The 10 Best Blue Shampoos To Neutralize Brassy Tones, As Per An Expert
These Blue shampoos are a must-have to neutralize orange-red brassy tones.
Rebekkah O’NeillMaster Stylist, Hair & Beauty Trainer
Rebekkah is a Master Stylist with over 7 years of experience. She specializes in the most popular colors and balayage and the most extravagant restyles. From managing a busy salon to working internationally with clients on their big days, s... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
ramona sinhaMA (English Literature)
Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
The best blue shampoos evolved from the color-correcting purple shampoo. These shampoos contain blue pigments that neutralize the orange-red brassy tones in your hair. Purple shampoo works well to neutralize yellow tones in blonde or light hair, while the blue shampoo is perfect for counteracting orange or red tones. Blue shampoo works best on gray, brown, and darker hair colors. Its pigments penetrate the hair strands and bind to the cuticle to make your hair color look even and vibrant. These shampoos work similarly to hair toners with tinted formulas to eliminate unwanted brassiness. This is particularly useful between dye jobs or salon appointments or to remedy a botched color treatment. They are formulated with nourishing ingredients that repair damaged hair, restore shine, and make your hair soft and healthy. Here is a list of our favorite blue shampoos available right now. Check them out!
In This Article
10 Best Blue Shampoos That Neutralize Orange-Red Brassy Tones
1. Best For Brunette Hair:Fanola No Orange Shampoo
Fanola No Orange Shampoo is ideal for gray or light-colored hair as it contains vibrant pigments that neutralize orange tones. This anti-orange toning shampoo is ideal for hair color maintenance, adding color and consistency to dark blonde, platinum, and decolored hair. It refreshes your highlights by toning down different shades. This bluish-violet shampoo is also used to cover gray hair. Take a look at this video to learn about the reviewer’s experience and to get more information on the product.
Pros
- Ideal for brunette, gray, and blond hair colors
- Color refreshing formula
- Refreshes the hair color
- Offers gray coverage
Cons
- Stains your nails and hands
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 4,166 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
2. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Matrix Total Results Brass Off Color Obsessed Shampoo
Matrix Total Results Brass Off Color Obsessed Shampoo is a blue shampoo that neutralizes brassy tones by neutralizing the pigments. The blue-violet pigments in it revitalize your hair color, especially between salon appointments. If you have brunette hair, this shampoo will work beautifully on it. The nourishing properties of vitamin E oil help keep your hair soft and healthy. Several reviewers also recommend this product for quick touch-ups between salon appointments.
Pros
- Refreshes the hair color
- Softens the hair
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Great for touch-ups
Cons
- May dry out the hair initially
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,257 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
3. Best Gentle Formula:AVEDA Blue Malva Color Shampoo
AVEDA products are popular for their high-quality plant-based ingredients that are sourced by sustainable means. The pure plant and flower essences in the Blue Malva Shampoo are gentle on the hair and scalp. This organic shampoo neutralizes brassy tones and adds shine to the hair. The floral fragrance of the shampoo is a blend of ylang ylang, lemon, and sweet almond scents. It contains hydrating extracts of aloe vera that nourish and repair the hair. It works well on white, blonde, and silver hair.This formula has other essential nutrients such as wheat amino acids, panthenol, and tocopherol that protect the hair from damage and repair the hair.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Nourishes the hair
- Certified organic
- Prevents hair damage
- Environmentally sustainable
- High-quality ingredients
- No animal testing
Cons
- None
"This shampoo helps in managing mixed tones in my hair. It blends demarcation lines and tones both silver and dark strands. It is gentle and has a mild scent. It lathers well and leaves my hair soft and less frizzy."
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 357 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
| Fanola No Orange Shampoo Best For Brunette Hair | Matrix Total Results Brass Off Color Obsessed Shampoo Best For Color-Treated Hair | AVEDA Blue Malva Color Shampoo Best Gentle Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Color Treated | Color Treated | All |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 4.5 inches | 1.95 x 1.95 x 8.16 inches | - |
| Weight | 11.83 Ounces | 10.93 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,166 | 2,257 | 357 |
| Price | $14.99 | $20 | $54.96 |
4. Best For Color Vibrancy:Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
The Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo eliminates brassy and yellowish-orange tones, improving hair vibrancy. It replenishes light, brunette tones, making them look gorgeous and fresh as always. It contains UV absorbers that fight color fading, while the green tea keeps the hair protected against pollution and external aggressors. Its gentle neutralization of orange tones for a salon-like finish has made it a favorite among reviewers. Use it twice a week to get shiny, healthy hair.
