Gaga

Gaga is a blogger and founder of the Softer Hair website. She often says that insomnia is to blame for her first blogging attempts. Being the night owl, she hated the morning alarm. She left her office job and returned to what she loved most - writing.

 

5 Keratin Masks for Damaged Hair, Ingredients, and How to Apply

What is Keratin?

Keratin is a tough, fibrous protein naturally found in our hair, skin, and nails. It’s a vital structural component that makes our hair strong. The hair is up to 85% keratin which forms both the interior structure (cortex) and the outermost layer of the hair (cuticle).

The amount of keratin in hair diminishes with aging and can be also negatively affected by heat styling, chemical treatments, aggressive brushing, and environmental stressors.

When the cuticle layer is damaged, moisture escapes easily and your hair can become overly dry. The loss of keratin also makes your hair dull and prone to tangles and frizz. Without a healthy and compact cuticle layer, the middle layer of the hair shaft-cortex becomes exposed to damage, which leads to weak and inelastic hair.

healthy vs damaged hair

While that may sound grim, your damaged hair isn’t subject to a short (pun intended) life of being covered by hats and scarves. 🙂

With the reconstructing power of keratin masks, all the unwelcome changes in your hair due to keratin loss can be minimized. In just several minutes, these intensive treatments can replenish missing or damaged keratin and dramatically improve the condition of your hair.

How to Use Keratin Hair Mask to Fix Damaged Hair?

Hydrolyzed keratin proteins in hair masks will not permanently renew damaged hair. Protein particles that bind to the hair will rinse off over time, which is why keratin hair masks should be repeated once a week or bi-weekly to keep dry and over-processed hair strong, soft, and frizz-free.

a woman applying a keratin hair mask

Keratin Repair Mask Ingredients

Make sure to read the label and look for ingredients such as amino acids, hydrolyzed keratin, hydrolyzed soy protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and hydrolyzed silk. To be sure that your mask will provide you with the precious benefits of hydrolyzed proteins, these proteins should be listed high up in the ingredient list rather than at the very bottom of it. HASK KERATIN PROTEIN Deep Conditioner listed below is a good example.

Some hair masks use “keratin” in their name, but don’t contain keratin proteins at all. These so-called keratin masks have a high content of silicones, which will either wash out with the next shampoo or build up on your hair and you must use a clarifying shampoo to eliminate them.

You should also avoid keratin hair masks that contain sodium chloride, which may strip keratin from your hair.

Below is a list of several high-quality keratin reconstructive hair masks you might want to consider.

Related Article

5 Keratin Replenishing Hair Masks 

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1. HASK KERATIN PROTEIN Deep Conditioner Treatment is designed to restore and strengthen damaged hair.

Who should use it? This deep conditioner works exceptionally for women who have been dying their hair for years and struggle with dry, over-processed, and breakage-prone strands.

Key ingredients: Keratin amino acids are listed very high on the label, which means that this compound is present in large amounts. Keratin amino acids bind to the hair shaft, making overly porous hair look healthier and shinier. Coarse hair will be soft, frizz-free, and easy to detangle and style.

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2. Phyto Phytokeratine Extreme Exceptional Mask is a regenerative conditioning treatment for dry, damaged hair. The main ingredient is botanical keratin composed of 18 amino acids. While a majority of repairing hair masks contain silicones in their formula, this mask is free of bad silicones, parabens, and phthalates. This regenerative mask deeply repairs and nourishes dry and damaged hair while restoring its elasticity and strength.

Key ingredients:

Botanical Keratin fills in the gaps in the damaged hair shaft and seals the cuticle to reduce frizz and boost shine.

Sapota Seed Butter, rich in fatty acids nourishes the scalp and adds shine to the hair without leaving a greasy residue.

Baobab oil restores the protective hydrolipidic coating around the hair strands and increases hair strength and suppleness.

Buriti fruit oil is rich in essential fatty acids and has potent antioxidant properties. It revitalizes dry hair, boosts elasticity, and fights frizz.

How to use: After shampooing, apply a small amount of the mask to mid-lengths and ends. Use a wide-toothed comb to coat your hair completely. If your hair is fine or thinning, apply a smaller amount, focusing on mid-lengths and ends, and leave it on for 2 to 3 minutes. If your hair is thick, apply the product more generously to the length and the ends of your hair and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes.

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3. Hair Rejuvenating Mask by Damila uses hydrolyzed keratins to provide remarkable restorative and conditioning benefits to damaged and over-processed hair. With the very first use, the mask transforms damaged strands into silkier, shinier hair. Regular use provides cumulative effects, making hair stronger and healthier.

Key ingredients:

Keratin proteins repair damaged spots along the cuticle, leaving hair stronger, silkier, and shinier. They leave behind a layer of protection to shield the hair from the effects of heat styling and minimize future damage.

Panthenol is a highly effective humectant that helps retain moisture, making hair more resistant to humidity.

Collagen helps improve hair’s thickness while boosting natural sheen.

How to use: Apply the mask to clean, damp hair. Massage into the hair to distribute it evenly. Cover with a plastic cap and let it sit for several minutes. Rinse out and style as normal. Use biweekly or more often if needed.

keratin mask applied to the client's hair in the salon
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4. Luseta Keratin Smooth Hair Mask is infused with keratin to provide nourishment for dry, damaged, and weakened hair. The mask is free of sulfates, paraben, gluten, and other harmful ingredients. It is also safe for color-treated hair. Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, and Hydrolyzed Soy Protein replenish lost keratin, restore elasticity, and add shine and softness.

How to use: Apply this mask weekly and leave it on your hair for five minutes while in the shower.

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5. AG Hair Keratin Repair Reconstruct Intense Anti-Breakage Mask is an intensive conditioning treatment formulated to reconstruct dry and damaged hair that has undergone chemical treatments such as bleaching or chemical straightening. This hair mask infuses hair with much-needed moisture and restores elasticity, leaving your hair softer, shinier, more manageable, and more resistant to breakage when you brush it. It doesn’t leave residue behind or weigh down fine hair.

Key ingredients: This hair mask is packed with keratin amino acids, silk proteins, and shea butter.

Thanks to their small molecular weight, keratin amino acids penetrate the hair shaft to repair the damage while adding moisture, strength, and elasticity. They also repair damaged cuticles, giving your hair smoothness and shine.

Silk amino acids help preserve moisture and provide additional strength, suppleness, and glow.

Shea butter is a great emollient that helps lock in moisture and condition hair.

Abyssinian oil keeps hair moisturized and improves its manageability and shine.

The blend of superfruits has antioxidant properties that promote hair and scalp health.

How to use: Massage into damp hair after shampooing. Leave it on for 2-5 minutes. To intensify the effects, wrap your hair and apply heat for 10-15 mins. Rinse.

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pretty girl with strong and healthy hair

Best Blue Toning Shampoos for Brunettes

Unintentional warm tones don’t just affect people with blonde hair. If you have naturally dark hair that’s been lightened, your hair will probably develop red and orange tones over time. This can also happen if you’ve dyed your blond hair to a darker shade.

Staying in the sun and using hard water for washing hair can hasten the emergence of reddish and orange hues in virgin or dyed brunette hair.

As you probably know, using purple shampoo is the easiest way to prevent blonde hair from turning brassy. However, purple shampoo isn’t effective at canceling orange tones in brunette hair.

Fortunately, there is a new hair toning product to address this, blue shampoo.

With the launch of blue shampoos, brunettes now have their product to keep their hair color deep and fresh!

blue shampoo in client's hair in the salon

How to Use a Blue Shampoo?

Blue toning shampoo has the same concept as purple shampoo when it comes to neutralizing unwanted underlying tones. Blue neutralizes orange because they are opposite colors on the color wheel.

Hair shampoos infused with blue pigments counteract warm tones and enhance the cool tones of brown, dark blonde, and/or highlighted brown hair.

To get rid of warm tones in brunette hair, use a blue shampoo once or twice a week, alternating it with your favorite shampoo. This is a fairly safe way to neutralize unwanted orange tones in processed hair that is not in great condition.

To intensify the effects, use your blue shampoo with its corresponding blue conditioner.

Blue Shampoo Brands

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1. Fanola No Orange Shampoo       

No Orange Shampoo is formulated for brown and dark blonde hair with unwanted orange and reddish tones. Thanks to the dark blue pigments, it neutralizes unwanted orange tones and copper-red reflections in the hair. These unwanted warm tones are the result of color processing.

