Two of the best known color-care shampoos in professional hair care are the L'Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color A-OX Shampoo and the Wella Professionals ColorMotion+ Color Protection Shampoo. Both are made to keep color-treated hair looking fresh, but they take slightly different approaches.
Here is a fair side-by-side comparison to help you pick.
What Both Shampoos Have in Common
Both are professional shampoos designed for color-treated hair. Both cleanse gently, both aim to help maintain color, and both are meant to leave hair feeling smooth. Either can be a good everyday choice, so the decision comes down to details.
Vitamino Color A-OX: The Salon Workhorse
Vitamino Color A-OX gently cleanses color-treated hair while helping maintain color vibrancy. It leaves hair soft, smooth and nourished and supports a healthy-looking shine. It comes in a large 1500ml format, which is ideal for salons and households that go through a lot of shampoo.
ColorMotion+: The Technology Focus
ColorMotion+ goes beyond anti-fading. It is formulated with Metal Purifier technology, which helps protect hair from harmful metals present in water, and with antioxidants that help protect against the free radicals that can dull color. According to Wella, it delivers up to 8 weeks of color protection when used within the full ColorMotion+ regimen.
Side-by-Side Comparison
- Size: Vitamino Color comes in 1500ml, ColorMotion+ comes in 250ml
- Focus: Vitamino Color emphasizes gentle color-care and vibrancy, ColorMotion+ emphasizes metal protection and antioxidants
- Best for: Vitamino Color suits salons and heavy users, ColorMotion+ suits home users who want a targeted color-care system
- Both leave hair smooth, soft and shiny
Hard Water Matters
If you live somewhere with hard water, minerals and metals in tap water can dull color and shift its tone. In that case, the Metal Purifier technology in ColorMotion+ is a real advantage. If your water is soft, this matters less.
Size and Value
The 1500ml bottle gives Vitamino Color a clear edge for anyone who wants a large, economical supply. ColorMotion+ in 250ml is easier to try, easier to store and more practical for personal use. Check current prices on the product pages to compare cost per milliliter.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Vitamino Color A-OX if you are a salon, if several people in your home color their hair, or if you want a big, dependable everyday shampoo. Choose ColorMotion+ if you live in a hard water area, want a system built around long color protection or prefer a smaller bottle to start with.
Whichever shampoo you choose, pair it with a good conditioner such as the Oil Reflections Luminous Instant Conditioner, which is especially well suited to colored hair.
The way hair color fades has to do with the chemistry of the pigments and the condition of the hair. According to general information on shampoo, cleansing agents differ in strength, which is why milder formulas are recommended for color-treated hair to avoid washing pigment out too quickly.
Tips for Any Color Shampoo
Wash less often, use lukewarm water, and always follow with a conditioner. Avoid leaving the shampoo on the scalp longer than needed and protect your hair from heat and sun. A color-care shampoo works best as part of a routine, not as a stand-alone fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch between them?
Yes. You can alternate, though sticking with one system is simpler.
Are they suitable for all colors?
Both are designed for color-treated hair. Check with your colorist for special cases like bleached blonde.
Do I need the full ColorMotion+ range?
The 8-week claim applies within the full regimen, but the shampoo can still be used on its own.
Final Thoughts
There is no single winner. Vitamino Color A-OX wins on size and salon convenience, while ColorMotion+ wins on technology and hard-water protection. Pick the one that fits your hair, your water and your usage.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. Results vary with hair type, water and use, and are not guaranteed.