What is color-depositing shampoo?

Color-depositing shampoo is essentially an in-shower treatment that tints or tones your hair with pigments. They can either neutralize unwanted tones, enhance your natural color, brighten dyed hair, or deposit a temporary bold hue, like purple, pink, or blue. Some formulas actually cleanse your hair like regular shampoo, and others are meant to be used after washing and before conditioning.

How often should you use color-depositing shampoo?

It really depends on the formula, but generally speaking, you should use a color-depositing shampoo two to three times a week to achieve the desired results. Since tinted washes don't contain permanent dye, you can rest assured the effects will eventually fade. All that said, some formulas will offer up to four weeks of color with a single wash, in which case you can wait until it's gone before using it again. Also, if the pigmented shampoo is particularly drying, it may be best to alternate with something more moisturizing.

Do color-depositing shampoos work for all hair types?

Most color-depositing shampoos are suitable for all hair, including curly, textured, straight, wavy, thick, fine, natural, color-treated, and chemically relaxed. However, not all formulas are suitable for all hair colors . For instance, purple shampoo may not do anything to black hair, and a red-neutralizing shampoo could stain blonde hair.

The 14 Best Color-Depositing Shampoos of 2023

Maybe you dye your hair at home, see a colorist at a salon, or just want to tweak your natural hair color. In any case, the right treatment can help you maintain or achieve the desired shade while lathering up in the shower. Enter: color-depositing shampoo.

These special washes contain various pigments that either temporarily color your hair or eliminate unwanted undertones. For instance, professional hairstylist Shelly Aguirre says, "Traffic-stopping silver is all about getting rid of any yellow or dull-looking [tones] to make the gray hair shine." The secret, she tells Byrdie, is purple shampoo.

Between shampoos that cancel out brassiness, green for neutralizing red, red for intensifying red, many, many more—there are a ton of formulas to sift through. To help you find exactly what you're looking for, we researched dozens of different brands, considered expert recommendations, and compiled this list of the best color-depositing shampoos on the market. We considered the intended hair type (some shampoos perform better on certain hair types), the ingredients, and whether or not they include fragrance before cross referencing them with our expert-recommended picks to land on these top-rated products.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Celeb Luxury Color Depositing Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Pure Blends Color Depositing Shampoo at Amazon

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Best for Black Hair:

Maria Nila Black Colour Refresh at Amazon

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Best for Brunette Hair:

John Frieda Deeper Color Deepening Shampoo at Amazon

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Best for Blonde Hair:

Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo at Amazon

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Best for Gray Hair:

Redken Color Extend Graydiant Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Blue:

Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Green:

Matrix Total Results Dark Envy Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Purple:

Olaplex No.4P Toning Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Red:

Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie

4.7

Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash: Color Depositing Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Several colors available
Hydrating
Strengthening

What We Don’t Like

Can leave behind residue

Whether you want to go icy-blonde, revive your highlights, see how you look as a brunette, or play around with purple hair, Celeb Luxury Colorwash is where it's at. The Gem Lites line includes warm and cool-toned natural hues like platinum, strawberry blonde, golden-brown, amber, and dark ash.

With the Viral collection, you've got everything from electric blue and ruby red to lavender and soft orange, à la Lady Gaga's Ally in A Star is Born. Just lather it into wet hair, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse clean. For a little more intensity, repeat the process or use it daily until you achieve the desired shade.

Unlike many other color-depositing shampoos, Celeb Luxury won't dry out your hair. It moisturizes while cleansing and promises to strengthen your hair in the process.

Price at time of publish: $32

Hair Type: Chemically Treated | Size: 8.25 oz. | Scent: Fresh | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Pure Blends Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Several colors available
Balances unwanted tones
Contains keratin

What We Don’t Like

Potentially too heavy for fine hair

For babes on a budget, we suggest Pure Blends. This sulfate-free pigmented shampoo comes in various colors of the rainbow to help you maintain or achieve the shade you're going for. With a foamy lather and loads of hydration, this formula is gentle on hair while also depositing intense color. Whether your goal is color-correction, fade prevention, or just having a little fun—you can't go wrong with this option.

Price at time of publish: $16

Hair Type: All | Size: 8.5 oz. | Scent: Coconut | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Balances unwanted tones
Nourishing
Leaves hair shiny

What We Don’t Like

Doesn't replace regular shampoo

Maria Nila's Colour Refresh is formulated to help black hair maintain a true raven hue while eliminating unwanted reddish, coppery tones. What's more, it softens and nourishes with argan oil, leaving a lustrous shine in its wake. There are other options, too, like a poppy pink, a striking silver, and a vivid violet.

Price at time of publish: $33

Hair Type: All | Size: 10.1 oz. | Scent: Fresh | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Color Deepening Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
Natural pigments
Works on natural or color-treated hair

What We Don’t Like

Results aren't dramatic

John Frieda Midnight Brunette deepens and enhances brown hair. It works with natural or color-treated hair and calls on earth-derived pigments like evening primrose oil and cocoa to achieve the ideal chocolate hue. Wash it through your hair and watch as it adds richness, texture, and depth to your hair while intensifying all shades of brunette.

