The best color-depositing conditioners for brunettes and reds
By Ulta Beauty Advisors · Published August 2026
All products featured are available at Ulta Beauty. Ulta Beauty Advisors select products independently. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Red pigment is the first to fade. Brown goes brassy. Between salon appointments, a color-depositing conditioner is a practical way to keep your shade looking intentional. Unlike permanent hair dye, these conditioners deposit a small amount of semi-permanent pigment as they condition, with no developer, no developer smell, and no damage. Use them in place of or alongside your regular conditioner every one to two washes.
Before you shop: know your goal
There are two different jobs a "color-depositing conditioner" might do, and buying the wrong one for your situation is the most common mistake.
Tone refresh: You want to add warmth, richness, or depth back into faded color. The conditioner deposits brown, auburn, copper, or red pigment directly onto the hair strand. This is the right choice if your color looks dull, washed-out, or lighter than your last salon visit.
Brassiness correction: Your brown hair has gone orange or yellow (from sun, hard water, or fading) and you want to neutralize it. This requires a blue- or violet-pigmented toning conditioner, not a brown or warm-toned depositing conditioner. Adding more warm pigment to already-brassy hair will make it more orange, not less. See our brassiness section below.
Best color-depositing conditioners for brunette hair
dpHUE Gloss+
Semi-Permanent Hair Color & Deep Conditioner | $39.00
Shop Color Boosting Gloss+ Deep Conditioning Treatment at Ulta →
dpHUE Gloss+ deposits semi-permanent pigment for a true-to-shade color refresh while conditioning hair in the same step. The formula contains no ammonia and no peroxide. Available in Medium Brown, Dark Brown, Cool Dark Brown, Black, and a clear gloss option.
The intensity is adjustable: leave it on for 3 minutes for a subtle refresh or up to 20 minutes for a deeper deposit. The pump bottle makes in-shower application easier.
Key specs: Semi-Permanent Pigment · Deep Conditioning · Ammonia-Free · Peroxide-Free · Adjustable Intensity (3-20 min)
Ulta Beauty Advisor Tip: The Cool Dark Brown shade works well for refreshing color and reducing warmth in one step, but only if the base is already brown. For orange-brassy hair, a blue toner is the right starting point.
Keracolor Color + Clenditioner
Color Co-Washing Conditioner | $22.00
Shop Keracolor Color + Clenditioner at Ulta →
This conditioner works as a cleanser, conditioner, and color depositor in one step. It replaces shampoo on color-maintenance wash days, which reduces the color-stripping that comes from regular shampooing. Pigment is buildable: lighter with one use, noticeably richer with repeated application over several washes.
Available in Mocha and Espresso for brunettes. Vegan and cruelty-free.
Key specs: 3-in-1 Cleanser + Conditioner + Color · Buildable Deposit · Vegan · Cruelty-Free · Best for Frequent Washers
Tip: Use in place of shampoo on your color refresh days. Leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing for best deposit.
oVertone Color Depositing Treatment Mask
Semi Permanent Color-Depositing Deep Conditioning Mask | $32.00
Shop oVertone Semi Permanent Color-Depositing Deep Conditioning Mask at Ulta→
oVertone's formula is designed to show up on dark, unbleached hair, where many color depositors produce little visible effect. If you have naturally dark brown hair and want a visible color refresh rather than a slight tonal shift, this is worth considering. Available in Espresso Brown, Rich Black, and Vibrant Brown for brunettes.
Key specs: High-Pigment Formula · Works on Dark Unbleached Hair · No Ammonia
Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss
Semi-Permanent Color Gloss | $30.00
Shop Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss at Ulta →
Madison Reed's Color Reviving Gloss is applied in-shower and left on for 20-30 minutes to deposit semi-permanent tone and add shine. The Espresso shade deposits deep smoky ash tones that reduce warmth and add depth to dark brunette hair. The formula contains no ammonia and no peroxide.