Pros
- Prevents color fading
- Reveals strong, healthy, and shiny hair
- Contains UV absorbers
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Might stain fingers
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 687 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
5. Best Vegan:Oligo Professionnel Blacklight Blue Shampoo
Oligo Professionnel Blacklight Blue Shampoo protects color-treated hair by extending the color and preventing fading. In addition to hair protection, it also adds shine to the hair as it is infused with amino acids. This vegan shampoo eliminates brassiness and preserves the hair color. The moisturizing argan oil-based shampoo conditions the hair and also helps in repairing damaged hair as it strengthens and fortifies it with its nutrient-rich formula. It is also free from parabens, sulfates, and salts.
Pros
- Prevents the hair color from fading
- Color protection
- Imparts a lustrous shine
- Moisturizes the hair
- Vegan
Cons
- None
"I use this blue shampoo to keep brassiness at bay. It has been working well on my blonde or ashy tones. The thick formula means a little goes a long way. I use it for maintaining brightness between salon visits."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 170 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
6. Best Hydrating:Pravana The Perfect Brunette Toning Shampoo
Pravana The Perfect Brunette Toning Shampoo corrects warm orangish-red tones in the hair. It evens out the hair color and imparts it a rich dark shade. It evens out the hair color and imparts a rich dark shade. It contains conditioning and nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and cocoa butter that help in making your hair shinier, healthier, and stronger. This sulfate-free shampoo is made with vegan ingredients.
Pros
- Imparts a radiant shine
- Hydrates the hair
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Watery formula
"This toning shampoo neutralizes the brassiness in my hair. It adds softer, subtle brown tones to my hair. Every time I use it, it leaves a pleasant scent. It helps revitalize my hair and not overly processed."
7. Best Nourishing: Not Your Mother’s Triple Treat Brunette Blue Treatment Shampoo
The Not Your Mother’s Triple Treat Brunette Blue Treatment Shampoo is formulated with blue tansy oil and deep blue pigments. This potent shampoo gently cleanses your hair and moisturizes your scalp while neutralizing brassy or orange tones. This sulfate-free formula has an amber woody scent that revitalizes your senses and lifts your mood.
Pros
- Tames frizz
- Pleasant fragrance
- No animal testing
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicon-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- None
"This product has been a savior for my bronde hair to get that dreaded orange tinge out. It neutralizes the orange without turning the blonde green. Every time I use it, it leaves my hair incredibly soft."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 150 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
8. Best Animal-Friendly:dpHUE Cool Brunette Shampoo
dpHUE Cool Brunette Shampoo is a specially formulated professional blue shampoo that eliminates those dull, brassy red tones in your hair. This shampoo contains vibrant blue pigments that neutralize unwanted red and orange tones. It cleanses the hair of impurities and leaves it soft and healthy without stripping off moisture or color. The shampoo is formulated with nourishing ingredients like silk proteins and hibiscus flower extracts, which improves hair strength and growth. This shampoo works effectively and instantly. It adds luster to the hair strands and enhances the intensity of the color so it looks bright and even.
Pros
- Enhances the hair color and shine
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- Animal-friendly
- Gentle formula
Cons
- Not suitable for all hair types
9. Best Oil-Control Formula:Roffler Thick and Rich Shampoo
The Roffler Thick and Rich Shampoo Blue Formula is specially formulated for dark brown or blue-gray hair. The shampoo is enriched with ultra-fine cleansing agents that open up each hair cuticle and blend seamlessly into the hair strands to eliminate unwanted brassiness. The formula regulates the secretion of excess oil from the sebaceous glands and eliminates mineral and styling aid buildup from the scalp, imparting soft and healthy hair.
Pros
- Gentle
- Long-lasting formula
- Leaves no residue
- Control excess oil
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Expensive
"This shampoo is very high-quality. Its thick suds and pleasant scent make hair washing soothing. I love how it cleans my hair without overstripping."
10. Best Long-Lasting:Fudge Cool Brunette Blue-Toning Shampoo
Fudge Cool Brunette Blue-Toning Shampoo contains max-strength blue-micro pigments that neutralize unwanted red-orange tones. Its Opti-PLEX technology helps the formula penetrate deep into the hair strands to brighten and repair the hair. This helps in smoothening the cuticle that has been damaged due to chemical or environmental stressors. This sulfate-free shampoo also strengthens the hair and has a long-lasting fragrance.
Pros
- Repairs damaged hair
- Sulfate-free
- Long-lasting fragrance
- Instant results
Cons
- Contains phenoxyethanol
"I love using this shampoo to address brassy tones in my ash brown hair. It tones down orange hues and gives a natural look. I make sure to use gloves and protect my skin from stains. It is best when applied to dry hair before showering."
If you are a natural brunette or someone who has recently undergone hair color treatment, you are sure to experience unflattering orange-red tones. So, invest in a blue shampoo to neutralize those brassy tones and maintain the shine of your hair color. As there are various blue shampoos in the market, it is hard to find the right one that suits your hair type and needs. The following buying guide curates the factors you can consider when choosing a blue shampoo.
