Summary
Bottom Line: I’ve been using Hoyu Somarca Color Shampoo (Ash) and Color Charge for 3 months.
Honestly, I’d avoided color shampoos for years. Every one I tried left my hair feeling rough and tangled—that stiff, straw-like texture that made me wonder if maintaining color was worth the struggle.
But Somarca was different. Good lather, moisturizing feel while washing. A stylist friend taught me a technique: “Use regular shampoo first, then apply Somarca” for better color deposit.
At first, I only used the shampoo. It gave me a vague sense of “okay, color’s holding” but nothing dramatic. Then I added Color Charge. That’s when color maintenance became genuinely noticeable. Previously, I’d notice fading around day 7. Now, I don’t even think about “when do I need the salon?” – the timing just doesn’t bother me anymore.
Not perfect, but finally sustainable.
Introduction
Have you ever felt that small disappointment when looking in the mirror a week after coloring? “Wait, is it fading already?”
That was me after every salon visit. My favorite greyish ash tone—that cool, sophisticated color—would start looking yellowish-beige within about 7 days.
I knew color shampoos existed. But every attempt ended badly. That rough, tangled feeling while washing. Straw-like hair afterward. It felt like choosing between “maintain color” or “have manageable hair.”
Living with colored hair in humid environments—whether Tokyo, Singapore, or Manila—presents unique challenges. Faster fading, yellowing, frizz.
Then a stylist friend recommended Somarca. “This one’s different. Actually lathers. Doesn’t feel rough. And use the Color Charge too—makes it even better.”
I was skeptical—I’d heard similar promises before. But one phrase kept appearing in @cosme reviews: “changed my impression of color shampoos.”
One more try, I thought. And this time, it really was different…
What Is Color Shampoo?
Researching color shampoos taught me several important things. But first, I needed to understand why regular shampoo isn’t enough.
Why Does Hair Color Fade?
Color fading after dyeing is inevitable. But why?
Main Causes of Fading:
- Pigment washes out with each shampoo – Cleansing agents remove color molecules from inside hair
- Cuticle damage and opening – Damaged cuticles can’t hold pigments
- UV damage – Sunlight breaks down color molecules
- pH imbalance – Alkaline conditions accelerate fading
Especially with bleached or high-tone colors, cuticles stay more open, making fading faster.
How Color Shampoo Works
Here’s the key point: color shampoo doesn’t “dye” your hair—it “replenishes” color.
Through research, I learned that color shampoos use “cationic dyes.” This is fundamentally different from regular hair color.
Regular Hair Color:
Lightens hair while depositing color → causes damage
Color Shampoo (cationic dyes):
Deposits pigments on hair surface → no damage, but can’t lighten
Important Limitations:
- Cannot lighten hair
- Cannot turn dark hair into light colors
- Barely shows on hair that’s never been colored
So color shampoo assumes you’ve already lightened hair with regular color. In my case, I use it to maintain my greyish ash tone after coloring.
How it maintains color:
Regular shampoo: Pigments wash out with each use → hair gradually lightens and yellows
Color shampoo: Replenishes pigments while washing → balance between loss and replenishment maintains color
“Dyeing” isn’t quite right—”gradually replenishing” is the better way to think about it.
Who Needs Color Shampoo?
Suitable for:
- Hair lightened with color (this is the prerequisite)
- Bleached or high-tone colored hair
- Ash, grey, silver, or cool-toned colors
- Pink, lavender, or other pastel shades
- White or blonde hair prone to yellowing
- Hair that loses color quickly
Not effective for / unnecessary:
- Hair never colored (barely any color deposit)
- Dark or black hair (fading not noticeable)
- Lighter hair with warm tones where yellowing isn’t a concern
I was surprised to learn that color shampoo pigments attach more easily to hair lightened by color. That’s why it doesn’t work on never-colored hair.
Color Shampoo Types and Selection
Somarca offers 5 shades for different hair colors:
1. Purple
- For: White, blonde tones
- Effect: Neutralizes yellow tones
- How: Purple neutralizes yellow as its complementary color
2. Ash (My Choice)
- For: Grey, silver, cool-toned colors
- Effect: Maintains transparency, neutralizes yellow and red tones
- How: Blue-purple base replenishes cool tones
3. Pink
- For: Pink, lavender tones
- Effect: Soft pink with shine
- How: Pink pigments maintain color
4. Brown
- For: Brown hair colors
- Effect: Reduces brassiness and red tones
- How: Brown pigments maintain subdued tones
5. Orange
- For: Warm-toned colors
- Effect: Maintains warm color vibrancy
- How: Orange pigments replenish warm tones
What Is Color Charge?
