Why you need to look for *this* type of shampoo if you dye your hair

If you dye your hair, there are certain undeniable truths, the least of which is this: For as long as it feels like it takes for your hair color to develop while parked in your colorist’s chair (AKA an eternity), it can feel like the time in between those color sessions goes by in the blink of an eye. To maximize the days in between the salon, it all comes down to the hair products you’re using.

“The most important measures for color-treated hair are preventing fading and dryness,” says Nancy Twine, founder of Briogeo hair care. So it’s prime time to start migrating your hair regimen from regular shampoos and conditioners to those that specifically treat color-treated lengths—or, simply know what to look for in terms of ingredients.

“They key is using sulfate-free products, and products containing proteins in conjunction with catalyst moisturizers,” she says. That’s because sulfates can strip the color molecules from your strands more quickly, making the color not last as long. As for the proteins, they’re essential in keeping your locks strong and better able to hold the hair dye in. Because the last thing you want is that salon-fresh color to fade.

Keep scrolling to shop color-friendly hair care.

Shop color-protecting shampoos

Live Clean Argan Oil Restorative Shampoo $6

Intelligent Nutrients PureServe Color Saving Shampoo $43

Rahua Color Full Shampoo $38

Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo $22

Innersense Color Awakening Hairbath $26

L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo $8

Briogeo Rosarco Repair Shampoo $24

OGX Fade-Defying Orchid Oil Shampoo $5

Make sure you’re also treating your scalp. By the way, these are the 6 blow dryers that blew our editors away (ahem).