Color-depositing shampoo and conditioner is an easy way to refresh faded hair dye, tone unwanted warmth, or try a new color without using developer or permanent dye that can be hard to remove. In this post, I’ll explain what they are, who they work best for, and exactly how to use them for even results.
What is color-depositing shampoo and conditioner?
Color-depositing products work the same way a semi-permanent direct dye (like Arctic Fox or Manic Panic) does. They don’t get mixed with developer, and will eventually fade completely out of the hair if you stop using them. They’re a much safer alternative to permanent or even demi-permanent hair color, especially for DIY.
With a typical shampoo and conditioner, your color will fade each time you wash your hair, especially if you use hot water. These products were created not only to stop the color from fading, but also to make your color more intense the more you use them, easily from home.
What they’re used for:
To slow salon hair color and permanent dye from fading
To remove unwanted warmth (yellow, orange, or red) from blonde and brown hair
To easily change your hair color yourself from home
How to Use Color-Depositing Products (Step-by-Step)
Color-depositing shampoos and conditioners are flexible; you can use just the shampoo, just the conditioner, both together, or even apply them like hair color with a bowl and brush. The right method depends on your goal: a subtle refresh, stronger intensity, or the most even/targeted result.
Option 1: Color-Depositing Shampoo Only (Fast Refresh)
Best for: low effort maintenance, slight toning, quick boost between washes.
Wet hair thoroughly for best distribution.
Put on gloves (highly recommended; these can stain your hands).
Apply the color-depositing shampoo like a normal shampoo, but use enough product to fully saturate the areas you want toned/refreshed.
Let it process for 3-5 minutes (up to 10-20 if you want a bit more deposit).
Rinse well and condition.
Option 2: Color-Depositing Conditioner (Most Common / Stronger Deposit)
Best for: deeper refresh, toning warmth, glossing for shine & moisture
If you want maximum intensity, you can use the color-depositing shampoo first, then follow with the conditioner in the same wash
Shampoo first with either the color-depositing shampoo or your normal shampoo.
Squeeze out excess water so hair is damp, not dripping.
Put on gloves(highly recommended; these can stain your hands).
Apply the color-depositing conditioner from roots to ends (or only where needed).
Let it process for 3-5 minutes (10-20 if you want more intensity).
Rinse until the water runs mostly clear.
Option 3: Apply Like Hair Color (Bowl + Brush Method for the Most Even/Targeted Results)
Best for: the most controlled application, spot-treating warmth, refreshing mids/ends, or keeping multi-dimensional hair
**This is my favorite way to apply color-depositing conditioner when I want maximum control & deposit
Start with clean hair. (Dry hair will give more intense deposit, damp is easier to apply and more translucent.)
Put ongloves (highly recommended; these can stain your hands).
Squeeze product into a bowl. (Optional: mix two shades if you’re customizing a tone.)
Section hair into 4 quadrants and ensure it’s fully brushed out and tangle-free.
Apply the product where you want it using a color brush:
For an all-over refresh: apply root-to-end evenly.
For toning warmth: focus on the areas that have the most intense warm hues.
For highlights: paint in panels for a dimensional look.
Comb through each section to fully saturate and prevent patchiness.
Process for 10-20 minutes (for maximum deposit).
Rinse thoroughly until the water runs mostly clear.
Products
***Since I’m sharing the products that I love to use with you guys, this page includes affiliate links to these products. If you take action and purchase a product through clicking one of my links, I’ll make some commission money from it at no extra cost to you. This enables me to be able to continue giving you awesome hair tips, so thanks! ***
Celeb Luxury is my favorite brand of color-depositing shampoos and conditioners. They’re a professional brand, plant-based, cruelty-free, and ammonia-free.
They have two different categories, Gem Lites (more natural tones) and Viral (vivid shades). The shampoos and conditioners have slightly different shades, so make sure to check out both.
HINT: For Brunettes looking to remove unwanted red tones, check out the Brown Tahitian Pearl shade in the conditioner!
FAQ
How to remove color-depositing shampoos and conditioners?
Quick answer: Stop using them and switch back to your regular shampoo and conditioner. The color will gradually fade just as any other semi-permanent hair color will. Just keep in mind that the darker and more intense the hair color, the longer it will take for it to fade away.
Quick answer: Full gray coverage, lightening hair, major color corrections.
How long to leave them on for
Quick answer: 3–5 min for a subtle refresh, 10-20 min for more intensity.
How often to use them
Quick answer: 1–2x/week, or as often as every wash. The more you use them, the more intense/dark the color will become.
Will they cover gray hair?
Quick answer: Not fully. They can be used to tone down gray hair, but resistant gray hair may not take the color well.
Will it work on dark hair?
Quick answer: Since these are deposit-only, you can only go darker. Generally, the hair either needs to be prelightened or at least lighter than the color being used for the tone to show up. They won’t do anything to very dark or black hair.
Are they damaging to your hair?
Quick answer: No. Since these are ammonia-free and aren’t mixed with developer, they are completely safe to use. Some actually have bond-builders built into them, so they actually double as deep conditioning treatments!
Do I need both the shampoo AND the conditioner?
Quick answer: No. For the most intense results, you can use them together, but it’s not at all necessary. They actually have different colors in shampoo vs. conditioner, so you may need to choose only one for your desired shade.
Conclusion
Color-depositing shampoos and conditioners have been a game-changer in the world of hair color. These products allow you to maintain your color at home in between salon appointments, change your hair color yourself, as well as tone down unwanted warmth.
They’re infused with semi-permanent hair dye that deposits color onto the hair as it’s being washed. Since they’re semi-permanent, they are safe to use and the least risky DIY option. They’re not damaging and double as a deep conditioner for the hair, making it stronger and healthier.
These products work best for those with only one hair color or who are only altering the lighter color in their hair. You also cannot lighten the hair with these products, and can only deposit color or go darker.
If you have any further questions for me, be sure to leave them in the comments. And subscribe below if you want to make every day a good hair day!
From hairstylist and studio salon owner of 10+ years to haircare content creator. My goal is to use all of my experience and knowledge from years behind the chair to help you make everyday a good hair day!