Through research, I learned that Color Charge is a treatment-type product used after color shampoo.
Why shampoo alone isn’t enough:
Shampoo’s main purpose is cleansing, so while it replenishes pigments, it also washes some out. Color Charge:
- No cleansing agents – Minimizes pigment loss
- Treatment benefits – Cares for hair while depositing color
- Processing time allows penetration – 2-3 minutes lets pigments penetrate deeper
Somarca designs shampoo and Charge as a system for synergistic effects. In my experience, shampoo alone gave me “maybe maintaining?” results, but adding Charge clearly improved color retention.
Challenges in Humid Climates
Tokyo, Singapore, Manila, Philippines—humid environments present specific challenges for colored hair:
- Sweat and humidity increase washing frequency → faster fading
- Strong UV exposure → accelerated pigment breakdown
- Hair swelling → damaged cuticles release pigments
Color shampoo becomes a practical tool for maintaining color in these conditions.
Somarca 5-Shade Lineup
Here’s a quick overview of each shade. I’ll discuss Ash in detail later.
*Images are for illustration. Actual color results vary depending on hair type, original color, and usage frequency.
Purple – For White & Blonde Hair
Ideal for neutralizing yellow tones in high-tone hair. Reviews mention “works for grey hair care” and “essential during grey transition.” Standard for post-bleach maintenance.
Pink – Soft Pink with Shine
For maintaining pink tones. Reviews suggest “mix with regular shampoo if too intense.” Good color deposit means adjusting usage is common.
Brown – Reduces Brassiness & Red Tones
For brown hair wanting to reduce red or brassy tones. Works even on darker colors. Reviews praise “maintains subdued brown.”
Orange – Maintains Warm Tones
For vibrant orange tones. Reviews note “can be intense,” so adjusting frequency helps.
Why I Chose Ash
Why I Finally Tried Somarca
After nearly giving up due to rough color shampoo experiences, two things changed my mind:
1. My Stylist Friend’s Technique
“Wash with regular shampoo first, then use Somarca for better color deposit.”
This was new. Most instructions say “use color shampoo alone.” But it made sense: if hair is already clean, pigments can focus on depositing rather than fighting oil and product buildup.
2. Consistent @cosme Reviews
“Actually lathers,” “feels moisturizing,” “changed my impression of color shampoos”—when this many people notice the same difference, it’s probably real.
Product Features
According to the manufacturer, Somarca Color Shampoo features:
Excellent Lather and Retention
Balanced blend of amino acid and amphoteric cleansing agents achieves good lather and retention. Luxurious foam cares for hair while providing comfortable washing.
Pearl Formulation
Pearl formulation enhances color shampoo appeal. Rich texture elevates mood and makes lathering enjoyable.
Nail-Friendly Pigment Balance
Carefully balanced pigments ensure hair “absorbs color” while nails stay relatively unstained. (“Relatively” because some staining may occur with nail polish.)
pH Care
Hair color makes hair alkaline, reducing condition. Somarca helps restore hair to ideal pH (weakly acidic like scalp).
Minimal Impact on Next Salon Color
Can be used until shortly before next salon color (alkaline color). However, stop use 1 week before salon coloring.
Fragrance
Floral base of rose and magnolia with fresh fruit and musk accents creates active yet mellow scent.
My Experience (3 Months of Use)
First thing I noticed: It actually lathers
Really. Not that sad, thin foam I’d experienced with other color shampoos. Using my friend’s technique—regular shampoo first, then Somarca on wet hair—the lather was rich and spread easily. No dreaded “sticky” feeling.
Rinsing doesn’t tangle hair
This was the biggest surprise. No tangles or roughness when rinsing. Moisturized…? This was new. Not conditioner-level softness, but manageable enough that I didn’t panic.
The blue-tinted shampoo startled me
Reviews weren’t exaggerating about “blue paint.” The first time I saw it, I thought “is this… okay?” Intensely blue. But it rinses clear with no weird color residue—just maintains the cool grey I wanted.
Shampoo alone: Just “maintaining, I guess”
First month was shampoo only. Honestly, no dramatic effects. Just “hmm, fading seems slower?” Yellow tones I’d notice at 7 days now appeared around day 10. Modest improvement.
After adding Color Charge: Real difference
Started Color Charge in month 2. This made a significant difference.
2-3 times weekly routine: shampoo then Charge. Charge has thick texture—massage into hair, leave 2-3 minutes. Seeing blue-tinted rinse water made me think “okay, color’s depositing.”
