The Best Color Conditioners of 2024
One of the downsides of dyeing your hair is watching the color wash out little by little every time you shampoo. Some colors are more noticeable than others (like reds or vibrant neon colors), but all hair dyes fade more and more after every wash. Color conditioners are color-depositing dyes and conditioners combined– allowing your hair to stay moisturized and nourished but with a refreshed color! Color conditioners contain no ammonia or peroxide and only serve to replace dye pigmentation that comes out of your hair after washing it. We reviewed the best color conditioners, and our favorite is the Keracolor Clenditioner (color + cleanse + condition) because of its variety of colors, great pigmentation restoration, and keratin-infused formula.
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Best Overall
Keracolor Color Conditioner
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Most Versatile
Overtone Color Conditioner
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Best Quality
Celeb Luxury Color Conditioner
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Most Affordable
No Fade Fresh Color Conditioner
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Most Long-lasting
dpHUE Color Conditioner
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Most Moisturizing
Biolage Color Conditioner
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Buying Guide: Color Conditioners
Hair is an asset that has the power to make or break your overall appearance. But, we all have different hair color types and textures, and the products that might be best for some people may not necessarily be suitable for you. With the sheer amount of color conditioner brands available on the market, it can be intimidating (and sometimes downright scary) to make a choice. After all, you want to invest in a color conditioner that won’t damage your hair (I want that for you too) —right? Thankfully, there's no need to worry. We’ll guide you through the entire buying process to make sure you know what to look out for!
Why Do You Need Color Conditioner?
Having the same hair color all the time can be boring. Even if you love your natural hair color, with time it is bound to lose its glossiness and become dull. Many people suffer from graying hair which makes them look older than their actual age. All these problems can take a toll on your self-confidence and stress you out.
A good color conditioner solves all these problems by giving your hair the look you want. It restores natural shine and gives your locks a vibrant color. Meanwhile, for chemically treated hair, using a color conditioner in between salon appointments can increase the longevity of your new hair color.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Color Conditioner
Final Result
It is very important to keep the result you desire in mind while going through the process of buying a color conditioner. The result may depend on our individual hair goals. For instance, do you want to completely dye your hair, or just enhance the existing color? Do you want to add shine or neutralize the warmth? Once you have these questions answered, you can start to look for a color conditioner that promises your desired outcomes.
Most color conditioners contain semi-permanent dyes, so if you want to dye your hair completely, then it’s better to chemically alter your hair before buying a conditioner. This is because most conditioners don’t include ammonia or strong dyes. That being said, if you want to add longevity to your pre-colored hair and enhance its appearance, then a color conditioner may be the best choice. Always make sure to patch test the color conditioner on a strand of hair before applying it fully to ensure the desired result.
Closest Shade
No matter which brand you're opting for, it's always better to choose a shade closest to your natural hair color (or the color you’ve dyed it to). Keep in mind that color conditioners are meant to enhance your existing look and give it a natural finish. They seldom lighten hair or alter texture because they do not contain the strong ingredients that are included in permanent hair dyes. As a result, picking a color conditioner that closely matches your existing shade will increase its vibrancy and shine.
Ingredients
The ingredients of your chosen color conditioner must address your underlying hair care needs. Always read the ingredients at the back of the bottle before making your purchase. If your hair is prone to breakage and has weak roots, it’s better to buy a color conditioner that contains protein extracts, as it will help minimize breakage and increase strength.
Similarly, if your hair is dry and dull, a color conditioner with nourishing oils is a must. This is because the conditioner will moisturize your hair and enhance its overall softness. In general, though, it is highly recommended that you use a color conditioner with natural ingredients — it will lead to softer, bouncier hair.
Reviewing the Best Color Conditioners of 2024
Keracolor Color Conditioner
Pros
- Increases longevity of hair color
- Makes hair feel softer
- Available in a range of colors
Cons
- May not cover up grays completely
Overtone Color Conditioner
Pros
- Safe to use
- Available in various shades
- Works on all hair types and textures
Cons
- Doesn’t guarantee gray hair coverage
Celeb Luxury Color Conditioner
Pros
- Cruelty-free, vegan formula
- Quick to use
- Available in an array of shades
Cons
- Pricier than other products
No Fade Fresh Color Conditioner
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Maintains longevity of hair color
- Helps recondition the hair
Cons
- Only suitable for chemically treated hair
dpHUE Color Conditioner
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- Ammonia and paraben-free
- Leave a glossy finish
Cons
- Some dislike its after smell
Biolage Color Conditioner
Pros
- Extremely moisturizing
- Very pigmented color deposits
- Great for all hair types
Cons
- Limited color range
One thing is abundantly clear when you massage the Biolage Color Conditioner into your hair: moisture reigns supreme. It's like giving your hair a tall glass of water. After each use, it hydrates even the thirstiest strands, leaving your hair feeling rejuvenated and silky smooth. Its highly pigmented color deposits breathe new life into dyed hair that needs a refresh and is suitable for all hair types. It’s also fast-acting, promising visible results in just 5 minutes. It has a somewhat restricted color range; however, the available shades are undoubtedly stunning! This conditioner's vegan formulation means no furry friends were harmed in the quest for gorgeous hair.
People Also Ask
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Q: What is a color conditioner?
A:Color conditioner is a hair product designed to refresh hair color; it’s a hydrating conditioner that also contains hair dye color pigments.
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Q: Will color conditioner cover my gray hair?
A:Since color conditioners are made of semi-permanent dyes, they do not fully cover gray hair. That being said, they do help with blending gray hair into other colors which is useful for touch-ups between salon appointments.
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Q: Can all hair types use color conditioners?
A:Yes, most color conditioners are formulated to work on all hair types, including straight, curly, wavy, thick, and fine hair. The biggest decision is choosing a color conditioner with the exact pigmentation you'd like.
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Q: Can I mix color conditioners with other hair products?
A:It's best to use color conditioner as directed to achieve the desired results. Mixing it with other hair products may dilute its effectiveness or alter its performance.
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Q: How long does the color from the color conditioner last?
A:The longevity of color from a color conditioner depends on various factors, such as hair porosity, color intensity, and how often you wash your hair in general. However, you can expect the color to last through several washes before gradually fading.
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