Ever wished you could refresh your hair color right in the shower, no messy dyes or salon visits needed? That’s the promise of drugstore hair color shampoos. They sound like a dream: easy to use and quick results. But when you stand in the beauty aisle, facing wall-to-wall boxes, the dream can quickly turn into a confusing chore. You worry about the color washing out too fast, or worse, turning your hair an unexpected shade.
Picking the perfect one feels like a gamble. You want something that truly works without damaging your strands. Finding honest reviews and clear information is tough. That’s where we step in. We’ve tested the popular brands and dug into what makes certain formulas better than others.
Keep reading to discover our top picks, the secrets to getting the best results, and how to avoid common coloring mistakes. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which drugstore hair color shampoo deserves a spot in your shower lineup.
Top Drugstore Hair Color Shampoo Recommendations
- Color Protecting Shampoo: Get up to 8 weeks of color vibrancy with Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo. Helps resist wash-out, fade-out and dry-out so fresh vibrant color lasts longer. Vegan, with no parabens, and gentle enough for everyday use
- Color Safe Formula: Garnier's Color Shield formula with acai berry antioxidant, vitamin B6, vitamin B3, and UV filters helps keep color looking and feeling fresher for longer. Perfect to protect your favorite Garnier Fructis Hair Color shade
- Gentle Hair Care Solutions for Your Color Treated Hair: Our shampoo is gentle, lathers well and leaves your hair and scalp feeling and smelling great. Follow it up with the Color Shield Conditioner and hair mask for best results
- Over 100 years of pioneering in hair care: Since 1904, Garnier has blended naturally inspired and derived ingredients into breakthrough formulas for hair products and skin care. Garnier products are cruelty free and commited to greener beauty
- Inspired By Nature: Garnier Whole Blends carries an array of products for your hair with crafted select ingredients, lush formulas, and unique fragrances to restore the natural beauty of hair
- 【Formula upgrade】The color depositing shampoo has been optimized with a formula. You can see the full formula table of the product, so you can use it with peace of mind.
- 【No frizz】 We added Argan Oil, Olive Oil and Turmeric to the semi permanent hair color. These three are effective in helping hair to be smoother and smooth out frizz after using color shampoo.
- 【Multipurpose】Whether your hair is white, gray, light brown, etc. You can use this lacquered black hair dye to make your hair black, and of course, this natural hair dye can also make your beard darkening.
- 【Easy to use】 All you need to do is apply the color shampoo while your hair is dry like a normal shampoo, leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse it out completely.
- 【Caution】Please conduct an allergy test before use. Avoid the mouth, nose, eyes, and any part with wounds on the way of use.Because everyone's hair is different, the results of coloring may vary. The actual result shall prevail.
- [100% COVERAGE OF GRAY HAIR] Get a vibrant hair colour with our black hair dye shampoo. Designed for 100% coverage of grey hair, this shampoo not only refreshes your hair colour but also enhances the health and vitality of your hair
- [EASY TO USE AND TIME SAVING] Our hair dye shampoo doesn't require traditional hair colour tools, just apply it as you would normal shampoo, saving time and effort,and has a 3-in-1 function
- [HERBAL INGREDIENTS] Our hair colour shampoo is made from carefully selected herbal ingredient that ensure your hair is healthy, deeply nourishes the scalp and is gentle on the hair and scalp
- [MULTIPLE COLOR OPTIONS] Meets the needs of different hair colours and textures, whether it is straight or curly hair, thick hair, fine hair and hair with normal density, suitable for both men and women, allowing your hair to regain its youthful appearance
- If you have any questions or concerns during the purchase process, you can always contact us via email and we will try our best to solve your problems
- Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner Set: L'Oreal Paris EverPure Moisture Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner provides moisture without the weigh down. Our hair care system with is formulated for color treated and dry hair
- Rosemary-Rich Formula: Shampoo & conditioner for color treated hair featuring Rosemary Botanicals to deeply replenish dry hair with moisture, softness & luminous shine. See 2X more moisture with system of shampoo & conditioner vs. non-conditioning shampoo
- Sophisticated Scent: Experience a purely sensorial lush, luxurious lather and fresh fragrance that blooms. Our moisturizing shampoo and conditioner features a scent profile of rose, cedar, bergamot and musk
- Vegan Shampoo and Conditioner: EverPure hair products have the purest respect for your hair and have been formulated without sulfates, parabens, DMDM hydantoin, added phthalates, dyes and gluten ingredients. Always color caring and powered by science
- L'Oreal Paris Innovation: We are a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in hair color, hair care, hair style, skin care and cosmetics
- Color Fading Shampoo, 9.75 fl. oz.