Available in Espresso (deep smoky ash), Miele (warm medium brown), Crema (light golden blonde), Amaretto (rich warm brunette), and Glassa (clear shine only). Choosing by shade means you can match your specific brunette tone more precisely.
Key specs: Semi-Permanent · Ammonia-Free · Peroxide-Free · 20-30 Min Treatment
Tip: Espresso works best on dark brown to black hair. For a medium brown base, Amaretto gives a warmer, richer result without reading too dark.
oVertone Healthy Color Duo
Coloring Conditioner + Daily Conditioner Set | $47.00
Shop oVertone Healthy Color Duo at Ulta →
The Healthy Color Duo pairs two conditioners designed to work together: the Coloring Conditioner is used weekly to deposit pigment and restore faded tone; the Daily Conditioner is used every wash to keep hair soft between color treatments. Using both together removes the guesswork around how often to apply a color depositor.
Available at Ulta in Espresso Brown, Chocolate Brown, and Golden Brown for brunettes. Choose based on whether your shade reads cool-dark, cool-medium, or warm-golden.
Key specs: 2-Product Set · Weekly Coloring Conditioner + Daily Maintenance Conditioner · Espresso / Chocolate / Golden Brown · No Ammonia · No Developer
Brassy brunette? You need a blue toner, not a color depositor
If your brown hair is turning orange, golden, or yellow rather than simply fading, that is brassiness and it requires a different product. Color-depositing conditioners in brown or warm tones will add more warmth on top of the orange, making the problem worse.
What to use instead: A blue-pigmented toning conditioner uses color-wheel principles to neutralize unwanted warmth. Blue cancels orange; violet cancels yellow.
- Matrix Brass Off Conditioner, specifically formulated for over-lightened brunettes and balayage with orange or gold brassiness. No bleach or developer needed.
- Redken Color Extend Brownlights Blue Conditioner, which targets yellow-gold tones in highlighted or lightened brunette hair.
Use either once or twice a week in place of your regular conditioner. Leave on for 3-5 minutes. When brassiness is corrected, return to a warm-toned color depositor to refresh the shade.
Best color-depositing conditioners for red hair
oVertone Color-Depositing Deep Conditioning Mask
Color-Depositing Deep Conditioning Mask | $32.00
Shop oVertone Semi-Permanent Mask at Ulta →
oVertone's deep conditioning mask is formulated with a high pigment concentration and is used weekly. The Cherry Chestnut shade deposits rich burgundy-red tones that work well on dark auburn, chestnut, and faded red bases, adding depth and vibrancy without the commitment of permanent dye.
Used as a weekly treatment, it also conditions hair in the same step. Available in multiple red and copper shades including Cherry Chestnut, Scarlet Red, and additional options. Online only. No developer required.
Key specs: Semi-Permanent · Deep Conditioning Mask · High-Pigment · Cherry Chestnut / Scarlet Red Shades · Online Only · No Developer
Ulta Beauty Advisor Tip: The Cherry Chestnut shade is a good option for dark auburn or faded red hair where visible color depth is the goal rather than a subtle tone shift.
Keracolor Color + Clenditioner
Color Co-Washing Conditioner | $22.00
Shop Keracolor Color + Clenditioner at Ulta →
The same co-washing formula from the brunette section, available in Red, Copper, Ruby, and Merlot for redheads. It replaces shampoo on refresh days, reducing one of the main drivers of red fade. Pigment deposit is buildable with repeated use.
A practical option for natural reds, dyed auburns, and anyone who washes frequently and wants a color-maintenance step that does not add extra time to their routine.
Key specs: 3-in-1 Cleanser + Conditioner + Color · Red / Copper / Ruby / Merlot Shades · Buildable Deposit · Vegan · Cruelty-Free
oVertone Healthy Color Duo
Coloring Conditioner + Daily Conditioner Set | $47.00
Shop oVertone Healthy Color Duo at Ulta →
The same two-conditioner system from the brunette section, available in Scarlet Red for redheads who want a structured weekly and daily routine. The Coloring Conditioner refreshes red and copper tone once a week; the Daily Conditioner helps reduce fade on every wash.
