Beauty Biolage Colorlast Shampoo Review: Is It Worth the Hype
Biolage Colorlast is one of the most talked-about color shampoos in salons, promising vibrant color for up to four weeks with a low-pH, orchid-powered formula. It has a loyal following spanning decades, plus a vocal group of critics. We dug into both sides.
This review covers the formula, what it does well, the reformulation controversy you should know about before buying, and how it compares to alternatives. No hype, just what verified buyers and the ingredient list actually say.
Key Takeaways
- Colorlast uses a low-pH formula with orchid extract and salicylic acid to protect color.
- A reformulation drew real backlash: some buyers report dryness, limp hair, and scalp itch.
- Best for normal color-treated hair; very dry hair may need a richer formula.
Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks
- Biolage Color Last Shampoo, 13.5 oz The reviewed product: low-pH color protection.
- Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo and Conditioner Set Best Biolage alternative for very dry hair.
- Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo Best Biolage pick for dry, thirsty hair.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks
Best for: Normal color-treated hair wanting low-pH protection
#1 Best OverallBiolage Color Last Shampoo for Color Treated Hair, 13.5 oz
- Low pH formula helps maintain color depth, tone and shine
- Protects hair and maintains vibrant color
- Paraben and silicone free, vegan
- Helps prevent color fade for up to 4 weeks
Pros
- Salon-brand color care at a fair price
- Gentle orchid-scented cleanse
- Works for all hair colors and types
Cons
Best for: Very dry color-treated hair needing deep moisture
Runner-UpMatrix Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo and Conditioner Set
- Ultra-hydrating shampoo and conditioner duo
- Aloe and cupuacu butter deeply moisturize
- Paraben-free, vegan formulas
- Prevents breakage in very dry hair
Pros
- Complete hydration system
- Great for very dry hair
- Good value as a set
Cons
Best for: Dry hair prioritizing hydration over color tech
Best ValueBiolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo
- Extremely moisturizes to prevent breakage
- Paraben and silicone free, vegan
- Aloe-based formula hydrates deeply
- Gentle for very dry hair
Pros
- Intense hydration for parched hair
- Salon brand at fair price
- Great for dry color-treated hair
Cons
The formula: what is inside
Colorlast centers on a low-pH formula designed to keep the cuticle sealed so dye stays locked in. Key ingredients include orchid extract, salicylic acid for the scalp, and a soybean oil duo that wraps strands in a protective barrier. It is paraben-free, silicone-free, and vegan.
The low pH is the real story: most shampoos are more alkaline than hair's ideal range, which lifts the cuticle. An acidic formula keeps the cuticle flat, which means shinier hair and slower color loss. Compare the approach with Redken Color Extend Magnetics, which uses amino-ions for a similar sealing effect.
The reformulation controversy, honestly covered
Here is what most reviews skip: Biolage reformulated Colorlast, and a significant group of longtime buyers hate the new version. Complaints mention dry, limp, or oily hair, scalp itching, and a weaker scent. Some two-decade loyalists say they are done with the brand.
Not everyone agrees: plenty of recent buyers still rate it five stars and love the results. Dry and sensitive scalps seem affected most. Our honest take: patch-test it first if your scalp is sensitive, and buy from a retailer with easy returns. If your hair is very dry, consider richer color-safe alternatives instead.
Who should buy it, and who should skip
Buy Colorlast if you have normal to slightly dry color-treated hair, want a mid-priced salon formula, and like a fresh orchid scent with good lather. It is a solid daily driver for standard permanent color at a fair salon-tier price.
Skip it if your scalp is sensitive, your hair is very dry or coarse, or you loved the old formula. In those cases, Pureology Hydrate or the Biolage Hydra Source line fit better. See salon shampoos worth the price for alternatives.
How to Choose Within Your Budget
Biolage Color Last Shampoo prices vary for 13.5 oz, with larger 33.8 oz sizes offering better per-ounce value. That positions it as the value player in the salon tier: cheaper than Pureology and Redken with a legitimate color-protection formula.
Final Thoughts
Biolage Colorlast is a good mid-priced color shampoo with a smart low-pH formula, but the reformulation backlash is real and worth knowing. If your hair is normal and your scalp is not sensitive, it is a solid buy. If not, richer or gentler alternatives will serve you better. Either way, you now know exactly what you are buying.
How We Test and Rank Products
We review formulas by analyzing the ingredient list, aggregating verified buyer reviews including critical ones, and tracking reformulation history. We include controversies other reviews skip, because you deserve the full picture before spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
The current formula contains sodium laureth sulfate, so it is not strictly sulfate-free despite being marketed for color-treated hair. If you want a fully sulfate-free routine, choose a different formula from our sulfate-free ranking.
Yes, Biolage reformulated and repackaged Colorlast, and many longtime users report the new version performs worse for them, with complaints of dryness, limp hair, and scalp irritation. Others still love it. Buying from a retailer with returns is wise.
Biolage claims fade protection for up to four weeks. Real-world results vary: buyers with standard permanent color report good longevity, while those with reds or fashion shades still see faster fading regardless of shampoo.
For normal color-treated hair, yes: it is a fairly priced salon formula with a smart low-pH approach. For very dry hair or sensitive scalps, the value drops given the reformulation complaints. Consider your hair type before deciding.