*This* is What You Need in a Conditioner for Colour-Treated Hair

When it comes to choosing coloured hair care, shampoo often gets the most attention. And it does make sense; from mild cleansing to shade protecting, there's a lot we need to ask of a colour-safe shampoo. But once you've got that part of your regimen perfected, it's not a case of following it up with any treatment. Finding the right conditioner for colour-treated hair is key to locking in the hard work of your wash day regimen.

So, let's take a look at what you really need from a conditioner for colour-treated hair, plus how to use it for the glossiest, healthiest-looking, shade-boosting results...

Do You Need a Special Conditioner for Colour-Treated Hair?

Yes, you do need a special conditioner for colour-treated hair. Why? Because they're carefully formulated to seal the hair cuticle, so the dye molecules that make up your beautiful shade can't easily escape. Colour-safe conditioners also restore nourishment to improve overall hair health, which helps your dream colour look its most lustrous from one salon appointment to the next.

Can the Wrong Conditioner Speed Up Colour Fade?

Yes, the wrong conditioner can speed up colour fade. If your formula is not moisturizing enough, the hair shaft may become stripped, dry and porous, allowing colour molecules to seep out. On the other hand, if it's too heavy, it may build up and leave a residue that makes your colour appear dull and flat. So, try to stick with specialised conditioners for colour-treated hair, which should strike the ideal balance of lightweight moisture.

What's the Best Conditioner for Coloured Hair?

The best conditioner for coloured hair is one that seals the hair cuticle, so your colour is locked in, while delivering rich, gloss-boosting moisture that brings out the beauty in your chosen shade. We formulated ULTIMATE COLOR Conditioner to do exactly that, with a formula that's powered by science, and co-created with the pros that know coloured hair best. So, how does it work?

What ULTIMATE COLOR Conditioner Does:

• Reduces hair porosity to seal pigments in.
• Protects colour vibrancy for up to 10 weeks*.
• Revitalises your coloured hair after one wash.
• Gives you up to 86% less hair breakage**.
• Leaves hair feeling soft and silky-smooth.

Why You'll Love It:

• Your hair colour will glow with health for longer.
• It locks in your colour*, reducing fading until your next salon visit.
• Hydrating ingredients make detangling quicker and easier**.
• Delivers on conditioning benefits, so even breakage-prone hair is moisturised.
• Suits all hair types, from straight to curly and fine to thick.

How to Apply Conditioner for Colour-Treated Hair

1. Start with a Sulfate-Free Shampoo

The right shampoo is essential to getting the best from your conditioner, so choose one that's sulfate-free, gentle yet effective, and specially formulated to protect your hair colour. We love ULTIMATE COLOR Shampoo, as it ticks all of those essential boxes, while boosting results with anti-metal technology to neutralise dulling, damaging metals. Massage it into the roots of your hair, then let the luxurious lather run through the lengths. If you're dealing with product build-up, repeat this step before you move on to using conditioner.

2. Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water

Avoid applying conditioner to soaking wet hair, as excess water can dilute all the nourishing goodness and impact absorption. Instead, we suggest gently squeezing out water first or, better yet, blotting your hair dry with a microfiber towel. Damp hair is ideal, as it's able to drink in your conditioner to maximise results.

3. Apply Conditioner From Mid-Lengths to Ends

Unless the roots of your hair are ultra-dry, it's best to apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, so the moisture doesn't end up weighing your hair down. Add a little extra to any particularly stressed areas, then use a wide-tooth comb to remove knots and distribute the product evenly.

4. Let the Conditioning Ingredients Absorb

Wait before rinsing. If you're using ULTIMATE COLOR Conditioner, let it absorb for between 30 seconds and three minutes, so the ingredients have time to soak in. The drier and more porous your hair is, the longer you should leave it in. Then, when you're ready, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until you can no longer feel conditioner in your hair. Want a little extra shine? Finish with a cool rinse to close the cuticle.

5. Know When to Swap in a Hair Mask

• Some days, your hair just needs more. A hair mask is a weekly staple, but you should also use it in place of a conditioner when your hair feels particularly stressed, dry or overworked. ULTIMATE COLOR Miracle Leave-In Mask is perfect, as not only does it reduce your rinsing steps (crucial for colour maintenance), but it adds moisture to your hair with a dose of Vitamin B5 and Glycine. Use it after or in place of ULTIMATE COLOR Conditioner, smoothing it through clean, towel-dried lengths and ends. Leave it in, and move on to your next styling steps.

Protein vs. Moisture: What Does My Colour-Treated Hair Need?

Coloured hair needs a balance of both moisture and protein, but deciding which one to use on which day means paying close attention to how your hair looks and feels. Here's an easy guide...

Your hair needs protein when: it feels weak or limp, snaps easily when stretched, or you’re noticing breakage and split ends. Protein strengthens the hair shaft by temporarily filling in areas of the cuticle that may become damaged by chemical processes. However, because protein protein is a powerful treatment rather than a daily necessity, it should be used strategically – too much can leave your hair feeling stiff or brittle.

Your hair needs moisture when: it feels dry, rough, brittle or dull – or even when it feels balanced and healthy. Unlike protein, moisture is something your colour-treated hair needs consistently to maintain elasticity and shine, so make it part of most (if not all) wash days.

Now you’ve got the full lowdown on conditioning colour-treated hair, make sure your whole regimen works in harmony by using shade-safe products at every stage. The ULTIMATE COLOR collection has got you covered, giving you colour vibrancy that lasts up to 10 weeks*.

* With regular use of Ultimate Color regimen from salon to home.

** Vs. non-conditioning shampoo.