A plain ivory bottle and a wide-tooth comb resting on a folded white towel

Shampoo for bleached hair

Washing, conditioning, and timing after bleach, per the AAD and FDA.

Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It does not change our guidance. Affiliate Disclosure

Wash the scalp

The AAD says to apply shampoo to your scalp instead of the entire length of your hair, so you wash away built-up products, dead skin, and excess oil without drying your hair too much.

How frequently

The AAD says to wash your hair based on how often it gets dirty or oily. We do not give a separate schedule for bleached hair.

Condition every time

The AAD says to use conditioner after each shampoo. A dermatologist quoted by the AAD says that for hair that is color-treated, a rinse-off conditioner may not be enough, and that is when a leave-in conditioner is helpful.

Sun and pool water

The AAD says the sun can make hair weak, dry, rough, faded, and brittle, and that "this is especially true if you dye, bleach or perm your hair." A dermatologist quoted by the AAD says dyeing hair blond makes it more susceptible to UV damage and damage from chlorine.

Before you dye again

For hair dye, the FDA says to "wait at least 14 days after bleaching, relaxing, or perming your hair before using dye." The AAD suggests adding more time between touch-ups, especially when the air is dry.

Wet hair

The AAD says hair is delicate when it is wet, to use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to detangle it, and to wrap hair in a towel or t-shirt to absorb the moisture instead of rubbing it dry.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Tips for healthy hair; AAD, 10 hair care habits that can damage your hair; AAD, Coloring and perming tips for healthier-looking hair; AAD, Must-try summer hair care; AAD, Dermatologists' top tips for using leave-in conditioner; FDA, Hair Dyes.

FAQ

Is there a shampoo made for bleached hair?

Makers sell shampoos labeled for bleached or blonde hair. We do not pick products. The AAD says to choose hair care products that say they are made for your hair type.

Does bleached hair need purple shampoo?

We do not say. Makers describe purple shampoo for bleached hair that looks yellow. Follow the label directions.

General information, not medical advice. Follow the label. We suggest testing a new hair product on a small patch of skin first. Keep it out of your eyes, and stop use if irritation occurs. For hair dye, the FDA says to do a patch test every time and never to dye your eyebrows or eyelashes. See a doctor or dermatologist about scalp problems or hair loss.

A wide-brimmed straw hat resting on a stone ledge beside a plain frosted bottle

Shampoo for color-treated hair

Care tips and label words.

A dollop of white cream in a ceramic dish beside a wooden wide-tooth comb

How to use conditioner

Ends or full length.

A clear unlabeled glass bottle of pale lilac liquid standing on a pale travertine ledge

Purple shampoo, explained

What it is, in plain words.

Next: color-treated hair