Highlighted hair, with its captivating dimension and luminous shine, is a popular choice. However, achieving and maintaining those gorgeous streaks requires specialized care. The wrong shampoo can strip your hair of its color, leaving it dull, brassy, and damaged. So, which shampoo truly reigns supreme for highlighted hair? This comprehensive guide delves into the essential factors to consider and recommends some top contenders.
Understanding the Needs of Highlighted Hair
Highlighting alters the hair’s structure. The bleaching process, necessary to lighten strands, lifts the hair cuticle, making it more porous and vulnerable to damage. This increased porosity means your hair is more susceptible to moisture loss, breakage, and color fading.
Therefore, the best shampoo for highlighted hair should address these specific needs: gentle cleansing, hydration, color protection, and repair. It should be free of harsh sulfates and packed with nourishing ingredients.
The Importance of Sulfate-Free Formulas
Sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are powerful detergents that create a rich lather. While they effectively cleanse the hair, they can also be overly stripping, removing natural oils and causing color to fade quickly.
For highlighted hair, sulfate-free shampoos are a must. These formulas cleanse gently without compromising color or moisture. They help maintain the vibrancy of your highlights and prevent dryness and breakage.
Hydration is Key
Highlighted hair tends to be drier than un-highlighted hair. This dryness makes it prone to frizz, split ends, and breakage. Therefore, a hydrating shampoo is crucial for restoring moisture and improving the overall health and appearance of your hair.
Look for shampoos enriched with moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, and glycerin. These ingredients help to replenish lost moisture, leaving your hair soft, smooth, and manageable.
Color Protection: Shielding Against Fading
One of the biggest concerns for those with highlighted hair is color fading. UV rays, hard water, and frequent washing can all contribute to color loss, leaving your highlights looking dull and brassy.
Choose a shampoo specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These shampoos often contain UV filters to protect against sun damage and antioxidants to neutralize free radicals, which can cause color fading. Some also contain ingredients that help to deposit pigment, refreshing your highlights and preventing them from turning brassy.
Repairing Damage: Rebuilding Strength
The highlighting process can weaken the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage. A repairing shampoo can help to strengthen and rebuild damaged hair, reducing breakage and improving overall hair health.
Look for shampoos containing ingredients like keratin, amino acids, and proteins. These ingredients help to repair the hair’s structure, making it stronger and more resilient.
Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid)
Navigating the world of shampoo ingredients can be overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a shampoo for highlighted hair:
Beneficial Ingredients
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Argan Oil: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, argan oil nourishes and moisturizes the hair, adding shine and reducing frizz.
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Coconut Oil: Penetrates the hair shaft to hydrate and strengthen, preventing breakage.
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Shea Butter: Provides intense moisture and helps to detangle hair.
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Aloe Vera: Soothes the scalp and adds moisture to the hair.
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Glycerin: A humectant that attracts moisture from the air, keeping hair hydrated.
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Keratin: A protein that helps to repair and strengthen damaged hair.
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Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein, amino acids help to rebuild the hair’s structure.
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UV Filters: Protect hair from sun damage, preventing color fading.
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Antioxidants (Vitamin E, Green Tea Extract): Neutralize free radicals that can damage hair and cause color fading.
Ingredients to Avoid
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Sulfates (SLS, SLES): Harsh detergents that can strip hair of its natural oils and cause color fading.
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Parabens: Preservatives that have been linked to health concerns.
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Alcohol: Can dry out the hair.
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Sodium Chloride (Salt): Can strip hair of moisture.
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Silicones (in some cases): While silicones can create a smooth and shiny appearance, they can also build up on the hair over time, leading to dryness and dullness. If you use a shampoo with silicones, make sure to use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove buildup.
Choosing the Right Shampoo for Your Specific Hair Type and Highlight Tone
Not all highlighted hair is created equal. The best shampoo for you will depend on your hair type (fine, thick, oily, dry) and the tone of your highlights (blonde, brunette, red).
For Fine Hair
If you have fine hair, you’ll want to choose a lightweight shampoo that won’t weigh your hair down. Look for volumizing or thickening shampoos that are also sulfate-free and hydrating. Avoid shampoos that are too rich or creamy, as these can make your hair look greasy.
For Thick Hair
If you have thick hair, you need a shampoo that can effectively cleanse and hydrate your strands without leaving them feeling heavy or oily. Look for moisturizing shampoos that contain ingredients like shea butter or argan oil.
