11 Best Toning Shampoos For Brassy Hair, According To An Expert: 2024
Prevent your beautiful blonde hair from discoloration with these effective products.
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If you are blessed with blonde hair, you know by now that it calls for high maintenance. While it can be fun to highlight, stylize, go for every kind of chemical treatment and flip it to its glory, it needs the best toning shampoos to keep up with its natural golden color. Blonde hair can get brassy and yellow if not pampered regularly, and what worries us more is that it comes in notice way more than dark shades of hair. The good news is toning shampoos can reverse the damage and help you refresh the natural look without making expensive visits to the salon. Since blonde hair is the most experiment with hair colors, it will neutralize the unwanted tones and gently cleanse your scalp and hair without messing with the natural oils. Toning shampoos also provide the necessary nutrients to rejuvenate chemically treated hair and add life to your hair. So, if you have been waiting for the perfect shampoo for your blonde hair, this is the one. No more waiting for the monthly hair spa, for here is the list of the 11 best toning shampoos to get effortless gorgeous hair right at home! All these products are highly rated by reviewers on various forums. Some of them are even free of animal testing, so you can get a formula that aligns well with your ethical lifestyle.
In This Article
What Does A Toning Shampoo Do?
A toning shampoo contains intense purple pigments to help neutralize yellow, brassy tones and give your hair a cool hue that makes you look event-ready. An absolute must-have between coloring salon appointments, it is best used once or twice a week to maintain hair color. Suitable for color-treated, highlighted, and naturally blonde and light-colored hair, a toning shampoo helps refresh and revitalize your hair color and prevent fading, so you can always flaunt beautifully bright and radiant hair.
Check out the best hair toners in the form of shampoos down below!
11 Best Toning Shampoos To Neutralize Unwanted Tones
1) Best For Blond Hair:Tigi Bed Head Dumb Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo
Banish brassiness and protect your gorgeous blond highlights with this specially formulated toning shampoo which uses purple tones to keep your hair color looking fresh and vibrant. This specialist-approved shampoo helps cleanse and detangle the hair and leave it feeling smooth, soft, and oh-so-touchable. You can include it in your haircare routine for thick hair to make it more manageable and beautiful. Designed especially for blond hair, add this good toning shampoo to your weekly roster and take your hair care regime to the next level. You will thank us later! Go through this video detailing a reviewer’s experience with this product for a detailed idea about it.
- Designed for blond hair
- Controls frizz and reduces flyaways
- Suitable for chemically-treated hair
- Neutralizes brassy tones effectively
- Might not be best suited for those with extremely dry hair.
Did You Know?The TIGI Bed Head collection caters to those seeking a more edgy and textured style as opposed to sleek, clean, and polished.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 6,509 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2) Best For All Hair Types:Fudge Professional Clean Blonde Violet-Toning Shampoo
Get your hands on this incredible toning shampoo for blond hair and remove those unsightly yellow tones for a finish that makes you look glamorous and ready to take on the world. This shampoo purifies and nourishes blond hair, using violet pigments to counteract unwanted brassy tones, making hair look shiny, glossy, and radiant. You can easily add this to your hair care routine for toning, as it is suitable for all hair types. This shampoo promises fantastic results whether your hair is dry and damaged or tends to be more on the oily side. Check this video detailing a tester’s experience with this product to learn more about it.
- Designed for blonde hair and highlights
- Purifying and nourishing formula
- Easy to use
- Pleasant fragrance
- Some might find that this purple shampoo tends to stain the nails a bit.
"In my lifelong blonde journey, I've experienced various purple shampoos, and I must say, this one has distinctly pigmented. There was a noticeable decrease in my hair's brassiness, with highlights shifting to a pleasing ash-silver. It did stain my hands, so be wary. Even with its impactful scent and extreme color, it surprisingly left my hair nourished, not stripped of moisture. I found this shampoo worthwhile."
Pro TipUse this toning shampoo with other color-correcting products, such as purple hair masks or purple conditioners, to enhance the toning effect.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 3,945 rave reviews on Amazon.
3) Best Concentrated:Matrix Total Results So Silver Neutralizing Mask
If repeated color treatments have turned your hair into a dry, dull mess, you’re going to love this toning shampoo that eliminates brassy, yellow undertones to leave your hair feeling silky smooth, and glossy. Suitable to brighten blonde, grey, and platinum hair, this fantastic shampoo turns your gray into a stunning silver that is sure to have the compliments pouring in. You’ll be flaunting a beautiful color in no time! Add this cool toning shampoo and mask treatment to your hair care regime as a haircare hack for eliminating brassiness.
