Nexxus vs. Biolage

When it comes to color-treated hair, it’s inevitable that the hue you left the salon with will eventually fade. That said, finding products that will prolong the life of your hair color is crucial.

We get it, wash day may seem like the enemy here—stripping your hair of its highlights, lowlights, or new shade of whatever. But let us make a case for shampoo and conditioner as your allies.

Today, there are plenty of shampoo and conditioner pairings that are designed to not just prolong your new hair color, but enhance it, too. Enter: Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner and Biolage Color Last Shampoo and Conditioner.

So, before you stock up on dry shampoo and put off wash day for as long as you can, read on to see which brand’s twosome is best for you.

Nexxus vs Biolage

Created with their exclusive PROTEINFUSION blend with elastin protein and quinoa—as well as various oils and hydrolyzed keratin—Nexxus’ sulfate-free duo gently cleanses color-treated hair and nourishes your tresses.

They also state that the shampoo and conditioner will promote longer lasting color vibrancy and smoothness for up to 40 washes. In terms of effectiveness, the Nexxus shampoo has amassed nearly 2,000 reviews and a 3.9-star rating. The conditioner has almost 900 reviews and earned a 4.2-star rating.

Biolage aims to maintain color depth, tone, and shine. This salon favorite pairing has a low pH to prolong color vibrancy, in addition to a hydrating formulation that features orchid extract. According to their site, Biolage’s shampoo and conditioner claim to protect hair’s color and health for up to nine weeks. So, it’s no surprise that they have a 4.6-star and 4.7-star rating.

Lastly, pricewise, Target sells the Nexxus pair for $15.99 each for a 13.5oz bottle. On Ulta.com, Biolage’s shampoo and conditioner are both $21 for a 13.5oz bottle.

We think we know which set we’re leaning towards, but we’ll take a deeper dive into each brand first.

Nexxus states on their site that they are cruelty-free, however, Cruelty-Free Kitty alleges that they’re not. More specifically, Nexxus is owned by Unilever, which is not 100% cruelty-free. They do mention that “across Unilever’s broader portfolio of brands, ingredients that we use still have to be tested by suppliers to comply with legal and regulatory requirements in some markets; and some government authorities test certain products on animals as part of their regulations.” Thus, their ingredients may be tested by suppliers or third parties.

Further, while Nexxus remains committed to using the best ingredients in their formulas, they don’t have a statement or stance on sustainability anywhere on their site. Given that they’ve been in the haircare game since 1979, one might think they’d prioritize taking more ethical approaches, like using plant proteins only, or at least using recyclable/recycled plastic for their packaging.

Biolage is also cruelty-free and newly vegan. They’ve also prioritized more environmentally friendly approaches to their business, powering their manufacturing facility by renewable energy; using over 90% post-consumer resin plastic for their packaging; and investing in more green-forward formulations. In terms of philanthropic work, we didn’t seem to find any indication of any on their website or social channels.

Well, considering Biolage’s business ethics and ratings versus Nexxus’, let’s just say we’re willing to pay a little extra money for better morale and results.