How To Choose The Best Blue Shampoos That Neutralize Orange-Red Brassy Tones
1. Type Of Hair: Ideally, choose a shampoo that caters to your hair type to ensure maximum efficiency.
- Dry Hair: Look for a shampoo with additional moisturization and conditioning benefits. Opt for formulas infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, and other essential oils that boost your hair’s moisture.
- Oily Hair: Look for clarifying shampoos that are lightweight and contain non-comedogenic ingredients. Choose shampoos with green tea extracts, hibiscus extracts, aloe vera extracts, and witch hazel to eliminate dirt and debris accumulated on your oily scalp.
2. Nourishing Formula: The hair-lightening treatment removes your scalp’s natural moisture, so side with a nourishing formula containing argan oil, keratin, avocado oil, vitamin A, amino acids, green tea extracts, and soybean oil. They revive, moisturize, and repair brittle hair.
3. Frequency Of Use: Choose a shampoo that is suitable for use two to three times a week, as brunette hair gets easily discolored and appears brassy. However, if excessive shampooing dries your scalp further, opt for a formula that is ideal to use once a week.
4. Ingredients To Avoid: Avoid shampoo containing toxic ingredients like sulfates, parabens, ammonia, phthalates, and SLS, which strip your hair of its natural moisture and fade hair color after only a few washes.
5. Texture: Opt for a lightweight formula having a creamy consistency that lathers up well on your scalp without much effort. They gently cleanse the scalp and restore the hair color.
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Using A Blue Shampoo
Blue shampoos neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow tones, and they are ideal for people with brown or blonde hair. Using them the right way can not only counteract the warm undertone but also extend the life of your color-treated hair. Check out the infographic below for a few tips to keep in mind while using a blue shampoo.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Rebekkah O’Neil, a Master Stylish, says. “Blue shampoos are great to neutralize those unwanted brassy tones, but there are a few things you need to bear in mind when using them. Never use blue shampoos every single time you wash your hair. You will create a build-up on your hair which will make it harder to lift when it comes to your color appointment. Use a blue shampoo every 3rd wash or so.”
Blue shampoos can easily eliminate brassy orangish tones and make your tresses appear stronger, smoother and shinier. They also help in adding bounce to your hair, while hydrating the deeper layers of your locks. You should purchase blue shampoos that can successfully prevent color fading and offer a gorgeous glow to your hair. The Fanola No Orange Shampoo is ideal for brunettes, as it tackles unwanted orange tones while keeping the color intact. Choose the Matrix Total Results Brass Off Color Obsessed Shampoo if you’re looking for color vibrancy and nourishment, and the Oligo Professionnel Blacklight Blue Shampoo for the best vegan option with moisturizing benefits for dry and damaged hair. However, while purchasing the best blue shampoos, you should also avoid the brands that cannot protect your tresses against pollution or external aggressors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often and how should you use blue shampoo and conditioner?
Blue shampoo can be used once a week, while blue conditioner can be used twice or thrice a week. Blue Shampoo is used the same way as normal shampoo, except you need to leave it in for 3-5 minutes before rinsing it off so it can penetrate into the hair. The conditioner can be kept on your hair for about 2-10 minutes to effectively neutralize brassy tones.
What hair colors is blue shampoo good for?
Blue shampoo contains blue pigments that neutralize orange-red tones in the hair. They are formulated to tone and correct-color darker hair, especially brown hair. They work well on dark ombre, balayage, and gray hair. However, they can be used on blonde or silver hair as well.
Will blue shampoo darken my highlights?
Yes, blue shampoo can refresh highlights to make them look more even and vibrant. It can eliminate the brassy tones in colored highlights.
Can I use blue shampoo every day?
It is not recommended to overuse blue shampoo. Blue shampoo is most effective when used once a week, and it should not be left in your hair for longer than 5 minutes before rinsing.
How long does it take for blue shampoo to work?
Most blue shampoos work instantly as their powerful pigments immediately neutralize brassy tones on contact.
What is the difference between purple and blue shampoo?
Purple shampoo is the precursor of toning and color-correction. It works particularly well on blonde or lighter hair colors, while blue shampoo is ideal for brown or darker hair. Purple shampoo came to the market before blue shampoo. While purple shampoo is specifically created to revive blonde hair color, the blue shampoo works well on both blonde and brown hair.
How long can you leave the blue shampoo on dry hair?
Certain hair types are resistant to hair color, so applying blue shampoo on dry hair may do the trick! However, it is recommended not to leave the shampoo for longer than 10-12 minutes, depending on the hair type. A simple strand test can help you estimate the time required for your hair to take up the color.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a haircare fanatic. She has curated this list of the best blue shampoos that neutralize the orange-red brassy tones. She picked the products after conducting hours of in-depth research and sifting hundreds of user reviews online. The shortlisted products are formulated with nourishing ingredients and work best on gray, brown, and dark hair colors.