Price at time of publish: $12

Hair Type: Chemically Treated | Size: 8.3 oz. | Scent: Floral | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.6

Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color

Amazon

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What We Like

Balances yellow tones
Leaves hair shiny
Nice scent

What We Don’t Like

Pricey

To combat yellowish tones in bleached hair, Aguirre recommends Oribe Bright Blonde purple shampoo. It's specially designed to cleanse without affecting the brilliance of your hair's color. Plus, it contains optimal levels of violet pigment to brighten strands while being safe for daily use for those with color- and keratin-treated hair.

"This line has a little more pigment and will definitely add shine and body," she tells Byrdie. "Oribe is a high-end product line and uses the top ingredients and technology in all of their products. [My clients] instantly feel the luxury and high performance of such an elite product line."

Price at time of publish: $49

Hair Type: Color-Treated | Size: 8.5 oz., 33.8 oz. | Scent: Citrus | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Beautycarechoices.com

What We Like

Balances yellow tones
Enhances cool tones
Leaves hair shiny

What We Don’t Like

Slightly drying

For gray hair, the best option is Redken's aptly named Graydiant Shampoo. The anti-yellow purple wash turns gold into silver while enhancing the multidimensional cool tones in your hair. It works well on any hair type and extends the amount of time you can go between salon visits.

Price at time of publish: $25

Hair Type: Chemically Treated | Size: 10.1 oz., 33.8 oz. | Scent: Fresh | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Aveda.com

What We Like

Balances orange tones
Plant-based formula
Generous amount

What We Don’t Like

Watery consistency

As Aguirre explains, blue shampoos help ward off any unwanted yellowish, orange, and brassy tones. We're big fans of Aveda's Blue Malva, a plant-based formula that does wonders for ombre, balayage, and color-treated brown hair. The brand is known for their effective plant-based formulas and aromatic fragrances, like this one, which contains organic ylang ylang, lemon, eucalyptus, and other pure flower and plant essences.

Price at time of publish: $51

Hair Type: All | Size: 33.8 oz. | Scent: Sweet almond | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

ââMatrix Total Results Dark Envy Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
Balances red tones
Award-winning formula

What We Don’t Like

Slightly drying

Matrix's award-winning Dark Green Envy neutralizes reddish undertones in black and dark-brown hair. This color-depositing shampoo works in just a few minutes and leaves you with brilliantly glossy hair.

Price at time of publish: $20

Hair Type: Chemically-Treated | Size: 10.1 oz., 33.8 oz. | Scent: Citrus, cedar | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Balances yellow tones
Brightens lightened hair
Strengthening

What We Don’t Like

May leave some residue

Olaplex’s New Toning Shampoo Saved Me a Trip to the Salon

Celebrity hairstylist Laurie Heaps suggests using a purple shampoo to remove brassiness from color-treated hair. "I personally like Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo," she tells Byrdie. "When seeing your colorist for [platinum blonde hair], ask if your salon has Olaplex on hand. This will help protect your hair as you lift and lighten."

Price at time of publish: $30

Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, Coily | Size: 8.5 oz. | Scent: Floral, amber | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

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What We Like

Lasts for 12 washes
Works on natural or color-treated hair
Contains keratin

What We Don’t Like

May stain hands

Calling all redheads! To turn up the heat on your natural or color-treated hair, reach for Joico Color Infuse Red. This pigmented shampoo instantly ignites any shade from burgundy and ginger to copper and dark strawberry blonde and lasts for up to 12 washes.

Price at time of publish: $14

Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, Coily | Size: 10.1 oz. | Scent: Floral | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Infuse My. Colour Color Depositing Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Reduces tangling
Suitable for daily use
Minimizes fading

What We Don’t Like

May stain hands

This pigmented shampoo comes in all the bold shades we love, like ruby red, metallic gold, dusty rose, candy pink, and indigo. A single wash will offer a hint of color, and you can use it as often as you'd like to intensify the shade.

Price at time of publish: $25

Hair Type: Chemically Treated | Size: 8.5 oz. | Scent: Fresh | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Limecrime.com

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Softens hair
Nice scent

What We Don’t Like

Slightly messy

Lime Crime's sugar-scented Unicorn Hair is ideal for teens, tweens, and anyone else who wants to experiment with playful color. This tinted shampoo comes in a handful of hues, including royal purple, fuchsia, peach, and pastel pink.

Price at time of publish: $15

Hair Type: All | Size: 8 oz. | Scent: Sugar | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

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What We Like

Pro-grade violet pigment
Great for dryness
Nourishing ingredients

What We Don't Like

Can temporarily stain your scalp

Those looking to cancel any yellow or dullness in their silver or gray hair should check out this shampoo from Verb. The formula is loaded with professional-grade violet pigment and açaí extract to neutralize unwanted brassiness. Plus, it contains coconut fatty acids, which are absorbed by the hair and leave each strand feeling hydrated and nourished.

