15 Best Conditioners for Color-Treated Hair in 2025
July 22, 2025
Overview
Keep your color-treated hair vibrant and healthy with the 15 best conditioners of 2025! This comprehensive guide explores top-rated formulas designed to protect and nourish color-treated locks. We'll delve into the key ingredients, benefits, and brands that excel in preserving color, boosting shine, and restoring moisture. Discover the perfect conditioner to extend the life of your hair color and achieve salon-worthy results from the comfort of your home.
Senior Editor
Our top picks
The Best Budget-Friendly Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair: L'ANZA Healing ColorCare Conditioner, $71.00
The Best Lightweight Conditioner for Fine Hair: Color Radiance Daily Conditioner, $30.00
The Most Hydrating Conditioner for Thick Hair: Hydrate Conditioner, $37.00
The Best Conditioner with UV Protection: Color Control Conditioner, $14.00
The Ultimate Luxury Conditioner for Color & Shine: Color Lustre Conditioner, $64.00
The Overall Best Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair: Redken Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner, $27.00
The Best Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair Under $20: Pantene Color Care Conditioner, $10.00
Best Budget-Friendly Conditioners for Color
Affordable yet effective conditioners to protect color-treated hair without breaking the bank.
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioning Treatment
$5.03
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioning Treatment scores a 7.5/10 for its budget-friendly price and fast action. The 3-minute treatment hydrates and softens hair with Avocado and Jojoba oils, although its long-lasting scent might be powerful for some. While not suitable for all hair types, its quick application and low cost make it an attractive option for busy individuals needing a moisture boost.
The Good
• Effectively hydrates and softens dry, damaged hair.
• Pleasant, long-lasting fragrance.
• Quick 3-minute application saves time.
The Bad
• May leave a greasy residue on some hair types.
• Scent may be overpowering for sensitive individuals.
• Not suitable for all hair types; may not provide enough moisture for extremely coarse or thick hair.
Key Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: false / Shine Boost: true
Pantene Color Care Conditioner
$10.00
On a budget? The Pantene Color Care Conditioner offers luxurious conditioning at a wallet-friendly price. Infused with biotin and pro-vitamin B5, our review found it locks in color while leaving hair smelling delightful. However, some users noted dryness after repeated use, so it might not suit everyone. Grab it at Walgreens and enjoy sulfate-free convenience.
The Good
• The conditioner has a pleasant scent that leaves hair smelling great.
• The formula is thick and luxurious, providing a rich conditioning experience.
The Bad
• Some users experienced dryness after multiple uses.
• A few users reported that their hair felt dry and frizzy after use.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, Pro-Vitamin B5, Antioxidants / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
Top Conditioners for Damaged Color-Treated Hair
Repair and rejuvenate damaged locks with these deeply hydrating and restorative formulas.
Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
$75.20
Unravel healthy hair magic with Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, highly regarded in our tests with an 8/10 thanks to its strengthening and reparative qualities. Its high price is justified by transforming damaged hair into soft, manageable strands, though it could fall short on hydration for wavy hair. Perfect for users seeking intensive repair over moisture, this conditioner is luxury worth savoring.
The Good
• Effectively repairs and strengthens damaged hair, leaving it softer and more manageable.
The Bad
• Some users find it does not adequately hydrate wavy hair, leading to dryness.
• The product is relatively expensive compared to other conditioners.
Key Ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Panthenol, Glycerin / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
K-PAK Color Therapy Conditioner
$6.30
While the K-PAK Color Therapy Conditioner effectively preserves color vibrancy, our experience indicates it may not suit everyone. Its argan and manketti oil blend nourishes but can weigh down certain hair types, earning it a 6.5/10 rating. Ideal for those focusing on color retention, but if your hair is prone to dryness, a lighter option might be preferable.
The Good
• Effectively preserves hair color vibrancy.
• Contains beneficial oils like Argan and Manketti.
The Bad
• Some users report it can weigh down hair.
• Not suitable for all hair types; may cause dryness.
Key Ingredients: Keratin, Argan Oil, Manketti Oil / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
Conditioners for Fine, Color-Treated Hair
Lightweight conditioners that add moisture and protect color without weighing hair down.
