If you’ve spent $180 on a salon gloss only to watch it fade in three washes — this guide is for you.
Colour-depositing shampoo is quietly replacing salon colour touch-ups in Singapore. It’s not a dye. It’s not a toner. It’s a tinted cleanser that deposits pigment on the hair surface while you wash — no ammonia, no peroxide, no salon chair. In this guide, we’ll unpack how it actually works, who it’s for, which shade suits you, and how to get salon-quality colour without the salon bill.
What is colour-depositing shampoo?
Colour-depositing shampoo (sometimes called pigmented shampoo or toning shampoo) is a shampoo infused with direct dye pigments. As you lather, those pigments cling to the cuticle — the outer layer of your hair — and add or refresh tone while cleansing. You rinse out excess pigment with the suds.
Unlike traditional hair dye, it doesn’t open the cuticle or alter your underlying hair colour. Think of it as a temporary gloss that top-ups your existing shade and washes out over several shampoos — not a permanent change. 
How does it work?
The magic is in the pigment size and charge. Direct-dye molecules are small and positively charged. Damaged and coloured hair has a negatively charged cuticle — so pigment is electrostatically drawn onto the strand, deposits during the wash, and rinses cleanly away. A few notes:
- Porous hair grabs pigment faster. If your hair is bleached or previously coloured, expect bolder results.
- Virgin dark hair won’t lighten. There’s no ammonia or peroxide, so a colour-depositing shampoo can’t “make you pink” from black. It refreshes what’s already there.
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It fades gracefully. Because pigment doesn’t enter the cortex, there’s no harsh line of regrowth as it washes out — just a soft, natural fade.
Colour-depositing shampoo vs box dye vs toner
|
Colour-Depositing Shampoo |
Box Dye |
Professional Toner |
|
|
Chemicals |
No ammonia, no peroxide, no PPD |
Ammonia, peroxide, often PPD |
Low-volume developer, ammonia-derivatives |
|
Application time |
1–15 min in the shower |
30–45 min, gloves, timer |
Salon visit, 20–60 min |
|
Longevity |
1–2 weeks per wash |
4–6 weeks (roots grow out) |
4–6 weeks |
|
Damage |
None — can actually condition |
Moderate to heavy |
Mild |
|
Stains pillows/skin? |
No (with Rehues) |
Yes |
Not usually |
|
Cost per use |
From S$2 |
From S$20 |
From S$80 |
Who is colour-depositing shampoo for?
It’s for you if:
- Your salon colour fades within a few washes (especially pink, blue, ash, wine red, violet).
- You’ve bleached or toned your hair and want to stretch time between salon visits.
- You want to experiment with pastels or fashion shades without committing to a permanent dye.
- You have sensitive scalp / allergies to PPD and want a gentler alternative.
- You want shine and softness from your shampoo — not just cleansing.
It’s not for you if:
- You have virgin black or very dark hair and want a dramatic lightening change — you’ll need a lightener first.
- You want a permanent colour change — use a professional dye instead.
Why colour-depositing shampoo makes sense for Singapore
Singapore’s humidity accelerates colour oxidation. UV, hard water and daily washing can strip cool tones (ash, violet, blue) within a fortnight, leaving brassy yellow or orange in their place. A pigmented shampoo tops up the tone you paid for — on autopilot, in the shower, two to three times a week.
And then there’s cost. A salon gloss or colour refresh in Singapore ranges from S$120 to S$280. A bottle of Rehues Colour Lock™ Shampoo is S$59 and lasts a month of regular use. You do the math.
Picking your Rehues shade
Rehues Colour Lock™ Shampoo comes in 9 shades today, with Sunrise Orange and Navy Blue launching soon.
- Ash Grey — neutralises brassy yellow; for silver, icy blonde and grey hair.
- Violet — cools blonde to platinum; deepens purple and lilac tones.
- Pink — refreshes faded pink, rose and peach tones.
- Wine Red — revives burgundy, wine and cool brunette tones.
- Blue — intensifies blue and teal; cools warm brown undertones.
- Brown — softens reds in brunette hair; natural-looking refresh.
- Black Tea — blends white roots for darker hair (results may vary).
- Lavender — pastel lavender refresh; pairs well with ash base.
- Copper — warms up faded coppers and fashion reds.
Still unsure? Drop us a DM with your current shade — we’ll match you.
How to use it, step by step
For a lighter, pastel finish
Wet hair thoroughly. Skip regular shampoo.
- Lather a generous amount of Rehues Colour Lock™ Shampoo from roots to ends.
- Massage 1–2 minutes. Rinse until the water runs clear.
- Follow with Rehues Keratin Repair Mask.
- Use 2–3× a week to maintain tone.
For bold, vibrant colour
- Apply Rehues Colour Lock™ Shampoo to dry hair, section by section.
- Leave on for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse until water runs clear.
- Follow with Keratin Repair Mask and seal with the Collagen Elixir Spray.
- Repeat each wash until target depth is reached, then maintain 1–2× weekly.
Frequently asked questions
Does it stain my pillow? No. Rehues rinses clean — pigment doesn’t transfer onto bedding or towels once dry.
Will it cover my white roots? Yes, for most hair types. Brown and Black Tea shades work best. Results may vary based on root stubbornness.
Is it safe during pregnancy? We designed Rehues without PPD, ammonia or peroxide. It’s gentler than box dye. Always share the full ingredient list with your doctor for peace of mind.
How long does one bottle last? A regular user (2–3× weekly on medium-length hair) gets about a month per bottle.
Still not sure it’ll work on your hair? Our Daily Keratin Repair Mask comes with a 7-day money-back guarantee. Try the range risk-free.
Start here
Shop the Rehues Colour Lock™ Shampoo range, or read these next:
- How to Keep Ash Grey Hair from Turning Yellow in Singapore Humidity
- How to Revive Faded Pink Hair at Home in Under 10 Minutes
- Is Colour-Depositing Shampoo Safe? PPD, Ammonia & Pregnancy Q&A
