FRIENDS. I spent an entire year searching for the best shampoo for Strawberry Blonde, red, and color treated hair. I spent a lot of cash. My shower started to overflow with products. I was lining bottles up along the wall. It was starting to look a little bonkers, but I truly think I’ve found the best shampoo to lock in color.
Red shades fade the fastest out of any colored hair. Which is kind of painful when you hit that just-right shade of Strawberry Blonde, with the perfect balance of red and blonde tones.
Most of the color-safe shampoos I tried left my hair feeling heavy right out of the shower. And it would only get heavier and greasier feeling from there. Or there would be a ton of lather and I’d watch my color go right down the drain. I found one I liked from Oribe, which was wonderful, but $46 for an 8.5 oz bottle. That price hurt when it came time to repurchase.
My search criteria:
I searched for a shampoo that would…
The winner:
The best shampoo I found was from Alfaparf.
I got a sample packet of their color protection shampoo in a gift bag. I’d never heard of this brand but decided to try it right away.
My hair felt awesome. Clean. Silky. Smooth. My color looked great. I was impressed.
A few months later, I saw the line was carried by my local beauty store. I picked up a giant liter size, 33.2 oz for $48, trusting that the formula would be as good as I remembered.
It was. My hair was feeling/looking great!
I was so excited to share about this amazing shampoo. Then… I found out that the color protection line had been discontinued.
I spent so LONG searching for the best shampoo and was bummed.
But we move forward! I picked up the illuminating version from Alfaparf to try and have been thrilled with the results. I don’t notice any fading until 5-6 weeks post coloring and my hair felt even more clean that the color protection formula. Big win!
I’ve started mixing in the keratin shampoo and conditioner from Alfaparf every 3rd wash and I feel like it’s helped my my hair even softer. I’m obsessed with how my hair feels and smells after using this keratin duo.
shop Alfaparf Milano | Alfaparf Milano official website (free shipping at $50) . amazon
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View Comments
Ordered! Thanks for always sharing! I'm still using the TIGI you recommended but have been looking for a new shampoo. Thanks!
You are so welcome! I really wish it is easier to find, because it's such a great shampoo. I will keep you updated if I hear back from the company!
Hi, Molly: I found plenty on eBay, but, as alway on eBay, one must go with
the sellers who are 99% or better 'Positives'.......just ordered some from a
seller in Georgia with FREE shipping for $16.98 for 8.45 oz. One hopes it's
the real thing, I'll let you know if my color goes down the drain. Thanks!
If you end up having to try some more, I do love the Aveda Red Madder Root shampoo and color depositing conditioner.
Thanks for posting this! Can I ask a color question? When you went from your darker copper shade back to strawberry blond, did you have to strip out the copper or bleach your hair?
Hi Jen! I didn't bleach or strip, I just used regular shampoo and conditioner (not color safe) and then touched up my roots with the strawberry blonde formula, then pulled all the color down for the last 15 min or so. I definitely noticed that the color was a bit darker and more red than blonde for awhile but now it seems back to my "normal" shade of strawberry blonde. I hope this helps!
Molly
Well I guess this just proves you can teach an old dog new tricks. I was born a strawberry blonde but with age that faded and then turned OMG "grey". I found your blog and have been using your Wella formula and love it. I bought this shampoo on eBay and it is the most awesome shampoo I have ever used and I am 68 so I have been through a lot of shampoos. This is by far the best ever. I enjoyed your makeup tips as well. Good thing that we strawberry blondes are sassy and never grow old. I will keep reading so keep the info coming. Thanks.
The Alfaparf shampoo and conditioner is wonderful. It's sad that it is discontinued. The Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil line is great as well. It is inexpensive and can be purchased at Walgreens, Ulta, etc. I purchased mine on sale at Ulta. It may be worth a try. It's been great for me.