- Highly concentrated formula
- Brightens blonde, silver, and platinum hair
- Neutralizes brassy undertones effectively
- Conditions and nourishes hair deeply
- Some might find the consistency of this shampoo a bit thin.
"I use this deep conditioner weekly. It curbs my blonde's brassy tones amazingly. It is also excellent for touching up my mousey brown roots. It has no obnoxious smell, and it easily washes out, ideal for a busy schedule. Great toning mask overall!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 2,998 reviews claiming its efficacy.
4) Best For Color-Treated Hair:Ouro Toning Shampoo
Give your color-treated hair the tender loving care it deserves with this blonde toning shampoo which promises to revitalize and renew ash-toned blonde or silver hair. Enriched with phyto-complex, this nourishing shampoo protects hair from discoloration while helping get rid of dryness and damage. Effective in eliminating brassy and yellow tones, it returns your tresses to their enviably glamorous glory in just a few washes.
- Ideal for color-treated hair
- Removes brassy and yellow tones
- Enriched with phyto-complex
- Nourishing formula
- Some might find the scent of this shampoo a bit unpleasant.
"After testing multiple brands, this one left me quite satisfied with its tone and shine. It keeps my hair color fresh for weeks and does not irritate the scalp. It also softens the strands without drying them out."
5) Best pH-Balanced:AG Hair Care Sterling Silver Toning Shampoo
Here’s a toning shampoo that ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a hair care product that protects color while gently cleansing the scalp and hair. Infused with sunflower seed extract and polyphenols, this pH-balanced formula is ideal for removing brassy, yellow tones from blonde and gray hair, leaving hair looking and feeling its absolute best. The unique non-staining violet base has various haircare benefits, it removes dullness while the nourishing formula ensures damaged hair is left feeling soft and luscious, making this one of the best toning shampoos for blonde hair.
- Designed for blonde and silver hair
- Mild, nourishing formula
- Enriched with sunflower seed extract and polyphenols
- Contains no salt, parabens, or gluten
- Cruelty-free
- Might not be best suited for those with very sensitive skin.
6) Best Pigmented:L’Ange Violet Purple Toning Shampoo
Go from drab to fab in just a few minutes with this game-changing violet toning shampoo which packs a mean punch against hair damage and the brassy, yellow tones that diminish the brilliance of beautiful blonde hair. Enriched with omega-rich oils, this highly pigmented shampoo helps restore moisture and promote healthy hair growth for unmatchable softness and elasticity. Formulated with a blend of rich botanicals, this versatile toning shampoo for brassy hair is a one-stop solution for chemically-treated hair that is damaged, dull, and dry.
- Highly pigmented formula
- Designed for chemically-treated hair
- Enriched with nourishing omega-rich oils
- Suitable for weekly use
- Some might find the fragrance of this shampoo a bit strong.
7) Best Cruelty-Free:Four Reasons Bronze Toning Shampoo
Do yourself a favor and extend the life of your gorgeous hair color with this intensive toning treatment which is designed specifically for blonde and light brown colored hair. Many reviewers have noted that the color pigments in this cleansing shampoo give the hair a cool metallic bronze hue, while the plant-based proteins and amino acids strengthen hair and give it a wonderful shine. Gentle yet effective, this vegan and cruelty-free shampoo is a must-have for the conscious fashionista who doesn’t leave a stone unturned in ensuring her hair is always in tip-top condition.
- Designed for light brown and blonde hair
- Infused with nourishing plant proteins and amino acids
- Free of SLS, SLES, and sulfates
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Might not be best suited for those with gray and silver hair.
"I used it on my natural hair and extensions and it produced a lovely strawberry brown shade. However, the color fades after a few washes."
8) Best For Naturally Blonde Hair:Kristin Ess The One Purple Shampoo
If you’re looking for a color toning shampoo that instantly illuminates your beautiful blonde hair, restoring shine and vitality, you’re going to love this clean shampoo which is formulated without sulfates. This shampoo cleanses and deeply conditions hair, reducing brassy tones, and leaving hair feeling moisturized and luxuriously soft to the touch. This popular purple shampoo works effectively without drying out the hair, making it a hot favorite amongst hairstylists, celebrities, and professionals. This video will give you more insights into the product.
- Suitable for both color-treated and naturally blonde hair
- Free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
- Safe for daily use
- Cruelty-free
- Some might find the texture of this shampoo a bit sticky.
"I've found this shampoo perfect for taming my brassy, bleached hair. It lathers well and doesn't dry out even my damaged locks. I've seen noticeable differences in my light brown, graying strands. It effectively cancels brassiness, leaving my hair brighter and shinier. However, overuse can tint your hair purple, so moderation is key. This product is a sure repurchase for me."