Now at 3 months: Fading timing “stopped bothering me.” Previously at day 7 I’d think “need the salon soon.” Now it’s more like “when was my last color?” Without realizing it, 2-3 weeks pass while ash tones hold.
My 2-3 Times Weekly Routine
My pattern:
- Monday & Thursday: Somarca Shampoo + Charge
- Other days: Regular shampoo & treatment
Not needing daily use makes this sustainable.
User Voices (@cosme Review Analysis)
Shampoo Reviews (552 reviews)
Won @cosme Best Cosmetics Award 2023 Best Hair Color 3rd place.
Positive feedback:
- “Moisturizing finish”
- “Better feel than other brands”
- “Changed my impression of color shampoos”
- “Good lather, no roughness”
- “Stylist recommended”
- Many grey hair transition reports
Notable comments:
- “Blue paint color surprised me” (many)
- “Even with dark 6-tone color becoming 8-tone in 2 weeks, this helped maintain”
- “Found at Don Quijote for 999 yen” (accessibility)
Color Charge Reviews
Using with shampoo increases effectiveness:
- “Clearly better color retention than shampoo alone”
- “Treatment effect makes hair silky”
- “Adjusting processing time prevents over-depositing”
Cautions noted:
- “Nails can turn blue” (gloves recommended)
- “Slight dryness requires leave-in care”
- “Single use shows subtle effect, consistency matters”
Who It’s Suitable For / Who It’s Not
Suitable for:
- Those who avoided color shampoos due to roughness
- Ash, grey, silver, cool-toned colors
- Priority on lather and feel
- Wanting accessible pricing for sustainability
- Can use Color Charge combo (more effective)
- Can maintain 2-3 times weekly routine
Not suitable for:
- Warm-toned colors (choose appropriate shade)
- Expecting dramatic change from single use
- Dark or black hair not needing color maintenance
- Preferring simple routines
- Finding consistency difficult
Effective Usage Methods
Basic Method (Official Recommendation)
When to Start:
Through research, I learned starting 1-2 weeks after coloring (not immediately) works best. If you notice fading quickly with pale colors, start whenever you feel ready.
I started around 1 week post-color when I thought “okay, time to maintain.”
Color Shampoo Application:
- Thoroughly wet hair and scalp with warm water
- Take appropriate amount and gently shampoo
- Spread lather to ends
- Leave 2-3 minutes (if color feels weak)
- Rinse thoroughly
Before Next Salon Color:
I didn’t know this, but stop using 1 week before your next salon coloring. For color changes, stop 2 weeks before. Pigments might affect achieving desired results.
Frequency Guidelines:
- Maintaining color: Once every 3 days
- Color feeling weak: Daily
My Stylist Friend’s Method (My Practice)
This worked for me:
Step 1: Regular Shampoo First
First, wash hair and scalp thoroughly with regular shampoo and rinse. Removes oils and product buildup.
Step 2: Apply Somarca to Wet Hair
With clean, wet hair, apply Somarca throughout. Since ends absorb color more easily, lather well in palms first, ensure roots are thoroughly covered, then spread to ends.
Step 3: Lather and Leave 2-3 Minutes
Lather well and leave 2-3 minutes. Gives pigments time to penetrate.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse until water runs clear.
Step 5: Use Color Charge
After shampooing, take appropriate amount of Color Charge and massage into hair. Start from areas feeling less colored or roots, working toward ends. Leave 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
For More Intense Deposit:
Through research, I learned applying color shampoo undiluted (without lathering) deposits more intensely. Lathering incorporates air, diluting deposit.
I haven’t tried this, but for targeted areas like inner color, Color Charge apparently applies more easily to specific sections.
My Frequency: 2-3 Times Weekly
- Monday & Thursday: Somarca Shampoo + Charge
- Other days: Regular shampoo & treatment
Color Charge Application Tips
When using Color Charge:
Amount Adjustment:
Start from mid-lengths to avoid over-depositing at ends. Apply lightly to ends last.
Processing Time:
- Normal: 2-3 minutes
- Want more color: 5 minutes
- Too much color: Rinse immediately without waiting
Rinsing:
Rinse until water runs clear. Color residue might transfer to pillows or towels.
Things to Consider
Availability and Pricing
Somarca is a Japanese salon brand, but has become available in various locations.
Availability:
- In Japan: Salons, select drugstores, variety shops, online retailers
- International: Select Asian beauty product retailers, online platforms
Price Range:
- Shampoo: Mid-range pricing
- Color Charge: Mid-range pricing
- Trial size (150ml) available for testing
Accessible pricing for a salon brand makes continuation feasible. Availability and pricing vary by region, but increasingly found at Asian beauty product retailers.
