11 Best Drugstore Toners For Brassy Hair To Extend The Life Of Your Highlights
Keep your hair color fresh and alive by using these effective toners for brassy hair.
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli 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 edito... more
Aditi NaskarDiploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Aditi 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 i... more
Arshiya SyedaDiploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle, Health & Wellness
Experience: 7 years
Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articl... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Hey there, hair-coloring enthusiasts; we have the best drugstore toner for brassy hair to solve your brassy-looking hair issue. In order to extend the life of your brown, blonde, or any such highlights, the right products are essential to avoid the dullness of your fave color following in after a few days. Not only does the shade lose its charm, but the hair follicles start looking lifeless.
Since the highlights normally add a contrast effect to your natural, virgin hair, there is always a warm undertone that makes up the beautiful and vibrant tresses. Whether you are rocking the balayage look or single or subtle highlights, it is essential to choose the right toner so that the look lasts as long as possible.
In This Article
11 Best Drugstore Toners For Brassy Hair
1. Matrix Total Results Brass Off – Blue Shampoo For Brunettes
Image: Matrix Say ‘goodbye’ to the orange undertones in your colored hair with the Matrix Total Results Brass Off Blue Shampoo. It is one of the top toners for brassy hair that deposits blue-violet pigments into the hair to neutralize the warm tones effectively. The formula consists of vitamin oil and neutralizing pigments for nourishing the hair, locking in moisture, and keeping the tresses healthy. This toning shampoo for brassy hair also conditions the hair and makes it soft and prevents hair damage by closing the hair cuticles. It is suitable for both color-treated and natural or normal hair and is best for light brunettes or dark blonde hair. If you want a detailed review of the product, make sure to take a look at this video featuring a tester’s experience with the shampoo.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Contains brass neutralizing ingredients
- Short application time
- Refreshing fragrance
Cons
- Expensive
- Stains hands
Pro Tip2. Amika: Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo
Image: Amika Brassiness can dull down blonde after a week or two coloring it. The Amika: Bust Your Brass Shampoo fights brassy tones with its ultraviolet formula and renders your blonde hair bright and light. The wild cherry bark extracts in it make your hair glossy, soft, and manageable while retaining its color. Avocado oil provides vitamins like A, D, E, and B, amino acids, and minerals that further nourish the hair. Sea buckthorn berry is a rich source of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids that hydrate the sensitive scalp. Hydrolyzed keratin locks moisture inside the hair for luster and elasticity. It is safe for color-treated, keratin-treated, Brazilian-treated hair. It is clinically tested to reduce hair breakage by 55%. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to know more about the results after using this product.
Pros
- Lathers well
- Helps in hair color preservation
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- May dry out the hair
- Expensive
Pro Tip3. Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
Image: Joico The joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo aims to make your hair beautiful by eliminating the brassy orange tones from it. The blue pigment in it attaches itself to the hair and neutralizes unwanted brassiness for 8 weeks. The smart release Technology releases rosehip oil, keratin, and arginine that keep the hair moisturized and healthy. It helps in hydrating and rejuvenating the hair for a better life. The formula protects your hair from UV damage and prevents fading. This toner is suitable for chemically-treated hair. For a thorough review of the product, have a look at this YouTuber’s video.
Pros
- Retains hair color
- Boosts shine
- Instant results
- Does not weigh down the hair
- Pleasant fragrance
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Can stain hands
Pro Tip4. John Frieda Violet Crush For Blondes Purple Shampoo
Image: John Frieda The John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo rejuvenates your hair while instantly neutralizing brassiness. It is infused with crushed purple pigments that absorb UV light and produce a whitish-blue color, making your hair look more beautiful. This product is suited for color-treated blonde hair. The brand does not do animal testing, and the shampoo has no ingredients of animal origins.
Pros
- Thick formula
- Moisturizes the hair
- Instant results
- Refreshing fragrance
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- May leave purple streaks in the hair
Pro Tip5. Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Blondes Nourishing Anti-Brass Treatment
Image: Garnier This toner for brassy blonde hair from Garnier brings together the benefits of olive fruit oil, avocado oil, shea butter, grape seeds, and soybean oil that moisturize the tresses and get rid of brassy tones. Olive oil stimulates hair growth by increasing the blood flow in the area, thus making your hair thick. Avocado oil is loaded with oleic acid and monosaturated fats that can penetrate into the hair shaft and retain hair moisture to prevent hair damage. Grape seeds help regain the lost glow of your hair, while the linoleic acid-rich soybean oil nourishes the hair. These nourishing ingredients can elevate the look of your hair color. Conduct an allergy test 48 hours before using it.