- Made in the USA
- Shampoo for normal, color treated hair
- Helps Protect Against Color Fade
- Up to 60 days sealed-in color vibrancy based on 4 washings per week
- Formulated with anti-oxidants and UV filters to help restore hair
- L'Oreal Paris Hair Expert is now L'Oreal Paris Elvive - new look, same amazing formula
- Gray Coverage & Vibrant Color-SROLM’s all-in-1 Hair Dye Shampoo combines coloring, conditioning, and cleansing in one step! Achieve salon-quality black hair that looks vibrant, healthy, and natural – no harsh chemicals, no scalp irritation.
- Easy to Use, Save Time & Money-No bowls, no combs, no mess! Simply apply like regular shampoo, lather, wait 15-20 minutes, and rinse. Perfect for busy lifestyles – save $200+ compared to salon visits
- Herbal Ingredients for Healthy Hair-Infused with Ginseng, He Shou Wu, and Pagoda Tree, our formula deeply nourishes hair, strengthens roots, and soothes sensitive scalps. 100% plant-based, vegan, and cruelty-free.
- Long-Lasting Color & Affordable-One 500ml bottle provides up to 10 applications, with color lasting 3-4 weeks. Enjoy fade-resistant, even coverage without breaking the bank.
- For All Hair Types & Styles-Whether you have straight, curly, thick, or fine hair, SROLM’s dye shampoo delivers balanced, full coverage for every strand. Perfect for men’s beards and women’s roots!
- MAINTAIN YOUTHFUL HAIR COLOR – Obtain back the fresh-looking hair of your younger days, get back the lost luster, and replenish the health of your weak strands with Herbishh hair color shampoo for gray hair. Formulated to help you achieve vibrantly colored locks, this hair color shampoo dye will treat your hair with a special combination of active botanicals.
- MAGIC HAIR DYE SHAMPOO – Our shampoo dye hair color contains active ingredients like Argan Oil to lock in moisture and prevent drying, Olive Oil to add softness and strength, Noni Fruit enhance tone, Wild Ginseng with bioactive compounds and Mushroom to restore original color.
- 3-IN-1 SAFER HAIR DYE – Unlike other chemical laden hair dye colors, this magic hair dye shampoo is ammonia-free and parabens-free with no harsh chemicals, while it also colors, cleanses, and conditions your tresses, all at once! The all-light hair dye shampoo will soothe your scalp, foster healthy hair development, and maintain overall vigor. Ideal for men and women, this gentle formula is suitable for all hair types,
- EASY TO USE – A hassle-free hair color application is everyone’s dream! Requiring no bowl or brush, our hair dye shampoo for women and men will cover all your grays within 5-10 minutes! The vegan shampoo dye for grey hair does not emit any nasty fumes or smell, stain your skin, or create unsightly mess – HASSLE-FREE APPLICATION!
- LIGHT ON YOUR POCKET – Stop spending hundreds of dollars on salon appointments! With our shampoo that dyes your hair get exemplary results in the comfort of your home and color that will stay for up to 2-3 weeks. Available in 12 different colors, this 500 ml shampoo dye color will last for around 10 applications
Your Complete Guide to Buying Drugstore Hair Color Shampoos
Drugstore hair color shampoos offer a simple way to refresh your color or try a new shade at home. They work by depositing temporary color pigments while you wash your hair. Choosing the right one is important for the best results. This guide helps you find the perfect bottle.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at what the bottle promises. These features make a big difference in your experience.
1. Color Longevity and Deposit Level
- Temporary vs. Semi-Permanent: Most drugstore options are temporary. They fade quickly, often in 3 to 10 washes. Check the label to see how long the color is expected to last.
