As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the harsh chemicals lurking in our beauty products, many of us are making the switch to natural shampoos. But what about those of us with colored hair? Can we join the natural revolution, or will it spell disaster for our vibrant locks? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of natural shampoos and colored hair, exploring the pros and cons, and providing you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.
The Chemistry of Colored Hair
Before we dive into the world of natural shampoos, it’s essential to understand the chemistry of colored hair. When you color your hair, the process involves opening up the hair shaft and depositing color pigments. This process can cause damage to the hair, especially if you’re using permanent dyes.
The cuticle layer, which is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, becomes lifted, allowing the color to penetrate. However, this lifting of the cuticle layer can make the hair more prone to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. Furthermore, the color pigments can fade more quickly, leading to a loss of vibrancy and tone.
The Importance of Moisture
One of the most critical factors in maintaining healthy, colored hair is moisture. Colored hair tends to be more porous, which means it can absorb and lose moisture quickly. This porosity can lead to dryness, frizz, and an overall lack of manageability.
Moisturizing ingredients, such as coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter, can help to lock in moisture and protect the hair from damage. However, not all shampoos are created equal, and some can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to further dryness and damage.
Natural Shampoos and Colored Hair: The Pros and Cons
So, can you use natural shampoos on colored hair? The answer is a resounding maybe. It depends on the ingredients, the type of color you have, and your hair type.
The Pros
Natural shampoos are often gentler, which can be beneficial for colored hair. They tend to be free from harsh sulfates, parabens, and silicones, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause damage.
Natural shampoos can be more moisturizing, thanks to the inclusion of ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter. These ingredients can help to lock in moisture and protect the hair from dryness and brittleness.
Natural shampoos can help to preserve color. By using gentle, pH-balanced cleansers, natural shampoos can help to close the cuticle layer, locking in color and vibrancy.
The Cons
Natural shampoos can be too gentle. If you have oily hair, a natural shampoo might not be able to provide the same level of cleansing as a sulfate-based shampoo, leading to greasiness and build-up.
Natural shampoos can be too rich. If you have fine or damaged hair, a natural shampoo can be too moisturizing, leading to weigh-down and limpness.
Natural shampoos can affect color deposit. Some natural shampoos can affect the color deposit, causing it to fade more quickly. This is especially true for vibrant, demi-permanent colors.
What to Look for in a Natural Shampoo for Colored Hair
When it comes to choosing a natural shampoo for colored hair, there are several key ingredients to look for.
Mild Surfactants
Look for shampoos that use mild surfactants, such as cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside, or sodium cocoyl isethionate. These ingredients are gentle and effective, providing a rich lather without stripping the hair of its natural oils.
Moisturizing Ingredients
As we mentioned earlier, moisturizing ingredients are essential for colored hair. Look for shampoos that contain ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, shea butter, or keratin. These ingredients can help to lock in moisture and protect the hair from damage.
Color-Protecting Ingredients
Some natural shampoos contain ingredients that can help to protect and preserve color. Look for shampoos that contain antioxidants, such as vitamin E or green tea extract, which can help to reduce color fade and vibrancy.
Our Top Picks for Natural Shampoos for Colored Hair
After researching and testing numerous natural shampoos, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for colored hair.
| Shampoo | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Briogeo Color Protect Shampoo | Coconut oil, argan oil, keratin | Gentle, moisturizing, and color-protecting |
| Burt’s Bees Color Keeper Shampoo | Quinoa protein, honey, vitamin E | Nourishing, moisturizing, and color-enhancing |
| Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo | Plant-derived surfactants, burdock root, quinoa protein | Gentle, plant-based, and color-protecting |
Conclusion
Can you use natural shampoo on colored hair? The answer is yes, but with caution. By understanding the chemistry of colored hair, the pros and cons of natural shampoos, and what to look for in a natural shampoo, you can make an informed decision and find a shampoo that works for you.
Remember to always read the ingredient labels, look for gentle surfactants, moisturizing ingredients, and color-protecting ingredients. And don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your hair.
With the right natural shampoo, you can enjoy the benefits of a more natural, gentler cleanser, while still maintaining the vibrancy and health of your colored hair.
