Are you looking for a shampoo that prolongs the life of your hair color and that isn’t tested on animals? We’ve got you! We’ve poured through the internet to find the best cruelty-free shampoos for colored hair of 2022. The shampoo brands below are all 100% cruelty-free, meaning the products itself as well as their ingredients are never tested on animals.
In This Article
- The Causes of Color Fading And Why Use Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
- The 12 Best Cruelty-Free Shampoos for Colored Hair
- Other Tips To Prolong Your Hair Color
- FAQ
- Why Trust Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty
The Causes of Color Fading And Why Use Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
Before we dive in the best cruelty-free shampoos for color-treated hair, let’s talk about the causes of color fading and why using a color-safe shampoo is key to maintaining a fresh hue in between salon visits.
There are several factors that contribute to color fading. Think of sun’s rays, heat-styling tools, damage, but the biggest one: water.
That is why the best thing you can do to prolong your color is waiting as long as you can to get your hair wet.
When it is time for a wash, using a shampoo formulated for color-treated hair is one of the most important steps to keeping your latest dye job looking fresh as long as possible.
Read on to find the best cruelty-free shampoos for colored hair.
Shampoo for Colored Hair
Shampoo for color-treated hair cleanses your hair like a regular shampoo, yet aims to minimize color fading while doing so.
How? Shampoo designed for colored hair is made with color-protecting ingredients to prolong the life of your color. They also lack ingredients that potentially can strip your color. Some shampoos offer UV protection to shield your color from the sun, which can especially be beneficial during summertime.
The 12 Best Cruelty-Free Shampoos for Colored Hair
There are a lot of color-safe shampoos on the market. Since you’re here you’re looking for a shampoo that isn’t tested on animals. In the name of research (and so you don’t have to) we’ve selected the best cruelty-free shampoos for colored hair out there.
Vegan
In the beauty industry, ‘cruelty-free’ refers to animal testing, whereas vegan means a product doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients or byproducts. The color-safe shampoos below are all cruelty-free. If you are in the market for a cruelty-free and vegan shampoo for color-treated hair, this list offers you 6 options.
All products featured on beauty.beyond.cruelty are independently selected. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission (at no additional cost to you). See our affiliate disclosure for more information.
12 Best Cruelty-Free Shampoos for Colored Hair
- Best Overall:
Amika – Vault Color-Lock Shampoo
cruelty-free + vegan - Best Overall, Runner-Up:
Joico – Colorful Anti-Fade Shampoo
cruelty-free - Best Overall, 2nd Runner-Up:
Color Wow – Color Security Shampoo
cruelty-free - Best for Dry Hair:
Pureology – Hydrate Colour Care Shampoo
cruelty-free + vegan - Best Plant-Based:
Aveda – Color Conserve Shampoo
cruelty-free + vegan - Best for Damaged Hair:
Olaplex – No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
cruelty-free + vegan - Best Purple Shampoo:
DpHue – Cool Blonde Shampoo
cruelty-free - Best Nourishing Shampoo:
Kevin Murphy – Angel Wash
cruelty-free + vegan - Best for Fine and Flat Hair:
SachaJuan – Colour Protect Shampoo
cruelty-free - Best for Brunettes:
Not Your Mother’s – Triple Threat Brunette Blue Treatment Shampoo
cruelty-free - Best Splurge:
Oribe – Shampoo for Beautiful Color
cruelty-free - Best for Dry and Dull Hair:
R+Co – Gemstone Color Shampoo
cruelty-free + vegan
1/12
Best Cruelty-Free Shampoo for Colored Hair, Overall:
Amika
Vault Color-Lock Shampoo
VIEW ON AMAZON
Price at Time of Publish: $22
Why We Love:
- cleanses gently
- sulfate-free
- lathers well
- packed with color-protecting ingredients like soybean oil
- offers UV protection
- with Amika’s signature scent: a blend of vanilla, citrus, and sweet clover
- affordable
What We Love Less:
- Scent can be strong for some
Amika’s Vault Color-Lock Shampoo is made with color-protecting ingredients and UV filters to preserve the life of your color while it cleanses. Even though it’s sulfate-free it suds up nicely. It leaves hair clean, bouncy and scented like you just walked out of the salon.
