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Sometimes, you’re born with it; other times, it’s hair dye. But regardless of how you achieve your perfect hair color, you have to work to maintain it. The key to keeping any color looking fresh and toned is simple: color-depositing shampoos.
Before you get the wrong idea, no, color-depositing shampoos do not actually dye your hair. Like color-depositing conditioners, color-depositing shampoos are mostly used to enhance hair color by depositing some extra pigment to your hair between salon visits or removing brassiness and neutralizing unwanted undertones. Think of these as a mix between a toner and a very light temporary color. They won’t give you a vibrant dye job, but they’ll enhance whatever it is you’re already rocking, whether that’s a platinum blonde bob or dark waves. To help you find the perfect color-depositing shampoo for your ‘do, I dug my way through tester reviews and consulted the experts, including hairstylist Ro Morgan and hair colorist Jeremy Tardo.
✔️ P.S., This is new, up-to-date info, bb. We updated this article in October 2023 to add new, tested and reviewed color-depositing shampoos and update outdated oldies.
Our top picks for best color-depositing shampoos of 2023:
Now, what you've been waiting for: The 14 best color-depositing shampoos, whether you're looking to tone, temporarily dye, or maintain your hair color. Get ready for some holy-wow hair below.
Pros
- Comes in single-use packets that can easily be packed and used on the go
Cons
- Requires mixing and gloves
Take your hair-color maintenance on the go with these Herbishh hair color shampoo packets. If you’re looking to cover up gray hairs in-between hair coloring sessions, these single-use packets are ideal for touch ups while traveling or at home. The only downside: this product is only available in Dark Brown, Chestnut Brown, and Black, so it’s not ideal for blondes.
- Size: 1 ounce packs x 10
- Best for: Covering up grays
- Sulfate-free? No
Glowing Customer Review: “If you want an easy-to-use hair color, this is perfect. Each pouch has the color and cream together. All you have to do is pour it on your palm or in a small cup and mix. The color is great, covers the gray, and is gentle to your hair.”
Pros
- You only need to leave it in for 2 minutes
Cons
- It’s not cheap!
Platinum blonde, white, or silver hair can develop a yellow, brassy tone over time. To prevent that from happening, try keeping your hair toned with violet-toning pigments, like those found in this René Futerer shampoo. The shampoo is meant to be pigmented enough to cancel out any unwanted yellow, but not so pigmented that it’ll stain your gorgeous hair purple.
- Size: 6.7 ounces
- Best for: White, gray, or platinum blonde hair
- Sulfate-free? No
Glowing Customer Review: “I have been using this shampoo for about 2 months and my hair is shinier, more silver looking, and softer. I love it so much, I also bought the conditioner. Get lots of compliments on my hair!”
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Pros
- Can be applied to any hair product of your choice
Cons
- You don't get a lot of product
If you’re already in a committed relationship with your shampoo and don’t want to part with it, these toning drops will turn your go-to shampoo into a color-perfecting treatment. The blue toner drops are specifically formulated to neutralize brassiness in blondes, silvers, highlights, and dyed brunettes.
- Size: 1 ounce
- Best for: Toning down brassy tones in dyed hair
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “Must have for blond or gray hair. Absolutely love these drops. So versatile as you can add them to any cleansing or styling product.”
Pros
- Contains silk proteins to help nourish your hair and prevent breakage
Cons
- Contains a strong fragrance
If you have brunette hair and are looking to neutralize any orange, brassy, or red tones, get yourself a shampoo with cool, blue tones, like this one from dpHUE. This specific formula is great for all hair types and can be left on longer than five minutes if you want to achieve an intensified result. If you want, follow up with the dpHUE Cool Brunette Conditioner.
- Size: 8.5 ounces
- Best for: Dark-to-light brown hair
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “I got cool, dark brown highlights and it was lightening up and turning brassy after 3-4 months. I used this and it instantly transformed my hair! It made my hair cooler, took out the brassiness and all my coworkers thought I got my hair redone. No need when you have this at home!”
