What ingredients should I avoid in shampoo if I have color-treated hair?

If your hair is color-treated, it's worth choosing a shampoo that's designed to cleanse gently without accelerating color fade.

Harsh sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate, are powerful cleansing agents that can strip away natural oils and other color molecules, leaving hair drier and causing color to fade more quickly.

Frequently using strong clarifying shampoos can have a similar effect. While they're useful for removing heavy buildup when needed, it's best to use them occasionally and not as your everyday shampoo if you have color-treated hair.

Instead, look for sulfate-free, color-safe formulas that effectively cleanse the hair and scalp while preserving color vibrancy and shine.