Anyone who loves experimenting with hair color knows firsthand how frustrating it can be when your hair color starts to fade or lose its vibrancy. That’s where color-depositing conditioners come in!
These products are designed to help maintain and enhance your hair color, whether you’re a natural blonde, fiery redhead, or have regular brown hair.
They can also add temporary color to your hair so that you can enjoy change without the stress of permanence.
We’ll review some of the most popular conditioners on the market and offer insights into which ones are worth trying.
Whether you’re looking to preserve your current hair color or switch things up with a new shade, you’ll find the best color-depositing conditioner for you here!
At a Glance
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- Best Overall: Maria Nila Colour Refresh
- Best for Dry Hair: Davines Alchemic Conditioner
- Best for Blonde Hair: Sachajuan Silver Conditioner
- Best Budget-Friendly Option: CHI Color Illuminate Conditioner
- Best Nourishing Formula: Celeb Luxury Viral Colorditioner
- Best Overall: Maria Nila Colour Refresh
Top 5 Color-Depositing Conditioners
Here are our reviews of the best color-depositing conditioners on the market today!
1. Best Overall: Maria Nila Colour Refresh
If you’re looking for a color-depositing conditioner that does it all, look no further than the Maria Nila Colour Refresh conditioner. This product is a true multitasker, providing intense color pigmentation, deep conditioning, and even a bit of shine-boosting.
First and foremost, the color payoff of this conditioner is impressive. Whether you’re looking to maintain your current hair color or add a fun temporary shade, the Maria Nila Colour Refresh conditioner comes in various hues to suit all needs.
The pigmentation is strong, so you can expect a noticeable difference in your hair color after just one use. The color also lasts longer than many other color-depositing conditioners, so you can go longer between touch-ups.
Plus, it contains argan oil and vitamin E, which help nourish and strengthen hair over time. Your hair will feel noticeably healthier and more manageable after regularly using this color toning conditioner.
Finally, the Maria Nila Colour Refresh conditioner leaves a subtle shine on the hair, adding a nice finishing touch to any look. The formula is also vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it too!
Pros
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- Provides intense color pigmentation
- Deeply conditions and detangles hair
- Leaves hair soft, silky, and manageable
- Adds a subtle shine to hair
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Cons
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- It can be pricey compared to other color-depositing conditioners
- The color payoff may be too strong for some hair types
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Bottom Line
If you want deep color pigmentation, the Maria Nila Colour Refresh offers just that, as well as deep conditioning and a touch of shine-boosting with a vegan and cruelty-free formula.
2. Best for Dry Hair: Davines Alchemic Conditioner
If you have dry hair that needs some extra love and care, the Davines Alchemic Conditioner in Copper is a fantastic option for both moisturizing and enhancing your hair color.
This conditioner is designed specifically for those with copper or red hair, and it does a great job of brightening and deepening those shades while also providing much-needed hydration.
The Davines Alchemic Conditioner in Copper is incredibly nourishing. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil, which work together to add moisture and softness to dry, damaged hair.
In terms of color, the Davines Alchemic Conditioner in Copper is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their natural or dyed copper or red tones. The color payoff is subtle but noticeable, and it helps to make hair look brighter and more vibrant.
You’ll also appreciate that the color is buildable, so you can layer on more products to intensify the shade as desired.
The Davines Alchemic Conditioner is a bit thick and heavy, so it may not be the best option for those with fine or oily hair. But for those with dry hair, this is a great choice for a color-depositing conditioner that also delivers much-needed hydration.
The Davines Alchemic Conditioner is also available in chocolate for those who want darker hair!
Pros
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- Provides intense hydration to dry hair
- Buildable color payoff for those who want a more intense shade
- Enhances copper or red hair color for a brighter and more vibrant look
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Cons
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- It may be too heavy for those with fine or oily hair
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Bottom Line
For all those with dry hair, the Davines Alchemic Conditioner in Copper will replenish your hair while making the color pop!
3. Best for Blonde Hair: Sachajuan Silver Conditioner
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If you’re a natural blonde or have dyed blonde hair, you know how important it is to use a color-depositing conditioner to keep your locks looking bright and beautiful. Luckily, Sachajuan Silver Conditioner can neutralize any unwanted yellow or brassy tones in lighter hair.It contains violet pigments that help to counteract those warm tones, giving your hair a light silver tone. The color payoff is subtle but noticeable, and it helps to keep hair looking fresh between salon appointments.
On top of that, this color-depositing conditioner is lightweight and doesn’t weigh hair down. It’s easy to rinse out and doesn’t leave any residue behind, making it a great choice for those with fine or thin hair.
Its formula is creamy, vegan-friendly, and paraben-free. All things you want in a color depositing conditioner!
Pros
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- Provides subtle yet noticeable color enhancement for a brighter, silvery look
- Lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh hair down
- Protects your hair from UV rays
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Cons
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- The intensity of the color payoff might not be enough for some.
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Bottom Line
Any blondes that want to get rid of those brassy and yellow undertones should try the Sachajuan Silver Conditioner! The conditioner’s lightweight formula will have you wanting to rock your blonde hair like Goldilocks.
4. Best Budget-Friendly Option: Chi Color Illuminate Conditioner
Taking care of your hair can get expensive very fast, but if you’re on a budget, the CHI Color Illuminate Conditioner might be the answer to your hair care prayers.
This conditioner is specially designed for semi-permanent hair color, making it a great option for anyone who wants to keep their hair looking bright and vibrant. If you have lighter hair, make sure to use only small amounts.
