Sulfate-Free Shampoos For Colored, Curly Hair

Sulfate-Free Shampoo Options For Curly, Colored Hair

August 26, 2010

Recently, a reader wrote asking for some advice on caring for her new red locks:

After seeing the post you did on Milla Jovovich's gorgeous red hair, I decided to take the plunge from dark brown to red! And I love it. Anyway, I was hoping you'd be able to help me find a new shampoo? I'm looking for a sulfate-free one to help keep my color, but it also has to be very moisturizing for my curly hair. Any ideas?

I have plenty sulfate-free, color-safe, moisture-rich options, dear reader. (And they're even great for all hair colors.) For a suggestions in various price points, just read more.

Shampoos:

For a luxurious option: Alterna Caviar Anti Aging Seasilk Moisture Shampoo ($30) contains caviar extract for moisture and includes a color protecting complex.
For a midpriced option: Kiehl's Sunflower Oil Color Preserving Shampoo ($18) is formulated with the conditioning oils of sunflowers and won't strip hair color.
For an affordable option: L'Oréal EverPure Smooth Shampoo ($6) prevents fading, smooths frizz, and is scented with rosemary and juniper to refresh the senses.

Something else to consider:

Color-enhancing conditioners: Red hair dye has a tendency to fade fast. So, for even further color enhancement, consider using a color conditioner specifically formulated for redheads (or brunettes or blondes) about once or twice a week. Try Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Red Conditioner ($36) or Aveda Madder Root Color Conditioner ($17).

Source: Thinkstock

15 Comments

Laura2795214 36 weeks 1 day

I make extra sure I stay away from anything with sulfates. I'm currently into this new product line called Pro Naturals, they have a lot of good stuff for natural hair. I got their shampoo and it's the best, no frizz, no dryness, less hair loss and much more shine. I got it online at beyas so if any ladies out there want to give it a try, there ya go! ;)

Advah 2 years 38 weeks

I also love Burt's Bees stuff!

havewrench2 2 years 38 weeks

I actually think Wen is the best shampoo for Red (colored) hair. It leaves the pigments intact and hair very conditioned. Sally's also has a Wen knock off that works great, it's called One shampoo that is half the price and also works fantastic.

michelleyk 2 years 38 weeks

I use henna, so nothing really removes that red (I've actually started to go to the salon and have my stylist highlight it so it doesn't go too dark), and I currently use Frederick Fekkai. Before, through, when I used to dye my hair red I used the sulfate-free shampoo to preserve my color. I tried the expensive Aveda stuff that my stylist talked me into as well as Biolage, but surprisingly, one of the best sulfate-free shampoos I found was at Trader Joe's! It was $3 a bottle, and kept my color as well as the much more expensive shampoos.

2 years 38 weeks

Oh man, I hate fake red hair with the fire of a thousand suns. It never looks natural and always looks fake, fake, fake. It's hard to fake red hair, even salons don't do it well. But, that aside, the L'Oreal EverPure line works really well.

Sasseefrass 2 years 38 weeks

I have to throw in recommends for Kenra Platinum shampoo and AG's Colour Savour shampoo. Love, love, love them! To offset the cost pain, I buy the 1 litre bottles. I have to use such a little bit each time that one bottle lasts for months. FYI, sometimes I have to ask my hair stylist if she can get me the bigger sizes because they're not usually out on display.

Sasseefrass 2 years 38 weeks

2 years 38 weeks

I LOVE Ted Gibson shampoo and conditioner for redheads! The conditioner actually stains my hands a bit at first, but I leave the conditioner in for 8-10 mins while I scrub and shave, and by the time I'm done my hands are fine and my hair is brighter than before! You MUST try this one!! (BTW Ted Gibson is the new hairstylist on What Not to Wear, he's fabulous!)

postmodernsleaze 2 years 38 weeks

I'm so glad the red worked out, Renees3! It's such a fun color to have. If I ever decide to grow my hair longer again, I'll probably make the switch back to red. L'Oreal's line is awesome for how inexpensive it is. Also, that Organix line is sulfate-free (or at least most of their stuff?) and they have a wider range of scents. I just thought I'd throw that out there because I hear a lot of people that don't like the rosemary/juniper smell of the EverPure line.

postmodernsleaze 2 years 38 weeks

POPSUGAR Beauty 2 years 38 weeks

Thanks for submitting the question, Renee3!

Renees3 2 years 38 weeks

Yay! Thanks for posting this Bella! I'll be going out and buying some today! Yay for new shampoo and keeping this new Awesome red color!! I love being red, I've been stopped by strangers complimenting my hair! :-)

socalbeachgal 2 years 38 weeks

I use Pureology or Biolage and they both keep my color from turning brassy. I have dark, dark brown hair that I color an auburn.

le romantique 2 years 38 weeks

I use EverPure. I have naturally curly hair and it is auburn (for about a year now, naturally ash brown.) I love it.

bronzebeauty719 2 years 38 weeks

I recommend L'oreals ever pure line! I am naturally blonde but color my hair mid-dark brown.. truly this has help me color my hair a lot less! I would color it the instant it turned brassy/redish...Which is a huge help since i do color it professionally

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15 Comments

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