Are you searching for a shampoo that not only extends the life of your hair color but is also free from animal-derived ingredients and animal testing? We’ve got you! We have curated a list of the 10 best vegan shampoos for colored hair. Since you’re on beauty.beyond.cruelty, rest assured that these shampoos are all cruelty-free too.
But first, let’s discuss why hair color tends to fade over time and why it’s crucial to use a shampoo formulated for color-treated hair.
What Causes Color Fading?
Multiple factors contribute to color fading, including exposure to sunlight, heat styling tools, and overall damage. However, the most significant factor is water.
To protect the life of your hair color, it’s essential to minimize water exposure as much as possible. When it’s time to wash your hair, using a shampoo specifically formulated for color-treated hair can significantly extend your color. How, you ask?
Shampoos designed for color-treated hair are formulated with color-protecting ingredients and generally lack substances like sulfates that can strip away your color. Some of these shampoos even offer UV protection to shield your color from the damaging effects of the sun.
Now, without further ado, here are the 10 best vegan shampoos for colored hair.
Index
- Best Overall | DpHUE – Color Fresh Shampoo
- Best Overall, Runner-Up | Amika – Vault Color-Lock Shampoo
- Best for Fine Hair | Verb – Ghost Shampoo
- Best for Dry Hair | Pureology – Hydrate Shampoo
- Best for Damaged Hair | Olaplex – No 4. Bond Maintenance Shampoo
- Clean Scalp | Paul Mitchell – Tea Tree Special Color Shampoo
- Best Gentle | Rahua – Color Full Shampoo
- For Shiny Colored Locks | R+Co – Gemstone Color Shampoo
- Best Natural | Aveda – Color Conserve Shampoo
- Best for Dry Color-Treated Hair | Kevin Murphy – Angel Wash
The 10 Best Vegan Shampoos for Colored Hair
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Price Guide
$ = under 20 usd
$$ = under 30 usd
$$$ = under 40 usd
1/10
Best Runner-Up:
DpHUE – Color Fresh Shampoo
Shop at AMAZON | $$
This shampoo deeply cleanses, reducing the need for frequent washes, which is ultimately the best way to prolong color. Its sulfate-free formula effortlessly lathers into a creamy foam. Scent-wise, this shampoo smells like you just got your hair done at the salon.
Pair with the matching conditioner for even better results.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concern: color-safe | Scent: clean salon-like | Free of: sulfates, paraben, phthalates, silicones, gluten, animal (by)products | Silicone-Free: yes | Cruelty-Free: yes, DpHUE is cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, DpHUE is not a 100% vegan brand, as some of their products do contain animal-derived ingredients | Packaging: plastic
2/10
Best Overall:
Amika – Vault Color-Lock Shampoo
Shop at AMAZON | $$
This color-preserving shampoo revitalizes your hair while maintaining its vibrancy. The sulfate-free formula ensures a thorough cleanse without compromising bounce. Even though it’s sulfate-free, this shampoo suds up very well. Plus, it smells so good, thanks to vanilla, sweet clover, and citrus.
For best results, pair with Amika Vault Color-Lock Conditioner.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concern: color-safe | Scent: vanilla, sweet clover, citrus | Free of: sulfates, paraben, phthalates, mineral oil, animal (by)products | Silicone-Free: no | Cruelty-Free: yes, Amika is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, Amika is not a vegan brand, as some of their products do contain animal (by)products | Packaging: plastic
3/10
Best for Fine Hair:
Verb – Ghost Shampoo
Shop at AMAZON | $
This do-it-all shampoo cleanses while weightlessly conditions hair and protects color with ingredients like moringa oil, aloe vera, and green tea extract. It tames frizz, leaves hair free of tangles, and has a light grapefruit and oatmeal scent. And while it is sulfate-free (an essential criterion for a color-safe shampoo) it still suds up nicely and rinses clean. Need we say more?
For best results follow with Verb Ghost Conditioner.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concern: color-safe | Scent: grapefruit oatmeal | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, mineral oil, alcohol, animal (by)products | Silicone-Free: no | Cruelty-Free: yes, Verb is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, Verb is not a vegan brand, as some of their products do contain animal (by)products | Packaging: recyclable plastic
4/10
Best for Dry Color-Treated Hair:
Pureology – Hydrate Shampoo
Shop at AMAZON | $$$
If your colored strands are dry and brittle, this pick is choice. The mint-scented shampoo gently cleanses hair without stripping its color or moisture and leaves hair smooth, nourished, and UV protected. Pricey? Yes. But with the smallest amount you build up a rich lather, meaning this bottle will last ages.
For best results pair it up with the Hydrate Conditioner.
Hair Type: medium to thick | Hair Concern: color-safe, dryness | Scent: mint | Free of: sulfates SLS and SLES, animal-derived ingredients | Silicone-Free: no | Cruelty-Free: yes, Pureology is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand. Do note that they are owned by L’oréal, which is not a cruelty-free company | Vegan: yes, Pureology is a 100% vegan brand, meaning none of their products contain animal ingredients | Packaging: 95% post-consumer recycled plastic
5/10
Best for Damaged Color-Treated Locks:
Olaplex – No 4. Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Shop at AMAZON | $$
Have taken it a few bleach steps too far? Reach for this hairdresser’s go-to shampoo. Its patented bond-building technology works to repair hair on a molecular level, leading to stronger, softer hair with fewer split ends, breakage, and frizz. Olaplex is extremely popular amongst bleached blondes, but the highly nourishing formula is a great choice for all colors in need of repair too.
