There is nothing like a fabulous dye job to make you feel brand-new and ready to take on the world. But nothing lasts forever—eventually, the color can fade. That’s why it’s so important to use the proper haircare products after a fresh dye job. The right shampoo will help protect newly dyed locks, but when it comes to color-depositing and color-protecting, is there a right answer? We’re here to get to the bottom of this question and keep your hair color looking fierce.
What Is Color-Depositing Shampoo?
It’s no secret that hair dye can fade over time, but what if you could slow down that process? This is where color-depositing shampoo and conditioner come in. Products that color your hair while also cleaning and treating it can be valuable additions to your haircare routine.
As the name suggests, color-depositing shampoo and conditioner contain pigments that replenish color, so it doesn’t lose too much intensity after washing and styling. Our Unicorn Hair Color Shampoo is sulfate-free and comes in unique colors, such as fuchsia, blue, purple, and peach, to boost many of our Unicorn Hair semi-permanent dyes and tints. The clear Universal suits all hair colors, whether it’s dyed or natural. Pair the shampoo with the coordinating conditioner to get the full impact.
Can You Use Color-Depositing Shampoo on Uncolored Hair?
Yes! If you’re only after a hint of tint and already have light hair, color-depositing shampoo and conditioner can give you the perfect kiss of color. If you’re starting with darker hair, the Universal duo will give you all the cleansing and shine you want.
How Long Does Color-Depositing Shampoo Last?
If you’ve been wondering how long color-depositing shampoo and conditioner last, the answer depends on several factors. Some people maintain vibrant, consistent color by shampooing just once or twice a week. It’s also important to read instructions carefully to be sure you’re using the product as intended. Remember that color-depositing products have pigment, so they could stain—wearing gloves in the shower is the best way to keep your hands clean.
Wait—What About Color-Protecting Shampoo?
Hoping to protect your current dye job without incorporating more color? Our new Unicorn Hair Color Protecting Shampoo and Unicorn Hair Color Protecting Conditioner are ideal. They contain unique conditioning ingredients that keep your hair and scalp healthy and moisturized. And we all know that happy hair leads to better color.
Instead of depositing pigment, color-protecting shampoo and conditioner use special polymers that create a hydrophobic coating around every strand of hair. That means color is locked in, and excess water that can strip away dye is locked out.
Which Ingredients Affect Color the Most?
No matter what type of shampoo you’re buying, you should always be on the lookout for harmful ingredients that fade color and leave hair feeling stripped. Surfactants, like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate (also known as SLS and SLES), and sodium chloride can all wreak havoc on colored hair.
SLS and SLES are ingredients that make shampoos foam up, but they can dry out hair and cause scalp irritation after repeat exposure. Sodium chloride is often used to make products feel creamier and more luxurious while still providing a powerful clean. If that name sounds familiar, you’re right—it’s salt, and it’s an exfoliant that can leave hair feeling dry and coarse.
Luckily, our Unicorn Hair Color Conditioner and Unicorn Hair Color Shampoo products are sulfate-free, so you don’t have to worry about dried-out, tangled strands.
Whether you’re preparing for your first dye job or ready to switch colors, get and keep the vibrant hue you want with our color-focused shampoo and conditioner duos. Share your gorgeous results on Instagram and see what else is in the works on TikTok.
