best shampoo for brown hair with highlights

The first thing that struck me about the VANIDOX Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo for Blondes & Highlights wasn’t just its vibrant purple hue but how effortlessly it smoothed and hydrated my hair without drying it out. After hands-on testing, I found it gentle enough for daily use and powerful enough to combat brassiness, leaving highlights cool and luminous. The deep nourishment and repair qualities make it stand out—perfect for anyone tired of dull, lifeless hair.

Compared to other purple shampoos, it offers a moisture-rich formula that strengthens rather than strips, making it ideal for color-treated or highlighted browns. The blend of nourishing ingredients means your hair stays soft, shiny, and vibrant longer, while the balanced cleansing prevents damage. Based on thorough testing, I confidently recommend this as your go-to to keep highlights fresh and brassy tones at bay. Trust me, it’s a real game changer for maintaining that salon look at home.

Top Recommendation: VANIDOX Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo for Blondes & Highlights

Why We Recommend It: It combines a gentle yet effective cleansing with deep nourishment, specifically formulated to maintain highlights and neutralize brassiness. Its moisture-rich, sulfate-free formula prevents dryness, unlike some competitors. The deep repair benefits and ability to be used daily give it an edge over options like L’Oréal EverPure, which, while hydrating, lacks the same level of nourishing repair. This makes it the best all-around choice for maintaining vibrant, healthy brown highlights.

Best shampoo for brown hair with highlights: Our Top 3 Picks

• VANIDOX Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo for Blondes & Highlights – Best for Highlights and Shine
• L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo 6.8oz – Best Shampoo for Colored Brown Hair
• ShiKai Color Reflect Gold Shampoo | Hydrating & Brightening – Best for Brown Hair with Highlights and Shine

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Shampoo for Brown Hair with Highlights?

Choosing shampoo for brown hair with highlights requires consideration of several factors.

1. Color Protection
2. Moisture Content
3. Sulfate-Free Formula
4. pH Balance
5. Ingredients
6. Hair Type Compatibility
7. Personal Preferences

When selecting shampoo, it’s important to focus on these key factors for optimal results.

1. Color Protection: Color protection shampoos help maintain the vibrancy of brown hair and highlights. They contain special formulas designed to prevent fading. Products with UV filters can shield hair from sun damage, thus preserving color.

2. Moisture Content: Moisture content is crucial for maintaining healthy, highlighted hair. Shampoos infused with hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin or natural oils, keep hair nourished and prevent dryness. Studies show that moisture retention improves hair’s elasticity and shine.

3. Sulfate-Free Formula: A sulfate-free formula is gentler on color-treated hair. Sulfates can strip natural oils and cause color to fade faster. Choosing sulfate-free options can enhance color longevity while keeping hair soft and manageable.

4. pH Balance: A balanced pH in shampoo helps maintain the hair’s natural state. Hair has a slightly acidic pH around 4.5 to 5.5. Using shampoos within this range helps prevent frizz and damage, promoting healthier hair.

5. Ingredients: The ingredients in shampoo can greatly affect hair health. Look for nourishing components such as keratin, which strengthens hair, and botanical extracts, which soothe. Avoid products with alcohol, as it can lead to dryness.

6. Hair Type Compatibility: Different hair types require different care. People with fine hair may prefer lightweight formulas, while those with thick hair may need richer, more moisturizing options. Assessing hair type ensures better results.

7. Personal Preferences: Personal preferences play a role in shampoo selection. Consumers may favor certain scents or sustainability practices, such as cruelty-free or eco-friendly products. Aligning with personal values enhances the shampoo experience.

How Do Purple Shampoos Enhance Highlighted Brown Hair?

Purple shampoos enhance highlighted brown hair by neutralizing unwanted yellow or brassy tones, thereby improving the overall color and appearance. They contain purple pigments that counteract excessive warmth in the hair color.

• Color Theory: Purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel. This means that when purple is applied to yellow or brassy tones, it can neutralize those warm hues, resulting in a cooler, more balanced hair color.
• Purple Pigments: The key active ingredients in purple shampoos are violet pigments. These pigments temporarily stain the hair, helping to diminish yellow tones without altering the base color of the hair.
• Enhanced Shine: In addition to color correction, purple shampoos often contain ingredients that enhance shine. For instance, ingredients like dimethicone or natural oils can help smooth the hair cuticle, resulting in shinier, healthier-looking highlights.
• Frequency of Use: Regular use of purple shampoo can maintain the vibrancy of highlighted brown hair. Experts, like colorist Jason Backe (2019), suggest using purple shampoo once or twice a week, depending on how brassy the hair appears and how often it is washed.
• Product Formulation: Many purple shampoos are formulated to be sulfate-free. Sulfates can strip color-treated hair, leading to faster fading of highlights. Using a sulfate-free formula supports color preservation while enhancing the benefits of the purple pigments.

These aspects of purple shampoos make them effective for maintaining and enhancing highlighted brown hair, leading to a refreshed and more appealing look.

Which Ingredients Should You Look for in Color-Safe Shampoo for Brown Hair?

Look for sulfates, silicones, UV protectants, and natural extracts in color-safe shampoo for brown hair.

1. Sulfates
2. Silicones
3. UV Protectants
4. Natural Extracts

Choosing the right ingredients is essential for maintaining the vibrancy and health of color-treated brown hair. Different ingredients serve various purposes and have unique effects.

1. Sulfates:
   Sulfates are cleansing agents commonly used in shampoos. They create lather and effectively remove dirt and oil from the hair. However, sulfates can strip color from dyed hair. Many color-safe shampoos avoid sulfates to preserve hair color and moisture. A study by the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that sulfate-free shampoos can reduce hair dryness in color-treated hair.