Pros
- Non-drip formula
- Complete hair kit
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- 100% gray coverage
- Soothing fragrance
Cons
- Messy application
Quick Tip6. Joico Color Balance Blue Conditioner
This blue hair conditioner from Joico Color Balance reduces the orange tones in brunette hair. This top toner for brassy hair is infused with antioxidant-rich green tea leaf extracts and a biologically advanced peptide complex that prevents hair damage and rebuilds new hair follicles. The UV control system acts as a sunscreen, shielding the hair from sun damage. Its provitamin B5 elements elevate the shine and luster of the hair, provide essential nutrients to the tresses, and rehydrate hair follicles. This hair toner can impart a smooth texture, dense volume, and shiny luster to your tresses, making them manageable and mess-free. This product is suitable for chemically-treated hair.
Pros
- Retain 89% hair color
- Instant results
- Long-lasting results
- Suitable for continuous use
- Easy to use
- Prevents frizz
Cons
- Not suitable for bleached hair
7. By The Way, Your Hair Looks Fabulous! Purple Shampoo
Image: By The Way This purple shampoo from, By The Way, Your Hair Looks Fabulous! uses argan oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, guar gum, grape seed oil, and meadowfoam seed oil to neutralize the yellow tones in your hair caused due to product accumulation and pollution. Argan oil, along with sunflower oil, is the best source of antioxidants and fatty acids that prevent hair damage. Avocado oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and grapeseed oil moisturize the scalp, strengthen the hair, and prevent scalp infections and frizzy hair. Guar gum acts as a conditioner and makes the hair smooth and soft. This toner for brassy hair is safe for all hair types.
Pros
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Gentle formula
- Hydrates the hair
- Strengthens the hair
- Adds shine
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic fillers-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Strong fragrance
8. Best For Quick Results: L’Oreal Paris Feria Long-Lasting Anti Brass Power Hair Toner
Image: L'oreal Paris Try the L’Oreal Paris Feria Long-Lasting Anti Brass Power Hair Toner in Pearl Blonde to give your hair a stunning cool tone in just 5 minutes. This demi-permanent toner helps to instantly eliminate brassy, yellow, and orange tones from your hair and adds a cool tone. It maintains your desired hair color, be it blonde, salon highlights, balayage, bleach, or ombre. The formula is infused with a built-in conditioner, which helps soften and smooth your hair and promotes a shiny finish to your tresses. With just one application, this toner delivers long-lasting effects for up to 3 weeks.
Pros
- Long-lasting results
- Quick results
- Enhanced hair color maintenance
- Easy to use
- Short application time
- Ideal for a single application
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Expensive
9. Best No Ammonia Formula: Knight & Wilson Colour-Freedom White Blonde Non-Permanent Hair Toner
Image: Knight & Wilson The Knight & Wilson Colour-Freedom White Blonde Non-Permanent Hair Toner is perfect for reviving the beautiful hue of natural blonde, bleached blonde, or highlights. This semi-permanent conditioning toning treatment eliminates the yellow and brassy tones to give you a pure white-blonde base. The formula is infused with nourishing ingredients such as argan oil and shea butter that protect and add shine to your locks. This professional formula helps intensely nourish and condition your brittle hair. It contains color-correcting pigments which boost color radiancy for up to 6 to 10 washes.
Pros
- No harsh chemicals
- Results last for up to 6 to 10 washes
- Nourishing ingredients
- Boosts shine
- Contains color-correcting pigments
- Ammonia-free
- Peroxide-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May make hair a bit dry
10. Oligo Blacklight Blue Conditioner
Image: Oligo The Oligo Professionnel Blacklight Blue Conditioner can be the best solution to regain the natural hair tone and to repair damaged hair. The formula includes a combination of argan oil and 11 amino acids that moisturize the hair, strengthen hair follicles, cure hair damage, and impart a new luster to the hair. Argan oil acts as a protective shield against UV rays, helps hydrate the hair, maintains hair elasticity, and makes the hair soft and smooth. All these ingredients eliminate brassiness. This product is specially made for light brown and medium blonde hair.
Pros
- Thick consistency
- Easy to use
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
11. Best Blue-Tinted Toner: MANIC PANIC Virgin Snow Blonde Toner
Image: Manic Panic The MANIC PANIC Virgin Snow Blonde Toner is a blue-tinted toner that is designed to help eliminate brassy tones and give you salon-quality results effortlessly. This toner removes any yellow or warm tint to give your hair a vibrant blonde hue. The formula allows you to use it as a canvas of a cool tone to dye any other color too. The color sits on the surface of your hair shaft and works for around three to four weeks and then gradually fades. Multiple reviewers on Amazon stated the toner effectively removed brassiness from the hair without causing any damage to it.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Pleasant fragrance
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to rinse
- Vegan
- PPD-free
- Ammonia-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Resorcinol-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Does not come with gloves or application brush
Here are few things to remember while choosing a toner for brassy hair.