Best for: all color-treated hair | Cruelty-free: yes, Amika is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However Amika is not a vegan brand, as it also sell products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates SLS and SLES, mineral oil, animal-derived ingredients, animal testing | Packaging: recyclable plastic
2/12
Best Cruelty-Free Shampoo for Colored Hair, Runner-Up:
Joico
Colorful Anti-Fade Shampoo
VIEW ON AMAZON
Price at Time of Publish: $23
Why We Love:
- cleanses gently but thoroughly
- sulfate-free
- lathers well
- moisturizing
- doesn’t weigh hair down
- pleasant shampoo scent
What We Love Less:
- a little pricey
This sulfate-free sudser provides a thorough cleanse without leaving hair feeling stripped and while fade-fighting ingredients like camellia oil and pomegranate fruit extract make sure your color stays intact. It also moisturizes without weighing hair down and it has a pleasant shampoo scent.
Best for: all colored hair | Cruelty-free: yes, Joico is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: no | Free of: sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing | Packaging: plastic
3/12
Best Cruelty-Free Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair, 2nd Runner-Up:
Color Wow
Color Security Shampoo
VIEW ON AMAZON
Price at Time of Publish: $24
Why We Love:
- mild shampoo that cleanses thoroughly
- doesn’t leave behind any residue nor weighs hair down
- extends time between washes
- free of sulfates, silicones, paraben, and oils (to name a few)
- lathers well
- barely-there scent
What We Love Less:
- can be a little bit drying, so follow with the conditioner
Where some color-protecting shampoos can leave a film on your hair, this oil-, silicone-, and conditioning agents-free shampoo leaves hair ultra-clean and 100% residue-free. It costs a little more, but you only need a coin-size amount to get the job done and it extends time between washes. Works on all hair types, including extensions.
Best for: all color-treated hair | Cruelty-free: yes, Color Wow is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: no | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates SLS and SLES, silicones, oils, gluten, animal testing | Packaging: plastic
4/12
Best for Dry Hair:
Pureology
Hydrate Shampoo
VIEW ON AMAZON
Price at Time of Publish: $35
Why We Love:
- cleanses gently
- non-stripping
- deeply hydrating
- sulfate-free
- lathers well
- with patented antifade complex
- offers UV protection
- cleanses gently
- vegan
- spa-like scent
What We Love Less:
- pricey
Medium to thick hair is prone to dryness, which is where this ultra-hydrating pick comes in. A mild cleanser that helps combat dryness and support hair’s health. Sulfate-free, yet with the smallest amount you build up a rich lather. Like every product of Pureology, it’s infused with their patented Antifade Complex to protect your color from fading. Plus, it also offers UV protection.
When your hair is dry, conditioner is a must. Team it up with the brand’s widely loved Hydrate Conditioner.
Best for: dry, medium to thick color-treated hair | Cruelty-free: yes, Pureology is a cruelty-free brand. Do note that Pureology is owned by L’oréal, a brand that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, Pureology is a 100% vegan brand | Free of: sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: post-consumer recycled plastic, recyclable
5/12
Best Plant-Based:
Aveda
Color Conserve Shampoo
VIEW ON AMAZON
Price at Time of Publish: $20.97
Why We Love:
- cleanses well
- sulfate-free
- lathers well
- non-drying
- smells like a spa
- vegan
What We Love Less:
- a little pricey
Aveda’s color-safe shampoo helps maintain vibrant color while gently cleansing hair with 90% natural ingredients. The sulfate-free formula has good lather, isn’t drying, and keeps hair shiny. But honestly, the best part may be the herbal fragrance that turns your shower into a spa moment.
Best for: all color-treated hair | Cruelty-free: yes, Aveda is a cruelty-free brand. Do note that Aveda is owned by Estée Lauder, a brand that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, Aveda is a 100% vegan brand | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, mineral oil, animal testing | Packaging: post-consumer recycled plastic + recyclable
6/12
Best Cruelty-Free + Color-Safe Shampoo for Damaged Hair:
Olaplex
No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
VIEW ON AMAZON
Price at Time of Publish: $30
Why We Love:
- effectively repairs damaged hair
- innovative hair bond rebuilding formula
- sulfate-free
- lathers well
- less split ends, breakage, and frizz
- salon-quality
What We Love Less:
- a little pricey
Completely color-safe, this hair stylist’s favorite is choice when your bleached or color-treated hair has gotten damaged in the process. The innovative formula contains the brand’s patented bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate rebuilds broken hair bonds to transform hair into a healthier state with each use. Expect soft and tangle-free lengths with less breakage and frizz.
