11 Best Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair, Tested by Experts

We updated this guide in February 2023 to ensure all products tested and vetted by theGood Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab were in stock and reflected accurate prices, plus added three new picks.

Your latest dye job doesn't simply end once you leave the salon — using a top-rated shampoo that's intended for color-treated hair is key to keeping your shade fresh and vibrant, whether it's brunette, black, blonde, red or an even bolder hue (hello, purple and rose gold!). Shampoos of any kind are designed to clean away oil and dirt, and color-protecting formulas use the same basic cleansing ingredients but also aim to minimize the amount of dye that runs down the draineach time you wash. Not only do color-safe shampoos work to preserve your dye job, but they also help mask any damage by making strands feel softer and smoother, too.

Based on recommendations from Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab product testers and professional stylists' top picks, read on to learn more about the best shampoos for colored hair— and once you get the lowdown on color-protecting shampoos, you can also check out the GH Beauty Lab's top-tested picks for more of the best shampoos on the market, including hydrating shampoos for dry hair, volumizing shampoos for fine hair, dandruff-fighting shampoos and sulfate-free shampoos — plus the best hair products you can buy.

Meet the experts

• April Franzino, GH Beauty Director
• Patrick Kyle, a New York City hair colorist
• Meri Kate O 'Connor, a colorist at Cooper Salon in West Hollywood, CA
• Daniel Reboh, a master hairstylist at Femme Coiffure in Florida
• Rachel Bodt, a celebrity colorist and Matrix brand ambassador
• Clariss Rubenstein, a celebrity hairstylist
• Michael Dueñas, a celebrity hairstylist

Our top picks:

At the end of this guide, read more about what our scientists consider when testing and choosing the best color-safe shampoos.