Can this shampoo be used for colored hair? (PM color protect shampoo is terrible!). Open to suggestions, but has to be "cruelty-free". Thanks:)

The real Paul Mitchell can, but this isn't real. It stripped the color from my hair and left it frizzy and gray.

Is this the original product? In the back of the bottle it says " guaranteed only when sold by a professional hair dresser" ??

Amazon has many different sellers / suppliers - so i cant speak to all of them- but i have been using this shampoo for like 40 years- always the same- always reliable. I have long, fine but thick color treated hair ( blonder highlights) . Always compliments on my hair. Scent is mild imo, and dissipates- mild floral fruity smell, imo. i guess. I washed my hair like 24 hours ago & can barely detect any scent if i stuff my nose in & take a big whiff! I tried pureology for a few months too- i really liked it as well - but for the price difference - went back to my Paul Mitchell! ( & pureology was harder to find. Yes initially back in the 80s u could only sell PM products with a license for hair styling- that was pre internet & pre- Amazon. i think.Amazon is just the middle man here- to facilitate our product needs. I have not bought shampoo from the drugstore or grocery store since probably in the 70s, so idk if normal retail products have improved. But im sticking with PM as long as i can & buying in bulk helps! Ive NEVER experienced any fading, flaking, or other mentioned issues using this shampoo. I dont use other products on my hair at home as a norm > just Awapuhi & the Detangler,, w occasinal freeze & shine hair spray, & occasional J of Beverly Hills Everyday spray ( i can not tolerate ANY tangles or knots). Hope this helps - sorry to hear some have received fake products., i only started buying it on Amazon a couple of years ago- covid start., but no problems so far.

No. The second ingredient is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. So it's defiantly not "sulfate free".

many reviews mention the great smell. How strong is the fragrance? Thank you

The fragrance is bland and smells like artificial watermelon to me. Could be my bottle but I don't like it whatsoever. I love the Awuphi hair cream though. The smells differ extremely.