For Oily Hair
If you have oily hair, you’ll want to choose a shampoo that can cleanse your scalp without stripping your hair of its color. Look for clarifying or balancing shampoos that are also sulfate-free and hydrating. Avoid shampoos that are too rich or creamy, as these can make your hair look even oilier.
For Dry Hair
If you have dry hair, hydration is key. Look for shampoos that are specifically formulated for dry or damaged hair. These shampoos often contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil.
For Blonde Highlights
Blonde highlights are particularly prone to brassiness. To keep your blonde highlights bright and vibrant, use a purple shampoo once or twice a week. Purple shampoo contains violet pigments that neutralize yellow tones, preventing brassiness. However, don’t overuse purple shampoo, as it can leave your hair looking dull or even slightly purple.
For Brunette Highlights
Brunette highlights can also experience color fading and brassiness. Look for shampoos that are specifically formulated for brunette hair. These shampoos often contain ingredients that help to enhance the richness of your brunette tones and prevent brassiness. Blue shampoo can also be used, though less frequently than purple on blondes, to combat orange tones that sometimes appear in darker highlighted hair.
For Red Highlights
Red hair is notorious for fading quickly. To keep your red highlights vibrant, use a shampoo specifically formulated for red hair. These shampoos often contain ingredients that help to deposit red pigments, refreshing your highlights and preventing them from fading.
Top Shampoo Recommendations for Highlighted Hair
While the “best” shampoo is subjective and depends on individual needs, here are some highly-rated and recommended options:
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Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo: This shampoo is a cult favorite for its ability to repair and strengthen damaged hair. It’s sulfate-free and formulated with Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology, which helps to rebuild broken disulfide bonds in the hair, reducing breakage and improving overall hair health. It’s great for all hair types, especially those with heavily highlighted or damaged hair.
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Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo: This sulfate-free shampoo is designed to protect and prolong the vibrancy of color-treated hair. It contains amino acids and arginine to strengthen the hair and prevent breakage. It also features a unique Interlock Protein Network that helps to rebuild surface protection and provide progressive conditioning.
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Pureology Hydrate Shampoo: This sulfate-free shampoo is ideal for dry, color-treated hair. It contains a blend of moisturizing ingredients, including jojoba oil, sage, and green tea, to hydrate and nourish the hair. It also features Pureology’s AntiFade Complex, which protects against color fading.
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Matrix Biolage Colorlast Shampoo: This affordable sulfate-free shampoo is designed to protect and prolong the vibrancy of color-treated hair. It contains orchid extract, which helps to moisturize and condition the hair.
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Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Shampoo: This shampoo is designed to repair and protect color-treated hair. It contains Joico’s QuadraBond Peptide Complex, which helps to rebuild the hair’s structure and protect against damage. It also contains argan oil and keratin to nourish and hydrate the hair.
Beyond Shampoo: Other Important Hair Care Tips for Highlighted Hair
Choosing the right shampoo is only one piece of the puzzle. To keep your highlighted hair looking its best, follow these additional tips:
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Use a conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Conditioner helps to replenish moisture, detangle hair, and protect against damage.
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Use a deep conditioner or hair mask once a week. Deep conditioning treatments provide intense hydration and repair, leaving your hair soft, smooth, and manageable.
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Limit heat styling. Heat styling can damage the hair and cause color fading. When you do use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray.
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Protect your hair from the sun. UV rays can cause color fading and damage. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when you’re spending time in the sun.
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Avoid washing your hair too frequently. Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils and cause color fading. Try to wash your hair only two or three times a week.
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Use a clarifying shampoo occasionally. Clarifying shampoos remove buildup from products and hard water. However, use them sparingly, as they can be drying.
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Consider a gloss treatment. Gloss treatments can add shine, enhance color, and even out tone. They can be done at home or in a salon.
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Get regular trims. Regular trims help to remove split ends and prevent breakage.
Caring for highlighted hair requires a dedicated approach. By choosing the right shampoo, following a proper hair care routine, and protecting your hair from damage, you can keep your highlights looking vibrant and healthy for longer. Remember to always choose sulfate-free options, prioritize hydration, and address any specific concerns related to your hair type and highlight tone. With the right care, you can maintain your gorgeous highlighted locks and enjoy their radiant beauty.
What are the biggest concerns when choosing a shampoo for highlighted hair?
The primary concerns revolve around preserving your color and preventing damage. Highlighted hair is more porous and susceptible to fading, brassiness, and dryness. Harsh sulfates and detergents can strip away the vibrancy of your highlights, leaving them looking dull and uneven. Protecting the integrity of the hair strand is also crucial, as the highlighting process can weaken it, making it prone to breakage and split ends.