- Pigment Intensity: Some shampoos deposit a subtle tint, perfect for maintenance. Others offer richer color payoff. If you want a noticeable change, choose a high-intensity formula.
2. Conditioning Ingredients
Since these products are often used frequently, moisturizing ingredients are vital. Good color shampoos should leave your hair feeling soft, not dry or brittle.
3. Color Range and Undertones
- Shade Selection: Does the brand offer shades close to your current color? Look beyond just the main color (like “Brown”) and check for undertones (like “Ash Brown” or “Warm Brown”).
- Gray Coverage: Most color shampoos only blend or lightly tint grays. They do not provide permanent gray coverage like traditional box dyes.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The ingredients list tells you how the shampoo will treat your hair and scalp.
Coloring Agents
These shampoos rely on direct dyes. These are pigments that sit on top of the hair shaft instead of penetrating deep inside like permanent dyes do. Look for ingredients like basic dyes or colorants listed near the middle or end of the ingredient list.
Nourishing Components
Quality formulas include beneficial materials. Look for ingredients such as:
- Natural Oils: Coconut oil, Argan oil, or Shea butter help seal moisture into the hair.
- Keratin or Proteins: These strengthen the hair structure, which is important when using any type of color product frequently.
- Avoid Harsh Sulfates: Sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) clean very well but can strip color and moisture rapidly. Choose sulfate-free options for longer-lasting results.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one color shampoo better than another? It often comes down to formulation and your starting point.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- pH Balance: A slightly acidic or neutral pH helps the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair) stay closed. This keeps the color pigments locked in longer.
- Color Depositing Frequency: High-quality shampoos deposit color evenly, preventing blotchiness.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Drying Agents: Too many harsh detergents or drying alcohols will quickly fade the color and damage your hair.
- Incompatibility with Current Color: Using a red shampoo over bleached blonde hair might cause a very intense, uneven result. Results are usually best when used to maintain a similar shade.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product affects the outcome significantly.
Ease of Use
The main appeal of these shampoos is simplicity. You apply it like regular shampoo, let it sit for a few minutes (usually 3 to 5), and rinse. Always follow the specific timing instructions on the bottle for the best deposit.
Best Use Cases
- Color Refreshing: This is the top use. If your salon color looks dull after a few weeks, this shampoo brings back the vibrancy between appointments.
- Testing New Shades: Want to see if purple hair suits you? A color shampoo lets you try it without commitment. The color washes out as it fades.
- Subtle Toning: Blonde users often use these to cancel out brassiness (yellow tones) using violet or blue-toned shampoos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Drugstore Hair Color Shampoos
Q: How long does the color from a hair color shampoo last?
A: Usually, the color lasts between three and ten washes. It depends on how porous your hair is and how often you wash it.
Q: Will this completely cover my gray hair?
A: No, most color shampoos only blend or lightly tint gray hairs. They do not offer full, opaque coverage like permanent dyes.
Q: Can I use this on bleached or highly processed hair?
A: Yes, but be cautious. Highly porous hair grabs color very quickly. Test a small, hidden section first to avoid overly intense results.
Q: Should I use conditioner after using the color shampoo?
A: Check the instructions. Some color shampoos are formulated to condition simultaneously. If the formula seems drying, follow up with a regular or color-safe conditioner.
Q: What happens if the color looks patchy?
A: Patchiness often happens if you do not distribute the product evenly or if some parts of your hair are more damaged than others. Try massaging it in thoroughly next time.
Q: Can I use this on dark brown hair to make it lighter?
A: No. Color shampoos deposit pigment; they do not lift or lighten your natural base color.
Q: How often can I safely use a color depositing shampoo?
A: You can use it every time you wash your hair if the formula is gentle and sulfate-free. If you notice dryness, use it every other wash or just once a week.
Q: Do I need to wear gloves when using these?
A: It is highly recommended. While they are often gentler than traditional dyes, the pigments can temporarily stain your hands, especially lighter shades.
Q: Will this product damage my hair over time?
A: If the formula is rich in conditioners and oils, damage is minimal because the color sits on the outside. However, frequent use of any washing product can eventually cause some dryness.
Q: How do I remove the color faster if I do not like the shade?
A: Wash your hair more frequently using a clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoo. These stronger cleansers strip the temporary color out faster.