2. Silicones:
   Silicones are ingredients that provide shine and smoothness to hair. They form a protective barrier around the hair shafts, preventing moisture loss and frizz. However, some users argue that silicones can cause buildup, which might dull color-treated hair over time. Brands like Moroccanoil offer silicone-infused products that enhance the texture of brown hair, providing both protection and shine.

3. UV Protectants:
   UV protectants are additives that shield hair from the harmful effects of sun exposure. They help prevent color fading due to UV rays, which can be detrimental to both natural and colored hair. According to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, exposure to UV radiation can lead to significant color changes in hair. Therefore, color-safe shampoos with UV protectants are essential for maintaining the richness of brown hair.

4. Natural Extracts:
   Natural extracts, such as chamomile, aloe vera, and hibiscus, provide nourishment and hydration. They enhance the overall health of the hair while supporting color vibrancy. Ingredients like chamomile can naturally brighten brown tones, making them a popular choice in color-safe shampoos. Research published in the International Journal of Trichology highlights that natural botanical extracts can improve hair condition and maintain color integrity over time.

What Are the Top Brands Recommended for Shampoos Designed for Brown Hair with Highlights?

The top brands recommended for shampoos designed for brown hair with highlights include:

1. Kevin Murphy
2. Joico
3. Redken
4. Pureology
5. Matrix

Different perspectives exist on the best choice of shampoo for brown hair with highlights. These perspectives include ingredient effectiveness, price range, natural versus synthetic formulas, and specific care for color-treated hair.

1. Kevin Murphy: Kevin Murphy offers sulfate-free formulas that enhance shine and maintain color vibrancy. Their products often contain natural ingredients like aloe vera, helping to nourish and protect highlighted hair.

2. Joico: Joico features color-preserving shampoos that target fading hair color. They use a unique technology called Color Balance that helps to neutralize unwanted tones. This brand is often praised for its hydration benefits.

3. Redken: Redken is known for its Color Extend series specifically designed for color-treated hair. Their shampoos contain proteins and other nourishing ingredients that help to maintain the integrity of highlighted hair while slowing down color fade.

4. Pureology: Pureology specializes in sulfate-free shampoos that offer 100% vegan formulas. They are particularly notable for their moisturizing properties and their ability to protect color-treated hair from environmental damage.

5. Matrix: Matrix provides a diverse range of shampoos that cater to specific hair needs, including color care. Their products often include ingredients that help to keep color from washing out and offer options for varying types of brown shades.

Each of these brands addresses the needs of brown hair with highlights in different ways, focusing on moisture, color preservation, and nourishment. Customers often choose based on their specific hair type, budget, or environmental concerns.

How Often Should You Use Shampoo for Managing Highlights in Brown Hair?

To manage highlights in brown hair, you should use shampoo two to three times a week. Using shampoo too frequently can strip color-treated hair of its natural oils and vibrancy. Highlights often require gentle care to maintain their brightness and prevent fading. On non-shampoo days, consider rinsing your hair with water or using a conditioner. This method keeps your hair clean without excessively washing away the color. Additionally, selecting a sulfate-free shampoo can help preserve the integrity of the highlights. Balancing shampoo use while incorporating conditioning treatments will effectively manage your highlighted brown hair.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Selecting Shampoo for Brown Hair with Highlights?

When selecting shampoo for brown hair with highlights, avoid the following mistakes:

1. Choosing high-sulfate shampoos.
2. Ignoring pH levels.
3. Neglecting UV protection.
4. Avoiding color-safe formulas.
5. Disregarding hair type compatibility.
6. Overlooking the importance of moisturization.
7. Selecting products with harsh chemicals.

These points highlight common errors while selecting shampoo, showcasing differing opinions on product types and attributes. Now, let’s examine these mistakes in detail.

1. Choosing high-sulfate shampoos: High-sulfate shampoos contain harsh detergents that can strip hair color and natural oils. Sulfates can dull highlights and lead to dryness. Research indicates that sulfate-free shampoos help maintain color vibrancy and shine (Dai et al., 2020).

2. Ignoring pH levels: pH levels matter when selecting shampoo. Hair typically maintains a pH of 4.5 to 5.5, and using products with higher pH can cause cuticle damage. Shampoos within this pH range help retain color and prevent frizz (Cascio, 2019).

3. Neglecting UV protection: UV rays can fade hair color and damage hair structure. Shampoos that include UV filters can provide additional protection, preserving both color and shine. Studies show that UV protection in hair care can reduce color fading significantly (Smith, 2021).

4. Avoiding color-safe formulas: Color-safe shampoo is specially formulated to preserve color-treated hair. These shampoos often contain ingredients designed to prevent fading and damage. Failing to choose color-safe options can result in quicker loss of highlights (Wilson, 2022).

5. Disregarding hair type compatibility: Different hair types require specific care. A shampoo suitable for oily hair may be too harsh for dry hair. Properly matching shampoo to hair type can enhance the effectiveness of the product and maintain healthy highlights (Lee, 2021).

6. Overlooking the importance of moisturization: Hydration is crucial for hair with highlights. Moisturizing shampoos can help combat dryness and maintain the integrity of color-treated hair. Regular use of moisturizing shampoos shows a noticeable reduction in breakage and improves shine (Jackson et al., 2020).

7. Selecting products with harsh chemicals: Ingredients such as parabens and silicones can build up in the hair, leading to dullness and potential irritation. Conversely, shampoos with natural and organic ingredients help maintain healthy, vibrant highlights (Roberts, 2022).

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