving it a try.
To really help you understand everything at play, we’ve listed out the main points to be aware of when buying (and what to research before going in).
Brand
As stated previously – brand is big. We know there are some products out there that can be played with when it comes to brand name (not everything requires top dollar payment), but when it comes to hair care, we’re begging you to stick to the known names.
Some of the top names in the game of best color depositing shampoo are Joico, Oribe, Celeb Luxury, Davines, and John Frieda. Known for their careful ingredient selection, stunning hydration, and vibrant colors, these options are favorites among many customers.
Price
When it comes to price, we will say that the bigger the number doesn’t always equal a brighter result. While there are some products that go up to $50 per bottle, many of the best color depositing shampoo options on the market are actually in the $10 to $30 range.
The real thing to consider when it comes to price is the usage. Brighter colors like blondes and reds will require more frequent washing to retain those vibrant tones whereas darker browns and blacks can go longer without touch-ups.
Be sure the amount and price are equal in value when it comes to purchasing because no one wants to be paying $50 for every two weeks of washing.
Base Color
Before buying the best color depositing shampoo on the market, consider color options. Base color is a big aspect of lifespan for dye and can make a huge difference to the effect that the highlights have on your hair. Regardless of the base you choose, when that original dye starts to fade color depositing shampoo steps in to slow the loss.
This doesn’t work as a re-dyeing method as dark colors will require bleaching, but it can still slow that lightened base color look and will help in avoiding a stark contrast between dyed color and root color. Honestly, the best move with this one is to ask the hairstylist for any recommendations on the subject.
Staying Power
Bright candles burn fast and that goes for dyed colors too. Every wash will slowly remove color, so the use of color depositing shampoo slows the inevitable.
Many of these products will provide a vibrant effect upon immediate washing, but they don’t all have the lifespan to stick around until the next wash.
It’s important to decide prior to purchasing what lifespan you’re looking for in those locks. Those who need the brightness to last a few days until the next shampooing should research before buying to see how products have held up for customers in terms of timespan.
Now that we’ve covered what they are and how they’ll work, let’s take a look at some of our favorite brands on the market. From blondes to brunettes to redheads and more, this list covers it all:
- Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo: $60
- Davines Alchemic Shampoo Golden: $30
- Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash: $35
- Joico Color Infuse Brown Shampoo: $20
- Together Beauty Blackbird Cleanse Shampoo for Black Hair: $26
- Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash: $35
- Redken Color Extend Graydiant Shampoo: $23
- John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Color Deepening Shampoo: $14
- Punky 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo + Conditioner: $11
- Matrix Total Results Brass Off Blue Shampoo: $17
- Pure Blends Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo: price not currently available
- Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo for a Beautiful Color: $46
12 Best Color Depositing Shampoos
Now that we’ve established what exactly they are and how they work, it’s time to dive into the best color depositing shampoo on the market. Since we can’t pin it all on one brand, we’ve got a great listing of the top 12 options currently available.
#1 – Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo
Whether sporting lighter hair naturally or making it a new look, Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo is here to help that journey out.
The most dangerous aspect of going from darker to lighter is that tinge of brass/copper that doesn’t quite reflect the smooth and natural tones we’re aiming for.
The best solution? A hint of blue and violet to dull the brass and let the lighter blonde tones shine. Countering those orangey elements into a subtle golden haze, this shampoo is all about letting a natural look shine.
In addition to its use in looks, this one doesn’t disappoint in fragrance either. Utilizing ylang ylang for an earthy grounding in addition to the fresh scents of lemon and eucalyptus, this bottle is all about refreshing the user in every way.
Add some spring into the next step when moving forward with this $60 bottle.
#2 – Davines Alchemic Shampoo Golden
Blondes everywhere – we’re looking at you when it comes to the Davines Alchemic Shampoo Golden.
This 280ml bottle is here to make those stunning locks shine with soothing and silky golden tones.
It doesn’t matter where on the blonde scale the hair sits, this shampoo hydrates every strand it touches, leaving behind glowing waves while protecting the hair from dryness or damage.
Avoiding all parabens, sulfates, and silicones, this product works to reflect the natural light notes within the hair and enhance that stunning shade into society.
Grab a bottle for $30.
#3 – Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash
When it comes to variety, the Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash Collection really covers it all.
From the lightest platinum blonde to the richest brown Tahitian pearl, this line includes the whole spectrum making it one of the most diverse color depositing shampoo options out there.
Rich in the color of each bottle, this shampoo sets out to boost the dyed notes in hair with each wash. Vibrance, hydration, and beauty in each wash – what more could be asked for?
That was a rhetorical question of course because we need to mention the ingredient line-up here. A combination of palm, coconut, and sugar blends together to moisturize and hydrate hair as the color soaks in to replenish that shine.
Cruelty-free in ingredients and production, this vegan product is a winning lineup of shades. Each bottle is available for $35.
#4 – Joico Color Infuse Brown Shampoo
Add an element of dimension to those brown locks with the Joico Color Infuse Brown Shampoo.