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Pros
- Comes in tons of different colors to match your needs
Cons
- Many reviewers say poor packaging lead to leaks in transit
The Watercolors range by Tressa is Tardo's top choice when it comes to color-depositing shampoos. "I have a lot of my clients using this. The line has a broad spectrum of color options for both natural and metallic colors," he says. Specifically, "the Hazelnut and Mocha Drench shampoos are great for neutralizing unwanted warmth on brunettes, it also has great choices for warm, cool, and beige blondes, as well as beautiful reds like Liquid Copper and Molten Bronze."
- Size: 8.5 ounces
- Best for: All hair colors
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “After Covid I decided to go natural gray. My stylist recommended this product and this is about the fourth time I have bought it. This isn’t a coloring shampoo so much as a color enhancing shampoo. I have recommended it to so many people.”
Pros
- Won’t turn your bleached blonde hair purple, even with repeated use
Cons
- Can be drying on the hair, so some reviewers recommend just using the matching conditioner
"My favorite purple shampoo for blondes is Sachajuan Silver Shampoo. Some purple shampoos are too highly pigmented and others have almost no effect, I find this one to be a perfect balance," says Tardo. Through the use of violet pigments, yellow and golden undertones in blonde hair will be neutralized. Not only that, but your hair won't feel stripped due to the hydrating formula. The silver shampoo can be accompanied by Sachajuan's Silver Conditioner.
- Size: 8.45 ounces
- Best for: Gray and blonde hair
- Sulfate-free? No
Glowing Customer Review: “Best silver shampoo or toner shampoo to get rid of brassy blonde. I’ve tried everything under the sun and this is the only shampoo that actually works great and cleans my hair at the same time. And for once my hair was not brassy blonde!!!”
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Best Color-Depositing Shampoo for Bright Colors
Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash Semi-Permanent Hair Color Depositing Shampoo
Pros
- Keeps bold colors looking fresh
Cons
- It’s so pigmented, some reviewers say it was too thick and needed to be diluted
If you're feelin' like playing around with a little bit of color, look no further than the Celeb Luxury Viral color-depositing shampoo. The line comes in 22 different shades ranging from bright colors to subtle shades of browns, blacks, and blondes. The bright pigments are intense and will show very vibrant on lighter hair, however, the natural colors are made with less pigment to maintain and refresh colored hair.
- Size: 8.25 ounces
- Best for: Pre-lightened or dyed hair
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “I’ve been using this stuff for over two years and will always recommend it. I always get asked if I went and got my hair done because of how shiny and refreshed my hair looks after using this.”
Pros
- Combats brassy tones—but you might have to experiment with application methods
Cons
- Some reviewers complain it stained their hands and showers
If you have darker hair that's been bleached, you're probably no stranger to the brassy, orange tones that always seem to appear after a few washes. Considering brunettes have underlying tones of orange and red, it's no secret that they're bound to reveal themselves sooner or later. Morgan recommends the Fanola No Orange Shampoo for routine use in between coloring appointments. The extra blue pigment will work to neutralize the orange, while the added coconut oil adds the most gorge shine.
- Size: 11.83 ounces
- Best for: Gray, light blonde, or highlighted hair
- Sulfate-free? No
Glowing Customer Review: “My hair has been through some ish, but this stuff works wonders. At one point I had red hair, so my blonde hair has been pulling orange and this stuff saves me a trip back to the hairdresser for a tone!”
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Pros
- Enhances both dyed and naturally red hair
Cons
- One reviewer complained the fragrance was too strong
If you have red hair that skews more pink than orange, it's cool-toned. It can be hard to find a color-depositing shampoo that doesn't cater to warm tones, but the Davines Alchemic Shampoo is specially formulated for cool, red hair. Just listen to one happy tester: "Love at first use! I can't believe how vibrant and shiny my hair is after just one use...cannot and will not live without."
- Size: 9.46 ounces
- Best for: Red hair
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “Love at first use! I can’t believe how vibrant and shiny my hair is after just one use. I use both the shampoo and conditioner. Cannot and will not live without.”
