10 Best Shampoos for Highlighted Hair in 2025

Have you invested time and money in getting beautiful highlights only to watch them fade quickly? The right shampoo makes all the difference between dull, brassy highlights and vibrant, salon-fresh color. Your highlighted hair needs special care that regular shampoos cannot provide.

Many people struggle with finding the perfect shampoo for highlighted hair that cleans effectively without stripping color.

This guide will help you discover the best options available today that not only maintain your highlights but also nourish your hair to keep it healthy and shiny.

In a Nutshell

Understanding what your highlighted hair needs is crucial for maintaining its vibrant color and health. Here are the key points to remember when choosing a shampoo for your highlighted locks:

• Color-protecting formulas are essential for highlighted hair as they contain ingredients that form a protective barrier around the hair shaft to prevent color molecules from washing away
• Sulfate-free options should be your top priority since sulfates can strip away color and natural oils that keep highlighted hair looking fresh and healthy
• Purple shampoos work wonders for blonde highlights by neutralizing brassy and yellow tones, but should only be used 1-2 times per week to prevent over-toning
• Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, argan oil, and keratin help repair the damage caused by highlighting processes and keep hair soft and manageable
• UV protection in your shampoo is not just a luxury but a necessity as sun exposure can quickly fade highlights and change their tone
• pH-balanced formulas help seal the hair cuticle after washing, which locks in color and adds shine to highlighted strands
• Cold water rinses after shampooing can seal the cuticle and help maintain color vibrancy for longer periods
• Rotating between color-safe shampoos and occasional clarifying treatments can help remove product buildup without compromising your highlights
• High-quality salon brands often provide better color protection despite their higher price point because they contain more concentrated active ingredients
• Frequency matters – washing highlighted hair less often (2-3 times per week) can significantly extend the life of your color and reduce fading

Now let’s dive into the best shampoos that will keep your highlights looking fresh and vibrant!

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo: Perfect Balance of Moisture and Color Protection

For highlighted hair that needs serious hydration without compromising color vibrancy, Pureology Hydrate Shampoo stands out as a premium option. This sulfate-free formula uses a patented AntiFade Complex that works to maintain your color while deeply nourishing dry strands.

Features:

• Signature aromatherapy blend with refreshing mint notes
• 100% vegan formula with no harsh sulfates
• Contains jojoba oil, green tea, and sage to condition and protect
• Concentrated formula that requires only a small amount per wash

Pros:

• Creates a rich, creamy lather despite being sulfate-free
• Maintains highlight vibrancy for weeks longer than regular shampoos
• Makes hair noticeably softer after just one use
• Prevents color fading even with frequent washing
• Adds incredible shine to highlighted sections

Cons:

• Higher price point than drugstore options
• Strong scent might not appeal to everyone
• Can be too heavy for very fine hair types

If your highlighted hair tends to feel dry and brittle, this hydrating formula will revitalize it while keeping your color looking fresh. The concentrated formula means that although the initial investment is higher, each bottle lasts significantly longer than less expensive options.

Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Shampoo: Science-Backed Color Enhancement

When it comes to blonde or light-colored highlights, Olaplex No. 4P offers breakthrough bond-building technology combined with purple pigments to combat brassiness. This innovative formula repairs damaged hair bonds while enhancing color tone.

Features:

• Patented bond-building technology repairs damaged hair structure
• Purple pigments neutralize yellow and brassy tones
• Highly concentrated formula with minimal product needed per wash
• Free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates

Pros:

• Dramatically brightens blonde highlights after just one use
• Strengthens hair from within rather than just surface treatment
• Reduces breakage in highlighted areas that are typically more fragile
• Works effectively on both natural and color-treated blonde hair
• Balances cool tones without over-purpling the hair

Cons:

• Can stain hands if not rinsed quickly
• May leave hair feeling slightly dry if overused
• Premium price point

This shampoo offers a rare combination of color correction and structural repair, making it perfect for those with heavily highlighted or damaged blonde hair. For best results, rotate it with a moisturizing shampoo and don’t leave it on for more than 2-3 minutes.

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo: Repair and Protect for All Highlight Colors

Whether your highlights are blonde, caramel, or red, Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo delivers exceptional results by focusing on repairing the internal structure of your hair. This cult favorite uses patented technology to reconnect broken disulfide bonds.

Features:

• Repairs broken hair bonds caused by chemical processes
• Color-safe and pH-balanced formula
• Free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
• Suitable for all hair types and colors

Pros:

• Makes highlighted hair noticeably stronger after consistent use
• Reduces breakage by up to 80% according to clinical tests
• Prevents color fading and maintains vibrancy
• Leaves hair with improved manageability and smoothness
• Creates a healthy foundation for styling

Cons:

• Not specifically formulated to combat brassiness
• Relatively high price for the bottle size
• Results take time to become fully visible

For those whose hair has been weakened from multiple highlighting sessions, this shampoo addresses the root cause of damage rather than just masking symptoms. Its bond-building technology ensures your highlights stay vibrant while hair health improves with each wash.

