Shampoo for highlights is a special type of hair care product designed to protect and enhance colored or highlighted hair. Unlike regular shampoos, these formulas are gentler and free from harsh chemicals that can strip away color. They help maintain the vibrancy of your highlights while keeping your hair healthy and shiny. If you have spent time and money getting the perfect highlights, using the right shampoo is crucial to make them last longer.
Many people think any shampoo will work for highlighted hair, but this is not true. Regular shampoos often contain sulfates, which are cleaning agents that can be too strong for color-treated hair. Sulfates can cause your highlights to fade quickly and leave your hair looking dull. Shampoo for highlights, on the other hand, is sulfate-free and packed with ingredients that nourish your hair while preserving its color.
Why Do You Need a Special Shampoo for Highlights?
Highlighted hair requires extra care because the coloring process can weaken your hair strands. When you get highlights, the hair cuticle is opened to allow the color to penetrate. This makes your hair more porous and prone to damage. A good shampoo for highlights helps seal the cuticle, locking in moisture and color.
Using the wrong shampoo can lead to several problems:
Color Fading: Harsh shampoos strip away the color molecules, making your highlights look less vibrant over time.
Dryness and Damage: Color-treated hair is already more fragile, and strong detergents can make it even drier and more prone to breakage.
Brassiness: Some highlights, especially blonde ones, can turn yellow or orange due to mineral buildup or exposure to hard water. A good shampoo for highlights helps neutralize these unwanted tones.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Shampoo for Highlights
Not all shampoos for highlights are created equal. To get the best results, look for these key ingredients:
Sulfate-Free Cleansers
Sulfates (like sodium lauryl sulfate) are harsh detergents that create a rich lather but can strip away color and natural oils. Sulfate-free shampoos cleanse gently without damaging your highlights.
UV Filters
Sun exposure can fade hair color just like it fades fabric. Shampoos with UV protection help shield your highlights from the sun’s damaging rays.
Moisturizing Agents (e.g., Argan Oil, Shea Butter)
Highlighted hair tends to be dry, so moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter help keep it soft and hydrated.
Color-Depositing Pigments (For Toning)
Some shampoos contain small amounts of purple or blue pigments to neutralize brassiness in blonde or silver highlights. These are often called “purple shampoos” or “blue shampoos.”
Keratin or Protein
Since highlights can weaken hair, protein-rich shampoos help strengthen the strands and reduce breakage.
How to Use Shampoo for Highlights Correctly
Even the best shampoo won’t work well if you don’t use it properly. Follow these steps for the best results:
Wet Your Hair Thoroughly – Use lukewarm water (not hot) to avoid stripping natural oils.
Apply a Small Amount of Shampoo – Since sulfate-free shampoos don’t lather as much, you don’t need a large amount.
Massage Gently – Focus on the scalp and roots, then let the suds run through the lengths of your hair. Avoid rough scrubbing, which can cause frizz.
Rinse Well – Make sure no residue is left behind, as this can weigh hair down.
Follow with a Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair – This will add extra moisture and protection.
For purple or blue shampoos (used to combat brassiness):
Use once or twice a week, not daily, to avoid over-toning.
Leave on for 1-3 minutes before rinsing for best results.
Top Shampoo Recommendations for Highlights
Here are some of the best shampoos for highlighted hair, based on hair type and need:
Best for Blonde Highlights: Purple Shampoo
Fanola No Yellow Shampoo – Strong purple pigment to eliminate brassiness.
Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo – Great for maintaining cool blonde tones.
Best for Brunette Highlights: Blue Shampoo
John Frieda Blue Crush for Brunettes – Neutralizes orange tones in dark highlights.
Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo – Enhances richness in brown highlights.
Best for Moisture & Repair
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo – Repairs damaged hair while preserving color.
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo – Super moisturizing for dry, highlighted hair.
Best Drugstore Option
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Shampoo – Affordable and effective for color protection.
Common Mistakes When Using Shampoo for Highlights
Many people unknowingly make mistakes that reduce the effectiveness of their shampoo. Avoid these common errors:
Washing Hair Too Often – Overwashing can fade color faster. Aim for 2-3 times a week.
Using Hot Water – Hot water opens the hair cuticle, releasing color molecules. Stick to lukewarm or cool water.
Skipping Conditioner – Highlighted hair needs extra moisture, so always follow up with conditioner.
Not Using a Clarifying Shampoo Occasionally – Product buildup can dull highlights. Use a clarifying shampoo once a month (but not too often).
DIY Alternatives: Can You Make Your Own Shampoo for Highlights?
If you prefer natural products, you can try making a gentle shampoo at home. However, keep in mind that homemade shampoos may not be as effective at preserving color. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
½ cup liquid castile soap (sulfate-free)
1 cup distilled water
1 tbsp coconut oil (for moisture)
5 drops lavender or rosemary oil (for scent)
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bottle.
Shake well before each use.
Use as you would regular shampoo, but note that it won’t lather much.
Note: This won’t tone brassiness like a purple shampoo would. For toning, you’d need to add violet dye, which can be messy.
Conclusion
Using the right shampoo for highlights is essential to keep your color looking fresh and vibrant. Regular shampoos can strip away color and moisture, leaving your hair dull and damaged. Instead, opt for a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo with nourishing ingredients like UV filters, moisturizing oils, and toning pigments. Remember to wash your hair gently, avoid hot water, and follow up with a good conditioner. Whether you choose a high-end brand or a drugstore option, the key is consistency in your hair care routine. With the right shampoo, your highlights will stay beautiful for weeks longer!
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