What Does Clarifying Shampoo Do to Colored Hair?

By: Erin Shaw | Jan 22, 2023

There is nothing more frustrating than having your hair colored and then noticing within a few days or weeks that the color has faded or is exhibiting brassy tones. Unfortunately, the shampoo you use might be the problem. Read on to find out why clarifying shampoo is a big no-no when you have colored hair, plus find out about the best color-safe products to keep your hair's vivid hue last longer.

Here's Why Clarifying Shampoo is Used

Clarifying shampoos are used when you want to deep clean your hair. They are helpful for stripping away product buildup and impurities from your strands or excess sebum. A mild clarifying shampoo can be helpful in certain cases, but it should be used with caution.

"Clarifying shampoo is designed to remove buildup from the hair, which can weigh it down and make it look dull," explained Dr. Firdous Ibrahim of Clinic Spots Healthcare. "This type of shampoo can also be helpful for those who have oily hair or who use a lot of styling products, as it can help to remove excess oil and product buildup. When using a clarifying shampoo, be sure to follow up with a conditioner to help replenish moisture and protect the hair from further damage."

Clarifying shampoos are designed to thoroughly cleanse the hair shaft and scalp but are not intended for everyday use. If you use them too frequently, experts say that clarifying shampoos can cause color-treated hair to fade and dry out. Additionally, if you also use a blow dryer or hot tools on your hair, you're increasing your risk for damaged hair.

Try This Gentle, Moisturizing Color-Safe Duo: GRO Revitalizing Shampoo & Conditioner Kit

The Right Shampoos and Conditioners

Choosing the right shampoo is important, especially for those that get hair color treatments. A clarifying shampoo will remove hair dye and hair color, so you want to find products that are safe and intended for colored hair.

"When choosing a shampoo for colored hair, it is important to look for products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair," explained Dr. Ibrahim. "These shampoos will often be labeled as color-safe or gentle on color. They will also typically contain ingredients that are beneficial for colored hair, such as sunflower seed extract or vitamin E. Additionally, it is important to choose a shampoo that is sulfate-free, as sulfates can strip away color." Dr. Ibrahim noted that when selecting a conditioner, it's wise to look for one that is specifically designed for color-treated hair and to avoid products that contain alcohol, which can dry hair out.

Also, if you've been overusing a deep-cleansing shampoo and your colored or highlighted hair is starting to get dry, try a deep conditioner to help restore moisture.

Ideal Routine for Colored Hair

While coloring your hair can give it a refreshed look, the chemicals used for coloring can make hair drier and, in some cases, frizzy. It can be helpful to use deep conditioning masks or hair masks made from natural oils like coconut oil or VEGAMOUR's Pure Marula Oil.

When washing your hair, be sure to wash it no more than two or three times a week, using a gentle shampoo for colored hair. Here is the care routine for colored hair that Dr. Ibrahim recommended.

Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner

"Sulfates can be harsh on colored hair, stripping away the color and leaving it dull and lifeless," she explained. "Look for products that are specifically labeled as sulfate-free to help keep your color looking fresh."

Avoid Hot Water

"Hot water can also strip away color," she said. "So opt for lukewarm or cool water when washing your hair. This will help keep your color vibrant for longer."

Use a Color-Safe Mask or Treatment

"Masks and treatments can help replenish moisture and protect color-treated hair from damage," said Dr. Ibrahim. "Look for products that are specifically designed for colored hair to get the most benefits."

Limit Heat Styling

Heat styling can cause damage to colored hair. "It's best to limit it as much as possible," she said. "If you do need to use heat styling tools, make sure to use a heat protectant product first."

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals can also strip away color and cause damage. "This includes things like chlorine from swimming pools," Dr. Ibrahim said. "If you do come into contact with chlorine, make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly afterwards."

Wash Smart

Avoid overwashing your hair. "Colored hair tends to be more dry and brittle, so washing it too often can strip away natural oils and moisture," she said. "Aim to wash your hair every two to three days — or every other day if you have oily hair. When washing your hair, use lukewarm water rather than hot. Hot water can cause color to fade more quickly."

Also: 10 Ways You're Washing Your Hair Wrong

Salon-Grade Products Can Help

When it comes to washing your hair, not only is it smart to use a quality shampoo and conditioner that are color-safe but also it's even better to use one that also nourishes the hair biome and scalp, likeVEGAMOUR's GRO Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner Kit.

This duo is enhanced with clinically proven phyto-actives and VEGAMOUR's proprietary Karmatin™ (the first-of-its-kind vegan keratin.) This clean, color-safe duo was made to encourage your shiniest, healthiest hair yet and keep your color bright and fresh. Wild harvested marula oil, as well as organic murumuru butter and ximenia oil, help to condition, moisturize, hydrate and fight free radicals without imparting pore-blocking residue that can irritate your scalp. This shampoo and conditioner are suitable for all hair types and are sulfate-free. They also offer deep cleansing without stripping your hair follicles of the moisture that is key for optimal hair health.

The Takeaway

Clarifying shampoo can be useful, but it's not a replacement for gentle shampoos and conditioners with powerful phyto-actives. If your hair tends to get product buildup or mineral buildup from hard water, it can be helpful to use a clarifying shampoo once in a while. However, if your hair is color-treated or highlighted, you'll be better off using a good quality shampoo and conditioner without unnecessary chemicals that will thoroughly clean your hair, keep it hydrated and protect its color.