Unlike Fanola Purple Shampoo, which is intended for lighter hair, Fanola No Orange Shampoo has an intense blue color and is intended for application on darker-colored hair.

It is recommended to use this shampoo once or twice a week. It may take several applications to achieve the desired results. Regular use keeps brown hair shiny and prolongs the longevity of hair color.

This shampoo also works well on graying hair, making gray strands darker and less noticeable.

Note: This shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate in its formula.

2. ShiKai Color Reflect Deep Shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients to gently cleanse your hair and slow down color fading. UV filters and natural sunflower extract work to extend the life of your color. Glycerin, Panthenol, and Aloe Vera nourish and moisturize your strands.

The extract, also made from blue & black Malva flowers, can impart dark tones to all hair colors. It adds depth and richness to brunette hair.

This shampoo increases hair’s ability to reflect light, creating a brilliant shine.

Color Reflect Shampoo is free of synthetic fragrances commonly found in ordinary hair shampoos.

Make sure to leave this shampoo in your hair for a couple of minutes before rinsing it out. To maximize the effects, couple it with ShiKai Color Reflect Conditioner. 

blue shampoo in brunette hair

3. Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo is designed for brunettes that lighten their locks. It contains both blue and violet pigments and therefore can be used to take yellow/brass out of blonde hair and to counteract red/brass tones in brown hair. Matrix Brass Off Shampoo will also eliminate orange tones from brown hair with highlights.

It also helps eliminate brassiness caused by using hard water for washing your hair.

For more intense toning, leave this shampoo in your hair for several minutes after the cleansing action has been completed. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner as this shampoo can leave your hair a bit dry.

4. Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo is formulated with tone-correcting blue pigments that attach to the hair and can last through multiple shampoos.

This shampoo is designed to take out all underlying red and orange tones in dyed brown hair, making your color look refreshed and pretty. It also helps remove unwanted brassiness from blonde highlights in brown hair.

5. Aveda Black Malva Shampoo is designed to banish the reddish and brassy tones and bring out cool, deep tones in natural and colored dark hair. The effects last up to 3 washes.

Aveda Black Malva Shampoo has a dark purple color, and a fresh, sweet scent. The formula contains wild-crafted black Malva, which has emollient properties. The ingredient list also includes black tea, known as a natural shine enhancer, and Aloe Vera, which has moisturizing and soothing properties.

This shampoo gently cleanses hair without stripping its natural oils and leaves your locks clean, soft, and shiny.

The Black Malva Shampoo helps revive natural hair color during the summer months when your hair is more prone to fading and developing reddish and orange tones.

If your overly porous dark-colored hair tends to fade quickly, this shampoo can help darken your color and prolong the time between salon trips.

Black Malva is not recommended for blondes hair as it may turn blonde hair green. If you are blonde, use Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo.

Beautiful young brunette with hair brush

What Are The Best Purple Toners for Blonde Hair and How to Use Them

When you are dying your dark hair blonde, the bleaching process cannot eliminate all underlying dark and red pigments in your hair. Your color may look bright and beautiful for a few weeks, but your hair may likely start revealing warm undertones and lose your desired hue over time. Other factors that may lead to discoloration and the appearance of brassy tones include hard water in your home, exposure to smoke, and the use of harsh hair care products.

One of the most efficient ways to eliminate these unappealing tones from bleached hair and maintain the desired color is to use a hair toner.

Blonde hair that needs toning treatment

What Does a Toner Do to your Hair?

A bleaching process removes most of the natural pigments, resulting in yellow-blonde hair. A hair toner is designed to tone pre-lightened hair to achieve the finished look and to correct unwanted brassy, yellow, and orange tones.

Most of the toners need to be mixed with a developer to work. Hair toners only deposit color, and for that reason,  they are ideal if you want to change your hair color but you are afraid of commitment.

If you use a toner to remove unwanted pigment, you need to use a shade opposite the color you’re trying to treat on the color wheel. Unlike purple shampoos which remove brassiness gradually over time, purple toners remove unwanted warm colors in just one application.

Toners can’t be used to lighten your existing color. They are meant to be applied to pre-lightened or blonde hair. If your current color is dark and you want a light ashy or platinum color, your hair has to be lifted to the right level before toning.

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blonde woman after using purple toner on her hair

Other Uses of Hair Toners

  1. Hair toners can make your highlights look fresh and more natural. They help blend your highlights with the rest of your hair.
  2. They are also used to refresh and maintain your hair color between color appointments.
  3. Toners are sometimes used to even your shade and fix a bad dye job.
  4. A hair toner can also brighten dull hair and enhance its shine.
  5. This is a great product for making gray hair brighter and more beautiful.
  6. Hair toners are a gentler alternative to permanent hair color and can be applied biweekly without causing serious damage to your hair.

Why do Blondes Need a Toner?

Although toners can be used on all shades of color, they are most commonly used on blonde hair. If you’ve recently bleached your locks, or have gotten highlights, the toner will remove any remaining brass and give your shade a more finished look.

Hair toners for blondes are usually purple or blue-tinted and they add gold, ash, or neutral tones to blonde locks. A violet toner will eliminate yellow tones, while blue toner helps combat orange tones. If you have a blend of yellow and orange brassiness, you should combine both toners.

Purple toners can sometimes add a bit of a lavender hue, which will fade after a couple of washes.

cute girl with beautifullz toned blonde hair

The Best Purple Toners for Maintaining Blonde Hair

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1. Wella Color Charm T18 Lightest Ash Blonde Toner

If you decide to go platinum blonde, this toner will be your best friend. This easy-to-use blue/violet toner is the perfect alternative to an expensive salon visit.

This is the best toner for maintaining an ash blonde or silver shade. It kills brassy and orange undertones in just one application while enhancing a white-blonde color.

This toner will only work if your hair is level 8 or higher. Your hair has to be bleached to a pale yellow before toning to get a platinum/silver/white shade.

How to use: Towel dry your hair until it is slightly damp. Mix 1 part of the toner with 2 parts of the 20-volume developer and leave the mixture on your hair for up to 30 minutes. Start from your roots and work down to your ends. If your roots are dark you should avoid the root area because the toner can make your roots brassy. One bottle should be enough for medium-length hair.

Check frequently as your hair processes, because this toner develops very fast. If left too long it can turn your hair purple, especially if you have high-porosity hair. To prevent over-toning, mix it with a low-volume developer and apply a clear protein filler.

To get rid of excess T18 in your hair you just need a few hair washes. Use a clarifying shampoo if you have a lot of buildups.

Use a purple shampoo to counteract the brassiness and keep your blonde looking cool.

a woman with cool blonde hair after toning

2. Kenra Brightening Treatment

Kenra Brightening Treatment is formulated with violet pigments and conditioning ingredients to take the brassiness out and nourish over-processed hair. It has a creamy texture and a very nice smell.

This treatment helps to eliminate brassy tones and leaves your hair bright and soft. You can notice increased brightness after the first use and your hair will feel softer and healthier. It is less drying than purple shampoos and less damaging to hair than permanent dyes. This treatment also can brighten and soften gray hair.

Apply the product to freshly shampooed hair and leave it for 3-5 minutes. Use it once a week.

3. Redken Shades EQ 9V Platinum Iceir?t=softerhair 20&l=am2&o=1&a=B005JFUWCC

This demi-permanent toner can be used on bleached or natural blonde hair to remove yellow/brassy tones, enhance the color, and add a glossy shine.

The results are long-lasting. Unlike semi-permanent toners, this toner can last up to 24 shampoos.

To achieve the desired results, you must use the proper developer. Mix the toner in a 1:1 ratio with the Shades EQ Processing Solution. Apply the mixture all over your damp hair using an applicator bottle. You have to work fast, as the mixture can process very quickly. Leave it to develop for 5-20 minutes. You need to keep an eye on the color, as it will turn your hair purple/gray if left too long.

4. Brilliant Silver White Hair Toner Blonde & Grey Hairir?t=softerhair 20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00U7WPN8U

This purple toner can be used on bleached blonde or grey hair to remove brassiness and add softness and shine. It especially works great on grey/silver hair

This gentle, water-based product will not dry out your hair. It is short-lasting and washes out in just a few washes. However, this toner is very concentrated and effective, so you can get the desired results using only a few drops.