Pair with Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner for even better results.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concern: color-safe, damage, dryness | Scent: mild citrus | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates, gluten, mineral oil, gluten, animal (by)products | Silicone-Free: no | Cruelty-Free: yes | Vegan: yes, Olaplex is a 100% vegan brand, which means none of their products contain animal ingredients | Packaging: plastic
RELATED: The Best Cruelty-Free Shampoos for Dry and Damaged Hair
6/10
Clean Scalp:
Paul Mitchell – Tea Tree Special Color Shampoo
Shop at AMAZON | $
With colored hair, it is best to not wash it too often. To extend time between washes, reach for Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Color Shampoo. The blend of tea tree oil and peppermint thoroughly cleanses hair and scalp while rooibos tea and UV filters prolong color. This shampoo is also great for colored dandruff-prone hair, as tea tree has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Plus, the cooling sensation is great for sleepy mornings.
For best results pair with Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Color Conditioner.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concern: color-safe, product build-up, itchy scalp, dandruff | Scent: aromatherapy | Free of: paraben, gluten, animal (by)products | Silicone-Free: no | Cruelty-Free: yes, Paul Mitchell is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, Paul Mitchell is not a 100% vegan brand | Packaging: post-consumer recycled plastic
7/10
Best Gentle:
Rahua – Color Full Shampoo
Shop at AMAZON | $$$
This luxe shampoo boasts a litany of hair-loving ingredients, namely aloe vera, hibiscus, and namesake rahua oil – and will help to add shine and moisture while keeping your color fresh. In terms of lather, it’s not like a regular (read: harsh chemicals) shampoo, but if you add enough water you will get the job done. The gentle, sulfate-free formula comes with a light floral scent.
Pair with the matching conditioner for best results.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concern: color-safe | Scent: floral | Free of: paraben, sulfates, gluten, silicones, animal (by)products | Silicone-Free: yes | Cruelty-Free: yes, Rahua is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, Rahua is a vegan brand, meaning none of their products contain animal ingredients | Packaging: recyclable plastic
8/10
Best for Shine:
R+Co – Gemstone Color Shampoo
Shop at AMAZON | $$$
R+Co’s color shampoo contains a color protection complex to keep your hue at its best. You only need a dollop size of this sudser to make your hair ultra-clean and gemstone shiny. It comes with a spa-like scent to relax the senses while you start or finish your day.
Finish with R+Co Gemstone Color Conditioner for best results.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concern: color-safe, dullness | Scent: spa-like | Free of: paraben, sulfates, mineral oil, animal (by)products | Silicone-Free: no | Cruelty-Free: yes, R+Co is a Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, R+Co is a 100% vegan brand | Packaging: plastic
9/10
Best Natural:
Aveda – Color Conserve Shampoo
Shop at AMAZON | $$
Aveda’s plant-based shampoo for color-treated hair cleanses gently while leaving hair lightly moisturized and healthy. Plus, the anti-fade formula stretches out your way to the salon as long as possible. An added bonus for the herbal floral scent.
For best results pair with Aveda Color Conserve Conditioner.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concern: color-safe, dryness | Scent: herbal, floral | Free of: paraben, sulfates, mineral oil, animal (by)products | Silicone-Free: no | Cruelty-Free: yes, Aveda is PETA-certified cruelty-free brand. They are owned by Estée Lauder, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, Aveda is a 100% vegan brand | Packaging: post-consumer recycled plastic
10/10
Best for Dehydrated Color-Treated Hair:
Kevin Murphy – Angel Wash
Shop at AMAZON | $$$
This nourishing formula is a great pick for color-treated hair that needs a light wash and a lot of hydration. It’s not the biggest bottle, but you don’t have to use much of the thick-ish shampoo to get the job done. It smells like candy that lingers softly until your next wash.
Finish with Kevin Murphy Angel Rinse for best results.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concern: color-safe, dryness, damage | Scent: sweet candy | Free of: paraben, sulfates, animal (by)products | Silicone-Free: no | Cruelty-Free: yes, Kevin Murphy is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, Kevin Murphy is not a vegan brand, as some of their products do contain animal (by)products | Packaging: plastic
Besides Washing with a Shampoo for Colored Hair, You Can Prolong Your Hue With These Tips:
- Shampoo less, and only make your hair wet when you need to
- Don’t wash your hair with piping hot water, as this opens the hair cuticle, which allows the color molecules to escape. Wash with cool or lukewarm water instead (not what you want to hear, I know)
- Avoid clarifying shampoo or dandruff shampoo, which are known to be color-stripping
- Always follow with conditioner to add moisture and close the hair cuticles. Color fades quicker in dry, damaged hair
- Apply heat protection before using heat styling tools
- Wear a hat or sun protection for your hair, especially when it is sunny
What Is The Difference Between Vegan And Cruelty-Free?
Cruelty-free means a product and its ingredients haven’t been tested on animals. It also isn’t sold where animal testing is required by law. Vegan means a product does not contain animal ingredients or (by)products.
A product can be cruelty-free and not vegan as well a product can be vegan and not cruelty-free.
The products in this article are all cruelty-free as well as vegan.
Parent Company
Some cruelty-free brands are owned by companies that do test on animals. Beauty.beyond.cruelty considers these brands to be cruelty-free since their products and ingredients are never tested on animals. However, you may think of this differently, which is why we always mention it when a brand has a parent company that tests on animals.