A good option for natural reds, salon-colored coppers, and anyone who washes frequently and wants color maintenance built into their regular conditioner step. Online only.
Key specs: 2-Product Set · Weekly Coloring Conditioner + Daily Maintenance Conditioner · Scarlet Red · Online Only · No Ammonia · No Developer
Quick-reference guide: which conditioner is right for you?
Brunette hair
- Best overall brunette refresh: dpHUE Gloss+
- Budget brunette maintenance: Keracolor Clenditioner in Mocha or Espresso
- Bold color payoff on dark hair: oVertone Coloring Conditioner in Espresso or Brown
- Salon-style brunette gloss: Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss in Espresso
- Complete brunette color maintenance system: oVertone Healthy Color Duo in Espresso or Chocolate Brown
- Neutralize brunette brassiness: Matrix Brass Off or Redken Brownlights Blue Conditioner
Red & copper hair
- Best overall for red & copper: oVertone Semi-Permanent Color-Depositing Deep Conditioning Mask in Cherry Chestnut
- Budget red maintenance: Keracolor Clenditioner in Red or Merlot
- Subtle daily red & copper maintenance: oVertone Healthy Color Duo in Scarlet Red
How to use a color-depositing conditioner
Step 1: Shampoo first (or skip shampoo with a Keracolor Clenditioner). Color depositors work best on clean, product-free hair.
Step 2: Apply generously from mid-lengths to ends. If your roots need refreshing too, work up from the root, but focus most of the product on the lengths where fade is most visible.
Step 3: Leave on for the time recommended for your desired intensity. A shorter leave time (3-5 min) gives a lighter result; longer (10-20 min) gives a deeper deposit.
Step 4: Rinse with cool water. Cool water helps seal the hair cuticle, which supports color retention. Avoid hot water rinses after a color-depositing treatment.
Step 5: Use every 1-2 washes for maintenance. More frequent use builds intensity gradually; less frequent use is enough for subtle upkeep.
Tip: Wear gloves during application if you are using a highly pigmented formula such as oVertone or Keracolor. Skin pigmentation is temporary but easier to prevent than remove.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I use a color-depositing conditioner?
Once every one to two washes works for most people. Using it every wash can cause pigment to build up unevenly, particularly on more porous ends. Start with once a week, assess after three to four uses, and adjust frequency based on how much color you want to maintain.
Will it stain my shower, towels, or skin?
Highly pigmented formulas such as oVertone and Keracolor can temporarily stain surfaces. Use an older towel after rinsing. Rinse shower walls immediately after use. Wear gloves during application to avoid staining hands and nails. Any skin pigmentation is temporary and will fade with regular washing.
Can I use a color-depositing conditioner if I have highlights or balayage?
Yes, with some care. Highlighted sections are more porous and absorb pigment faster and more intensely than your natural base. If you apply a brunette-toned depositor all over, your highlights may pick up more color than the rest of your hair and lose their brightness. Use sparingly on highlighted sections or focus application on roots and mid-lengths. A clear hair gloss option adds shine without any tonal deposit, making it a suitable choice for maintaining highlights.
Discover our What is Hair Gloss guide for more tips.
What is the difference between a color-depositing conditioner and a toning conditioner?
They solve opposite problems. A color-depositing conditioner adds warm or neutral pigment to refresh faded color. A toning conditioner uses cool-toned pigment (blue, violet, or green-based) to neutralize unwanted warmth. Using a warm-toned color depositor on brassy hair will increase brassiness rather than reduce it. See the brassiness section above for the right products for that situation.
Will the color build up and make my hair darker over time?
With repeated use, some buildup is possible, particularly on porous, damaged, or previously bleached hair. To avoid unwanted darkening: follow the recommended leave-on time, use the product every other wash rather than every wash, and use a clarifying shampoo once a month to reset any accumulated deposit.
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