Suggested use: Instead of mixing with a developer, you need to dilute 10-25 drops into a liter of warm water. Then pour the solution over your freshly washed hair. It could be hard to get the product over your hair evenly. No need to wash out your hair. Just dry and style as normal!

If your hair is quite dry, or porous, use fewer drops, as the product may turn the driest and most damaged parts of your hair purple.

5. Pravana Chromasilk Express Tones – Violet

This ammonia-free toner for highlights and blonde hair works perfectly if you have a lot of brassiness. It adds incredible shine, evens porosity, and leaves your hair looking healthier.

This toner works fast and offers long-lasting natural tones in less than 5 minutes. Apply to previously highlighted hair at a level 8-10. If you leave it to process for longer, you will get a violet color that washes out in a week or two. It is formulated to be mixed with ChromaSilk Zero Lift Developer and it can be mixed with other shades in the Pravana ChromaSilk Express Tones line if you want to customize your beautiful blonde.

fair-haired beautiful woman with broad smile

How to Use Hair Toners

Bleach your hair to one level lighter than your desired shade, then shampoo thoroughly to remove the lightener. Don’t condition your hair because a conditioner will close the cuticle, interfering with the pigment penetration. If your hair is overly porous, use a porosity equalizer such as a neutral protein filler before toning. This will help produce a more even color result and slow down the fading process.

Wear gloves to prevent staining your hands. Mix the toner with a developer according to directions (5-20V at the most) and apply the mixture to damp hair. If you have a sensitive scalp, use a 10-volume developer.

Apply the toning mixture to slightly damp hair using a tint brush and make sure to work it quickly and thoroughly. The toner needs to be applied to your lightened roots first, and then to the mid-lengths and ends. This gives extra time for the roots to process and prevents over-toning your dry and damaged ends.

Check the instructions on the bottle and leave the mixture in the hair for the recommended time. It takes 5-30 minutes to work, depending on the product. Check frequently as the toner processes to prevent over-developing.

After achieving the desired tone, rinse out the product, and apply a regular conditioner.

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How to Keep Your Hair Brass-Free for Longer

Don’t wash your hair for 48 hours after toning because it will start to fade. The color washes out and becomes duller with every shampoo. To keep the brassiness at bay, use a purple shampoo once a week.

If you don’t use purple shampoo, it takes about 2-3 weeks before the brassiness reappears. Using a purple shampoo occasionally will prolong the effects of hair toner and keep your color more vivid and beautiful.

Use a sulfate-free shampoo that is meant for color-treated hair. Use lukewarm water to rinse your hair.

young woman in casual clothes with blonde dyed hair

Benefits of Ionic Hair Dryers and their Advantages over Regular Blow-Dryers

Conventional hair dryers use a hot airflow, which is generated by the fan to evaporate water from your hair. The downside of these devices is that they emit plenty of positively charged ions that lift the hair cuticle, allowing natural moisture to escape. Hot air, combined with positive ions, can cause frizz and flyaway hair.

Hair Dryers with Ionic Technology

Ionic hair dryers release negative ions that help reduce static electricity and close hair cuticles. Blow-dryers with ionic technology provide faster drying, prevent heat damage, and make hair smooth and glossy.  

Ionic Generator

Newer-model hair dryers have a built-in ion generator that produces negative ions, making the drying process faster and gentler for your hair. Negatively charged ions neutralize static caused by positive ions and tame flyaway hair. Negative ions also help seal in moisture and flatten the cuticle, making hair smooth and shiny.

young woman using an ionic dryer to dry her hair

Other Ion-Producing Components

Some internal components such as ceramic heaters and tourmaline beads also contribute to the production of negative ions and maximize the positive effects of an ionic generator. Tourmaline is a semiprecious stone that can emit negative ions and far-infrared rays.

Tourmaline powder is infused into the heating unit and other internal parts of a hairdryer to make the drying process gentler. Tourmaline components increase the production of negative ions which, in turn, reduce drying time and ensure smooth and shiny hair.

Hair dryers that use both tourmaline-infused components and an ionic generator provide the best results for most types of hair.

Young woman in bath towel drying hair

What are the Benefits of Ionic Blow Dryers

  • Decreased drying time: Thick, long hair would normally take forever to dry. An ionic dryer breaks down water particles in the hair, causing water to evaporate faster, hence accelerating the drying process. Using an ionic hair dryer can cut the drying time in half.
  • Less heat damage: Hair dryers with ionic technology are very gentle on your hair. This type of hair dryer uses less heat to dry hair than a standard blow dryer. Since drying time is decreased, it is less likely that hot airflow will cause damage to your hair.
  • Less frizz: If your hair is prone to static, the negative ions will neutralize the static charges and minimize flyaways. Ionic technology also helps tighten the cuticles, creating a smooth, shiny, and frizz-free finish. Ionic dryers also help reduce the hair’s surface tension, leaving your strands less prone to tangles.
  • Softer hair: Negative ions help lock in moisture, making your hair feel softer and more luxurious than an ordinary hair dryer would. It is easier to style your hair and create a smooth finish.
  • Comfortable to use: Being light-weighted, ionic blow dryers can be handled with ease. They are less likely to cause discomfort in your shoulders or make your arms tired. Smaller units are easy to carry when traveling.
  • Longer Lifespan: Ionic hair dryers are more durable and have a longer lifespan than conventional hair dryers. Quality units may be more expensive than standard blow dryers, but there are good chances that they will be worth the investment because of the benefits they can provide to their users.
Do ionic hair dryers work? Blow dry comparison: ions on VS ions off

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How Do Ionic Blow-Dryers Work for Different Hair Types

Asian woman blow drying hair with an ionic dryer

Your hair type determines which hair dryer is best for your needs.

Thick hair: Ionic hair dryers work great for thick hair because they allow you to dry your hair fast. The best Ionic dryers have customizable ionic settings to meet your drying and styling needs. Turbo ionic switch is suitable for thick/coarse hair as it offers faster drying and frizz reduction.

Frizzy hair: Ionic hair dryers are ideal for reducing frizz. They close the cuticle and lock in moisture, making the hair more resistant to frizz.

Flyaway hair: An ionic hair dryer seals the cuticle to help you achieve silky hair, free of flyaways.

Long hair: It takes a long time for people with long hair to blow dry their hair using regular hair dryers. An ionic hair dryer helps decrease the drying time.

Curly hair: Ionic blow dryers are suitable for curly hair because they help lock in moisture and achieve silky, frizz-free curls.

Fine hair: For fine, thin hair, it is not recommended to use the turbo ionic switch, as it can leave fine hair limp and tired-looking.

Quality ionic hair dryers that are available for a reasonable price: CHI Rocket Hair Dryer, Conair INFINITI PRO 1875- Watt Ion Choice Hair Dryer, and Hot Tools Pro Signature Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer.

young woman blowdrying her hair in the bathroom

Purple Conditioners for Blonde and Silver Hair, How to Use, and Products

Blonde hair coloring tends to lose brightness over time, revealing yellow or brassy undertones. This can be escalated by prolonged sun exposure, swimming in chlorinated pools, and using hard water while washing your hair.

In response to this problem, purple shampoos and conditioners have been formulated to tone down the brassiness and maintain the salon-fresh color of blonde and silver hair. These products also help to brighten gray hair and prevent natural blonde hair from turning yellow.

How Do Purple Conditioners Work?

Purple shampoos and conditioners use violet pigments to help neutralize brassiness and achieve a cleaner, whiter tone. Purple is the opposite color of yellow on the color wheel, so if your hair starts turning brassy, purple shampoo and conditioner will help cancel out warm undertones.

A cute girl with blonde hair treated with purple conditioner

Purple conditioners contain the same yellow-reducing ingredients that you can find in purple shampoos, but with added emollients and moisturizers to condition and hydrate your hair.

A purple conditioner can be used with the corresponding purple shampoo or after your regular shampoo. Most purple shampoos can leave hair dry, while purple conditioners add moisture and leave your hair soft and manageable. If your hair feels dry after using a purple shampoo, try to use a purple conditioner in combination with your regular shampoo. You can also use a purple mask as a milder alternative to purple shampoos.

This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.

