The Pros and Cons of Color-Depositing Shampoos

When it comes to coloring your hair, whether you’re trying to fake gray, “go through a phase,” or be told to “look better like a blonde,” there are more options than you think. One of the easiest ways to refresh your colors? Color depositing shampoo. These formulas suspend pigments in the shampoo to help rejuvenate the complexion and slow fading, making them ideal for maintaining, brightening, or subtly altering skin tone without ammonia. While some conversions will still require professional tinting, it’s an easy way to extend the life of your existing products.

Vogue’s most popular color shampoo

Best overall performance

dpHUE Cooling Black Hair Shampoo

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Best for covering grays

Kiwabi White Hair Covering Colored Shampoo

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Best for glossy colors

Davinis Alchemy Shampoo

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Results typically last about three washes and are gentler than at-home semi-permanent dyes, which provide more visible color and last anywhere from eight to twenty washes. As celebrity hairstylist Benjamin Mohapi explains, “Color-fixing shampoos and color-correcting shampoos are similar in structure, but color-correcting shampoos are more commonly used to correct the tone of less pigmented hair, i.e. bleached hair or discolored gray/white hair.”

Still, they’re not foolproof. Colorist Lindsay Wolf notes that results may vary based on porosity, previous color, moisture content and frequency of application. Some people get seamless refresh; Others may experience patchiness or over-tonation. Mohapi says they work well in moderation, but it’s always wise to check with your colorist first. “Only they know if it’s the right recipe for you.”

Below, we’ll break down how to tell if a hair color shampoo is right for you, how to use it properly, its pros and cons, and seven of our favorite options.

Best overall performance: dpHue cooling black hair shampoo

• why we like it: dpHUE The popular sulfate-free shampoo comes in three versions: Daily Color Fresh, violet Cool Blonde and blue Cool Brunette. Colorist Nicole Rojas explains that blue shampoo is great for black hair that experiences unwanted warmth (like red or orange tones) because the blue pigment helps neutralize these undertones. Blondes, meanwhile, tend to struggle with brassy and yellow tones, which is why they are often advised to use purple shampoo. As for frequency of use, Rojas recommends using it once or twice a week until you achieve your desired tone, then maintaining it as needed. Leave on for a few minutes to enhance the toning effect. “I usually recommend five to eight minutes.”
• Main ingredients: Silk protein, pigment
• tone: 3
• size: 250ml

Best for covering grays: Kiwabi hair dye shampoo

• why we like it:I’m waxing poetic about Kiwabi here, but here’s the TL;DR: It’s an excellent vegan option that’s perfect for camouflaging the look of gray hair. The formula contains 31 botanical extracts and four natural oils, so it not only deposits color but also gently cleanses and softens strands, although I still recommend following up with conditioner. Wolf notes, “It won’t provide dramatic coverage, but it’s an option for clients who want a gradual, low-commitment lift.” For best results, lather, leave on for three minutes, then rinse. As always, consistency is key. You’ll usually notice more noticeable results after a few weeks of regular use.
• Main ingredients: Plant extracts, natural oils
• tone: 3
• size:300ml

Best for glossy colors: Davines Alchemy Shampoo

• why we like it: According to Wolf, “Davines Alchemic deposits softly and evenly, leaving hair bright and shiny.” She adds that she likes clients who want their color to maintain a rich and expensive look between appointments without the risk of serious buildup. Available in six colors—red, silver, tobacco, chocolate, copper, and gold—none of them will stain your precious towels or pajamas as long as you rinse them thoroughly. Celebrity hairstylist Jackie Seabooke describes it as “stronger than regular color-correcting shampoo, but weaker than semi-permanent dye. It enhances and refreshes my existing shades with subtle, rich pigment.” As for how to use it, Wolfe says, “I like to leave it on for about five minutes before rinsing.”
• Main ingredients: Glycerin
• tone: 6
• size:280ml

Best versatile color: Keracolor 3 in 1 color developing conditioner

• why we like it: 3-in-1 products used to get a bad rap (at least when it came to men’s body care), but in today’s busy world, we appreciate multifunctional products. Not only does it deposit color, it also gently cleanses and conditions hair. It comes in 23 shades, including playful options like hot pink and lemon. Still, Rojas advises caution. The formula can stain towels and even skin, so it’s best to avoid white surfaces and wear gloves when using it. She recommends leaving it on for five to ten minutes and then rinsing thoroughly two to three times. For a softer deposit, she recommends mixing it with regular conditioner. “You can mix it with your daily conditioner to control the amount of pigmentation and find the perfect ratio. I usually recommend a 50/50 mix for maintenance, or 75% daily conditioner with 25% pigmented conditioner for a more subtle refreshing effect.”
• Main ingredients: Keratin, rosehip, shea butter, jojoba oil
• tone:twenty three
• size: 355 ml

Best for subtle colors: Pure Blends sun protection moisturizing color fixing shampoo

• why we like it: Rojas says to think of this option more as a hydrating shampoo that deposits subtle color rather than a huge transformation. It adds moisture while helping to maintain tone, leaving color-treated hair soft and refreshed. Nine shades are designed to brighten and enhance dyed threads, helping to prevent fading and extend the time between appointments. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid staining as the formula will transfer if left behind. Although it’s hydrating, Rojas still recommends using conditioner if your hair feels dry or heavy.
• Main ingredients: Keratin, collagen
• tone: 9
• size: 250ml

Best color range: Punky Color 3-in-1 color shampoo and conditioner

• why we like it: While some color-depositing shampoos are better for a subtle refreshing effect, Wolf notes that Punky Color is one of the bolder, highly pigmented options at the price. “It’s perfect for delivering a fresh, vibrant hue at home, yet it grabs the hair (and surface) quickly,” she says. “I recommend using gloves, starting with shorter handling times, and laying out a dark towel before application,” she adds. There are 14 colors to choose from, including hot pink, teal and bright red – lucky for my mom, these didn’t exist when I was a teenager.
• Main ingredients: Keratin, hydrolyzed quinoa, mullein extract
• tone:18
• size: 250ml

Best High Pigment Colors: Iroiro Color Deposition Shampoo

• why we like it:Iroiro is known for its intense, direct pigment, so expect real payoff, especially on pre-lightened hair. “The formula is super hydrating, lathers beautifully, and is easy to use for at-home care and color refresh,” explains Wolf. This is what is said to the wise. Mohapi describes the brand’s shades as “subtle as a sledgehammer,” adding that while the intensity may be fun for a short time, they “may end up lasting much longer.” If you want to try pink, blue, red or even green, the trick is to use it like regular shampoo once or twice a week to refresh your color, or use it right after coloring to help maintain vibrancy.
• Main ingredients: Coconut oil, fermented olive oil, argan oil
• tone: 7
• size: 273 ml