Most drugstore shampoos and conditioners can cause faster color fading, dryness, and dullness in color treated hair compared to formulas designed specifically for colored hair.
- They Often Contain Sulfates
Many over the counter products include sulfate detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate. These ingredients are great at removing dirt and oil but they also strip color molecules from your hair.
As Result: Faded color, brassy tones, and shorter color longevity.
- They Don’t Have a Color Safe pH
Color treated hair needs products that help seal the hair cuticle. Most stores bought shampoos have a high pH, which opens the cuticle and lets color escape.
As Result: Loss of shine and vibrancy.
- They Lack Moisturizing, Color Protecting Ingredients
Salon grade color shampoos include ingredients like:
• UV filters
• Bond builders
• Color protecting oils
•Protein and ceramides
Most OTC products do not include these, so they fail to nourish and protect treated hair.
As Result: Dryness, breakage, and dullness.
- Heavy Silicones Cause Build Up
Drugstore conditioners often use heavy silicones that coat hair. While hair feels smooth initially, built up silicones:
Block moisture from entering
Trap dulling residue
Weigh hair down
As Result: Color looks flat and lifeless over time.
- They Accelerate Color Fade
All of the above lead to a common issue: rapid fading of hair color. This means more frequent salon visits and more money spent over time.
Best Practices for Color Treated Hair
Use shampoos & conditioners that are:
• Sulfate free
• PH balanced for color treated hair
• Formulated with UV protection and moisturizing nutrients
• Free of heavy silicones that cause buildup