5 Purple Hued Conditioners that will Brighten your Locks

1. ORIBE Bright Blonde Conditioner for Beautiful Color

This conditioner contains special violet pigments to eliminate brassy and yellow tones while restoring the softness and shine of blonde hair. A blend of Lemon, Chamomile Extract, and Ginger Root work to lighten your hair gradually. This formula contains special ingredients to nourish porous, color-damaged hair.

Oribe Signature Complex (Watermelon, Lychee, and Edelweiss Flower Extracts) helps preserve natural keratin and reduce hair porosity while protecting your hair from oxidative stress and color fading. Shea butter and plant oils help hydrate your hair and enhance sheen. Sunscreens are included to protect the hair from over-drying and color fading.

Unlike other purple conditioners that are supposed to be used once a week, this conditioner is advertised to be safe for daily use.

2. Oribe Silverati Conditioner

This conditioner is specially developed to brighten gray and silver strands while restoring youthfulness, elasticity, and shine to the hair.

a woman with icy blonde hair nourished with purple conditioner

3. Theorie Purple Sage Brightening Conditioner

This purple conditioner is designed to keep brassiness at bay and to restore beautiful blonde and silver hair tones. Sage herb in its formula helps regulate sebum production, combats hair loss, and stimulates hair growth. Grape seed extract moisturizes hair, prevents frizz, and promotes hair growth. Helichrysum extract detangles and hydrates hair, treats dandruff, and imparts shine. Hyaluronic Acid moisturizes hair and stimulates keratin production to strengthen the hair fiber.

This conditioning formula is infused with keratin to reverse the damage and reduce porosity.

Other natural ingredients include Salvia Officinalis Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, and Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil.

4. Loma Hair Care Violet Conditioner

This innovative blue-violet pigmented conditioner is formulated to brighten blonde and grey hair. It is infused with Aloemoist Complex to prevent drying out your hair while removing brassy or orange tones.

This conditioner keeps blonde hair vibrant between color appointments and also embraces natural grey tones and prevents white hair from turning yellow.

5. Joico Color Balance Purple Conditioner

Joico conditioner is formulated to banish yellow tones in blonde, gray, and highlighted hair. It uses Smartrelease technology that continuously releases rosehip oil, arginine, and keratin to improve the condition of chemically processed hair. Violet pigments attach to the hair and instantly neutralize unwanted warm tones.

When combined with Color Balance Purple Shampoo it will keep your hair brass-free for up to 12 washes.

How to Use a Purple Conditioner

As previously mentioned, you can use a purple conditioner in conjunction with the matching shampoo or after your regular shampoo. It is not supposed to be used every time you wash your hair. To prevent developing a bluish tinge, limit the use of a purple conditioner to about once a week.

Shake the bottle well before use. Work the product through your hair and make sure to allow it time to work. If left longer than recommended, purple conditioner can leave a purple hue in your hair, especially if your hair is light blonde, over-processed, or overly porous. To get rid of the purple hue, just wash your hair again.

If you notice your hair feels dry, apply a deep conditioner to moisturize your strands from the inside out.

fashion blonde girl spending a night out

What Is the Best Shampoo to Make Your Hair Soft and Silky?

Frequent chemical treatments and the use of chemical-based hair care products can disrupt the natural pH of the hair, causing your strands to feel rough, brittle, and overly porous. Moisture-deprived hair is prone to tangling, frizz, and breakage. To keep your hair feeling soft, you must avoid chemical-laden hair care products and instead choose those that help your hair retain moisture.

Using the right shampoo is crucial for enhancing the softness of your hair.

Hair shampoos that use harsh sulfate ingredients can strip your hair of its natural oils. Sulfate-based, commercial shampoos can also damage the outer layer of hair, leaving your hair dry, frizzy, and tangled.

Black, curly, or coarse hair is especially susceptible to dryness, as oils don’t travel as easily down the curly hair shaft. So, people with curly, coarse hair have an even better reason to stay away from sulfate-containing shampoos.

Brunette woman happy with hair softening shampoo

What Types of Shampoos Make Your Hair Softer?

Shampoos without sulfates: Sulfate-free shampoos offer gentle cleansing, protect your hair from overdrying, and provide better color protection. 

Alcohol-free shampoos: To protect hair from losing its natural oils, you should avoid shampoos with drying alcohols such as Isopropyl alcohol.

Moisturizing shampoos: Hair softening shampoos prevent hair from drying out by infusing your strands with moisture. In addition to moisturizers, those shampoos also contain natural oils to help seal water inside your hair to keep hair hydrated for a longer period.

PH-balanced formulas: Moisturizing shampoos with low pH levels help smooth the cuticle and maintain the softness of your hair. Select a shampoo with a pH of 4.5 – 5.5. that will maintain the natural pH in your hair, keep the cuticle sealed, and maintain your hair’s natural luster.

Silk protein-enriched shampoos: Hair shampoos that contain hydrolyzed silk in their formulas can add a silky feel to your hair. You can also purchase hydrolyzed silk protein in a beauty store and add it to your regular shampoo at a concentration level between 0,5 and 5%.

Top 4 Hair Softening Shampoos

1. Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo

Although this shampoo has sulfates in its formula, babassu and coconut-derived ingredients are also included to provide gentle cleansing and protect natural lipids and oils.

This Aveda shampoo is formulated to hydrate your hair and leave it feeling touchably soft and tangle-free. It can be used on any type of hair but it will be especially beneficial if you have curly and frizzy hair that feels dry and rough.

Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo doesn’t contain silicones, which helps give your hair a lift and weightless bounce instead of weighing it down as most moisturizing shampoos would do.

Naturally-derived cherry blossom extract and sweet almond oil restore softness, making your hair look healthier and easy to style. When used with Cherry Almond Softening Conditioner, it leaves your hair very moisturized and soft.

The Cherry Almond shampoo has a naturally derived sweet floral scent which lingers in your hair.

2. R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo

TELEVISION Perfect Hair Shampoo promises to give your hair strength, softness, and shine. It leaves thick, dry, and curly hair feeling beautiful, silky soft, and manageable.

Television Perfect Hair Shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients that keep the scalp and hair nourished and moisturized.

Juniper Berry Extract adds weightless moisture to the hair and balances natural scalp oils. Its antiseptic and healing properties help to unclog and nourish hair follicles while absorbing impurities from the scalp and hair.

Babassu Seed Oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that keep the scalp dandruff-free. This lightweight oil increases hair elasticity to reduce breakage and adds glossy shine.

Glycerin and Panthenol are humectants that prevent hair from getting dehydrated.  

The formula is free of sulfates, parabens, and gluten. The product is not tested on animals. It is safe for color-treated hair.

Attractive African-American girl with healthy curly hair

3. Texture My Way Hydrate Intensive Moisture Softening Shampoo

This shampoo uses mild cleansing agents to remove impurities from your hair and leave it silky and soft.

The ingredient list includes Shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil.

Shea butter has detangling and moisture-sealing properties. It tames frizzy hair, leaving it silky and manageable.

Olive oil helps keep moisture inside the hair and prevents dryness. This oil helps to soften the rough texture and reduces frizz, making your hair smooth and pliable.

Coconut oil helps reduce frizz and tame flyaways.

This shampoo is especially beneficial to natural hair. It can make transitioning from relaxed to natural hair much easier.

4. Design Essentials Natural Super Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo

This shampoo is designed to strengthen weak, curly hair and add touchable softness to your curls. It is also suitable for relaxed or colored hair, as well as hair extensions.

This Design Essentials shampoo gently removes impurities and excess sebum, leaving your strands soft, well-moisturized, and free of tangles.

Almond and avocado oils from this shampoo help seal moisture while protecting your hair from environmental factors. These oils also clean clogged and blocked hair follicles and help promote hair growth.

Nourishing botanicals hydrate and soften hair, creating enough slip to make detangling effortless.

Wheat proteins repair damaged hair and boost strength, elasticity, and shine.

beautiful woman with silky luxurious hair

Shampoo Ingredients that Improve Hair Softness

To get soft and beautiful hair you need to read the shampoo label and look for ingredients that your hair needs:

Humectants such as Aloe Vera, Panthenol, glycerol, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid, and fatty alcohols act as moisturizing agents, providing your dry strands with water.

