Do You Need Color-Depositing Conditioner?

We’re all about sporting a vibrant hair color—that is until it begins to fade. This is why adding a color-depositing conditioner to your hair care routine can be your saving grace. The truth is, while colorful hues can look absolutely stunning on your strands, they can be a bit high maintenance. You’ve likely already swapped out your shampoo for a formula for color-treated hair, but what about a color-depositing hair color conditioner? We’re sharing everything you need to know about this trending hair care product—from what it is to who should use it—below.

WHAT IS COLOR-DEPOSITING CONDITIONER?

Color-depositing conditioner is just what it sounds like—conditioner that deposits color onto your hair. These conditioners are typically used for touching up colorful hues, coating your strands in temporary color with the small amount of pigment they contain. Since these conditioners deposit color onto your strands, there’s no need to reach for a hair color bleach prior to using one. Rather, look for a formula specifically for your hair type and color. Some color-depositing conditioners can also be used on more traditional shades (like brown and blonde) to enhance your color, much like a hair gloss or glaze.

WHO SHOULD USE COLOR-DEPOSITING CONDITIONER?

As we mentioned above, color-depositing conditioners are typically meant for those who have colorful hair. They’re the perfect way to refresh, maintain, or magnify a vibrant hue. If you’re sporting one of the latest colorful hair trends, adding a hair color conditioner to your weekly regimen may be worth your while.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE HAIR COLOR CONDITIONER?

How often you use color-depositing formula all depends on the product you’re using. While some hair color conditioners can be used daily, others should only be used weekly. Make sure you follow the directions that coordinate with the color-depositing hair conditioner you use! Neglecting to follow the directions and over-using this type of hair color conditioner can change your color—and we’d be willing to bet that isn’t your goal.

HOW TO USE COLOR-DEPOSITING CONDITIONER

Want to put a color-depositing conditioner to use? Here’s how to use one in your routine.

STEP #1: WASH YOUR HAIR

As with your usual hair care routine, begin by washing your strands with a shampoo for color-treated hair.

STEP #2: TURN TO YOUR CONDITIONER

This is where your color conditioner comes in! Apply it to your strands as you would a normal conditioner, massaging it onto your mane. Leave the formula on for the amount of time specified on the packaging of the conditioner you’ve picked—it may vary based on the product and the shade—then rinse thoroughly.

3 OTHER WAYS TO HELP YOUR HAIR COLOR LAST

Aside from using a color-depositing conditioner, there are other steps you can take to make sure your bold hue lasts for as long as possible. Below, find three other ways to help your hair color stay vibrant.

TIP #1: USE A TONING HAIR CARE SYSTEM

The shampoo and conditioner you use daily can make all the difference in your strands. If you have a hair color that tends to get brassy such as blonde, silver, or highlighted hair, consider adding a purple shampoo and conditioner into your routine. The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Sulfate Free Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Sulfate Free Conditioner work together to neutralize yellow and orange brassy tones. Use the duo up to three times a week when you notice unwanted brassiness.

If you aren’t blonde, other toning shampoo options include green shampoo (for red tones) and blue shampoo (for brassy brown hair).

TIP #2: TRY A COLOR-BOOSTING HAIR MASK

A hair mask can also help boost the longevity of your color. Try using the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Repair and Protect Balm one or two times a week. The intensive post-color repair hair treatment smooths and protects hair color. To use, shampoo with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Shampoo, then follow with the mask, letting it sit three to five minutes before rinsing out.

Editor’s note: Need help with your daily routine, too? Use the same shampoo with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner for a simple, color-safe routine.

TIP #3: TURN TO TEMPORARY HAIR COLOR

Don’t have a color-depositing conditioner but want to give your mane a temporary color boost? Wash out hair color is a great alternative. Pick your shade from those in the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray or L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color lines, all of which wash out in just one shampoo, for a short-term color fix.

Next: What is a Hair Toner?