Pair with Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner for even better results.
Best for: damaged color-treated hair | Cruelty-free: yes, Olaplex is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, Olaplex is a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing, animal-derived ingredients | Packaging: plastic
RELATED: The Best Cruelty-Free Shampoos for Dry and Damaged Hair
7/12
Best Color-Safe Purple Shampoo:
DpHue
Cool Blonde Shampoo
VIEW ON AMAZON
Price at Time of Publish: $28
Why We Love:
- highly pigmented purple shampoo
- hair is less brassy after 1 wash
- sulfate-free
- lathers well
- non-drying
- cleanses gently
- smells like a salon shampoo
What We Love Less:
- can stain your hands and nails
This color-safe purple shampoo contains loads of purple pigments to correct orange and yellow tones and leave blonde and silver hair brighter and cooler-toned with every wash. Although sulfate-free, it lathers up well. The salon scent is just another plus.
Best for: color-treated blondes | Cruelty-free: yes, DpHue is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: no, DpHue is not vegan | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing | Packaging: plastic
RELATED: The Best Cruelty-Free Purple Shampoos
8/12
Best Nourishing Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair:
Kevin Murphy
Angel Wash
VIEW ON AMAZON
Price at Time of Publish: $38.37
Why We Love:
- very nourishing and hydrating
- gives a light wash
- smells sweet
- leaves hair soft and frizz-free
- salon-quality
- vegan
What We Love Less:
- the shampoo is sometimes hard to get out of the bottle
- pricey
This nourishing formula is great for those with fine and dry or bleached hair.
Angel Wash gives you a light wash while adding a ton of hydration. Note that if your hair is in good condition, this shampoo is probably too heavy for you.
Best for: dry or damaged color-treated hair | Cruelty-free: yes, Kevin Murphy is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing, animal-derived ingredients | Packaging: plastic
9/12
Best for Fine and Flat Hair:
SachaJuan
Colour Protect Shampoo
VIEW ON AMAZON
Price at Time of Publish: $28
Why We Love:
- leaves hair clean and bouncy
- doesn’t weigh hair down
- offers UV protection
- musky scent
What We Love Less:
- contains sulfates
This multitasking shampoo is the right pick for those with fine and flat hair. Not only does it protect your color while it cleanses daily buildup, it also brings some bounce to fine strands. If this is what you are looking for and you like the scent of musk, this is your shampoo. An added bonus for UV protection.
Best for: fine or flat color-treated hair | Cruelty-free: yes, SachaJuan is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: no | Free of: paraben, phthalates, animal testing | Packaging: plastic
RELATED: The Best Cruelty-Free Volumizing Shampoos
10/12
Best for Brunettes:
Not Your Mother’s
Triple Threat Brunette Blue Treatment Shampoo
VIEW ON AMAZON
Price at Time of Publish: $8.49
Why We Love:
- neutralizes orange tones in brunette hair
- cleanses gently
- moisturizing formula
- lathers well
- orange scent
- affordable
- free of sulfates, paraben, phthalates, and silicones
- vegan
What We Love Less:
- will take a few washes before you see a difference
- doesn’t cancel out red tones
Brassiness isn’t something only blondes are dealing with. Where blondes struggle with yellow tones, color-treated brunettes are faced with orange tones peeking through. Sounds familiar? Enter Not Your Mother’s Triple Threat Brunette Shampoo. The blue pigments in this color-safe formula neutralize orange in brown hair, making your hue look cooler after a few washes. It’s formulated with blue tansy oil and glycerin to leave your hair healthy and shiny.
Best for: color-treated brunette hair | Cruelty-free: yes | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. That said, Not Your Mother’s is not a vegan brand, meaning they also sell non-vegan products | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates SLS and SLES, silicones, gluten, animal testing | Packaging: plastic
RELATED: The Best Cruelty-Free Blue Shampoos
11/12
Best Splurge:
Oribe
Shampoo for Beautiful Color
VIEW ON AMAZON
Price at Time of Publish: $46
Why We Love:
- ultra-luxe
- very nourishing
- leaves hair soft and manageable
- boosts shine
- with Oribe’s signature scent
- lathers very well
- you only need a dime size
- salon-quality
What We Love Less:
- very pricey
If your bank account allows, this luxe color-safe shampoo leaves hair soft, manageable, and shiny. It comes with Oribe’s signature citrus scent, so you know your hair is going to smell amazing. Expensive, yes. That said, you only need the smallest amount of this highly concentrated formula to turn it into the richest foam.