Price at time of publish: $20

Hair Type: All | Size: 12 oz. | Scent: Subtly fruity | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Klorane Anti-Yellowing Shampoo with Centaury

Ulta

View On Ulta View On Kloraneusa.com

What We Like

Neutralizes unwanted warm tones
Adds softness and shine

What We Don't Like

Doesn't lather

Those with dreams of cool-toned hair will love this purple shampoo from Klorane. With the help of ingredients like organic centaury (a natural violet pigment that cancels out warm tones), this shampoo gets unwanted yellow and copper out of blonde, platinum, silver, gray, or white cool-toned hair. You can count on it to restore your hair's vibrancy, give it a soft-to-the-touch finish, and add tons of shine.

Price at time of publish: $22

Hair Type: All | Size: 13.5 oz. | Scent: Natural | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

The best color-depositing shampoo overall is Celeb Luxury Colorwash, a moisturizing, fortifying formula that comes in a range of natural shades and bold hues. For those on a budget, we recommend Pure Blends Color Depositing Shampoo, a hydrating hair wash that helps you achieve or maintain your desired shade.

Meet the Expert

Shelly Aguirre of Chicago's Maxine Salon is a professional stylist specializing in helping clients maintain their desired look. With 12 years of experience teaching at salons and tradeshows, she is one of the most sought-after hairstylists and educators in the industry.
Laurie Heaps is a celebrity stylist specializing in hair color trends.

What to Look for in a Color-Depositing Shampoo

Existing Hair Color

When buying color-depositing shampoo, the first thing to consider is your existing hair color. Some products are formulated specifically for brightening blonde, silver, or highlighted hair, (like the Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo) while others may only show up on light hair.

On the other hand, toning shampoos designed to neutralize unwanted undertones in darker hair colors (like the Matrix Total Results Dark Envy Shampoo) may have a staining effect when used on lighter hair. If possible, Aguirre suggests visually comparing the shampoo to your existing hair color before using it. That way, you "can truly see the difference in the actual tones of these products."

Desired Result

You'll also want to consider the desired result. Do you want to brighten your chemically lightened hair and banish yellowish undertones? Are you looking to eliminate the brassiness from your balayage or ombre hair? Do you want to experiment with a jewel tone or simply enhance your natural color?

If you're rocking an icy-cool blonde, Heaps says purple shampoo (like Klorane's Anti-Yellowing Shampoo with Centuary) is the way to go. However, if you're transitioning from light to dark hair, a chocolatey brown treatment—like John Frieda Deeper Color Deepening Shampoo—can help get you there.

Frequency of Use

Lastly, you'll want to take note of the product's recommended frequency of use. Some tinted shampoos are suitable for daily use, while others are meant to be used two to three times a week to maintain a specific shade.

There are also pigmented hair washes that offer two to four weeks of color with a single-use. Like traditional hair dye, these are meant to be used only once until the color fades away.

FAQ

What is color-depositing shampoo?

Color-depositing shampoo is essentially an in-shower treatment that tints or tones your hair with pigments. They can either neutralize unwanted tones, enhance your natural color, brighten dyed hair, or deposit a temporary bold hue, like purple, pink, or blue. Some formulas actually cleanse your hair like regular shampoo, and others are meant to be used after washing and before conditioning.
How often should you use color-depositing shampoo?

It really depends on the formula, but generally speaking, you should use a color-depositing shampoo two to three times a week to achieve the desired results. Since tinted washes don't contain permanent dye, you can rest assured the effects will eventually fade.

All that said, some formulas will offer up to four weeks of color with a single wash, in which case you can wait until it's gone before using it again. Also, if the pigmented shampoo is particularly drying, it may be best to alternate with something more moisturizing.
Do color-depositing shampoos work for all hair types?

Most color-depositing shampoos are suitable for all hair, including curly, textured, straight, wavy, thick, fine, natural, color-treated, and chemically relaxed. However, not all formulas are suitable for all hair colors. For instance, purple shampoo may not do anything to black hair, and a red-neutralizing shampoo could stain blonde hair.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Freelance commerce writer Theresa Holland covers haircare, skincare, makeup, and lifestyle products at Byrdie. For this story, she interviewed two hairstylists, compiling their product recommendations and tips for using tinted washes. Before landing on her final picks, she combed through reviews, pored over formulations, and considered shampoos from dozens of brands. From the above list, Theresa has personally tried John Frieda, Olaplex, Oribe, and Aveda. You can find more of her bylines on MyDomaine.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough color-depositing shampoos from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

The 13 Best Color-Depositing Conditioners of 2023

Updated by Caitlyn Martyn