Emollients such as grapeseed, almond, jojoba, argan, avocado, and apricot kernel oils seal the moisture into the hair and help your hair to retain moisture for longer. Shea and mango butter also increase water retention, leaving your locks hydrated, smooth, and shiny.

Silk proteins have moisture-binding and conditioning properties and provide your hair with exceptional silkiness and shine.

Amino acids help lock in moisture and prevent frizzy hair.

Sodium citrate (or citric acid) helps adjust the acidity of hair shampoos to flatten the cuticle layer and maintain a smooth and shiny surface of the hair.

Tips for Getting Softer Hair

  1. Don’t shampoo your hair daily. Shampooing too frequently can remove the protective coating of natural oils and cause your hair to become dry and brittle.
  2. Don’t use hot water for washing your hair. Use lukewarm or cool water when rinsing your hair after using shampoo or conditioner. Cool water seals the cuticle which makes your hair look smooth and shiny.
  3. Use a regular conditioner that ensures easy detangling while keeping your locks moisturized and silky smooth.
  4. Regularly apply a deep conditioner that is made to fortify dry and frizzy hair and make it soft and manageable.
  5. Purchase a silk pillowcase to cut down on friction and prevent your pillow from stripping moisture from your skin and hair.
beautiful woman with long soft hair

What Clarifying Shampoos Are Safe for Color-Treated Hair?

Typical shampoos, conditioners, dry shampoos, and other styling products can create buildup on your hair over time. Additionally, hard water minerals and chemicals found in swimming pools also tend to build up. This gunk from styling products, minerals, and environmental pollutants causes hair to appear dull, greasy, and lifeless. When your hair gets like this, it is hard to comb and style. If you relate to this feeling, it means that your hair needs a fresh start.

Why you may Need a Clarifying Shampoo?

The most effective way to get rid of buildup from styling products is to use a clarifying shampoo.

If you have hard water in your house, you need a chelating shampoo that, in addition to washing away styling product buildup, can also eliminate unwanted mineral deposits that cause “well-water orange” hair.

If your hair is exposed to chemicals in swimming pools, you also need a chelating shampoo that will eliminate “swimmer’s green” and stop the chlorine from fading your color.

Beautiful woman with blond curly hair in elegant clothes

Shampoos that are advertised as clarifying may also include chelating ingredients, so you need to read the description to find out which types of build-up your clarifying shampoo is supposed to remove. Both deep cleansing shampoo types – clarifying and chelating – are meant to be used periodically, depending on the amount and the type of hair products you use and the type of water your hair is exposed to.

Regular, sulfate-containing clarifying shampoos are effective at deep cleansing and will leave your hair feeling squeaky clean. Unfortunately, sulfate-based clarifying shampoos suck the moisture out of your hair and scalp and can fade your color.

Clarifying Shampoos for Colored Hair

Color-safe clarifying shampoos are developed to gently wash away hair-dulling buildup while retaining the vibrancy of your color. Those shampoos use mild cleansers that can provide deep cleansing without fading your color. Color-safe clarifying shampoos leave your hair clean and soft, giving it a beautiful natural shine.

Following is a list of several color-safe clarifying shampoos formulated to remove all color-dulling residue, including buildup caused by styling products, hard water minerals, and chemicals in swimming pools.

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1. Lanza Healing Colorcare Clarifying Shampoo icon

This clarifying shampoo is designed to deeply cleanse your hair without stripping color. It helps remove product buildup, hard water deposits, and “swimmer’s green” when normal shampoos don’t do the job. It leaves your hair feeling clean, soft, and luminous.

The formula is free of harsh sulfates, parabens, gluten, and sodium chloride and is gentle enough to be used daily.

This chelating shampoo is infused with Flower Shield Complex to protect your hair color from dulling.

2. Pureology Purify Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair

(Available at Walmart)

This color-preserving clarifying shampoo is formulated to remove buildup from styling products, hard water, and chlorine while protecting hair color and vibrancy. 

This shampoo is 100% vegan and is free of sulfates, parabens, animal products, and animal cruelty. 

The formula uses gentle cleansing agents derived from corn, sugar, and coconut oil which are gentle enough for washing color-treated hair. Baking soda, tea tree oil, and witch hazel help remove buildup and detoxify hair. Botanical extracts and hair oils invigorate and nourish your scalp.  Natural conditioning ingredients prevent color oxidation and leave your hair feeling clean, soft, and healthy.

To eliminate extreme build-up or “swimmers’ green,” you need to shampoo twice and apply heat for about 20 minutes. 

Beautiful young girl with blond curly hair in cozy clothes

3. Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampooir?t=softerhair 20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0089NVH5W

This deep-cleansing formula is designed to remove everyday buildup from hair products, hard water minerals, chlorine, and environmental pollutants that can cause dull and limp hair.

Argan and avocado oils and natural plant extracts nourish your hair and help restore moisture balance.

Hydrolyzed keratin and keratin amino acids repair and strengthen damaged strands. 

The formula is free of sulfates and parabens and is safe for use on colored hair.

4. Activated Charcoal Shampooir?t=softerhair 20&l=am2&o=1&a=B078HCCMDP

(If unavailable, so you check this one at Walmart: Hask Charcoal With Citrus Oil Purifying Shampoo).

This chelating shampoo uses activated charcoal to thoroughly cleanse and detoxify your scalp and hair. Charcoal has been used for centuries for cleansing the scalp and hair.

Charcoal can attract impurities from the hair, leaving your hair clean, soft, and shiny. Activated charcoal pulls out excess oils, dirt, product buildup, minerals, chlorine, toxins, and environmental pollution. It also helps fight free radicals and repairs damaged hair.

Charcoal removes dead skin cells from the scalp, soothes dandruff and itchy scalp, and helps balance sebum production.

This natural shampoo contains a blend of herbal oils, including Argan, Jojoba, Coconut, Avocado, and Almond oils. The Bamboo extract has powerful anti-frizz properties and adds volume to fine hair.

Botanical keratin strengthens and repairs chemically damaged hair.

Despite being black, this shampoo won’t stain or mess with your hair color. It is free of sulfates and salt-free and is safe for use on colored and keratin-treated hair.

5. Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo

This clarifying shampoo is made to dissolve excess product buildup, pool chlorine, and medication buildup from the hair. It helps remove sebum from clogged hair follicles and can be used before deep conditioning to make the treatment more effective. Being free of harsh sulfate cleansers, it is safe to use on color-treated hair.   

hair washed with a color-safe clarifying shampoo

Five Sulfate-Free Shampoos for Colored Hair

Everybody wants to keep their luscious hair color for as long as possible while saving money on frequent salon visits. Unfortunately, all artificial hair colors are prone to fading over time.

The main factors that cause color fading include hair washing, exposure to sunlight, heat, and both salt and chlorine water.

Red hair color fades faster than most other colors. Red pigments have a smaller molecular weight and easily leak out of the hair shaft with shampooing.

young ginger woman in a french beret looking back

Damaged and over-processed hair loses more pigments during washing than healthy hair. Repeated coloring and bleaching leave cuticles damaged and inflexible. The shampooing process easily lifts such damaged damaged cuticles, causing the color molecules to wash out.

Most drugstore shampoos contain sulfate-based cleansers such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). They have exceptional foaming and cleansing capabilities. Yet, they also speed up the color-fading process.

There is no such product on the market that can provide permanent protection for dyed hair. However, many hair care products are advertised to have the ability to extend the life of hair color, including color-safe shampoos and conditioners.

smiling women with ginger colored hair and red lips

Color Safe Shampoos that May Be Worth Your Buying

Studies have shown that using sulfate-free shampoos can slow down the color-fading process. Hair shampoos formulated without sulfates don’t disturb the cuticles at the same rate as ordinary shampoos.

Most sulfate-free shampoos have a poor foaming capacity compared to sulfate-based formulas. But they have less tendency to strip the color from your hair.

Shampoos without sulfates help balance the natural protective oils that are important for a healthy scalp and hair. Also, these gentle shampoos keep the cuticle sealed to ensure that color pigments stay locked inside the hair shaft.

If you check the ingredients listed on the bottle, you may notice that some „color-safe shampoos“ are laden with chemicals. That is not the case with the products listed below. Here is a selection of mild yet effective shampoos that will keep your hair clean and hydrated while protecting your color from premature fading.

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1. L’ANZA Healing Colorcare Color-Preserving Shampoo is advertised to provide up to 107% longer-lasting hair color.

