11 Nourishing and Protecting Hair Color Products, as Recommended By Colorists
While taking care of the health and tone of your hair doesn't feel as sexy as bleaching your hair and never looking back, it's important. And, I'd go so far as to say the thrilling, almost euphoric moments post-styling can be replicated again and again with the proper products. But, since everyone's hair color and texture is different, sometimes it takes a professional to recommend the offerings that will really work. So, we tapped a few of our favorites to give us the goods.
With notable celebrity clients and brand partnerships to boot, the below colorists know their salt in product. They've been working in salons for decades and colored the hair of A-listers for just as long. Below, find the top 12 products they recommend to protect, nourish, and tone your hair. Because healthy hair is good hair, you know. Keep scrolling and before you know it, you'll have the hair of your dreams. Trust me, they're geniuses.
Matt Rez
His clients: Lili Reinhart, Chiara Ferragni, Jenna Dewan, and Camila Mendes
His resumé: Matt Rez is an L.A-based celebrity colorist at Mèche Salon in Beverly Hills and was just named Redken's new brand ambassador.
"This treatment spray allows for better manageability and protection," says celebrity hair colorist Matt Rez. He continues, "Heat protectant sprays are so important, especially post color and lightening services." According to Rez, hair color and bleaches have to open and surpass the cuticle, which is why they cause dryness. "This is the perfect formula to avoid extreme dryness that may result in breakage," Rez says.
"This lightweight, gentle sulfate-free shampoo is really great for colored hair, Rez says. "See, sulphate-free shampoos are a must to avoid hair color fading," he explains. "They are much more gentle cleansers and therefore leave the hair feeling softer and looking healthier overall."
"Color Extend Bonder is an at-home treatment you can use two weeks after your coloring service and then every two weeks after that," Rez says. "The first step is a pre-shampoo treatment that you apply to damp hair and massage all over the hair, from root to end, leaving on for about five minutes before rinsing out. Then comes the shampoo and conditioner steps, which you’ll use just as you would a regular shampoo." He continues, "The first two weeks after any coloring service, the hair is in a fragile state. It needs extra care to stay as healthy as it was pre-chemical service. This product makes it super easy. It covers all your corners—just follow directions and you're good to go."
Michael Canalé
His clients: Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, and Penelope Cruz
His resumé: Michael Canalé is Jennifer Aniston’s long-time colorist (he, along with stylist Chris McMillan, created the "Rachel") and owns his own salon and namesake hair product line.
"Replenish Boost contains vital nutrients and amino acids to support strong, thick, vibrant hair," Canalé says. He adds, "This is kind of like Viviscal, but the vegan approach, and it’s how ancient Sikhs would grow their hair to 15 feet long. If you’re over 40, this is a must. It will keep your hair thick and shiny, while helping the color stick to your follicle."
"This illuminating silver shampoo keeps light blonde hair vibrant and super shiny," Canalé says, "which is why it's a mainstay in my salon for all of my celebrity clients."
"I also love this R+Co shampoo—I call it 'colorblind'— as it will preserve color for blondes, brunettes and redheads," Canalé says.
"Shop separately," Canalé advises. It's important not to feel obligated to purchase your shampoo in a set, different brands are great for different needs. He continues, "Get a shampoo that cleans your hair the best and then find a product that conditions how you'd like. If you’re looking for a traditional conditioner, I recommend this one from L'Oréal, you can find it at pretty much any drugstore."
"Another technique I always suggest to my clients is to skip your regular conditioner all together," Canalé recommends. "Instead, dip your damp ends into a really great deep conditioner (I recommend Shu Uemura's Ultimate Remedy Extreme Restoration Treatment, $68) and cover them up with a baggy for as long as you can. Pop on a show or prep dinner and just let your hair soak up all of the moisture. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes and the rinse it out in the shower."
George Papanikolas
His clients: Madonna, Ellie Goulding, Fergie
His resumé: George Papanikolas is an L.A.-based celebrity colorist at Andy Lecompte Salon in West Hollywood and is a Matrix brand ambassador.
"This product is amazing in the salon, as you spray it on after you rinse off the color, and use it in place of shampoo," Papanikolas says. He continues, "The low pH seals the cuticle—locking in the color by letting it sit on the hair for one minute." Then, Papanikolas suggests you integrate it into your at-home haircare routine to lock in the color for up to 21 washes."
"These products make it so clients can go lighter without compromising the integrity of their hair," says Papanikolas. He explains: "This is a three-part system that protects your hair during your color service, and comes with a follow-up treatment at home. Step one is added to the color or lightener during the service, this acts as a buffer on the hair, protecting the bonds during the highlighting process. Step two seals and protects your hair. Then, step three is done once a week at home to reinforce the benefits."
"This is an in-salon treatment that gives your hair a mirror-like finish," says Papanikolas. But, you can also use it at home, as the illuminating mist is lightweight and easy to apply.