Having color treated hair can be tricky when it comes to finding the right shampoo. You want a formula that will cleanse your hair without stripping the color. Nexxus is a popular salon brand that offers several shampoos made for color treated hair. But is Nexxus really effective at keeping hair color vivid? Let’s take a closer look at what makes a good color safe shampoo and how Nexxus measures up.
What to Look for in a Color Safe Shampoo
When searching for a shampoo to use on color treated hair, there are a few key factors to look for:
- Sulfate-free formula – Sulfates are cleansing agents that can be harsh and strip color.
- pH balanced – A pH between 4 and 6 helps lock in hair color.
- Optical brighteners – These reflect light to enhance hair’s vibrancy.
- Moisturizing ingredients – Oils and butters help prevent drying.
- UV filters – Help protect hair color from fading in the sun.
A shampoo that checks these boxes can help keep dyed hair looking fresh and bright for longer.
Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo Review
Now let’s see how Nexxus Color Assure shampoo stacks up for color treated hair:
Formula
The Nexxus Color Assure shampoo is free of sulfates, making it gentle enough for frequent use on color treated hair. It contains proteins and elastin to strengthen and reinforce hair fibers. The formula also has silicone for added shine and manageability.
pH Level
This shampoo boasts a pH balanced formula to help seal the hair cuticle and prevent color fading. The exact pH level is not disclosed.
Optical Brighteners
Nexxus does not specify if this shampoo contains optical brighteners. However, reviews indicate it has a luminosity enhancing effect on hair color.
Moisturizing
Key moisturizers in this formula include shea butter, jojoba oil, and olive oil. These help prevent the drying effect of frequent shampooing.
UV Protection
Again, Nexxus does not confirm if this contains UV filters. But as a salon brand, it likely offers some level of UV protection.
Benefits for Color Treated Hair
Here are some of the key benefits Nexxus Color Assure provides for dyed hair:
- Gently cleanses without sulfates
- Seals cuticle to lock in color
- Boosts shine
- Strengthens hair
- Adds moisture
- Prevents brassiness
- Maintains vibrancy
The sulfate-free formula gives it an advantage over regular shampoos when it comes to retaining hair color.
Drawbacks
A few drawbacks to consider with Nexxus Color Assure:
- Expensive compared to drugstore brands
- Light scent some users don’t like
- Can cause buildup if overused
- No pumps on bottles
While there are cheaper color safe options, this shampoo provides salon quality ingredients.
Nexxus vs. Drugstore Brands
How does Nexxus compare to popular drugstore color safe shampoos? Here’s an overview:
| Brand | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nexxus Color Assure | Sulfate-free, nourishing oils, proteins for strength, silicone for shine | $14 for 25 oz |
| Clairol Shimmer Lights | Tones brassiness, deep cleansing, hydrating | $10 for 16 oz |
| L’Oreal Paris EverPure | Sulfate-free, rosemary & juniper oils | $8 for 8 oz |
While Nexxus is pricier, its salon quality formula offers more protective ingredients for color care.
Ingredients Analysis
Here is a breakdown of the key ingredients in Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo:
Amino Acids
Amino acids like arginine help strengthen and repair damaged hair.
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
This fortifies weak, porous hair and reinforces hair fiber.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A creamy cleanser derived from coconut oil to gently wash hair.
Panthenol
Vitamin B5 helps restore moisture and add shine.
Shea Butter
Softens hair and seals in moisture to prevent breakage.
Jojoba Oil
Mimics natural oils to moisturize hair and enhance shine.
Silicones
Ingredients like dimethicone coat hair to make it more smooth and manageable.
These plant-based and nourishing ingredients offer multiple benefits for dyed hair from protection to softness and shine.
How to Use Nexxus Color Assure
Here are some tips for using Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo:
- Wet hair thoroughly then massage a quarter-sized amount into scalp
- Lather through to ends then let sit 1-2 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly and follow with conditioner
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to prevent buildup
- Consider pairing with Nexxus Color Assure conditioner
Following these steps helps the ingredients penetrate to nourish hair while lifting dirt and oil.
Conclusion
So is Nexxus Color Assure a good color safe shampoo? Overall, yes – it contains many protective ingredients dyed hair needs. The sulfate-free formula cleanses gently to preserve hair color. Added oils and proteins also prevent dryness and damage. While not cheap, it provides quality results on par with salon brands. If you have color treated hair and want to maintain vibrant, shiny locks, Nexxus Color Assure is a great option.