Flower Shield Complex contains strong anti-fade ingredients that are naturally found in flowers. These plant-delivered sunscreens protect hair from sunlight damage and help reduce color fading.

Keratin Healing System, plus UVA/UVB/UVC Protectors help you to enjoy a radiant hair color for longer.

The low pH (5.5) keeps the cuticle closed to lock color molecules inside the hair and extend the life of your color.

L’ANZA Colorcare Shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, and sodium chloride and can be safely used to wash colored and keratin-treated hair.

2. Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color is an ultra-gentle shampoo formulated without parabens, sulfates, sodium chloride, and gluten. It helps to restore moisture balance to dry hair, tired of frequent lightening/coloring, leaving it soft to the touch and manageable.

The lack of harsh sulfate cleansers and Multi-Layered UV Protection System help to preserve the color vibrancy and slow down the color fading process. Oribe Signature Complex and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins strengthen the hair, restore elasticity, and prevent breakage.

It creates rich leather and has a beautiful scent.

Magnificent girl with colored hair spending time outdoor

3. B3 Brazilian Bondbuilder Color Care Shampoo gently removes excess oil and impurities without washing out color pigments. It is formulated to repair and strengthen hair by similarly reinforcing the bonds as Olaplex bond maintenance home products do. This product is a lifesaver for hair that has undergone multiple chemical treatments and can be dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

B3 shampoo ensures longer-lasting color vibrancy and stretches the time between color appointments. It does not contain sodium chloride, so it doesn’t dry colored hair and can be also used on keratin-treated locks.

girl with ginger colored hair in beret looking over shoulder

4. Framesi Color Lover Moisture Rich Shampoo is especially suitable for curly, color-treated hair. It claims to preserve color vibrancy for up to 95% longer.

The formula uses Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein and Keratin Amino Acids to repair damaged hair and deliver moisture and shine.

The antioxidative properties of vitamins C and E prevent free radical damage and protect hair color.

Aloe Vera Leaf Juice offers scalp-soothing properties and gives softness and shine to chemically treated hair.

5. Keracolor Clenditioner Hair Cleanser is a non-lather conditioning cleanser designed to be used on colored hair and to replace hair shampoo. It gently removes away dirt and pollutants and neutralizes chlorine and trace minerals, while protecting hair color and natural oils from stripping.

This conditioning cleanser enhances the color vibrancy and leaves hair softer, smoother, and shinier. You can use it daily without any drying effect. The product is free of sulfates, parabens, and gluten. It is also vegan and free of cruelty.

smiling girl with colored hair making selfie while drinking tea in autumn

The Best Shampoo for Fine Color Treated Hair

Hair Thickening Shampoo for Women by Get Back Gorgeous offers gentle cleansing and makes your locks instantly appear fuller while preserving hair color from fading.

Apple, lemon, and horsetail plant extracts reduce hair loss, increase elasticity, and help to control sebum production for longer-lasting volume.

White tea antioxidants help reduce color fading and protect your color against environmental damage.

The formula is 100% Vegan and free of sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemicals. The product is not tested on animals.

Gorgeous with colored wavy hair chilling in autumn day

Shampoo Ingredients that Help Retain Hair Color

The right combination of surfactants in a shampoo formula can minimize color fading due to washing and lead to improved color retention.

Polymers and silicones provide a protective coating on the hair shaft to prevent the dye from dissolving in water.

Antioxidants protect cuticle lipids from oxidation, keeping the cuticles healthy for better color retention. These also protect the hair from environmental factors that cause fading.

UV inhibitors in hair shampoos reduce the harmful effects of UV rays that cause color fading.

pH level adjusters keep the cuticle layer sealed to hold pigments inside the hair shaft.

Hydrolyzed proteins and amino acids help repair damaged hair and decrease high porosity, resulting in better color retention.

sensual woman with hair washed by color-safe shampoo

All You Need to Know About Colored Dry Shampoos

Dry shampoo can be a great addition to your beauty routine. Having this product on hand is a lifesaver when you need to look good, but don’t have time to wash your hair. It works by instantly absorbing any excess oils, leaving your hair looking clean and refreshed. As a result, dry shampoo can add an extra day or two to your wash cycle.

Dry shampoo is perfect for occasions when you’re not able to wash your hair, like when you’re out camping or traveling.

Also, it can make unmanageable hair easier to style by creating the texture necessary for braids or updos to hold in place. Dry shampoo is capable of leaving fine hair feeling thicker and giving extra oomph to limp hair.

Unfortunately, conventional dry shampoos can leave a dull, white finish on dark hair. But not to worry, there is a new type of dry shampoo is geared to meet the needs of dark hair-colored dry shampoos.

a young girl camping in the mountains

Advantages of Tinted Dry Shampoos

Colored dry shampoos are specially formulated for darker hair tones. Although they do not eliminate the residue issue, a colored version won’t leave the obvious white residue in your hair like ordinary dry shampoos. Tinted dry shampoos come in different shades to suit different hair colors. They offer some benefits that regular dry shampoos don’t provide:

  • Colored dry shampoos blend in more naturally than regular dry shampoos.
  • Colored pigments help blend your roots with the rest of your hair so that you can go longer between salon visits.
  • A hint of color helps cover bald spots on the scalp, giving the appearance of higher hair density.

Unfortunately, the same ingredients that help cover your roots and bald spots contribute to a very messy application. The pigments in tinted dry shampoo can leave brown residue on your bathroom surfaces and can sprinkle on your shower curtains and walls when you wash your hair. It will stain your fingers if you touch your hair, and you might transfer pigment to your face and clothing. It can leave dark powder under your nails if you scratch your scalp. Colored dry shampoos can also stain your pillowcase, clothing, or any other light-colored fabric. The good news is that the pigment will wash away easily with water.

How to Use a Colored Dry Shampoo

You must be careful when using a tinted dry shampoo, as the application can be messy. The proper use will give you the desired effect without the unwanted mess.

When using a spray bottle, give it a good shake before use.

Make sure you are in a well-ventilated room to avoid inhaling the aerosol vapors. Keep the nozzle about 10“ away from your hair. You can use an old newspaper to prevent the pigments from leaving dark marks on your face if you have already completed your makeup routine.

Spray the product onto your hair, focusing on the root area, and leave it for a few minutes. Be careful not to overdo it because using too much product may leave stains on your scalp and can cause your hair to look and feel dull and dry.

Use your fingertips to rub the product into your roots, then flip your head over and brush out all excess product.

Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water after each use to avoid transferring pigments to anything you touch.

A tinted dry shampoo is not meant to replace your regular shampoo. Using dry shampoo too often can leave buildup in your hair.

Are they Worth the Mess?

A tinted dry shampoo is not a dream product for most users. It tends to build up in the hair and can have a dulling effect. You must be careful when using it to avoid making a mess all over. However, some people may benefit from tinted dry shampoos. The best candidates for this product are individuals with fine, thinning, dark, color-treated, or straight hair.

In addition to eliminating oiliness, individuals with fine hair can use tinted dry shampoo to make their hair appear thicker. Those with thinning hair can use a tinted dry shampoo to cover the areas of concern, making them less noticeable.

Many users with dark hair will find this product useful for refreshing their hair between washings and for adding some coverage to make root regrowth less noticeable. This way, they can prolong the time between touch-ups.

When buying an aerosol dry shampoo, look for a product that is not loaded with chemicals. Some of the most common chemicals in dry shampoos include Butane, Isobutane, Eugenol, Coumarin, fragrance, and other chemicals that can be harmful if they are inhaled or come in contact with your skin. Tinted dry shampoos are not more toxic than regular dry shampoos. Most of the pigments in tinted dry shampoos, like iron oxide or mineral pigments, are completely safe for use in personal care products.

Active beautiful woman with long dark hair

Colored Dry Shampoo Brands

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For those who prefer natural ingredients, Bumble & Bumble Brownish Hair Powder has the safest ingredients among tinted aerosol dry shampoos. This hair powder is ideal for covering grays and masking thinning hair. Unfortunately, the application is pretty messy.

Another colored dry shampoo made from nature-derived ingredients is All-Natural, Vegan Dry Shampoo Powder for Brunettes and Blondes by Handmade Heroes. This product uses kaolin clay and rice and cocoa powders to fight excess grease and add volume to the hair. While most commercial dry shampoos use synthetic fragrances, this product uses a blend of essential oils to create a nice, refreshing scent.