Color Radiance Daily Conditioner
$30.00
Dive into the organic goodness of Color Radiance Daily Conditioner, a fantastic option for enriching and strengthening your color-treated hair. With ingredients like Avocado Oil, Rice Bran Oil, and Shea Butter, it scored a 7.5/10 for its initial nourishing performance. However, some users noticed greasiness with oily scalps, making it more suited for those with less oily hair types. Despite the price, it remains a valuable choice for those prioritizing organic care.
The Good
• Contains organic ingredients like Avocado Oil, Rice Bran Oil, and Shea Butter that nourish and strengthen hair.
The Bad
• Some users with oily scalp and thin hair reported that the conditioner made their hair greasy and limp after a few uses.
• The product is relatively expensive compared to other conditioners on the market.
Key Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Shea Butter / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
ghost™ Conditioner
$10.00
Lightweight yet effective, ghost™ Conditioner scores a 7/10 for its ability to enhance fine, color-treated hair without weighing it down. In our testing, users appreciated the moringa oil-infused formula that detangles and enhances natural shine with a subtle citrus scent. Though the product dispenses with difficulty, it remains a favorable option for fine-haired individuals looking for affordable, gentle care.
The Good
• Lightweight formula that doesn't weigh down fine hair.
• Leaves hair silky smooth and easy to comb.
• Pleasant, subtle citrus scent.
The Bad
• Some users find the bottle design makes it difficult to dispense product.
• May not provide enough moisture for very dry or coarse hair.
• Some users report it doesn't effectively detangle hair.
Key Ingredients: Moringa oil, green tea extract, vegan proteins / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
Normcore Signature Conditioner
$27.00
The Normcore Signature Conditioner scores a solid 7/10, offering a soft, hydrated finish that maintains volume in color-treated hair. With shea butter and sea buckthorn, it effectively balances moisture, though some users found it left hair limp. Our review praises its pleasant scent but warns that the packaging can be cumbersome to use.
The Good
• Leaves hair feeling soft and hydrated without weighing it down.
• Features a pleasant, long-lasting scent.
The Bad
• Some users report the conditioner leaves hair feeling limp and greasy.
• A few users find the packaging makes it difficult to dispense the product.
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Sea Buckthorn / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
Best Conditioners for Thick, Color-Treated Hair
Rich, hydrating conditioners to tame and nourish thick, color-treated tresses.
Hydrate Conditioner
$37.00
Need hydration? Look no further than the Hydrate Conditioner, delivering intense moisture with ingredients like jojoba and sunflower seed oil. Our testing shows it effectively reduces frizz and improves manageability, perfect for a sleek look. While the peppermint scent is invigorating for some, others might find it overwhelming. Be cautious of its thick consistency though—overuse could weigh your locks down.
The Good
• Effectively hydrates and smooths hair, reducing frizz and improving manageability.
The Bad
• Strong peppermint scent may be overpowering for some users.
• Thick consistency can lead to overuse if not careful.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba, Green Tea, Sage, Soy Protein, Sunflower Seed Oil / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
Conditioners with UV Protection for Color
Shield your color from sun damage with these conditioners that offer UV protection.
Color Control Conditioner
$14.00
Vibrant, manageable hair is within reach with the Color Control Conditioner, earning an 8.5/10 for its perfect balance of cost and shine. Infused with ingredients like bio-fermented arginine and organic apricot seed oil, our testing shows it excels in leaving hair fresh and detangled. While it may lack moisture for very dry hair, its enchanting aroma and affordable price make it a popular mid-range choice among consumers.
The Good
• Effectively detangles and smooths hair, leaving it shiny and manageable.
• Pleasant aroma that leaves hair smelling fresh and clean.
The Bad
• Some users find the product to be expensive compared to other conditioners.
• May not provide sufficient moisture for very dry or bleached hair.
Key Ingredients: Bio-fermented arginine, certified organic apricot seed oil, shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil. / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
Technician Color Shampoo
$25.00
Keep your hair color vibrant and protected with Technician Color Shampoo, which scores a 6.5/10. While it shines in preserving color with ingredients like Mirabelle Plum Seed Oil, some users report dryness despite its pleasant fruity scent. Its sulfate-free formula is ideal for those prioritizing color retention over moisture. Consider it for short-term use, especially if you're a fan of delightful scents.
