Hair Dye Shampoo: Should You Use It?

In Hair & Makeup Tips by Melanie Shaw

By Maria Eliza Pineda

Ever seen those products that claim to color your hair and cleanse it at the same time? Yup, those are hair dye shampoos! The claims can sound weird and even too good to be true at first. Can it really deposit good color on the hair while just being a shampoo? 

If you’re looking for some answers, we’ve got everything you need to know about hair dye shampoos. We’ll tell you what it can do and what it can’t and if you should really be using it to achieve the results that you want.

What Is Hair Dye Shampoo

 
Hair dye shampoo is a type of shampoo that contains pigment and a few other ingredients that allow the pigment to either deposit or absorb into the hair to alter its color. It’s put into a shampoo formula to make things more convenient and get rid of the typical complicated and time-consuming process of hair coloring. This means that you can just take a shower and have your hair colored by the end of it. 

Why Use Hair Dye Shampoo

 

Convenient

 
The best thing about a hair dye shampoo is the convenience it provides. Hair coloring is usually a long, expensive process that requires tools, good technique, and a lot of your precious time. For those who color their hair often, this isn’t very practical. 

Hair dye shampoos were created so that coloring hair can be as easy as just shampooing it. The only tools you’ll need are your hands and fingers, and it takes a fraction of the amount of time of a regular coloring process. It’s also a lot more affordable and removes the hassle of going to a professional hair salon and spending hundreds of dollars so often.

Less Damaging

 
Not all hair color shampoos are made equal but most will definitely be a lot better for your hair than regular dyes. Hair dye shampoos contain less harmful and potent ingredients than a permanent hair color. If you dye your hair often, this is an essential benefit so that your hair does not get extremely damaged every time you have to color it. 

Nourishing Benefits

 
Many hair color shampoos also boast some hair care ingredients that not only cause less damage but even also nourish the hair. Ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, and more can be found in hair dye shampoo that claims to have nourishing benefits. If you are coming from having your hair dyed with permanent color often, a hair nourishing color depositing shampoo is a great alternative to give your hair a bit of a break from the harsh chemicals.

Types of Hair Dye Shampoo

 

Permanent Hair Dye Shampoo

 
Permanent hair dye shampoo should have the same effects as a permanent hair dye. This is formulated so that the color absorbs into the hair rather than just depositing pigment on top of the strands. This means that whatever color you choose to dye your hair will be permanent. The only time you will ever need to touch it up is when the roots grow out and either your original hair color or gray hairs appear.

Temporary Color Shampoo

 
A temporary color shampoo is better for those who love changing colors often and want a low-commitment option. This is an alternative to temporary hair dye that allows for easy and quick application. The pigment deposits onto the hair strand and will stay there until you get a few washes in. The pigment will gradually fade each time you wash your hair with regular shampoo. Temporary color shampoos will usually last for up to 3 to 5 washes.

Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Shampoo

 
Semi-permanent shampoo is something in between a temporary color shampoo and a permanent hair dye shampoo. It lasts a little bit longer than a temporary color, but it also doesn’t last as long as a permanent color. This requires a bit more commitment than a temporary color shampoo but you can be sure that the color will also fade eventually. This will give you the option of changing your color once in a while, unlike the permanent effects of a permanent hair dye shampoo.

Is Hair Dye Shampoo Safe?

 
There are a lot of hair dye shampoos out on the market, and it’s important to research ingredients that are safe to use at home. The best thing to look for is a natural hair dye shampoo that won’t contain any harsh chemicals.

Additionally, watch out for ingredients such as formaldehyde, ammonia, peroxide, and paraphenylenediamine (PPD). These are all toxic ingredients that cause significant damage to your hair and health. Unless handled by a professional, stay away from hair color shampoos with these ingredients to ensure safety.

Who Is Hair Dye Shampoo Suited For?

 

Busy Individuals

 
Hair coloring is a tough and time-consuming job. Not everyone has the time to do it. If you’re a busy individual who just needs a quick color now and then, a hair dye shampoo will be perfect for you. No need for lengthy salon visits or hours sitting at home just to color hair. A quick dye job in the shower, and you’re done!

Serial Hair Colorists

 
Hair coloring has now become a part of fashion and self-expression. A lot of people change their hair color often to go with trends, change up their look, or just to have fun. A hair dye shampoo, particularly a temporary or semi-permanent hair color shampoo, is perfect for serial colorists that like to change their look often. It’s quicker, easier, and less damaging to the hair.

People With Gray Hair

 
For people with gray hair, it’s often just a necessity to touch up gray roots. This can get very tedious and expensive since roots can grow out fast. A permanent hair dye shampoo is a great solution for individuals with gray hair who just want a quick root retouch. The ends of the hair will stay that color, and you can only apply the shampoo at the roots to color the newly grown-out gray hairs.

Should You Use Hair Dye Shampoo?

 
It all depends on your needs and preferences but yes! Hair dye shampoos do work and can give you good results with a convenient and quick process. If you want a super polished look with a lot of artistry and technique, this probably isn’t the best option for you. However, if you’re just looking for a quick way to cover up some grown-out roots or change up your look, a hair dye shampoo is an affordable and convenient alternative that will save you a lot of money and a lot of precious time.

About Melanie Shaw

Melanie Shaw is a fashion and lifestyle writer who has worked in the fashion industry in PR and communications, helping brands launch their latest products and collections.

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Melanie Shaw

Melanie Shaw is a fashion and lifestyle writer who has worked in the fashion industry in PR and communications, helping brands launch their latest products and collections.