Can I use natural shampoo on my colored hair?
Using natural shampoo on colored hair can be a bit tricky. While natural shampoos are generally gentler on hair than chemical-based shampoos, they can still strip the hair of its color. This is because many natural shampoos contain ingredients like coconut oil and olive oil, which can strip the hair of its color. However, there are some natural shampoos that are specifically formulated for colored hair and can help to maintain the color.
If you do decide to use a natural shampoo on your colored hair, make sure to choose one that is sulfate-free and contains ingredients that are gentle on color-treated hair. Also, be sure to follow the instructions on the label and use a small amount to avoid stripping the hair of its color. It’s also a good idea to do a patch test before using a new shampoo to ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage to your hair.
What ingredients should I avoid in natural shampoos for colored hair?
When it comes to choosing a natural shampoo for colored hair, there are certain ingredients that you should avoid. One of the main ingredients to avoid is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a harsh chemical that can strip the hair of its color. Other ingredients to avoid include ammonium lauryl sulfate, diethanolamine (DEA), and tea tree oil, which can all cause color fade.
Instead, look for natural shampoos that contain ingredients that are gentle on color-treated hair, such as argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. These ingredients can help to moisturize and nourish the hair, without stripping it of its color. Also, look for shampoos that are labeled as “color-safe” or “color-protecting” to ensure that they won’t cause any damage to your hair.
How often should I wash my colored hair with natural shampoo?
How often you wash your colored hair with natural shampoo will depend on your hair type and lifestyle. If you have oily hair, you may need to wash it more frequently, while if you have dry hair, you may be able to go longer between washes. As a general rule, it’s best to wash your hair 2-3 times a week, depending on your hair type and how much product you use.
Over-washing your hair can cause the color to fade faster, especially if you’re using a natural shampoo that contains ingredients that can strip the hair of its color. On the other hand, under-washing your hair can cause buildup and lead to dryness and damage. Be sure to choose a natural shampoo that is gentle on your hair and follow the instructions on the label.
Can I use a natural conditioner with my natural shampoo?
Using a natural conditioner with your natural shampoo can be beneficial for colored hair. Natural conditioners can help to lock in moisture and protect the hair from damage. Look for a conditioner that contains ingredients that are gentle on color-treated hair, such as argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. Avoid conditioners that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and silicone.
When choosing a natural conditioner, make sure to choose one that is specifically formulated for colored hair. These conditioners will be designed to help lock in the color and moisturize the hair. Also, be sure to follow the instructions on the label and use a small amount to avoid weighing down the hair.
Will natural shampoo make my colored hair brittle?
Natural shampoo can potentially make colored hair brittle, especially if it contains ingredients that can strip the hair of its moisture. However, not all natural shampoos will have this effect. Look for shampoos that contain moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, which can help to nourish and moisturize the hair.
If you do experience brittleness after using a natural shampoo, try adding a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment to your routine. These can help to lock in moisture and protect the hair from damage. Also, be sure to choose a shampoo that is specifically formulated for colored hair and follow the instructions on the label.
Can I use a natural shampoo on my highlighted hair?
Using a natural shampoo on highlighted hair can be a bit trickier than on solid-colored hair. This is because highlighted hair can be more prone to dryness and damage. However, with the right natural shampoo, you can help to maintain the health and color of your highlighted hair.
Look for a natural shampoo that is specifically formulated for highlighted hair and contains ingredients that can help to moisturize and nourish the hair. Avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and silicone, which can strip the hair of its color and cause damage.
Will natural shampoo affect the tone of my colored hair?
Natural shampoo can potentially affect the tone of your colored hair, especially if it contains ingredients that can alter the pH balance of the hair. However, not all natural shampoos will have this effect. Look for shampoos that are specifically formulated for colored hair and contain ingredients that can help to maintain the tone and vibrancy of the color.
If you do experience a change in tone after using a natural shampoo, try adjusting your shampoo or conditioner. You may need to try a different brand or type of shampoo to find one that works best for your hair. Also, be sure to follow the instructions on the label and use a small amount to avoid stripping the hair of its color.