Coloured hair needs special care and maintenance to retain the vibrancy and shine of the colour. Choosing the right shampoo is crucial to prevent drying and fading. Here we review the 15 best shampoos available in India for coloured hair.

How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Coloured Hair

Keep these factors in mind when selecting a shampoo for coloured hair:

• Gentle Cleansing: Avoid shampoos with sulfates which can strip colour. Opt for a mild, sulphate-free formula.
• Colour Protection: Look for shampoos specifically formulated to lock in colour and prevent fading.
• Ingredients: Seek out ingredients like keratin, jojoba oil, quinoa protein etc. that nourish hair and protect colour.
• Hair Type: Pick a shampoo suitable for your hair texture – dry, oily, frizzy, fine etc.
• Format: Creams and clear shampoos are great for fine coloured hair. Opaque shampoos add volume.

15 Best Shampoo for Coloured Hair in India

1. L’Oreal Paris Colour Protect Shampoo

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Key Features

• Sulphate-free, gentle cleanser
• Orchid extracts nourish hair
• UV filters protect colour from fading
• Ideal for daily use

Our Verdict

This affordably priced shampoo from L’Oreal helps retain colour vibrancy with its UV filters. The sulphate-free formula cleanses gently without stripping colour. It is great for daily cleansing of coloured hair.

2. Matrix Opti.Care Anti-Frizz Shampoo

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Key Features

• Shea butter nourishes and softens frizzy hair
• Prevents colour fading
• Smoothens cuticles for frizz-free hair
• Salon-quality formula

Our Verdict

This shampoo from the professional Matrix range helps control frizz effectively in coloured, dry hair. The nourishing formula leaves hair smooth and colour protected. It is the best anti-frizz shampoo for coloured hair.

3. Biolage Colorlast Shampoo

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Key Features

• Locks in hair colour
• Orchid extract and UV filters protect colour
• Paraben-free, gentle for daily use
• Helps retain colour vibrancy

Our Verdict

The gentle sulphate-free formula of this shampoo makes it ideal for daily cleansing of colour treated hair. It retains colour brightness and intensity effectively.

4. BBLUNT Colour Protect Shampoo

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Key Features

• Contains jojoba, olive oils, wheat protein
• Deeply hydrates and nourishes hair
• Sulphate-free formula
• Prevents colour fading

Our Verdict

This sulphate-free shampoo from BBLUNT cleanses coloured hair gently while providing essential nourishment. It retains colour vibrancy and is safe for daily use.

5. Arata Purple Shampoo

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Key Features

• Colour-correcting purple shampoo
• Neutralizes brassy tones in blonde/grey hair
• Infused with lavender oil
• Sulphate-free formula

Our Verdict

This purple shampoo effectively neutralizes unwanted yellow undertones in blonde, grey or highlighted hair. The natural ingredients nourish coloured hair gently.

6. Schwarzkopf Bonacure Color Freeze pH 4.5 Shampoo

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Key Features

• Acidic pH 4.5 formula seals cuticles
• Provides up to 97% colour retention
• Prevents UV damage
• Sulphate-free, gentle formula

Our Verdict

The professional quality Color Freeze range from Schwarzkopf is specially designed to protect colour treated hair. This shampoo delivers exceptional colour locking with its acidic pH formula.

7. Indalo Colour Protect Shampoo

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Key Features

• Contains quinoa protein and argan oil
• Repairs damaged, coloured hair
• Locks in hair colour
• Sulphate-free, paraben-free

Our Verdict

This budget-friendly shampoo from Indalo nourishes coloured hair well with its protein-rich formula. It is free of sulphates making it safe for daily use.

8. L’Oreal Paris Shampoo, Vibrant & Revived Colour

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Key Features

• Revives faded, dull looking hair
• Protects colour from UV damage
• Paraben-free, gentle cleansing
• Infused with orchid extracts

Our Verdict

This affordable drugstore shampoo from L’Oreal Paris instantly boosts colour vibrancy in dull, faded out hair. The paraben-free formula cleanses hair gently.

9. Schwarzkopf Professional Goodbye Yellow Shampoo

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Key Features

• Purple shampoo neutralizes brassy yellow tones
• Ideal for blonde and grey coloured hair
• Contains violet pigments to tone hair
• Cleanses effectively while toning

Our Verdict

The Goodbye Yellow shampoo from Schwarzkopf uses violet pigments to get rid of brassiness in blonde, grey or highlighted hair. It also cleanses effectively while toning coloured hair.

10. Gk Hair Global Keratin UV Color Shield Shampoo

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Key Features

• Contains keratin to strengthen hair
• Protects colour from UV damage
• Shields hair from environmental pollutants
• Sulphate-free, paraben-free

Our Verdict

This shampoo protects coloured hair from fading due to UV exposure and pollution. The keratin-enriched formula strengthens hair and retains colour.

11. Khadi Natural Herbal Colour Protective Shampoo

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Key Features

• Certified organic formulation
• No sulfates, parabens, chemicals
• Herbal ingredients like henna, amla etc.
• Retains colour naturally

Our Verdict

Khadi’s herbal shampoo uses the colour locking properties of natural ingredients like henna to retain hair colour. The organic ayurvedic formula is gentle on hair.

12. St.Botanica Pro Keratin & Argan Shampoo

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Key Features

• Pro-keratin repairs damaged hair
• Argan oil hydrates and nourishes
• Smoothens rough, frizzy hair
• Sulphate-free, paraben-free

Our Verdict

The keratin-protein and argan oil in this shampoo help restore smoothness and shine in dull, damaged coloured hair. It hydrates hair without stripping colour.