How To Choose The Best Toner For Brassy Hair
If you wish to buy a hair toner for brassy hair, it is essential to have a look at the following points to choose the right product:
- Hair Color: The choice of product depends on your hair color, owing to their specificity. For, e.g., purple shampoos work on warm yellow tones, while blue works well on orange tones.
- Type Of Product: Hair toners for brassy hair comes in different forms, e.g., shampoos, masks, creams, etc. Choose your preference based on your convenience of usage.
- Hair Care: Apart from fixing the warm tones, check the extra benefits the product offers. Most of them provide hair care benefits like strengthening your hair and nourishing it. This offers users an all-in-one product, which can be highly beneficial for long-term use.
- Safety: Ensure that the hair toner is free of chemicals like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, etc., which can damage your hair. Give preference to products with natural ingredients.
- Size: The volume of the package indicates the quantity. If you have long hair and are a regular user, choose products with sufficient quantity.
The simple hacks listed in the next section help you achieve better results.
Pro Tips For Using Toner At Home
Even though hair toners for brassy hair look like simple products, they should be used with utmost care. Hair toners are available as shampoos, masks, and creams. If applied in excess, your hair can become dull. Here are some tips to take care of:
- How to apply: Mix the toner with a developer in a 1:2 ratio. Use a brush to apply the mixture to the hair. Leave it in the hair for duration indicated in the instructions.
- Intervals of application: Apply toner every 2-3 weeks to maintain the vibrancy of your hair color.
- Focus on specific areas: Focus on areas with more warm tones, rather than covering all your hair. A full hair application can cause color differences in different parts of the hair.
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Drugstore Toners For Brassy Hair
If you want a quick but effective remedy for your brassy-looking and over-processed hair, fix them with a drugstore toner. It cuts the dullness of your hair and restores its vibrancy. However, do not settle for just any toner. Check if it is formulated with potent ingredients that can help manage the brassiness without damaging your hair. Check out the infographic below to learn which ingredients you must look out for while selecting a toner.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic 
The Bottom Line
Hair toners for brassy hair are great for reducing warm, brassy tones from your tresses. Some toners for brassy hair also offer restorative care and rejuvenate and moisturize your hair while protecting them from UV damage. If you wish to neutralize brassiness in brunettes, try the Matrix Total Results Brass Off – Blue Shampoo. The Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo is another great pick that offers an excellent blue-toning option, while the Knight & Wilson Colour-Freedom White Blonde Non-Permanent Hair Toner is good for those with white or platinum blonde hair. However, users with chemically-treated hair should ensure that the hair toner they use nourishes the mane and doesn’t interfere with the treatment. In addition, you should avoid hair toners that are not suited to prevent frizz and tend to weigh your hair down after each use.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skincare coach who has in-depth knowledge of the science and formulation of various skincare and hair care products. She has gone through several reviews and customer feedback in various health and beauty forums to curate this list of the best drugstore toners for brassy hair. These toners are specially formulated to nourish your hair while extending the life of your brass or blonde highlights to keep your hair looking soft, smooth, and vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I leave toner on my hair?
It is recommended to leave the toner on for upto 10 minutes, but it can vary with product. Some shampoos need only 2-3 minutes.
What color toner should I use for brassy hair?
A purple shampoo can be useful for natural blondes, bleached blondes, and for warm yellow tones. But if you need an intense color, you should go for a strong ammonia-infused toner.
Should I apply toner to wet or dry hair?
Toners can be applied on both wet and dry hair. Application on wet hair can increase its action as the wetness will decrease the porosity and allow uniform distribution.
What toner cancels out brassy orange hair?
Purple and blue toner cancel out brassy orange hair to neutralize brassy yellow and orange tones in color-treated hair. After bleaching, use blue hair toner or shampoos as blue and orange are against one another on the color wheel.
Will toner remove the brassy color from brown orange dyed hair?
Yes. A toner can remove the brassy color from brown, orange dyed hair. You will need a blue toner to neutralize the brassy orange and yellow tones of your hair and enjoy cool-toned hair color.
Does the hair get brassy again after using a toner?
Bleach blonde hair and dyed hair fade over time and develop brassy orange or yellow tones as it oxidizes. Therefore, it is ideal to refresh your color with a blue toner every six to eight weeks to keep it natural-looking and healthy. You need to wait for eight weeks before toning again.
What is the best product to get rid of brassy hair?
The Matrix Total Results Brass Off–Blue shampoo neutralizes the brassy hair pigments and nourishes the hair, locking in moisture and keeping the tresses healthy and flowing. It also conditions the hair and makes it soft, preventing hair damage.
Recommended Articles
- How To Choose The Right Toner For Highlighted Hair
- DIY Hair Toner: How To Prepare Hair Toner Solutions At Home
- How To Remove Toner From Hair
- Best Conditioners For Bleached Hair – A Complete Buying Guide