Therefore, the ideal shampoo should gently cleanse without stripping color, deposit beneficial ingredients to hydrate and strengthen the hair, and protect against environmental aggressors like UV rays. Look for shampoos specifically formulated for color-treated or highlighted hair, as they typically contain milder cleansing agents and color-enhancing properties. Avoiding sulfates and parabens is often recommended for maintaining the health and longevity of your highlights.
How do sulfate-free shampoos benefit highlighted hair?
Sulfate-free shampoos are much gentler on highlighted hair compared to their sulfate-containing counterparts. Sulfates are strong detergents that effectively remove dirt and oil but can also strip away the natural oils and color pigments from your hair. This stripping action leads to faster fading of highlights, making them appear less vibrant and potentially more brassy over time.
By opting for a sulfate-free formula, you’re choosing a cleanser that cleanses effectively without causing excessive dryness or color loss. Sulfate-free shampoos help maintain the moisture balance of your hair, preventing it from becoming brittle and prone to breakage. They also contribute to prolonging the life and vibrancy of your highlights, ensuring that your color investment lasts longer and your hair remains healthier.
What ingredients should I look for in a shampoo for highlighted hair?
When selecting a shampoo for highlighted hair, prioritize ingredients that nourish, protect, and enhance your color. Look for hydrating ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera. These ingredients help to replenish moisture lost during the highlighting process, preventing dryness and promoting shine. Amino acids and proteins, such as keratin or wheat protein, can help to strengthen the hair shaft and reduce breakage.
Furthermore, consider shampoos containing UV protectants to shield your highlights from sun damage, which can cause fading and brassiness. Violet pigments are also beneficial for counteracting yellow tones and maintaining a cool, bright blonde. Finally, seek out antioxidants like vitamin E to protect against free radical damage and maintain overall hair health. Avoiding harsh alcohols and silicones (unless water-soluble) is also advisable.
How often should I wash my highlighted hair?
Over-washing is a common culprit behind fading and dryness in highlighted hair. The more frequently you wash, the more color you’re likely to lose, and the more you risk stripping away essential oils. Aim to wash your hair only when necessary, typically every 2-3 days, or even less frequently if your hair tends to be dry.
In between washes, consider using dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your roots without stripping your hair of its natural moisture or color. When you do wash, use lukewarm water rather than hot water, as hot water can also accelerate color fading. Always follow up with a hydrating conditioner or hair mask specifically designed for color-treated hair to replenish moisture and keep your highlights looking their best.
Can a purple shampoo replace my regular shampoo for highlighted hair?
Purple shampoo is specifically designed to neutralize yellow and brassy tones in blonde or highlighted hair, not to cleanse and nourish like a regular shampoo. It contains violet pigments that counteract unwanted warm tones, helping to maintain a cool, bright blonde. However, it usually has stronger cleansing agents, and frequent use can lead to dryness if used as a replacement for your regular shampoo.
Instead of replacing your regular shampoo, use purple shampoo once or twice a week, or as needed, depending on how quickly your highlights tend to develop brassiness. Alternate it with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo formulated for color-treated hair. Always follow up with a hydrating conditioner after using purple shampoo to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Observe how your hair reacts and adjust the frequency of use accordingly.
What are some common mistakes people make when caring for highlighted hair?
One frequent mistake is using overly harsh shampoos that strip color and dry out the hair. As mentioned previously, sulfates are a primary offender. Another common mistake is neglecting to use heat protectant sprays before using heat styling tools such as blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons. High heat can damage the hair cuticle and cause color to fade quickly.
Other mistakes include washing hair too frequently, using hot water, skipping conditioner, and not using a UV protectant. Improper brushing can also contribute to breakage, so use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for wet hair to detangle gently. Finally, forgetting to schedule regular trims to remove split ends and maintain healthy hair growth can negatively affect the overall appearance and health of your highlighted hair.
How can I protect my highlights when swimming?
Chlorine and saltwater can wreak havoc on highlighted hair, causing it to become dry, brittle, and discolored. Chlorine can react with the hair, leading to a greenish tint, particularly in blonde shades. Saltwater can draw moisture out of the hair, leaving it feeling rough and prone to breakage. Taking preventative measures is crucial to protect your highlights from damage.
Before swimming, wet your hair thoroughly with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil. This creates a barrier that helps to prevent chlorine or saltwater from penetrating the hair shaft. Consider wearing a swimming cap for maximum protection. After swimming, rinse your hair immediately with clean water and follow up with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to remove any residue and restore hydration. A weekly deep conditioning treatment can also help to repair and strengthen the hair.