Updated: June 1st, 2023
You might be thinking: why would natural red hair benefit from color-treated products? After all, us natural redheads are proud of our genetics and don’t “need” color-treated products, right? No!
In fact, natural redheads should purchase products* that says “for color-treated hair”. The term: “for color-treated hair” is mostly for marketing purposes. Most natural red hair is coarser. It’s a different hair shaft and we need a lot of moisture. Products marketed as “for color-treated hair” moisturize and don’t strip color. They’re gentler, contain more moisture and some products even provide UV protection to help shield the color from the sun.
Can you now see how natural redheads can benefit from color-treated products?
We spoke with cosmetologist and hair expert, Ghanima, from TheRightHairstyles.com.
She said, “Natural red hair fades in harsh sunlight over time. Even as you get older, you might notice your red just isn’t the same as before. The front label might just highlight that it’s color-protecting, but products for color-treated hair can naturally help deepen and intensify your natural red hair. Even better, they are usually milder than regular shampoo and have conditioning agents added. This means less frizz and more silky tresses.”
Color-treated hair products can be regular shampoo/conditioner, or color-depositing shampoos/conditioners. Here are some of our recommended color-treated products for natural redheads:
Normal shampoo/conditioner recommendations
Why it’s great for natural redheads: It took many years to custom-make the Finally Glossy® formula and we’re so excited for redheads to enjoy it. We’re thrilled to release another clean redhead beauty product. It is paraben-free, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, petroleum-free, mineral-oil, and vegan. It also contains no perfume, is free of gluten and is silicone-free, phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free and cocamidopropyl betaine-free. This clean formula is formulated with Vitamin B3, olive oil, coconut oil and green tea.
2. HASK ROSE OIL + PEACH Shampoo and Conditioner Set Color Protecting, $15
Why it’s great for natural redheads: Protective blend of organic rose oil and juicy peach nourishes and revives hair, helps maintain vibrancy, enhances shine and fight color-fade. It also reduces frizz, add shine, prevents hair (natural or ‘by choice’) from fading, hydrating and moisturizing. It’s free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten & drying alcohol.
3. Tigi Bed Head Colour Goddess Duo, $16
You might remember these from a past H2BAR Box!
Why it’s great for natural redheads: Refreshes and cleanses hair, removing build up to optimize color vibrancy. It smoothens and adds shine to hair with nourishing sweet almond oil, coconut oil and keratin. Contains moisturizing oils for electrifying color.
4. Hempz Pure Herbal Extracts Blushing Grapefruit & Raspberry Creme Herbal Shampoo & Conditioner, $34
Another brand found in the H2BAR Box!
Why it’s great for natural redheads: 100% pure hemp seed oil helps limit heat damage & preserves moisture. It is gentle, sulfate-free and will prevent drying. The natural formula helps boost shine and makes red hair look its very best.
5. COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo and Conditioner, $42
Why it’s great for natural redheads: It does not contain silicones, conditioning agents or pearlizing agents. It instantly smooths, detangles, hydrates and silkens hair.
6. Biolage Colorlast Shampoo And Conditioner, $39
Why it’s great for natural redheads: It gently cleanses to prevent natural red hair from fading, prolongs and maintains color depth, tone and shine.
Color depositing shampoo/conditioner recommendations
Refer to our 2020 best color depositing shampoos for redheads right here!
Next time you’re shopping for shampoo/conditioner, don’t be afraid when you see “for color treated hair”. Every redhead deserves the best products and we’re always here to share our redhead-approved favorites!
Rock it like a Redhead!
*It’s important to always test the products prior to use and purchase items recommended.