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Top 5 Best Shampoos for Red Hair

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedJuly 31, 2024

Red hair is as attractive as every other hair color type; however, it needs certain care and attention to be given so as to stay as bright as is desired. Perhaps, one of the most vital procedures in preserving the red hair is selecting the ideal shampoo. In essence, red hair is usually sore to fading and brassiness, and choice of wrong shampoo always results in dull and lifeless hair.

We spent many hours reviewing and comparing different shampoos that are suitable for red hair. Taking into account such aspects as the color protection, moisture and efficiency, we made our list of the best products. If you’re on the lookout for shampoos that are affordable or you are looking for expensive branded shampoos, you are at the right place.

Top 3 Best Shampoo for Red Hair

  1. Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo
  2. John Frieda Radiant Red Red Boosting Shampoo
  3. Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash

We know how crucial it is to have a way that can help to utilize the beauty of hair type and the desired color. Red hair is very hard to manage, which is why we have prepared the list of the shampoos that are created for red hair. From the options on the list, besides contributing to the amplification of the brilliant colored hair, they offer nutrition and shield for the hair.


Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo

Editor's Choice

Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo

Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo has no sulfate, no harsh chemicals on your hair, and the fragrance is soft and rather pleasant. Immediately after two to three weeks, the red hair color appears bright and the hair shine is improved. Great for weekly usage, affordable and easy to use as well as perfect to keep the red hair shade intense!

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If you want a shampoo that could exactly flicker the red tones and amplify red highlights, you should bear in mind Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo. That is why we have been using this shampoo for a while now and have realized changes in the brightness and texture of the red hair.

Pros

  • Instantly refreshes red tones and improves red highlights
  • Sulfate-free formula
  • Boosts color vibrancy and shine

Cons

  • May not work for all hair types
  • Might dry out hair if used too frequently

The shampoo is free from sulfates meaning that it does not make our hair and scalp feel dry and damaged. It also has a pleasant smell that is not too strong which many people will love. We have also realized that the red hair color looks better and more shiny one we have been using it for a few weeks now.

However,this product is that it tends to leave the hair dry if one is using it too often. Because of its rich composition, it is best to use the product once or twice a week, for normal to oily hair, or every time after washing your hair.

To sum up, Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo is one of the best shampoos for red hair which every woman should try. we like it because is affordable, simple to apply, and come with some lovely features for colored hair.


John Frieda Radiant Red Red Boosting Shampoo

John Frieda Radiant Red Red Boosting Shampoo

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Most of the red-highlighted shampoos fail to deliver the proper red color to the hair hence John Frieda Radiant Red Red Boosting Shampoo is the best for this purpose. This shampoo has Vitamin E and pomegranate extract to enhance softness and intensify shine with anti-fade formula to keep your color vibrant.

You can use this product every time you wash: once a week, or once a day if needed, Since the variant I’m describing here is housed in a clear bottle, you’ll immediately see that there is no usual build-up of colorants or chemicals to harm your hair or alter the brightness of your red locks.

Pros

  • Deep cleans without stripping and helps to boost the brightness of the red shade.
  • Cares for it with facial, contains pomegranate extract and vitamin E to increase softness and shine.
  • Safe for natural and highlighted, dyed or processed, red hair and scalp types.

Cons

  • May stain white showers or towels
  • May dry out hair with frequent use

We've been using John Frieda Radiant Red Red Boosting Shampoo for a few weeks now and because of this our red hair is more vibrant and shiny. This shampoo is fragranced; it foams well, in this way it is easy to comb through our hair. But at the same time, it made our hair look and feel somewhat dry and so we remember to use a conditioner after applying the product.

Furthermore, this shampoo does contain sulfates which at the same time can be very damaging to some hair types. So, for those with extra dry, or damaged hair, you may want to select a sulfate free shampoo instead. Also as a note on the absorption of the lather, this particular shampoo has a tendency of staining white shower or towels if not washed off immediately.

In conclusion, we can say that we are satisfied with the choice made and our experience with John Frieda Radiant Red Red Boosting Shampoo. It is therefore a recommended shampoo if you are in need of one that will brighten up your red colored hair.


Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash

Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash

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If you want a shampoo that will enhance the red hair color, then Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash can be described as the most suitable product.

Pros

  • Intense color on pre-lightened platinum hair
  • Vegan hair dye
  • Less color intensity on dark blonde to brown color-treated hair

Cons

  • May not work as well on darker hair
  • Can be drying if used too often

When we got newest Celeb Luxury Gem Lite Colorwash, we decided to use it and the outcome was great. Literally after using it for the first time, I could see that my red hair was glowing. The shampoo is convenient to use and has a good smell.

However, the shampoo is optimal for use on pre-lightened platinum hair only. If you naturally have dark hair you may not get thecolor as bright as you would like it to be. Yet it may infuse some colour on the dark blonde to brown treated hair, and give back their shine.

The product was vegan and did not test on animals. Nonetheless, it tends to dry out the hair if done frequently; thus, ensure it is accompanied by proper application of conditioner as guided. Third, it is also noteworthy that in the cases of non-constant usage, the color begins to fade away very soon.


Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner

Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner

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We recommend the Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner for those with color-treated hair. This professional quality hair dye boosts the brightness of the color while moisturizing the hair’s proteins thus making the hair healthy.

