You spend £150 at the salon for colour you love, and by the third wash it's faded a tone. Most people blame the shampoo — and yes, sulfates are part of the problem — but the conditioner you use right after is doing more than softening: it's the step that closes the cuticle and locks pigment in. Get the conditioner wrong and you undo half your colour appointment.
This UK guide breaks down what to look for in a conditioner for coloured hair, which Moné conditioner fits which colour, and the common mistakes that fade brunettes faster than they should.
Why coloured hair needs its own conditioner
When you bleach or dye hair, the cuticle scales open to let pigment in. After dyeing, those scales are still slightly raised. A generic conditioner adds slip and shine but doesn't necessarily reseal the cuticle. A colour-protect conditioner does both: it conditions AND closes the cuticle, trapping pigment inside.
The other key role: replacing what the dye process stripped out. Bleaching removes natural fatty acids, proteins and moisture. A coloured-hair conditioner replaces those with humectants, plant proteins and oils.
Five features to look for
- pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Slightly acidic, which forces the cuticle to close. Most coloured-hair conditioners state this. If yours doesn't, suspect it's too alkaline.
- UV filters. Sunlight accelerates fade, especially for reds and balayaged blondes. Look for ingredients like Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate or BHT.
- Plant-derived keratin or amino acids. 17-amino-acid complex, hydrolysed wheat protein, silk amino acids — these reinforce the hair shaft from outside.
- Humectants for moisture. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera — they keep hair hydrated between washes.
- Silicone-light or silicone-free formulations. Heavy silicones build up over washes and create a barrier that prevents future deposits. Light silicones (like cyclomethicone) are fine; heavy silicones (dimethicone in the first 5 ingredients) are usually too much.
Which Moné conditioner for which hair
For dyed brunette, brown, red or auburn hair
The Maximum Color Conditioner is the dedicated colour-protect option for dyed darker shades. Smooths, softens and prevents breakage during combing.
For blonde, bleached or balayaged hair
The Color Lemonade Conditioner contains truffle extract that hydrates while preserving tone. Designed specifically for the pH and protein needs of bleached hair.
For dull or damaged coloured hair that needs more shine
The Sparkling Shine Conditioner uses an 8-oil complex (grapeseed, olive, macadamia, coconut, avocado) for deep nourishment. Pairs with the Sparkling Shine Shampoo for a complete shine-focused routine.
How to apply it for best results
- Shampoo first, then towel-blot until just damp — not soaking. Wet hair dilutes conditioner.
- Apply mid-length to ends only — never at the scalp.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly.
- Leave 2–3 minutes minimum. Longer doesn't help past 5 minutes (use a mask for deeper care).
- Rinse with lukewarm water, finish with 30 seconds of cool water to fully seal the cuticle.
Three common mistakes that fade colour faster
- Not pairing shampoo + conditioner. Using a Maximum Color Shampoo with a different brand conditioner means you reopen the cuticle and don't fully reseal it. Matched pairs are designed to balance pH.
- Hot water rinses. Heat opens the cuticle, lets pigment escape. Cool water is your friend.
- Skipping conditioner because hair feels "squeaky clean". Squeaky clean = stripped, not clean. Coloured hair needs the layer back on.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a conditioner every wash?
Yes for coloured hair. The shampoo opens the cuticle to clean; the conditioner reseals it. Skipping conditioner accelerates fade.
Can I use a conditioner without shampooing?
Yes — it's called co-washing. Some coloured-hair routines benefit from co-washing 1–2 times a week instead of full shampoo. Reduces pigment loss.
How long does a tube last?
A 300ml bottle lasts ~6–8 weeks at 2–3 washes per week, depending on hair length.
Will a colour-protect conditioner work on uncoloured hair?
Yes, it just won't be necessary. The colour-protect actives don't hurt uncoloured hair, they just don't have anything to protect.
What's the difference between a conditioner and a mask?
Active concentration. A conditioner has 1–3 % active conditioning agents, a mask has 5–12 %. Use conditioner 2–3 times per week, mask once.
Match your conditioner to your colour: Shop the full Shampoo & Conditioner collection. Free UK delivery over £20, free Sparkling Shine Conditioner with any order over £25.