The tinted dry shampoos with synthetic ingredients include BATISTE Hint of Color Dry Shampoo, Batiste Dry Shampoo Divine Dark, Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk – Natural Tint, Ag Hair Brunette Dry Shampoo, and Ag Hair Light Brown Dry Shampoo.

young brunette woman posing in the front of the camper

Color Lock Hair Treatments for Vibrant and Lasting Hair Color

The coloring process involves the use of harsh chemicals, which can cause hair damage. Alkaline substances in the color mixture cause hair cuticles to lift to allow the color to penetrate inside the hair. Frequent coloring can roughen the cuticle layer, leaving your hair dry and porous. When color molecules are no longer protected within a sealed cuticle layer, your color may fade quickly.

To ensure prolonged vibrancy, as well as to avoid damage from frequent coloring, your colorist may suggest some post-color treatments to seal lifted cuticles and prevent your new color from fading.

Post-Color Hair Treatments

hairdresser looking at the color chart in the salon

Color-lock treatments are intended for use immediately after coloring to complete the color service. Your stylist will apply the treatment to wet hair after rinsing out the dye.

Color-lock treatments help close the cuticle to lock in color, untangle knots, and make hair soft and glossy. More versatile color seal treatments also prevent further oxidation by neutralizing residual dye agents in the hair. These treatments restore the natural pH levels of the hair and skin and help retain color longer.

In addition to hydrolyzed proteins, silicones, and moisturizers, color lock products usually contain an acidic ingredient that contracts and closes hair cuticles. After-color treatments are especially beneficial for high-porosity hair and when using colors that tend to fade fast, like reds.

If you dye your hair at home, Ion Color Defense After-Color Sealer is one of those post-color treatments that help to stop color bleeding and prolong its longevity.

If you dye your hair in a salon, your colorist may suggest hair gloss or hair glaze treatment to lock in your new color.

1. Hair Glazes

beautiful young woman after applying hair glaze

Many salons offer their clients hair glaze treatments to seal the cuticle after coloring and reveal a deeper, more intense color. Hair glaze treatments coat the shaft to enhance the effects of permanent dye, maximize shine, and help extend the life of your color.

Most hair glazing products can easily be applied at home. Simply apply the product to wet hair, allow it to penetrate for as long as directed, and rinse. The effects last up to two weeks and will give your hair a sleek look and a high-shine finish. Hask Rose Oil & Peach glaze is an affordable and easy-to-apply hair glaze that will enhance your color and add a beautiful shine.

2. Hair Glosses

Hair glossing is a salon treatment that locks in color and adds intense shine to your hair. This treatment coats your strands without penetrating the hair shaft. Glossing products contain acidic ingredients that help smooth and tighten cuticles lifted by the chemicals in permanent dyes. Hair gloss creates a shiny film around the hair shaft to enhance the color vibrancy and add shine and softness to the hair. There are also tinted hair glosses. They deposit pigments to improve the tone of hair color and add translucent shine.

beautiful young woman after applying hair gloss

Hair glossing can be added to your hair care regimen because is easy to do at home. Make sure to follow instructions as application methods may from product to product. One of the hair glosses that is meant for use at home is dpHUE Gloss. It is available in 11 intermixable shades and the application is not messy.

The results of the glossing treatment gradually wash out every time you shampoo your hair, so the treatment needs to be re-done every 4-6 weeks if you want to maintain the effects.

How Can You Prolong the Life of Your Hair Color?

The way how you wash and style your hair can prolong the life of your color. You should refrain from frequent washing and avoid using hot water for washing your hair. Use color-safe shampoos and apply conditioner after each wash. Use hot styling tools in moderation as high heat can damage cuticles and speed-up color fading.

There are also a bunch of after-color products formulated to help lock in your color and keep your hair shiny and vibrant until your next salon visit.  Some of these color sealers for hair should be used immediately after coloring to stop the oxidative process and restore the hair’s normal pH balance. Some others are designed for home use to maintain healthy cuticles and protect hair from other environmental stressors that can affect color’s vibrancy.

1. Apply a Hair Mask for Colored Hair

Most hair masks offer a solution to a specific problem related to your hair. Masks formulated for colored hair repair damaged and weakened cuticles which help to hold the color molecules inside the hair and prolong color vibrancy. These hair masks also increase the strength and elasticity of your strands and soften hair that has been damaged by coloring. Fanola After Colour Mask is advertised to help lower pH after coloring and adds a nice shine to your hair.

A woman with long blonde hair in the salon

2. Use a Leave-In Conditioner for Colored Hair

Leave-in treatments designed for color-treated hair help seal the cuticle to keep color molecules inside the hair and prevent color from fading. Leave-in products for colored hair use amino acids, nourishing oils, antioxidants, and sunscreens to protect stressed hair from keratin damage and keep the cuticles healthy and flexible. Leave-in conditioners keep colored hair moisturized, help tame frizz and flyaways, and improve softness and manageability. They also protect hair from damaging UV rays and other environmental factors that can cause fading. Amika vault color-lock leave-in conditioner is advertised as capable of protecting the hair against UV-B damage, keeping colors vibrant, and enhancing hair’s overall health.

a young woman with salon colored hair

Pre-Color Hair Treatments for Perfect Color Results

Coloring your hair may seem like a straightforward process, but it can be challenging if your locks are not in optimal condition. While healthy hair is generally easy to dye, some types of hair can be very stubborn or unpredictable when it comes to taking hair color.

  • Over-processed or damaged hair is highly porous and may process color too fast, resulting in a darker color than desired. Damaged areas such as dry ends suck up hair dye, which may lead to uneven coverage.
  • Low porosity hair is resistant to absorbing chemical treatments, and processing time may take longer than with normal porosity hair.
  • Coarse gray hair is more resistant to dyes, so you may find it difficult to get full coverage.
a beautiful young woman sitting with hand on her chin

If your hair doesn’t absorb dye well, you must take some additional steps before color application to ensure that you will get the desired shade and even coverage. Some pre-color treatments are designed to remove all kinds of buildup to create an optimal base for color application. This helps to ensure that the color is deposited evenly and enhances vibrancy.

You must also protect your scalp and hair from chemical damage, especially if you color your hair regularly. The good news is that a variety of pre-color products are available to help you counteract the harmful effects of dye chemicals. Some pre-color treatments are also meant to protect your scalp from irritation and reduce chemical damage to the hair.

Types of Pre-Color Treatments

1. Hair Clarifying Treatments

Your hair shouldn’t be perfectly clean before coloring. Natural oils form a protective barrier that helps reduce scalp irritation and reduce chemical hair damage. However, if you have build-up from too many styling products, previous coloring, or environmental factors, you need to clarify your hair before coloring. Clarifying treatments performed two days before coloring ensure that the color will adhere better to your hair. Clarifying and chelating shampoos are commonly used to remove product and mineral buildup and allow color molecules to enter the hair shaft.

Many products are designed especially to prepare your hair for vibrant, long-lasting color. Malibu C Color Prepare and MADISON REED Prime for Perfection Hair Color Primer are some of the popular color primers. If you use these products, make sure to follow directions and apply them within recommended time before getting your hair colored.

woman using a clarifying shampoo in the bathroom

2. Protective Pre-Color Treatments

These treatments are especially important for coloring processes that involve bleach. They help minimize damage during the coloring process and strengthen your hair. Pre-color serums massaged into the hair before coloring act as a barrier between harsh chemicals and the most fragile areas of your hair.

Some pre-color products (like Follicle Guard Pre-Color Treatment) are meant to be applied before the coloring process to coat the scalp and prevent chemicals from reaching hair follicles.  

Coconut oil pre-color treatment is an efficient, affordable, and easy-to-apply pre-dye treatment. It is especially effective for high-porosity hair. This oil can penetrate the hair shaft and prevent hair damage. Make sure to apply coconut oil the night or at least several hours before you color to allow your hair to fully absorb it. Concentrate on the dryest and most porous area of your hair. Don’t rinse the oil before coloring.  

3. Hair Porosity Equalizer

These pre-color treatments balance the hair’s porosity before the coloring or lightening process to ensure more even color distribution. Protein-rich pre-color treatments help reduce porosity and smooth dry, overly porous hair. Such hair will absorb color evenly from roots to ends. Colorful Neutral Protein Filler is a well-known porosity equalizer that protects hair from damage, repairs broken bonds, and ensures even color absorption.