Thinking About Continuation Costs
Initial Investment:
- Shampoo alone: Mid-range pricing
- Shampoo + Charge: Somewhat higher (but noticeably more effective)
Long-term Benefits:
2-3 times weekly use potentially reduces salon visit frequency. In my case, I went from twice monthly to once every 1-1.5 months. Total cost reduction over time.
Precautions and Troubleshooting
Hand & Nail Staining:
While formulated to minimize nail staining, nail polish may still stain. Use gloves if concerned. Color Charge has higher pigment concentration, so gloves provide peace of mind.
Bathroom Staining:
Immediate rinsing prevents issues, but leaving pigments might cause residue. Make quick bathroom rinsing a habit.
Before Salon Coloring:
Stop using 1 week before next salon color (alkaline color). Pigments might affect achieving desired results.
If Experiencing Dryness:
Some reviews mention “slight dryness.” Address with leave-in treatments or oils.
Realistic Expectations
From research and personal use, I learned:
Color Shampoo “Maintains”
Not dramatic color change—it “preserves” salon color. Expecting hair transformation from single use leads to disappointment.
Consistency Required
Not “one bottle showed nothing”—minimum 2-3 months continuation for fair assessment. My first month was just “okay,” but month 3 with Color Charge made me think “this is worth continuing.”
Results Vary by Hair Type
Those with fast-fading hair notice effects more easily. Those with naturally good color retention might notice less difference.
Color Charge Increases Effectiveness
Shampoo alone maintains, but adding Charge dramatically improves retention. Higher initial investment, but results justify it.
FAQ
Q: How often should I use it?
A: Official recommendation: “once every 3 days for maintenance, daily if color feels weak.” I use 2-3 times weekly with good results. Adjust based on your hair type and fading speed.
Q: Is Color Charge essential?
A: Not essential, but dramatically increases effectiveness. For me, shampoo alone was just “okay,” but adding Charge made me think “this is worth continuing.”
Q: How long do effects last?
A: Varies individually. For me, fading I noticed at 7 days became barely noticeable at 2-3 weeks after 3 months use. Continued use seems to build up pigments.
Q: Will it stain hands and nails?
A: Formulated to minimize nail staining, but nail polish may stain. Use gloves if concerned. Color Charge has higher concentration, so extra caution advised.
Q: Can I use with regular shampoo?
A: Yes. Actually, I practice my stylist friend’s recommended method: “regular shampoo first, then Somarca.” I feel this deposits color better.
Q: How do I choose the right shade?
A: Match your hair color tone. Grey/silver uses Ash, white/blonde uses Purple, pink tones use Pink, brown uses Brown. When unsure, consult your stylist.
Q: Must I use it daily?
A: No daily use required. I see results with 2-3 times weekly. Increase frequency when noticing fading—flexible usage works fine.
Q: Can I use other treatments?
A: Yes. On Somarca days I use Color Charge; other days use regular treatment. Also use leave-in treatments and oils.
Final Thoughts
For years, I thought “color care” meant choosing between “maintain color” or “have manageable hair.” Somarca proved that wrong.
First month with shampoo alone, honestly just “okay.” But adding Color Charge changed color retention noticeably.
2-3 times weekly routine. Takes extra time, but no longer dreading wash day—that’s the biggest change. Previously thinking “more roughness…” with dread, now feeling secure that “color maintains while hair stays manageable.”
My stylist friend’s “regular shampoo first, then Somarca” technique was key. Extra step, but results in both color maintenance and hair feel justify it.
Color Charge combined with shampoo clearly outperforms shampoo alone. Higher initial investment, but reduced salon visit frequency creates net savings. I went from twice monthly salon visits to once every 1-1.5 months.
Not perfect—consistency required, and expectations should be realistic (maintenance, not transformation). But after 3 months, this is the first color shampoo I genuinely feel is “worth continuing.”
For those who avoided color shampoos due to roughness, or tried and gave up—Somarca might deserve reconsideration. It changed my perspective. Maybe it’ll change yours too.
About This Review
About the Author: MIYABI, GlowCache Editor
Tokyo-based beauty enthusiast interested in Japanese beauty products. I value real user experiences while sharing information. All opinions are personal and based on product research and available user feedback.
Reference Sources:
Hoyu official website, @cosme user reviews
Related Articles:
(Link to other hair care articles if available)
Last Updated: October 2025 | Product information based on manufacturer descriptions and user reviews.
This review aims to provide information based on personal research and user voices, and is not medical advice. If you have scalp or hair concerns, please consult a specialist.
コメント