Biolage ColorLast Shampoo: Natural-Inspired Color Preservation

Drawing inspiration from the color-preserving properties of the orchid flower, Biolage ColorLast Shampoo offers highlighted hair gentle cleansing with outstanding color protection. The low-pH formula helps seal the hair cuticle, locking in your highlights.

Features:

• Features orchid extract for color preservation
• Low pH formula that closes the cuticle
• Contains soybean oil and stearic acid for nourishment
• Paraben-free and mineral oil-free formula

Pros:

• Extends color vibrancy up to 9 weeks
• Provides exceptional shine to highlighted strands
• Gentle enough for daily use
• Pleasant, subtle fragrance
• Makes detangling easier after washing

Cons:

• Contains some synthetic ingredients
• May not provide enough moisture for very dry hair
• Larger bottle can be difficult to handle with wet hands

This salon-quality shampoo strikes an excellent balance between cleansing power and color protection, making it ideal for those who wash their hair frequently but still want to maintain their highlight vibrancy. The formula works by creating a protective shield around each strand.

Kérastase Blond Absolu Shampoo Lumière: Luxury Care for Highlighted Hair

Kérastase Blond Absolu represents the pinnacle of luxury hair care formulated specifically for highlighted and lightened hair. This illuminating shampoo contains hyaluronic acid and edelweiss flower to hydrate and protect fragile strands.

Features:

• Enriched with hyaluronic acid for deep hydration
• Contains edelweiss flower extract for antioxidant protection
• Illuminates blonde and highlighted hair
• Removes impurities and pollution without stripping color

Pros:

• Instantly improves hair texture and manageability
• Creates exceptional shine and light reflection
• Removes environmental pollutants that can dull highlights
• Balances hydration without weighing hair down
• Preserves highlight tone and prevents color shifting

Cons:

• Premium luxury price point
• Smaller bottle size than some competitors
• Strong fragrance may not appeal to everyone

For those willing to invest in premium hair care, this shampoo delivers salon-quality results at home. Particularly effective for those with fine highlighted hair that needs brightness without added weight, the formula hydrates from within rather than coating the surface.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo: Budget-Friendly Brass Fighter

When you want professional-level brass control without the salon price tag, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Purple Shampoo delivers impressive results. This drugstore favorite effectively neutralizes unwanted warm tones in blonde and brown highlighted hair.

Features:

• Contains iris botanicals to neutralize brassiness
• 100% sulfate-free, salt-free, and surfactant-free formula
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Affordable price point with large bottle size

Pros:

• Effectively tones down orange and yellow tones
• Gentle enough for regular use
• Budget-friendly alternative to salon purple shampoos
• Does not overly dry highlighted hair
• Pleasant floral scent that isn’t overwhelming

Cons:

• May need longer processing time than premium purple shampoos
• Can stain grout and bathroom surfaces if not rinsed thoroughly
• Not as concentrated as some higher-end options

This shampoo proves that effective brass control for highlighted hair doesn’t need to break the bank. The color correction is gradual rather than instant, making it ideal for those who prefer subtle toning with regular use rather than dramatic results from a single wash.

Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo: Professional Strength Color Lock

Salon favorite Redken brings professional color care home with their Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo. Utilizing amino-ions and charged proteins, this innovative formula creates a magnetic attraction to lock color molecules within the hair shaft.

Features:

• Contains Redken’s exclusive RCT Protein Complex
• Amino-ions technology works like magnets to seal in color
• Sulfate-free and gentle cleansing system
• Professional salon quality formula

Pros:

• Creates a protective barrier that preserves highlights
• Strengthens hair from root to tip
• Maintains color integrity for up to 4 weeks longer
• Balances moisture levels in highlighted sections
• Prevents color bleeding and fading

Cons:

• Higher price point than drugstore options
• Strong fragrance that lingers in hair
• May not lather as richly as some users prefer

This shampoo excels at maintaining the crisp, clear lines of highlighted hair by preventing color bleeding between sections. The protein-rich formula also helps strengthen hair that has been weakened by chemical processes, reducing breakage along highlight boundaries.

Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo: Salon-Quality Brass Control

Professional colorists frequently recommend Joico Color Balance Purple for maintaining cool-toned highlights and preventing warmth from developing. The multi-spectrum defense complex fights fading while delivering powerful toning benefits.

Features:

• Contains Multi-Spectrum Defense Complex to fight fading
• Infused with rosehip oil and green tea extract
• Provides UV protection to prevent sun damage
• Professional-grade purple pigments for effective toning

Pros:

• Delivers dramatic toning results in just one application
• Simultaneously cleanses and corrects color
• Provides UV protection for outdoor activities
• Strengthens hair with bio-advanced peptide complex
• Works on both blonde and gray highlighted hair

Cons:

• Very pigmented formula can stain if not handled carefully
• May be too strong for frequent use on lighter highlights
• Higher price point than mass-market options

For those battling persistent brassiness in their highlights, this powerful formula delivers salon-quality results between color appointments. The purple pigment is more concentrated than many competitors, making it ideal for challenging toning situations.

Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo: Classic Toning Solution

A long-standing favorite among hair professionals, Clairol Shimmer Lights continues to set the standard for effective brass-neutralizing in highlighted hair. This protein-enriched formula simultaneously tones and strengthens fragile strands.

