The Pros and Cons of Color-Depositing Shampoos

As it relates to coloring your hair, whether you’re looking to camouflage grays, “going through a phase,” or were told you’d “look better as a blonde,” there are more options than you might think. One of the easiest ways to refresh your color? Color-depositing shampoo. These formulas suspend pigment in shampoo to help refresh tone and slow fading, making them ideal for maintaining, brightening, or subtly shifting your shade without ammonia. While some transformations still require professional coloring, this is an easy way to extend the life of what you already have.

Vogue’s Favorite Color-Depositing Shampoos

Best Overall

dpHUE Cool Brunette Shampoo

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Best for Covering Grays

Kiwabi Hair Color Shampoo for Gray Coverage

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Best for Glossy Color

Davines Alchemic Shampoo

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Results typically last around three washes and are milder than at-home semi-permanent dyes, which deliver more noticeable color and can last anywhere from eight to twenty washes. As celebrity hairstylist Benjamin Mohapi explains, “Color depositing shampoos and toning shampoos are similar in their construction, but the toning shampoos are more for correcting tone on hair with less pigment, i.e,. bleached hair or gray/white hair that has become discolored.”

Still, they aren’t foolproof. Colorist Lindsay Wolf notes that results can vary depending on porosity, previous color, moisture levels, and frequency of use. Some people get a seamless refresh; others may experience patchiness or over-toning. Used in moderation, Mohapi says, they work very well, but it’s always smart to check with your colorist first. “Only they will know whether this is something that will work with your formula.”

Below, we break down how to tell if a color-depositing shampoo is right for you, how to use it properly, the pros and cons, and seven of our favorite options.

Best Overall: dpHue Cool Brunette Shampoo

• Why We Love It: dpHUE’s sought-after sulfate-free shampoo comes in three versions: Daily Color Fresh, violet-based Cool Blonde, and blue-based Cool Brunette. Colorist Nicole Rojas explains that blue shampoo is ideal for brunettes experiencing unwanted warmth, like red or orange tones, as blue pigments help neutralize those undertones. Blondes, meanwhile, tend to battle brassiness and yellow tones, which is why purple shampoo is typically recommended for them. As for how often to use it, Rojas suggests applying it one to two times a week until you reach your desired tone, then as needed for maintenance. Leaving it on for a few minutes enhances the toning effect. “I usually recommend five to eight minutes.”
• Key Ingredients: Silk proteins, pigments
• Shades: 3
• Size: 250 mL

Best for Covering Grays: Kiwabi Hair Color Shampoo

• Why We Love It: I waxed poetic about Kiwabi here, but here’s the TL;DR: it’s an excellent vegan option best suited for camouflaging the appearance of gray hair. The formula is packed with 31 plant extracts and four natural oils, so it not only deposits color but also gently cleanses and softens strands, though I’d still recommend following up with conditioner. Wolf notes that “It’s not going to give dramatic coverage, but it’s an option for clients who want a gradual, low-commitment boost.” For best results, lather, leave on for three minutes, and rinse. As always, consistency is key. You’ll typically notice more visible results after a few weeks of regular use.
• Key Ingredients: Plant extracts, natural oils
• Shades: 3
• Size: 300 mL

Best for Glossy Color: Davines Alchemic Shampoo

• Why We Love It: According to Wolf, “Davines Alchemic deposit is soft and even, leaving the hair bright and glossy.” She adds that she loves it for clients who want their color to stay rich and expensive-looking between appointments without the risk of harsh buildup. There are six shades to choose from—red, silver, tobacco, chocolate, copper, and golden—none of which should stain your precious towels or pajamas, provided you rinse thoroughly. Celebrity hairstylist Jackie Seabooke describes it as “stronger than a regular toning shampoo but weaker than a semi-permanent dye. It boosts and refreshes the tone I already have with subtle, rich pigment.” As for application, Wolf says, “I love leaving this one on for about five minutes before rinsing.”
• Key Ingredients: Glycerin
• Shades: 6
• Size: 280 mL

Best Versatile Color: Keracolor 3-in-1 Color-Depositing Conditioner

• Why We Love It: 3-in-1s used to get a bad rap (at least when it came to men’s body care), but in today’s busy world, we appreciate a product that multitasks. This one not only deposits color, but also gently cleanses and conditions the hair. It comes in 23 shades, including playful options like hot pink and lemon. That said, Rojas advises caution. The formula can stain towels and even skin, so it’s best to avoid white surfaces and wear gloves during application. She recommends leaving it on for five to ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly two to three times. For a softer deposit, she suggests mixing it with your regular conditioner. “You can mix it with your everyday conditioner to control how much pigment is deposited and find your perfect ratio. I typically recommend a 50/50 mix for maintenance, or 75% everyday conditioner to 25% pigmented conditioner for a more subtle refresh.”
• Key Ingredients: Keratin, rose hips, shea butter, jojoba oil
• Shades: 23
• Size: 355 mL

Best for Subtle Color: Pure Blends Sun Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo

• Why We Love It: Rojas says to think of this pick as more of a hydrating shampoo that deposits a subtle wash of color rather than delivering a dramatic change. It adds moisture while helping maintain tone, leaving color-treated hair soft and refreshed. The nine shades are designed to brighten and enhance dyed strands, helping prevent fade and extend time between appointments. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid staining, as this formula will transfer if left behind. And while it’s hydrating, Rojas still recommends following with conditioner if your hair feels dry or weighed down.
• Key Ingredients: Keratin, collagen
• Shades: 9
• Size: 250 mL

Best Shade Range: Punky Colour 3-in-1 Color Depositing Hair Cleanser & Conditioner

• Why We Love It: While some color-depositing shampoos are better suited for a subtle refresh, Wolf notes that Punky Colour is one of the bolder, high-pigment options at an affordable price point. “It’s great for refreshing vivid shades at home, but it can grab quickly on hair (and surfaces),” she says. “I recommend using gloves, starting with a short processing time, and laying down a dark towel before applying,” she adds. There are 14 shades to choose from, including hot pink, teal, and bright red—my mom is lucky these didn’t exist when I was a teenager.
• Key Ingredients: Keratin, hydrolyzed quinoa, verbascum flower extract
• Shades: 18
• Size: 250 mL

Best High-Pigment Color: Iroiro Color Depositing Shampoo

• Why We Love It: Iroiro is known for its strong, direct pigments, so expect real payoff, especially on pre-lightened hair. “The formula is super hydrating with a rich lather, making it easy to use for at-home maintenance and color refreshment,” explains Wolf. That said, word to the wise. Mohapi describes the brand’s shades “as subtle as a sledgehammer,” adding that while that intensity can be fun for a short period, they “may end up lasting a lot longer than that.” If you’re looking to experiment with pinks, blues, reds, or even green, the trick is to use it like a regular shampoo once or twice a week to refresh your color, or immediately after coloring to help maintain vibrancy.
• Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, fermented olive oil, argan oil
• Shades: 7
• Size: 273 mL