Protein-based porosity equalizers are not suitable for low-porosity hair. Low-porosity hair needs to be treated with alkaline solutions or heat to temporarily lift the cuticle and prepare the hair to absorb dye.

4. Pre-Color Treatments for Gray Hair

Gray hair often resists coloring and may need more time to fully absorb the dye. Washing with a clarifying shampoo before coloring dissolves excess buildup and makes it easier for dye molecules to penetrate your hair.

Very stubborn gray hair must be pre-softened before coloring to achieve full coverage. You should apply a 20-volume hydrogen peroxide developer and let it sit in your hair for 5-10 minutes. The developer lifts the cuticle for better color penetration. Rinse out the developer and dry your hair before color application.

middleaged woman with grey hair preparing the hair for coloring

5. Hair Color Removers

Color strippers are designed to remove the color buildup from previous colorings or remove unwanted hair dye to create the optimal base for a new color application. If your hair has undergone many coloring sessions, this will make it easier to get the color you want.

What Hair Color Primer to Use for Your Hair?

Pre-color primers are versatile products that provide multiple benefits for hair dye addicts. Your stylist will select the optimal pre-color treatment based on the condition of your hair and the brand of hair color that you are going to use.

Most pre-color primers can be used at home. Some pre-color treatments work better when the heat is applied, while others don’t require any heat to be effective. Always make sure to read the instructions because application methods may differ for different products. Pre-color treatments that come in a spray bottle are the most convenient for users.

If you are planning to do the dying job yourself, you can’t be wrong with coconut oil. To get the most benefits, choose virgin coconut oil, which is made without chemicals.

young woman in a hairdressing salon dyes her hair blond

Benefits of Hydrolyzed Proteins for Your Hair

Why Do Proteins Need to Be Broken Down?

The protein in your hair is vulnerable to damage from harsh cleansers, frequent chemical treatments, and heat styling, which can result in dryness, reduced elasticity, and excessive hair shedding.

Repairing this damage is more complicated than simply replacing the missing protein because the molecules are too big to penetrate the hair shaft and support the integrity of the hair.

To effectively repair this damage, proteins need to undergo a process called hydrolysis. That’s a chemical reaction that breaks protein molecules down into fragments with lower molecular weights that can be absorbed by the hair.

Happy girl touching the hair nourished with hydrolyzed proteins

These smaller protein pieces can penetrate the hair shaft, replace the lost protein, and strengthen the hair from the inside. Hydrolyzed proteins help improve moisture retention and elasticity while giving hair softness, shine, and bounce.

Hydrolysis also makes protein water-soluble, and suitable for use in cosmetic formulations.

How to Use Hydrolyzed Proteins on Your Hair

These protein products deserve your attention because unlike synthetic chemicals that can damage your hair and pose a health risk, hydrolyzed proteins are completely safe for use in personal care products.

If your hair is fine, damaged, dry, relaxed, or difficult to style, you should consider hydrolyzed proteins as part of your hair care regimen. As you do, you will notice your hair looking and feeling stronger, fuller, softer, and shinier.

Hydrolyzed proteins are not finished personal care products, but concentrated raw ingredients that are meant to be used for making cosmetics or adding directly to your store-bought hair care products. (Don’t use these raw ingredients directly on your hair—they are too strong to be used without diluting.)

Be careful to avoid protein overload, because too much protein can leave your hair looking greasy and feeling brittle, especially if your hair already has enough protein. If that happens, deep conditioning treatments and moisturizing products will help get the protein/moisture balance back, but you should lessen the amount of hydrolyzed proteins in your hair care products and reduce the frequency of using protein-rich products.

The advantage of adding hydrolyzed protein to your hair care product over buying products that already contain hydrolyzed protein is that you can customize the concentration of protein according to your needs. To enable you to get the desired strength easily, some hydrolyzed protein products come with a measuring pipet and a percentage chart.

The most common types of protein that are used for making hair care products are hydrolyzed wheat, hydrolyzed silk, and hydrolyzed keratin protein.

Let’s see how your hair can benefit from hydrolyzed proteins and how to incorporate them into your hair care routine.

Hydrolyzed Proteins for Hair

1. Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

This protein product is an amber-colored liquid derived from wheat. Due to its low molecular weight, it can penetrate damaged cuticle layers and strengthen your hair from within. This product doesn’t contain gluten, so it can be used if you are gluten sensitive.

Hydrolyzed wheat protein will last up to a year without losing its effectiveness. Store it in the refrigerator after opening it to preserve its potency.

Properties & Benefits

  • Fine, porous, damaged, and chemically treated hair will get the most benefit from this protein. If your hair lacks protein, this will bring it back to life. You may see a noticeable difference after the first use.
  • Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein reduces hair’s porosity and strengthens it from within, making your hair healthier, shinier, and easier to style.
  • This protein increases your hair’s ability to receive and retain moisture.
  • It helps reduce breakage, eliminates frizz and tangles, and makes your hair appear fuller.

Applications

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein should be mixed with your moisturizing conditioner and used as a deep conditioner or protein treatment, depending on the porosity level of your hair. Make sure to follow the instructions that come with the product.

If your hair is overly porous and very damaged, you need to apply it as a protein treatment biweekly. If you have low porosity hair, use this protein product monthly as a deep conditioning treatment.

Try to avoid putting the mixture directly on your scalp because it can clog up your pores.

You can apply heat or just use a shower cap and towel for 30-45 minutes. Rinse thoroughly; otherwise, your hair may appear sticky or greasy.

2. Hydrolyzed Silk

Hydrolyzed Silk Protein is an amber, non-viscous liquid obtained from silk fibers. This water-soluble protein can be added to your hair care products at concentrations of 0.5 – 5% of the total amount of the product.

Properties & Benefits

  • When added to hair care products, Hydrolyzed Silk helps improve the elasticity of hair strands and adds luster and manageability to the hair.
  • Hydrolyzed Silk Protein fills in the gaps in the cuticle, giving more silkiness to your hair than any other hydrolyzed protein.
  • Its outstanding moisture-binding capacities help increase the hair’s ability to retain water, improving its elasticity.
  • When added to hair shampoos, it can reduce the irritating potential of harsh surfactants.

Applications

Hydrolyzed Silk Protein can be added to a hair shampoo or conditioner in concentrations of up to 5% of the total volume to increase the conditioning and softening properties of these products. Make sure that your shampoo or conditioner is rich in moisturizing ingredients to help keep the moisture/protein balance in your hair.

You can add Hydrolyzed Silk to your deep conditioner and apply it as a protein treatment every few weeks.

Beautiful smiling brunette girl with healthy looking hair

3. Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein

Hydrolyzed Keratin is a clear amber liquid with a strong odor. Its thin consistency makes it easy to mix with any water-based hair care product. Hydrolyzed keratin protein is usually derived from sheep’s wool.

Properties & Benefits

  • Hydrolyzed keratin is a protein fragment that not only coats but also penetrates the hair shaft to replace missing keratin in microscopic gaps along the hair shaft, resulting in smooth and shiny hair.
  • This product is not meant to be used for straightening your hair. It helps rebuild the hair’s natural protective layer, making it stronger and more elastic while reducing hair breakage and splitting.
  • Hydrolyzed keratin increases the diameter of hair fibers, giving a fuller appearance to fine and thin hair.
  • It also increases the hair’s ability to retain moisture and reduces frizz and flyaways caused by dryness.
  • If your expensive salon keratin treatment has started to wear off, adding hydrolyzed keratin to your shampoo, conditioner or leave-in conditioner could help extend the time between salon straightening services.

Applications

Hydrolyzed Keratin can be incorporated into all kinds of water-based hair care products. You can add it to your shampoo and conditioner at a concentration between 0.5%-3%. The optimum concentration may vary depending on the condition of your hair.  Make sure not to exceed the maximum concentration of up to 3%, because if you use too much of it, your hair may become stiff or look greasy.

You can also add hydrolyzed keratin to your deep conditioner and leave the mask in your hair under a shower cap for about an hour. Make sure to rinse hair thoroughly and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.

a woman with healthy hair conditioned with hydrolyzed proteins