13. L’Oreal Paris Moisture Filling Shampoo

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Key Features

• Hyaluronic acid hydrates dry coloured hair
• Restores softness and shine
• Lightweight gel-cream formula
• Paraben-free, gentle cleansing

Our Verdict

This moisturizing shampoo from L’Oreal Paris provides intense hydration to dry, colour treated hair. It makes hair soft, shiny and manageable without weighing it down.

14. Plum ProNex Bond Restore Shampoo

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Key Features

• Repairs bonds in damaged, coloured hair
• Contains hydrolyzed quinoa protein
• Sulphate-free, paraben-free
• Safe for chemically treated hair

Our Verdict

The plant-based formula of this shampoo strengthens and repairs bonds in damaged, porous coloured hair. It helps retain colour and improves hair health.

15. MATRIX Opti.Care Anti-Frizz Shampoo

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Key Features

• Shea butter nourishes dry hair
• Smooth cuticles to control frizz
• Prevents colour fading
• Salon-quality formula

Our Verdict

This frizz-fighting shampoo from Matrix nourishes and smoothens rough, frizzy coloured hair. The professional formula helps retain colour vibrancy.

Comparison for Best Shampoo For Coloured Hair

Tips for Coloured Hair Care

• Use a colour-protect or anti-fade shampoo
• Wash hair less often, about 2-3 times a week
• Rinse with cool water after shampooing
• Limit use of heating tools like blow dryers, straighteners
• Use a heat protectant spray before heat styling
• Get regular touch up gloss treatments
• Avoid chlorine, salt water, pollutants
• Use a UV protection spray before sun exposure

FAQs about Best Shampoo For Coloured Hair

Q. Which shampoo is best for colour hair?

The best shampoos for colored hair are those that are specifically formulated for colour treated hair. Look for a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo that contains ingredients like keratin, UV filters, orchid extract etc. These help retain colour vibrancy and protect hair from damage. Some good options are L’Oreal Paris Colour Protect Shampoo, Matrix Opti.Care Anti-Frizz Shampoo, Schwarzkopf Color Freeze shampoo.

Q. Does coloured hair need special shampoo?

Yes, coloured hair needs a special shampoo that is gentle enough to not strip colour while still effectively cleansing hair. Regular shampoos can be too harsh on colour treated hair and cause fading. A shampoo designed for coloured hair is mild, hydrating and contains ingredients that help lock in colour.

Q. Can we use normal shampoo for colored hair?

It’s best to avoid normal shampoos on coloured hair as they can be too drying and harsh. Most regular shampoos contain sulfates that can strip colour from hair and cause faster fading. Stick to a gentle, sulphate-free colour protecting shampoo formulated specifically for colour treated hair.

Q. Which Indian shampoo is best for coloured hair?

Some good Indian shampoo options for coloured hair are L’Oreal Paris Colour Protect Shampoo, Biolage Colorlast Shampoo, BBlunt Colour Protect Shampoo, Indalo Colour Protect Shampoo, Khadi Natural Herbal Colour Shampoo. These specialized shampoos help retain colour vibrancy with ingredients like UV filters, keratin, henna etc.

Q. Is sulphate shampoo good for Coloured hair?

Sulphate shampoos should be avoided on coloured hair as they can cause drying and fading of colour. The harsh detergents in sulphate-based shampoos can strip colour from hair cuticles. Opt for a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo specially formulated for colour treated hair. These cleanse hair effectively without removing colour.

Q. How often should I wash coloured hair?

Wash coloured hair about 2-3 times a week using a gentle, sulphate-free colour protecting shampoo. Washing less frequently helps retain colour.

Q. Can I use a clarifying shampoo on coloured hair?

Avoid clarifying shampoos as they can be harsh and strip colour. Use a gentle sulphate-free shampoo specially formulated for colour treated hair.

Q. What makes hair colour fade quickly?

Factors like sun exposure, hard water minerals, heat styling, chlorine and pollution can cause hair colour to fade faster.

Q. Should I use cool or hot water to wash coloured hair?

Always use cool or lukewarm water to wash coloured hair. Hot water can cause the cuticles to open, leading to faster fading of hair colour.

Q. How often should I get a touch-up for coloured hair?

Get a gloss or toning treatment done every 4-6 weeks to refresh faded colour and maintain vibrancy in between full colouring sessions.

Q. How often should you wash colored hair?

A. Washing your hair about twice a week is ideal for the color to last long. Frequently washing your hair will result in the hair dye fading sooner. 

Q. Can you use normal shampoo on color-treated hair?

A. No, since regular shampoos tend to contain sulfates and other harsh chemicals, they will strip the color from your hair, leaving it dry and frizzy.

Q. Do I need to shampoo my hair after coloring?

A. No, it’s not recommended to shampoo your hair right after coloring. The color needs time to properly settle in your hair, and washing it too soon might wash away most of the color. It’s ideal to wait for a day or two for a wash after coloring your hair.

Q. How do you keep color-treated hair shiny?

A. To maintain your color-treated hair, use the right hair care products. Choose a mild sulfate-free shampoo for colored hair and pair it with a moisturizing sulfate-free conditioner. Applying a hair mask once a week will also imrpove your hair quality.

Conclusion

Using a specialized colour-protecting shampoo helps maintain the vibrancy of coloured hair and prevents drying or fading. Look for gentle, nourishing formulas with ingredients that lock in colour. Follow the tips shared to keep coloured hair looking salon-fresh for longer.