Joico vs Biolage (The Definitive Guide)

Have your color-treated tresses reached a breaking point? We’re talking brassiness, split ends, dullness—the list goes on.

Before you run to the nearest corner store to stock up on hair masks, conditioners, and the like, perhaps you should consider changing up your wash day routine.

Yep, your shampoo and conditioner could be a gamechanger—the game changer. (For better or worse.) It’s a cardinal rule to not wash dyed hair daily, but you’ll need to cleanse it eventually. That said, choosing the right pairing for your next shower is critical.

Two that should be in the running as your next choice—Joico Color Balance Shampoo and Conditioner as well as Biolage Color Last Shampoo and Conditioner—are sure to put your old go-to to shame.

Read on to see which twosome is best for you.

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Joico vs Biolage

Joico’s duo vows to kick brass to the curb. (Thus, it’s most ideal for brunette hair, but can be used for all color-treated hair.) Here’s how: a balanced mix of blue pigments, green tea extract, UV absorbers, and a one-of-a-kind liposome delivery system of rosehip oil, arginine, and keratin.

Altogether, you can expect orange tones to be neutralized; deeper, longer-lasting hair hues; and an overall stronger mane. Between both the shampoo and conditioner, they have a 4.5-star and 4-star rating, which means they have a fairly high approval rating amongst users. What’s more is that it is intended to deliver these results over the course of 12 washes. We love to see it.

Next, Biolage is here to help maintain color depth, tone, and shine. This salon favorite pairing has a low pH to prolong color vibrancy, in addition to a nourishing, hydrating formulation that features orchid extract. Further, 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.

Cost-wise, Ulta lists Joico’s shampoo and conditioner at $23 for 10.1oz and $24 for 8.5oz, respectively. On the same website, Biolage’s shampoo and conditioner are both $21 for a 13.5oz bottle.

Let’s talk about the pros and cons. Joico’s list of ingredients seems more promising, but Biolage has amassed more and better ratings. Not to mention, Biolage is cheaper. But before you go ahead and add Biolage’s team to your cart, we should take a closer look at each brand.

As reported by Cruelty-Free Kitty, Joico is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan. However, you may be able to look past the not-vegan thing when considering their charitable and sustainability efforts. They support organizations like Love Out Lavender and City of Hope.

Additionally, they’ve committed to reducing their carbon footprint by 70% in the next several years. To achieve this, they’re focusing mainly on energy efficiency and working with suppliers who can align with their efforts.

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 on their website.

While both brands make strong cases, it appears Joico has won by a hair. (Pun very much intended.)

Biolage Best-Sellers

For very dry hair:
Try Ultra Hydra Source

For fine hair:
Try Volume Bloom

For oily hair:
Try Scalp Sync

Joico Best-Sellers

For damaged hair:
Try Defy Damage

For dry hair:
Try Hydra Splash

For blonde hair:
Try Blonde Life