Let’s be honest, brunettes tend to get the worst reputation when it comes to hair and that’s not a fair judgment at all. Forget that notion of boring brown and bring back the mysterious sexy element of dark waves when using this product.
Highlighting the lighter elements found in brown hair for a multi-dimensional look, this product adds layers of protection, repair, and color enhancement.
Using a Bio-Advance Peptide Complex (sounds scientific and scary, but it’s okay) to care for the hair while coloring it, this concoction actually fights off frizz and breakage to leave a healthy glowing look once washed out.
A bottle from this brand goes for $20.
#5 – Together Beauty Blackbird Cleanse Shampoo for Black Hair
We have to be honest here, the Together Beauty Blackbird Cleanse Shampoo for Black Hair may be one of the best color depositing shampoo options on the market for dark hair.
With 98% natural ingredients in this 100% vegan shampoo, this product is based around charcoal to naturally darken and clean the hair while removing oils and toxins.
Think charcoal is an interesting ingredient? This item also includes black rice, black walnut, quinoa, and mongongo oil.
This shampoo is all about cleaning and coloring for a stunning black shine on that smooth and healthy hair. No parabens and an inclusion of healthy oils promise well-hydrated hair that deeps the dark color and strengthens the scalp and hair as it works.
Each bottle from this brand is $26.
#6 – Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash
Another one from the Celeb Luxury line, the Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash Collection is all about bringing brighter colors home in style.
Best used with light blonde hair (for vibrance and life), these shades embody fun in the sun. From bright pinks and purples to pastel silvers and rose golds, it’s easy to mix and match to find what works best.
We will say that these colors are best displayed on bleached hair, so anyone with darker shades will need to do some work to lighten the load before coloring those luscious locks.
Completely vegan in ingredients and cruelty-free in production, each bottle is available for $35.
#7 – Redken Colour Extend Graydiant Shampoo
We’ve found the best color depositing shampoo for grey hair. Think we’re overselling it? The Redken Colour Extend Graydiant Shampoo begs to differ.
Grey hair doesn’t mean dull. Forget the perils of aging and let that silver shine with this shampoo. Toning down any blonde or copper notes to really highlight the grey, this product is really about showing the beauty of aging and how much life is left to live even once the color is gone.
Softer and shining, hair treated with this shampoo (a conditioner is available too) will transition to a new state of stunning style. Working its repair magic from the scalp outwards, this protection will add some youthful volume with a hydrating boost.
One bottle is available for $23.
#8 – John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Colour Deepening Shampoo
Rich, smooth, and sultry, the John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Colour Deepening Shampoo has made its way on this list for a reason.
We’ll say right away that this may be the best color depositing shampoo for brunettes looking for that deep and dark color.
Using cocoa as its base for a naturally rich tone with a combination of primrose oil for natural hydration, this shampoo is all about introducing luxurious ingredients to the hair for a quick repair and stronger color.
Removing the need for weekly lowlights and hair dying, this product works alongside its conditioner counterpart for a lasting dark shade that anyone will be proud to rock.
Bottles are available for around $14.
#9 – Punky 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo + Conditioner
Combining all the best elements of hair care into a single bottle, the Punky 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo + Conditioner offers a wide variety of colors and contents for a quicker routine.
While many on this list of the best color depositing shampoo options get paired with a conditioner or additional applicator for a deeper color, Punky takes away the extra cost with a 3-in-1 collection.
From standard colors of black and blonde to fun shades of pink, purple, and blue, this lasting color works its way into the hair for a deep color while caring for the strength and protection of the scalp.
Saving dry hair, this hydrating boost kicks in with that shampoo and conditioner combo to really keep things moisturized and healthy. Why not go for faster times, brighter hair, and cheaper costs all in one?
Each bottle of this combo product is available for $11.
#10 – Matrix Total Results Brass Off Blue Shampoo
Those looking to lighten up their darker locks should turn to Matrix Total Results Brass Off Blue Shampoo.
Utilizing the same technique as an earlier noted product on this list, this shampoo is meant to counter brassy tones so often found in that move to lighten up appearances.
Anyone transitioning from darker styles into light browns or blondes should be turning here to avoid the copper conundrum that takes its toll in the process.
Blue and violet pigments in this product meet those orangey shades and counteract them, neutralizing the vibrance into a smooth and subtle golden glow. For stronger results, leave it one to work its magic for up to three minutes before rinsing off and enjoying those light and luscious locks.
Each bottle is available for $17.
#11 – Pure Blends Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo
Every redhead that’s been reading this list in exhaustion – we see you. And we answer the call with the Pure Blends Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo.
We will say that of everything on this list, this product is probably the best color depositing shampoo for red hair. Meant for light browns and natural redheads (or those who’ve dyed it and are looking to maintain color), this product is all about letting red hair really have its moment in the sun.
Providing a vibrance and gloss to the appearance with a single use, this product is known more for its appearance than its lasting lifespan. That said, it softens hair, provides a gentle shine, and boosts color for those nights out on the town. Let that red hair shine with a passion after using this product.