It’s formulated with ingredients like silk amino complexes that work to nourish and hydrate the hair while also helping to enhance the color.
The texture of the CHI Color Illuminate Conditioner is lightweight and easy to apply, making it a breeze to use in the shower. It rinses out cleanly and leaves the hair feeling soft and silky without any greasiness or heaviness.
Unlike many color-depositing conditioners, it doesn’t have that chemical scent that gives everyone a headache. Instead, it has a pleasant scent that’s not too overpowering but masks the chemical smell well enough.
Pros
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- Comes in a variety of shades to suit different hair colors
- Easy to use—simply apply like a regular conditioner and rinse out
- Has a pleasant scent
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Cons
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- The color payoff might fade faster
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Bottom Line
You don’t have to break the bank to take care of your hair. The CHI Color Illuminate Conditioner proves that there’s an option at every price point that includes impressive color payoff and nourishing ingredients.
5. Best Nourishing Formula: Celeb Luxury Viral Colorditioner
Celeb Luxury Viral Colorditioner is a unique and innovative product that has revolutionized the world of color-depositing conditioners.
It provides a perfect balance between color and conditioning, allowing you to maintain and enhance your hair color while keeping your hair healthy and moisturized.
The Celeb Luxury Viral Colorditioner is available in a wide range of vibrant and vivid colors, from bold reds to cool blues and everything in between. The colors are extremely pigmented that the hues even show up on brunette hair.
What sets this product apart from others in the market is its nourishing formula. The Colorditioner is infused with a blend of natural ingredients such as quinoa, argan oil, and silk amino acids that provide deep nourishment and hydration to your hair.
These ingredients work together to restore your hair’s natural shine and strength, leaving it feeling soft and silky.
Another great feature of this product is that it’s a 2-in-1 formula that combines the benefits of a color-depositing conditioner with a hair mask. You can leave it in your hair for a few minutes for a quick color refresh, or you can leave it in for up to 20 minutes for a deep conditioning treatment.
Pros
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- 2-in-1 formula that combines a color-depositing conditioner with a hair mask
- Easy to use and provides instant results
- Available in a wide range of colors
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Cons
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- Vibrant pigments in the formula can stain clothes and skin
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Bottom Line
If you’re an impatient person and want quick results without the risk of damaging your hair, then the Celeb Luxury Viral Colorditioner will be the right choice for you!
How to Choose the Perfect Color-Depositing Conditioner
With so many options on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when buying a color-depositing conditioner.
Here are the most important factors you should keep in mind to make the shopping process easier.
Picking Out the Right Color
The first and most obvious factor to consider is the color of the product. Look for a shade that matches your natural hair color or the shade you’re trying to achieve. Some brands offer a range of shades, so you can choose the one that’s closest to your hair color.
You have to be mindful of your base color, which is the current color of your hair. With some knowledge of the color wheel, you can figure out which shade to add to reach your desired hue.
Keep in mind that color-depositing conditioners aren’t like hair dye and can’t cover up gray hair. Instead, they might leave an unsettling hue.
Be sure to read reviews and check out before-and-after photos to get a sense of how the color looks in real life.
Look for Certain Ingredients
Certain ingredients can help to nourish and protect your hair while also depositing color. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and jojoba oil, which can help to hydrate and soften hair. Ingredients like keratin and silk protein can also help to strengthen hair and prevent damage.
Color Longevity
Another important factor to consider is how long the color will last. Some products are designed to provide a temporary color boost that lasts for a few washes, while others provide more long-lasting results. Consider how often you’re willing to reapply the product and how frequently you wash your hair.
For a long-lasting color payoff, you can pair your color-depositing conditioner with a color-depositing shampoo too.
Price Point
Finally, consider the price point of the product. Color depositing conditioners can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive.
Keep in mind that more expensive products may provide better results or last longer, but there are also many budget-friendly options that can work well.
FAQs
What Is a Color-Depositing Conditioner?
A color-depositing conditioner is a hair care product that is designed to temporarily deposit color onto the hair. It’s a type of conditioning treatment that adds color molecules to the surface of the hair shaft, leaving behind a subtle hue that doesn’t last long.
Does a Color-Depositing Conditioner Stain?
Since color-depositing conditioners work like dyes, they can stain skin and other things, such as clothes. To avoid staining your skin, it’s a good idea to wear gloves when applying the product and to rinse your skin thoroughly with soap and water after application.
You can also use petroleum jelly around your hairline and ears to prevent the product from coming into contact with your skin.
How Do I Use a Color-Depositing Conditioner?
To use a color-depositing conditioner, you have to shampoo your hair like you normally would. And then, gently apply the conditioner to your semi-wet hair, starting at the roots to coat the hair evenly. Leave it on for about 30 minutes or however long the product’s instructions states. Then, rinse with cold water and style your hair without using any heat!
When Does Color Depositing Conditioner Wash Out?
Generally, it can take up to 5-10 washes for the color-depositing conditioner to wash out completely. But it mostly depends on the individual brand or product to use. Make sure to read the product description carefully.
To Wrap Up
Color-depositing conditioners have risen in popularity because of their temporary and attractive results. If you want the best conditioner out there for your hair, we recommend you go for the Maria Nila Colour Refresh conditioner. It’ll give you the color you want without damaging your hair.
Whatever conditioner you choose, make sure you use your base color as a reference, or you might end up with funny hues!
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