Best for: dry color-treated hair | Cruelty-free: yes, Oribe is a cruelty-free brand. However, Oribe is owned by KAO, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: no | Free of: sulfates SLS and SLES, paraben, gluten, animal testing | Packaging: plastic
12/12
Best for Dull Hair:
R+Co
Gemstone Color Shampoo
VIEW ON AMAZON
Price at Time of Publish: $34
Why We Love:
- moisturizing yet lightweight formula
- tames frizz
- boost shine
- lathers well
- salon-quality
- vegan
- you only need a dime size
- spa-like scent
What We Love Less:
- pricey
If you’re looking for a color-safe shampoo that is moisturizing without being heavy, opt for R+Co’s Gemstone Color Shampoo. It comes with antioxidant-rich lychee extract, okra seed extract, and vitamin E to condition, tame frizz, and boost shine. The spa-like scent will leave you feeling zen all day.
Best for: dry color-treated hair | Cruelty-free: yes, R+Co is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, R+Co is a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, mineral oil, gluten, animal testing, animal-derived ingredients | Packaging: 55% post consumer recycled plastic
Other Tips To Prolong Your Hair Color
- The lesser you wash your hair, the longer your hair color will last. To extend time between washes, use dry shampoo to remove excess oil and keep your roots fresh.
- Avoid clarifying shampoo or dandruff shampoo, these formulas often contain ingredients that are known to be color-stripping
- Avoid shampoos that contain harsh sulfates (think SLS and SLES) as these ingredients can remove the artificial color from your hair
- Wash with cool or lukewarm water, as hot water opens the hair cuticle allowing the color molecules to escape
- Hair color fades quicker in dry, damaged hair, so always follow with a conditioner or hair mask to add moisture to the hair and to close the hair cuticles
- When it’s sunny wear a hat or sun protection for your hair
- Apply heat protection before using your heat styling tools
FAQ
How Do We Know If A Brand Is Cruelty-Free?
We at Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty always do our research to ensure the brands on this site don’t test on animals or allow others to do so on their behalf.
We check the brand’s cruelty-free status on their website, we reach out to brands, we verify if the brand is certified cruelty-free by PETA or Leaping Bunny, and we check its status with cruelty-free database Cruelty-Free Kitty.
Sometimes, the cruelty-free status of a brand remains unclear. If there is any doubt about a brand being 100% cruelty-free, the brand will not make it in here.
Parent Company Note
A cruelty-free brand can be owned by a parent company that does tests on animals.
Since the products and ingredients of the brand itself are never tested on animals, we at Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty consider these brands to be cruelty-free.
However, we do always mention it below each product when a brand has a parent company that tests on animals.
Are All Cruelty-Free Shampoos Vegan?
Unfortunately not. The term cruelty-free means a product and its ingredients haven’t been tested on animals. Whereas vegan means a product does not contain any animal ingredients or (by)products.
A product can be cruelty-free and not vegan. In the same way, a product can be vegan and not cruelty-free.
Why Trust Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty
We at Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty are beauty enthusiasts + devoted animal lovers that pour through the internet to select the best cruelty-free skincare, hair, and makeup products that are here to find.
Our findings are based on reading (lots of) reviews, doing ingredient research as well as testing the products ourselves.
Questions or Remarks?
Do you have any questions or remarks about any of the cruelty-free shampoos for colored hair in this article, or do you know a shampoo that needs to be on this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments down below.
More Cruelty-Free Hair Care:
This post has been updated in July 2022 since it was originally published in October 2020.
Bumble & Bumble is not cruelty free. From their website: “We do not conduct animal testing on our products or ingredients, nor ask others to test on our behalf, except when required by law.”
Dear Suzanne,
Thank you for reaching out. I understand your concern due to Bumble and bumble’s statement on their website. However Bumble and bumble does not sell in Mainland China, where animal testing on imported cosmetics is required by law, so at least for now they are (PETA certified) cruelty free.
Best regards, Roos