Currently, this product is out of stock.
#12 – Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Colour
We’re ending this section with another one for the blonde and silver players in the game. The Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo for a Beautiful Colour really says it all right in the name.
The gentle action of this rich shampoo massages into the hair and scalp to beckon forward the brighter colors. Upgrading from grey to silver or blah to blonde, this shampoo captures those vibrant tones and pulls them all out for a brighter tomorrow.
Reducing brassy tones in the golden yellow locks, this product is all about indulging in hair care that leads to looking and feeling more comfortable. Natural highlights will shine from above as the sun catches these subtle notes of brazing blonde.
Grab a bottle of this for $46.
Which Color Depositing Shampoos are Best for Blondes?
It’s been a lengthy list, sure, but ultimately when it comes down to color, what’s the best color depositing shampoo for blondes? There are a few from this article we have to highlight:
- Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash: $35
- Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash: $35
- Davines Alchemic Shampoo Golden: $30
- Redken Color Extend Graydiant Shampoo: $23
- Punky 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo + Conditioner: $11
- Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo for a Beautiful Color: $46
We will say that a lot of the lighter blonde options also work to really brighten up grey hair into a glimmering silver. Adding some oomph and pulling out brighter undertones, these products are all about a vibrant and light shine that calls out to the sun.
Which Color Depositing Shampoos are Best for Brunettes?
Brunettes far and wide, come near as we lay out what products from this list are geared towards rich brown tones.
There are quite a few options out there ranging from light to dark brown hair, so be sure to check out the individual product for its specialization before making a blind purchase.
The best color depositing shampoos for brunettes (via this list) are as follows:
- Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo: $60
- Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash: $35
- Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash; $35
- Matrix Total Results Brass Off Blue Shampoo: $17
We did include the Celeb Luxury lines despite the fact that they’re actually a range of colors. While they do offer some shades other than those natural brown notes we’re aiming for here, their brown options had to be highlighted here.
Which color depositing shampoos are best for black hair?
We didn’t highlight this shade as much throughout the article, but the fact is, there are some excellent options out there for dark brown and black tones. So many that we felt the need to give them their own quick highlights here.
Check out the best color depositing shampoo options for black hair:
- Joico Color Infuse Brown Shampoo: $20
- Together Beauty Blackbird Cleanse Shampoo for Black Hair: $26
- John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Color Deepening Shampoo: $14
- Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash: $35
- Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash: $35
We should note that some of the options listed are for a deep brown, but we included them for that multi-dimensional element.
While bright colors (like the reds and blondes listed) won’t really make a difference on dark hair, dark browns will often add a layer of luscious tone to really play in the light of the sun. It’s worth a shot when looking for a shining style to show off to the crowd.
Which Color Depositing Shampoo Lasts the Longest?
Rather than go through every shade and style, we chose our top three options for the best color depositing shampoo when it comes to lifespan:
- Matrix Total Results Brass Off Blue Shampoo: $17
- Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash: $35
- Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo for a Beautiful Color: $46
It’s going to be obvious (we’ll state it anyway) that some of the products on this list are more likely to last with stronger colors for longer time spans.
While these three garner great reviews on their lasting power and color, the others shouldn’t all be tossed aside. It really comes down to what the need for the product is and the colors being worked with.
Anything working against the natural color of the hair will fade faster than those used to highlight natural tones. That can’t be helped.
Routine application will provide longer lifespans when it comes to these shades – especially with products that allow for an application of several minutes to really give the color time to soak in.
How Often Should You Use a Color Depositing Shampoo?
While it’s easy to want that color added with every wash, it’s actually recommended that the best color depositing shampoo use comes from a spaced-out regiment every two to three days.
While it will add more color with each use, the fact is too much use can lead to dull and washed-out effects on the hair (and no one wants that).
The best method is to start out with small amounts and shorter waiting times. Test the shampoo and conditioners with strictly scheduled guidelines on how long it’s left in.
This will provide a starting line as to how dark or vibrant the colors are with increased time. Once that scale of shade is in place, play around to find the perfect timing for that ideal color.
Experts have also recommended a break between the use of shampoo and conditioner. Once the shampoo has been thoroughly lathered and rinsed, take the time to towel dry and remove any additional water. This short step will allow the conditioner to soak into the hair and deepen the colors of the final result.
Final Thoughts
There’s always a trick to using a new product, so be sure to always get research done before introducing it into your routine.
When it comes to preserving any hair color, the tip here is to limit the washing to a few times a week and stick to cool water and heat-resistant products for the longest-lasting effect.
In terms of what product to go with, asking a hairstylist is the easiest route to go. For those searching on your own terms, make sure to plan ahead regarding researched brands, color options, and cost.
Be happy with the color you’ve got for as long as it lasts, but don’t be sad once it’s gone. Just move on to the next look and don’t look back.
Every good shampoo needs a conditioner to go with it. Check out our favorite picks:
Best Color Depositing Conditioner
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