What Is A Color Depositing Conditioner? What To Know, Plus 10 To Try

Wondering what color depositing conditioner is and, more importantly, if you need it in your routine? Read on for everything you need to know.

By Jessie Amato & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

Update Date: 01 Jun 2021

When it comes to color-treated hair, there’s nothing better than the day or two post-salon appointment. Your color is fresh, shiny, and perfectly camera-ready. What’s not so great, however, is what happens a few weeks later. Your color slowly starts to fade, your once bright hair appears lackluster, and brass starts to set in.

Luckily, for those of us who need a bit of a hue refresh between scheduling touch-ups, some top hair care brands offer a solution: color depositing conditioner. These hydrating, color-toning, non-committal formulas are a must-have for any color care routine.

Want to learn all about color depositing conditioner? Read on for everything you need to know, including how to find the best color depositing conditioner for your mane.

What is a color depositing conditioner?

Like color depositing shampoos, color depositing conditioners offer many of the same toning benefits. These products contain pigments that brighten, tone, or enhance your current hue while tacking on the extra benefits of hydrating and softening your strands. If you have blonde hair, for example, a purple color depositing conditioner contains violet pigment that can neutralize brass while nourishing your mane.

Not only are they a go-to for refreshing your hair color, but some formulas can also be used to temporarily transform your hue without the commitment of a permanent hair dye. (Note: If you’re using color depositing conditioner to experiment with hair color, the longevity of your hue will depend on the formula you use, the porosity of your hair, and how often you apply the product.)

Does color depositing conditioner wash out?

You can rinse color depositing conditioner from your hair the same you would any other conditioner. After shampooing, apply the formula throughout your hair and let it sit for three to 10 minutes, depending on the intensity you’re after. If you’re wondering how long you should leave color depositing conditioner on your hair, always refer to the directions on the packaging.

Can I put color depositing conditioner on dry hair?

To achieve the best results, most brands recommend applying color depositing conditioner to wet hair immediately after cleansing.

What is the best color depositing conditioner?

If you’re shopping for a color depositing conditioner, you should know that there’s no one “best of” pick that applies to every mane. You should choose a formula that suits your specific needs, whether that’s a brass-busting formula for blondes or one that will give you a temporary color change.

Need a little help deciding? Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of our best color depositing conditioner formulas.

Our Best Color Depositing Conditioners To Try Now

Biolage Professional Cinnamon Color Depositing Conditioner

Create warm, cinnamon tones with this vegan temporary color depositing conditioner.

One size only for Biolage Professional Cinnamon Color Depositing Conditioner

8.5 fl oz

Biolage ColorBalm Cinnamon Color Depositing Conditioner

Get your spice-inspired color fix without committing to the real thing with Biolage ColorBalm Cinnamon Color Depositing Conditioner. These temporary, color-depositing conditioners work for every hair type and texture (color-treated or not). The vegan, paraben-free formulas provide a temporary wash of color that’s formulated to gradually fade over time, all while leaving your strands hydrated.

Pro tip: Leave the product on your hair for five to 10 minutes, depending on the desired color intensity.

Biolage Professional Red Poppy Color Depositing Conditioner

Add a cool red luster and dimension with this temporary vegan color depositing conditioner.

One size only for Biolage Professional Red Poppy Color Depositing Conditioner

8.5 fl oz

Biolage Professional Saffron Red Color Depositing Conditioner

Add bold copper tones to light brown and warm red hair with this temporary vegan color depositing conditioner.

One size only for Biolage Professional Saffron Red Color Depositing Conditioner

8.5 fl oz

Biolage Professional Lavender Color Depositing Conditioner

Add a temporary violet tone with this vegan color depositing conditioner.

One size only for Biolage Professional Lavender Color Depositing Conditioner

8.5 fl oz

Redken Color Extend Blondage Conditioner

A purple, brass-busting conditioner for fragile blonde hair.

Select a Size for Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Conditioner for Blonde Hair

10.1 fl oz | 33.8 fl oz

Color Extend Graydiant Conditioner for Gray Hair

A color-depositing conditioner to tone and nourish gray and silver hair.

Select a Size for Color Extend Graydiant Conditioner for Gray Hair

10.1 fl oz | 33.8 fl oz