L'Oréal Metal Detox

What does Metal Detox shampoo actually do?
L'Oréal designed Metal Detox to target metal particles, mostly from tap water, that build up in the hair and can interfere with colour and lightening. The shampoo cleanses while helping protect against new deposits. Our colourists notice it most on clients with brassy, fast-fading colour. We go into the detail in what Metal Detox does.

Do I need Metal Detox if I live in Queenstown or Central Otago?
It depends on your water and your hair. If you're on tank or bore water, see orange or green marks around taps, or your colour fades and turns warm quickly, it's worth trying. It's also a good choice before a lightening appointment. If your colour holds well and your hair feels soft, you may not need it.

Which Metal Detox shampoo should I buy?
The Anti-Deposit Protector Shampoo is the everyday option for normal to fine hair, and the 500ml refill tops up the same formula. The Anti-Metal Cleansing Cream Shampoo is richer, so it suits thicker, coarser or drier hair. Both do the same job against metal. The difference is how much conditioning you get in the wash.

Is there a Metal Detox conditioner?
The Anti-Metal Mask does the conditioning job in this range. Use it after shampoo, through the mid-lengths and ends, and rinse after a few minutes. For more, add the Leave-In Cream on towel-dried hair and finish with a little of the Anti-Deposit Protector Oil on dry ends. That full routine is what we send clients home with after lightening.

How do I use the Metal Detox Pre-Shampoo Concentrate?
Apply it before you shampoo, then wash as normal with a Metal Detox shampoo. It's the step to add when build-up is heavier or before a colour or lightening service. Follow the directions on the pack for how much and how long. Most people use it as a weekly reset rather than every wash.

Is Metal Detox the same as a clarifying shampoo?
No. A clarifying shampoo strips product and oil build-up and can be harsh on colour. Metal Detox is aimed at metal deposits and is designed to be gentle enough on colour-treated hair to use regularly. We compare the two in Metal Detox vs clarifying shampoo.

More reading: L'Oréal Metal Detox NZ, Best Shampoo for Hard Water in NZ.