Ion Color Defense Clarifying Shampoo

Ever since I got my latest cut and color which you can see here, I’ve been taking extra care of my hair and being super picky about which products I’m using. When you’re using so many sulfate-free products to protect your color like I am, a lot of build up happens and you’re left with an itchy scalp and hair color that looks dull. If my hair wasn’t colored, I would just use that good old Head & Shoulders but that’s not possible in my case since it’s not sulfate-free. Imagine all that hair color going down the drain! Yikes. Lately, I’ve been looking for an alternative and have been checking every store possible for a sulfate-free version of a clarifying shampoo which I’m not even sure existed. Is it possible to get rid of build up without stripping away color? 

My hunt eventually led me to the classic Sally’s Beauty Supply where I bought a life-changing curling wand a few weeks before which I’ll be blogging about soon. I swear lately I’ve been having the best luck finding great products there! Anyways, I came across the Ion Color Defense Clarifying Shampoo and after quickly checking the positive reviews online, I thought why not? It ended being the best decision ever! I specifically waited until my hair had tons of build up from styling products and dry shampoo in order to test it out and it only took one wash to get rid of the build up. I’ve noticed it foams better than most sulfate-free shampoos but it does leave your hair a bit dry so use a great conditioner or a hair mask right afterwards. The best part is that it doesn’t change my hair color and makes it go lighter like other clarifying shampoos do. Your hair simply stays the same color yet looks shiny and healthy! Just a word of caution: don’t use this everyday, it’s a clarifying shampoo so it’s not healthy to strip your hair of it’s natural oils every single day and can lead to tons of damage. I only use it once a week and think it’s more than enough. 

Did I mention the shampoo is only $7.29? Yup, I linked it below in case you feel like ordering right now or if you just want to read more reviews. I can’t wait to try more products from this line!

Thanks for reading, 

-Ruya