Recently I attended a press event that introduced beauty editors to Pureology, a vegan and sulfate-free (sulfate is apparently the enemy of colour-treated hair) salon line of hair products, designed to help colour last longer with an “anti-fade complex.” There are several “systems” to choose from depending on the condition of your hair and hair type.

For the past two weeks I’ve been using the green bottle shampoo and conditioner, called Essential Repair System for Distressed Colour-Treated Hair, with soy milk, chamomile and olive oil. I’ve noticed a difference, in that my roots aren’t coming in as quickly as they normally do and the vibrancy of my salon colour (permanent and highlights) isn’t fading as quickly either. And the smell is fantastic, thanks to its aromatherapy component.

It’s pricey—the shampoo and conditioner are $29.50 each-- but for me it would be worth the splurge. The shampoo itself is super concentrated and Pureology says you get up to 80 shampoos in a 300 mL bottle, or $0.33 a shampoo. And if it makes my hair colour last longer, then I’m saving a few bucks there too, because I can stretch the time between colour appointments.

For more information, and to locate a salon near you that sells it, go to pureology.com.

Not in your budget ballpark?  Note that more drugstore brands are starting to offer sulfate-free shampoo, such as L’Oréal Paris EverPure and EverStrong, and Live Clean shampoos.