5 Mistakes You Don't Want to Make If You're Using Color-Depositing Shampoos

There are a few things you can do to preserve your hair color in between trips to the salon: Wait to wash your hair at least 72 hours after getting it colored. Use the right haircare products that are made specifically for colored hair. Don't wash your hair too much. Avoid high heat. And you can also try color-depositing shampoos and conditioners.

"Color-depositing shampoos and conditioners have pigment in them that deposit on the hair to help neutralize any unwanted tones, or to add subtle temporary color," explains Alex Brownsell, co-founder and creative director of Bleach London. Colorist and #mydentity brand founder, Guy Tang, adds that they can help your hair look fresh.

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(Image credit: @himichelleli)

Now, you don't have to use the color-depositing shampoos and conditioners right after you get your hair colored. Because they have pigments in them, you wouldn't want to have them mess with your fresh dye job. "The best time to use them is right when you notice your color starting to fade, this will help keep the vibrant longer," Tang says.

He recommends using them up to three times a week or as needed. And before you start to use the products, you'll want to be aware of a few common mistakes, which Tang and Brownsell highlighted below.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using Color-Depositing Shampoos and Conditioners

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(Image credit: @symphanisoto)

1. Applying them to the wrong hair color: "Biggest mistake is applying to too dark of hair," Tang says. "Make sure to follow the directions and apply to the level of hair recommended."

2. Not applying enough product: "You must apply a generous amount of the conditioner to saturation the hair evenly," Tang says.

3. Applying too much product: Brownsell says another common mistake is overusing a purple or blue shampoo on blonde hair. "The pigments can build up, making your blonde look too ashy and sometimes duller and darker," she says. "If you overdo toning, you can use Just Like Honey to neutralize and add warmth back into your hair."

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(Image credit: @analapizarro)

4. Not following the timing instructions: Another mistake is not leaving it on for the right amount of time."It is important to leave the conditioner for the recommended time to let the color deposit onto the hair," Tang says.

5. Going hard on the heat styling: "To help maintain the tone, keep heat styling and sun exposure to a minimum, wash your hair less frequently and rinse in lukewarm water to help retain the color and keep your hair healthy," Brownsell says.

If you're ready to try these formulas, take a look at some of our favorite options below.

1. #mydentity MyRefresh Lavender Lust Color Depositing Conditioner

2. Bleach London Rosé Super Cool Colour

3. Bleach London Just Like Honey Super Cool Colour

4. Matrix Total Results Dark Envy Color-Depositing Green Shampoo

5. DPHue Gloss+ Semi-permanent Hair Color and Deep Conditioner

6. John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shampoo

7. Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color

8. Biolage ColorBalm Color Depositing Conditioner

9. Celeb Luxury Intense Color Depositing Colorwash Shampoo + BondFix Rebuilder

10. Punky Colour 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo and Conditioner

11. Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Conditioner

12. Redken Color Extend Graydiant Purple Shampoo

13. Overtone Espresso Brown Coloring Conditioner

14. Davines Alchemic Conditioner in Red

15. Kristin Ess Color Depositing Conditioner

16. Pure Blends Lemon Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo

17. Aura Haircare Personalized Conditioner

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.