Features:

• Original salon formula with strong purple pigments
• Contains protein to strengthen highlighted hair
• Works for blonde, silver, and light brown highlights
• Concentrated formula that requires minimal product

Pros:

• Delivers fastest toning results among drugstore options
• Effectively neutralizes yellow and orange tones
• Strengthens hair with added protein
• Budget-friendly with long-lasting results
• Trusted by professionals for decades

Cons:

• Contains sulfates which may be drying with frequent use
• Strong violet scent that some find unpleasant
• Can turn very light highlights slightly purple if left on too long

This classic formula has stood the test of time because it simply works. For those seeking quick correction of brassy highlights without a premium price tag, Shimmer Lights delivers consistent results. Best used as a weekly treatment rather than daily shampoo.

Matrix So Silver Purple Shampoo: Brightening Solution for Cool-Toned Highlights

When your highlights need serious color correction, Matrix So Silver Purple Shampoo provides professional-strength toning in a moisturizing base. This salon staple brightens blonde, silver, and platinum highlights while neutralizing unwanted warmth.

Features:

• Advanced toning technology with purple pigments
• Contains conditioning agents to prevent dryness
• Professional salon formula for consistent results
• Works on both natural and color-treated hair

Pros:

• Transforms brassy highlights to icy tones in 1-2 uses
• Effectively deposits cool tones without over-drying
• Removes environmental yellowing from pollution exposure
• Makes highlighted sections appear fresher and more dimensional
• Long-lasting toning effect that doesn’t wash out quickly

Cons:

• Very pigmented formula can stain hands and surfaces
• May be too powerful for already-cool highlights
• Contains some sulfates that can be drying

Matrix delivers salon-quality results for those who need significant toning correction for their highlights. The formula is particularly effective for highlights that have developed a yellow cast from environmental factors like chlorine, pollution, or sun exposure.

How to Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Highlighted Hair

Selecting the perfect shampoo for your highlighted hair requires understanding your specific needs. Not all highlights are created equal, and your hair type plays a major role in determining which formula will work best for you.

Consider your highlight color: Blonde highlights benefit from purple shampoos to neutralize brassiness, while brown highlights might need more hydration and color preservation. Look for products specifically mentioning your highlight shade.

Assess your hair type: Fine highlighted hair benefits from lightweight formulas that won’t weigh it down, while thick or coarse highlighted hair requires more intensive moisture. Choose products that address both your color and texture needs.

Identify your main concern: If fading is your biggest issue, prioritize color-preserving formulas. If dryness is problematic, look for hydrating ingredients. For damage, bond-building technologies may be worth the investment.

Rotate your products: Using the same shampoo every day can lead to buildup and dullness. Consider alternating between a color-preserving formula and a hydrating or purple shampoo depending on your hair’s needs.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Shampoo for Highlighted Hair

The way you use your shampoo is just as important as the product itself. Follow these tips to maximize the benefits:

1. Wet hair thoroughly before applying shampoo to ensure even distribution
2. Use lukewarm water instead of hot to prevent color stripping
3. Apply shampoo to the roots first and let it work down to the ends
4. Massage gently without rough scrubbing that can damage highlighted strands
5. Let purple or toning shampoos sit for 1-3 minutes before rinsing
6. Follow with a color-safe conditioner focusing on midlengths and ends
7. Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in color
8. Use a microfiber towel instead of rough terry cloth to prevent damage

FAQ: Common Questions About Shampoos for Highlighted Hair

How often should I wash highlighted hair?

Aim to wash highlighted hair 2-3 times per week maximum. Overwashing can lead to faster color fading and dryness. Use dry shampoo between washes to extend your color life.

Will purple shampoo change my highlight color?

Purple shampoo will not change your highlight color but will neutralize yellow or brassy tones. It works best on blonde, platinum, silver, and very light brown highlights.

Are sulfate-free shampoos really necessary for highlighted hair?

Yes. Sulfates strip color molecules from the hair shaft, causing highlights to fade faster. Sulfate-free formulas clean effectively without compromising your color investment.

Can I use clarifying shampoo on highlighted hair?

Use clarifying shampoo sparingly, no more than once a month, as it can accelerate fading. Follow immediately with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture.

Why does my highlighted hair feel dry after shampooing?

Highlighting processes lift the hair cuticle and can remove natural oils. Choose shampoos with moisturizing ingredients and always follow with conditioner focusing on highlighted sections.

How soon after getting highlights can I wash my hair?

Wait at least 48 hours after getting new highlights before washing your hair. This allows color to fully set and the cuticle to close, leading to longer-lasting results.

Do I need different shampoos for different seasons?

Yes. Summer often requires more UV protection and moisture, while winter may call for more hydrating formulas. Adjust your routine seasonally to address changing environmental factors.

Can drugstore shampoos be as effective as salon brands for highlighted hair?

Quality varies, but many drugstore brands now offer effective color-safe formulas. Look for sulfate-free options with color-protecting ingredients regardless of price point.

Last update on 2025-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!