If you colour your hair, choosing the right shampoo is essential. Even professional shampoos are not interchangeable — and using the wrong one can cause colour to fade faster than it should.
Both Color Protect Shampoo and Shampoo One from Paul Mitchell are gentle and salon-approved, but they are designed for different colour-care needs.
This guide explains the difference so you can choose the right shampoo for your hair, lifestyle and colour goals.
Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo
Best for preserving colour and preventing fade
Color Protect Shampoo is specifically formulated for colour-treated hair that needs protection from fading. It gently cleanses while helping to lock in colour pigments and shield hair from environmental damage.
The formula contains sunflower extract, which provides UV protection — one of the biggest causes of colour fade, especially in summer or for hair exposed to sunlight.
Choose Color Protect Shampoo if:
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Your hair is colour-treated
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Your colour fades quickly
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You spend time outdoors or in sunlight
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You want to extend colour vibrancy between salon visits
💡 Professional tip:
If your colour looks great but doesn’t last as long as it should, UV exposure is often the cause — Color Protect Shampoo helps prevent this.
Paul Mitchell Shampoo One
Best for gentle, everyday cleansing
Shampoo One is an extremely mild shampoo designed for regular or frequent washing. While it is colour-safe, it is not specifically designed to protect colour from fading.
This shampoo focuses on shine, softness and manageability, making it ideal for hair that is healthy and balanced but needs gentle cleansing.
Choose Shampoo One if:
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Your hair is colour-treated but healthy
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You wash your hair frequently
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You want a gentle shampoo that won’t strip
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Colour longevity is not your main concern
💡 Professional tip:
Shampoo One is excellent for maintaining hair condition, but it does not contain UV protection.
Color Protect Shampoo vs Shampoo One: Key Differences
| Feature | Color Protect Shampoo | Shampoo One |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Colour longevity | Gentle daily cleansing |
| UV protection | ✔ Yes | ✖ No |
| Helps prevent fade | ✔ Yes | ✖ Limited |
| Colour-safe | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Shine & softness | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Daily use | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
Which One Should You Use?
✔ Choose Color Protect Shampoo if:
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You want your colour to last longer
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You’re exposed to sunlight
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Your colour fades between salon visits
✔ Choose Shampoo One if:
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Your hair is colour-treated but stable
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You prioritise gentle cleansing and shine
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You wash frequently and want a mild formula
Can You Use Both?
Yes — and many professionals recommend it.
A common routine is:
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Color Protect Shampoo most washes to preserve colour
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Shampoo One occasionally when hair needs extra gentleness
This approach maintains both hair health and colour longevity.
Final Professional Advice
If your colour fades faster than expected, the issue is rarely the dye — it’s usually UV exposure and daily cleansing habits.
Choosing a shampoo designed specifically for colour protection can significantly extend vibrancy and shine.
👉 Explore our Colour Fade Prevention Guide or visit Start Here: How to Choose the Right Professional Haircare for expert routine advice.