10
Best Cool-Toned Color-Depositing Shampoo
SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength + Color Care Shampoo
Pros
- Moisturizing ingredients keep this shampoo from drying out your hair
Cons
- Not for those looking for extra pigmented shampoos
Not only will this shampoo from SheaMoisture help neutralize any warm, brassy, and yellow undertones, but the formula is specially made to nourish hair after being chemically processed. Enriched with purple rice water, this shampoo will also add shine and hydration to damaged and dry hair.
- Size: 13.5 ounces
- Best for: Highlighted hair that doesn’t need much extra pigment
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “Bought this after getting my hair highlighted for the first time in many years. I’d forgotten how brassy they get. I was relieved to find Shea Moisture has a purple shampoo!”
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Pros
- Part conditioner, this shampoo won’t strip your hair
Cons
- The color isn't always predictable, so many reviewers recommend testing the shampoo before you use it
Not only is this an incredible cleansing shampoo with 20 different shade options, but it also conditions, all while adding color. Score, score, and score. It's common for hair to need extra moisture following a color-depositing shampoo. However, with Keracolor, you don't have to worry about that due to the shea butter, coconut oil, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil—basically a whole slew of nourishing ingredients. Yes, pls.
- Size: 12 ounces
- Best for: Color maintenance in between salon vistis
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “I am on my second bottle of Rose Gold and I am happy with the result. It is not ‘transformational.’ My hair is not pink, it just has some subtle pink highlights, more intense depending on the light, which I can wear to work. For me, that’s perfect.”
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Best Color-Depositing Shampoo for Dark Brown Hair
Matrix Dark Envy Color-Depositing Green Shampoo
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Actually works on dark hair
Cons
- One reviewer notes it didn’t help maintain her green hair dye
True story: My sister is in cosmetology school and FaceTimes me with a new hair color quite often. This time? She went for black and was immediately searching for a product to neutralize the red undertones. Enter: Matrix Total Results Dark Envy Color-Depositing Green Shampoo. Not only did this color-depositing shampoo work like a CHARM on her black hair, but it's also great for deep brunettes too.
- Size: 10.1 ounce
- Best for: Toning dark hair between salon visits
- Sulfate-free? No
Glowing Customer Review: “I got this shampoo to help get the red out of my newly dyed brown hair and it was PERFECT! It worked beautifully and left my hair feeling silky!”
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13
Best Color-Maintenance Shampoo
Shu Uemura Color Lustre Shampoo
Pros
- Works on all hair colors
Cons
- Doesn’t contain any pigment to revive or enhance hair color
If you want to maintain your colored hair without actually depositing any pigment, opt for a color maintenance shampoo. This one from Shu Uemura is a cult favorite due to its delicate formula and hydrating ingredients such as musk rose oil and goji berry extract. This formula is safe to use every time you shampoo, and rest assured, it'll leave your hair lookin' shiny and your color lookin' bright.
- Size: 10 ounces
- Best for: Any color-treated hair
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “This shampoo is very gentle and keeps my hair color in place. I don’t mind spending a little extra on shampoo when it keeps my hair color intact between coloring. Also, it makes my hair very silky and healthy looking.”
Pros
- Contains keratin to combat frizz
Cons
- Some reviewers note it can be drying
If you have black hair and are looking for a color-depositing shampoo to liven up your hue, try this one from Inova Professional. Upon application, the pigment will deepen black hair, meaning that it will eliminate your color from fading and extend the longevity of your color.
- Size: 11 ounces
- Best for: Upkeep on black hair
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “Great shampoo. I love using this because I color my hair less often.”
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Do color-depositing shampoos really work?
Well, yes, color-depositing shampoos do indeed "work." However, before we can understand how, we need to dive into exactly what they are. "A color-depositing shampoo is a mild hair cleanser that contains color pigments," says Tardo. Think of it as a color toner in your shampoo—it can brighten, refresh, or neutralize hair color by depositing a surface layer of tone to your hair, he explains. The color pigment could fade for a number of reasons, explains Morgan: "Shampooing hair, salt, and chlorine water, environmental factors such as sun exposure, and/or using hot tools." And that’s where color-depositing shampoo comes in.