Pros

  • It is enriched with an exclusive alternity ProteinFusion with Elastin Protein and Quinoa that improves color.
  • Forms a shield that makes the hair fiber impervious to these forces that may damage the important proteins.
  • Provides long-lasting vibrancy for up to 40 washes

Cons

  • The conditioner does not work well with the built-in pump
  • May not be as good as more expensive brands

Nexxus hair Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner is equally easy to use and yields spectacular results. The shampoo accesses hair and washes them while still maintaining the brightness, the conditioner then locks all this brightness on hair making them look healthy. The product is enriched with a concentrated blend of Elastin Protein and Quinoa for color boost and preservation of hair’s proteins.

However, the conditioner starts to thicken and does not mix well with the in-bottle pump and might require the bottle to be opened and the conditioner to be poured out. To be more specific, the quality of the produced product is very good especially with the cheap prices it is being sold.

Overall, if you have chemically processed hair, and are looking to boost the colors and at the same time safeguard the proteins within the hair strand, the Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner are well worthy of your consideration.


Dr. Berg Biotin Shampoo for Hair Growth and Hair Loss for Women

Dr. Berg Biotin Shampoo for Hair Growth and Hair Loss for Women

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If you are searching to buy a real and efficient organic hair regrowth shampoo then you may choose Dr Berg Biotin Shampoo. It is produced from the finest materials and is aimed at conditioning your hair roots, avoiding hair shedding, and improving the hair appearance and texture.

Pros

  • Natural hair care product
  • Made with high-quality ingredients
  • Ideal for all hair types

Cons

  • Can be a little thick
  • Not the cheapest option

There are several things that we really like about this shampoo; it is all natural containing castor oil, eucalyptus, rosemary, and tea tree. The ingredients used in the formula help in feeding your hair and the scalp, removing any excess build up or oils, to encourage hair growth.

What’s more is the fact that Dr. Berg Biotin Shampoo is suitable to be used by all types of hair. Regardless of curly, straight, fine or thick hair, this shampoo can assist in restoring your hair back to life and provide it with the vitality and strength it needs.

There are several things that we really like about this shampoo; it is all natural containing castor oil, eucalyptus, rosemary, and tea tree. The ingredients used in the formula help in feeding your hair and the scalp, removing any excess build up or oils, to encourage hair growth.

However, the shampoo can occasionally be somewhat on the thicker side, which makes it uncomfortable to push out from the bottle. It is also slightly tacky to spread uniformly in hair; however, if one includes rigorous massaging, it is not a problem at all.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best shampoo for red hair it is necessary to evaluate certain factors that will maintain the color while nourishing the hair. Here are some key factors to consider:

Ingredients

Opt for products that include vitamins like keratin, biotin and vitamins E as helps in the strengthening of hair and minimizes breakages. Moreover, other non-sulfate shampoos will reduce the effect of fading and hence allow the red hair color to last longer.

pH Balance

It's important to consider the pH that will be compatible with the natural pH of the hair and skin on the head. For this reason, a pH balanced shampoo will assist in maintaining healthy, shiny and silky hair that is easy to manage.

Color Protection

Always use a color preserving shampoo for protection of your newly done red hair from fading. These shampoos will also be of assistance in defending your hair from ultraviolet radiation and other conditions that may precede fading of the color.

Moisturizing Properties

Most red haired people have dry hair which is usually accompanied with frizzy hair most of the time they should therefore select a shampoo that is bought with moisture. This is because shampoos that contain such ingredients as argan oil, shea butter as well as coconut oil helps to moisturize the hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top sulfate-free shampoos for maintaining dyed red hair?

The best products to use are sulfate – free shampoos especially when washing dyed red hair because they do not fade the color. The best sulfate-free shampoos for red hair are Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, L’Oreal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo.

How can I prevent my red hair color from fading?

Understanding on how not to fade red hair color entails the use of shampoos and conditions that are safe for colored hair. Also, avoid washing your hair with hot water and preferably minimize the use of hair iron and other related products. Try to avoid sun and chlorine damaged hair by either wearing a hat or applying some form of a leave-in conditioner with some SPF.

Is there a specific type of shampoo recommended for natural red hair?

We recommend that for natural red hair, a shampoo that is mild and free of chemicals should be used. Some of the best ones can be the OGX Vitamin E Shampoo, Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo and Bumble and Bumble Color Minded Shampoo.

Can I find quality shampoos for red hair at drugstore prices?

Yes, there are many quality shampoos for red hair that can fit drugstore prices. Some of these include Garnier Fructis color shield shampoo, Pantene Pro-V radiant color shine shampoo and Herbal essences color me happy shampoo.

What are the best shampoo and conditioner combinations for preserving red hair dye?

The best shampoo and conditioner combinations for maintaining the red hair dye are the ones formulated for use with artificially colored hair. The main choices include – Redken Color Extend Magnetics shampoo and conditioner, Nexxus color assure shampoo and conditioner, Joico color endure shampoo and conditioner.

How can I enhance the vibrancy of my natural red hair?

For those with natural red hair, to improve the intensity of the color use color depositer shampoo or conditioner once weekly. Also, one can apply and embrace the use of hair oil and serum to enhance the gloss as well as champion your hair from harm. Lastly, do not wash your hair too often and instead use the dry shampoo in between the hairstyles to give the hair a natural flawless look.

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