The Good
• Effectively maintains color vibrancy and enhances shine.
• Pleasant fruity scent appreciated by many users.
The Bad
• Some users report it leaves hair feeling dry and tangled.
• Higher price point compared to other shampoos.
Key Ingredients: Mirabelle Plum Seed Oil, Sunflower Sprout Extract, Tara Tree Fruit Extract / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
L'ANZA Healing ColorCare Conditioner
$71.00
L'ANZA Healing ColorCare Conditioner, our top-rated choice at a 9/10, excels in preserving color and hydration with nutrients from Calendula Flower and many more. Despite its price and heavy consistency, our experience shows a little goes a long way, making it cost-effective for maintaining vibrant, lush locks. It's particularly well-suited for those committed to color longevity and hydration.
The Good
• Effectively preserves hair color, preventing fading over time.
• Provides deep hydration, leaving hair soft and shiny without weighing it down.
• A little product goes a long way, making it cost-effective despite the higher price point.
The Bad
• Some users report an increase in hair fall after use.
• The thick consistency can make it difficult to dispense from the bottle.
• The scent may not be appealing to all users.
Key Ingredients: Calendula Flower, Blue Cornflower, Red Hibiscus Flower, Green Orchid Flower, White Gardenia Flower, Yellow Rose Flower, Echinacea Flower, Meadowfoam Flower Seed Oil / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
Color Conserve Conditioner by Aveda
$34.99
Color Conserve Conditioner by Aveda earned a solid 7.5/10, shining as an effective color-protectant on the market. It locks in color with key ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein and organic peppermint, though it’s noted for its divisive scent and moisture shortcoming for very dry hair. Perfect for those prioritizing color preservation in a daily regime, it effectively keeps hues vibrant and fresh.
The Good
• Effectively locks in hair color, keeping it vibrant and healthy.
The Bad
• Some users find the scent unappealing.
• May not provide sufficient moisture for very dry or damaged hair.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein, panthenol, organic lavender, ylang-ylang, organic peppermint / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
Best Overall Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
Our top pick for a well-rounded conditioner that protects, hydrates, and enhances color.
Color Lustre Conditioner
$64.00
Experience the luxury of Color Lustre Conditioner, which scored a 7/10 due to its premium quality and moisturizing ingredients like Musk Rose Oil and Goji Berry Extract. While it excels in nourishing and preserving color, we found its performance inconsistent across hair types and its high price deters some users. Ideal for those whose budget allows, it delivers rich nourishment for vibrant, long-lasting color protection.
The Good
• Contains Musk Rose Oil and Goji Berry Extract, which nourish hair and protect color from fading.
The Bad
• Some users find the product expensive compared to other conditioners.
• A few users report that the conditioner does not effectively detangle or add sufficient moisture.
Key Ingredients: Musk Rose Oil, Goji Berry Extract / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
Kerastase Reflection Chromatique Conditioner
$42.00
For stunning shine and silky texture, Kerastase Reflection Chromatique Conditioner may be a fit, though it's 7/10 score reflects challenges with texture and fragrance. In our review, users loved the hair shine thanks to Zinc Gluconate and Rice Bran Oil, but found the thin consistency and fragrance sensitivity issues detract from the overall experience. Best for users without sensitive scalps seeking shine on thick hair.
The Good
• Leaves hair shiny and silky.
The Bad
• Some users find the consistency too thin, requiring more product for desired effect.
• Contains fragrance, which may not be suitable for sensitive scalps.
Key Ingredients: Zinc Gluconate, Rice Bran Oil, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner
$27.00
In our review, the Redken Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner stands out for its impressive detangling power and color preservation. It leaves hair soft, shiny, and ready to manage, but some users report it can feel greasy if over-applied. Despite scoring an 8/10, some may find it pricey for the bottle size. Its amino acid-rich formula makes it a well-rounded choice for vibrant, conditioned hair.
The Good
• Effectively detangles hair, leaving it soft and manageable.
The Bad
• Some users report the conditioner can leave hair feeling greasy or oily.
• A few users find the product to be expensive for the quantity provided.
Key Ingredients: Amino acids, Cranberry Oil, Citric Acid, Glycerin / Moisture Retention: true / Color Protection: true / Shine Boost: true