"Most color-depositing shampoos work for all hair types," says Morgan. Yes, they're great for color-treated or chemically-processed hair to tone and maintain the pigments between salon visits. However, if you have dark, non-color-treated, low-porosity hair—AKA your hair cuticles are close together and have trouble absorbing moisture—your hair won't hold the temporary color from the shampoos well. (Peep our hair porosity guide for all your porosity Q's answered.)
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How to use color-depositing shampoo:
As with all beauty and self-care products, your first move should be to check the label and read the instructions to see how your color-depositing shampoo is intended to be used. Once you’ve got that down, here are some more specific tips and tricks:
How to apply color-depositing shampoo:
Because these shampoos, well, deposit color, Morgan and Tardo both recommend wearing gloves when you apply a color-depositing shampoo. (If you're using more of a hair toner shampoo, you can skip this step.) "Lather it into your hair as you would normally use a shampoo. Allow the product to sit for the recommended time—typically three to five minutes, but read the instructions on your shampoo's packaging," says Tardo.
Pro-tip: Once you’re done, you might want to do an extra rinse of your shower to make sure any and all pigment is down the drain and not staining your tiles.
How often should you use a color-depositing shampoo?
"I suggest using it two to three times per week, but not every day," says Morgan. If you like the results but prefer a "stronger or milder effect," Tardo says to allow the shampoo to stay in your hair for more or less time.
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How to choose the best color-depositing shampoo for you:
Choosing the best shampoo for you depends on (1) your current hair color and type and (2) whether you're looking to tone or maintain your preexisting colored hair.
How to choose the best color-depositing shampoo for light hair:
In general, if your hair is lighter and you're looking to use a color-depositing shampoo to temporarily dye your hair, bright, vivid colors will take better than on dark hair. If you’re looking to tone the hair, go for purple or indigo color-depositing shampoo. Just be careful, if you begin to notice that your hair is changing color (think: blonde hair turning purple), that's your indication to decrease use. Oh, and don't freak if this is you, the color will fade eventually due to it not being a permanent dye.
How to choose the best color-depositing shampoo for dark hair:
Bright color-depositing shampoos might not show up on dark brown or black hair, but there are many color-depositing shampoo formulas that are specifically made to enhance the already deep color, as well as tone the hair, especially if you're looking to neutralize any unwanted warmth or brassiness from highlights and/or coloring. If this sounds like you, look for a shampoo with a neutralizing green or blue tint. If you’re hoping to cover up grays, look for a hue closer to your natural color—brown or black.
How to choose the best color-depositing shampoo for curly or relaxed hair:
Color-treated or bleached hair, especially type-3 or type-4 hair, should stick to a sulfate-free color-depositing shampoo. If you want a more personalized option, "you can also work with a hair colorist to create your own shampoo," says Morgan. He explains that you can add a color pigment to any shampoo, but this should only be done by a professional to ensure correct ratios.
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Meet the experts:
- Ro Morgan is a New York-based hairstylist. His specialties include natural hair, wigs, and hair extensions. Morgan works with celebrity clientele such as Naomi Campbell, LionBabe, Precious Lee, and more.
- Jeremy Tardo is a bi-coastal hair colorist and Color Department Head, Educational Director, and Salon Director of Benjamin Salon. He works with celebrity clientele including Miley Cyrus, Jared Leto, Miranda Kerr, and more.
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Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty, and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She's an expert at researching and writing hair and skin care stories, like the best shampoos for curly hair and the hair brands for braiding hair. She regularly tests and analyzes color-depositing shampoos, while working with the industry's top hairstylists to assess new formulas and brands.
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan with 10 years of experience writing about culture and beauty. She loves to research and learn about different hair products so she can track down the very best, including the best volumizing hair products or the best natural hair dyes.
Olivia Truffaut-Wong
Editor
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
Siena Gagliano
Associate Editor
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.