9) Best Sulfate-Free:Evo Fabuluso Platinum Blonde Toning Shampoo
If you feel your blonde hair has started resembling a bundle of hay, you need to try this fabulous toning shampoo which instantly refreshes and revives color while adding incredible shine to your dull, damaged hair. This unique purple shampoo gently cleanses the scalp and hair while neutralizing unwanted tones to brighten and extend the life of color-treated blonde hair. This sulfate-free formula is vegan and free of all the nasties we’ve learned to hate, making it the ideal choice for the conscious beauty consumer.
- Designed for color-treated blonde hair
- Strengthens and nourishes hair
- Free of sulfates, parabens, and gluten
- Vegan and cruelty-free
"Using this product once a week works wonders on my iron-absorbent hair. It trumps other toning shampoos, lightening my natural dark brown hair, all while leaving my color looking natural. It doesn't parch my bleached hair and carries a pleasant smell. It's definitely earned a permanent spot in my hair care routine."
• Might not be best suited for those with very oily hair.
10) Best For Damaged Hair:Rene Furterer Okara Toning Shampoo
Say hello to soft, bouncy hair and bid goodbye to ugly, unwanted yellow tones with this gentle toning shampoo explicitly designed for women with gray, blonde, and platinum blonde hair. Made with high-quality hair-loving ingredients, this shampoo contains tonic purple pigments that neutralize brassy tones and okara extract. This plant-based soy derivative helps repair and reinforce damaged hair. So don’t hesitate to give this shampoo a try!
- Neutralizes unwanted yellow tones
- Enriched with repairing okara extract
- Silicone-free formula
- Free of parabens and SLS
- Some might find the scent of this shampoo a bit strong.
"My white hair and I cherish this shampoo. It gently removes any yellowish hue and adds a healthy shine to it. I use it just a few times a month and get compliment-earning locks."
11) Best Travel-Friendly:Healium Cast Away Tone Correcting Shampoo
Flaunt beautiful, wavy hair and get ready to turn heads with this amazing tone-correcting shampoo which helps keep warm undertones at bay for a cool, refreshed finish. This purple shampoo is loaded with haircare essentials and works by depositing intense blue-violet pigments to reduce brassy tones, while cleansing and nourishing hair to keep it looking its absolute best. Add it to your haircare routine for fine hair to unlock the vividness of your colored hair. And there’s more! The compact, portable size makes this shampoo the ideal companion for all your travels.
- Refreshes and brightens gray hair
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and sodium chloride
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- Some might find the consistency of this shampoo a bit thick.
"I've been using this product on my naturally gray hair twice weekly for several years. I love how it keeps my hair from yellowing and leaves it soft with a shine. Though it only requires a small amount, the scent isn't my favorite. But, it does leave my hair looking and feeling fantastic."
Now that we’ve had a look at our pick of the 11 best toning shampoos in 2024, it is important to look at some things to consider when picking the perfect shampoo to help you banish those brassy tones. Get tips on products for haircare routines for colored hair, down below.
How To Choose The Best Toning Shampoo
- Hair color
Whatever your shade of blonde — light, platinum, or silver-gray, there’s a brilliantly purple toning shampoo designed just for your unique hair color. Don’t hesitate to try a few before you find a toning shampoo that makes your beautiful hair stand out and sparkle.
- Hair type
If your hair is dry and damaged, pick a nourishing toning shampoo enriched with hair-loving ingredients like amino acids and botanical extracts. Oily hair would benefit from a refreshing toning shampoo made of non-comedogenic ingredients, whereas those prone to allergies should pick a shampoo labeled as hypoallergenic. If you have a sensitive scalp, it’s essential to look for dermatologist-tested products that are packed with clinically tested ingredients to avoid damaging your hair further. Remember to always choose a toning shampoo explicitly designed for your unique hair type.
- Ingredient list
A quick look at the ingredient list will tell you volumes about the toning shampoo you’re about to pick. Steer clear of shampoos that contain sulfates and parabens, particularly if you’re prone to dry and damaged hair. If you want your toning shampoo to give you the double benefit of strengthening your hair while protecting its color, pick a product enriched with nourishing ingredients. Vitamin E, shea butter, and coconut extracts are great choices as they deeply condition and moisturize your tresses. Lastly, those looking for a shampoo made without animal-derived ingredients should pick one labeled as vegan and cruelty-free.
How To Use Toning Shampoos
- Step 1 – Wet and completely saturate your hair and scalp with lukewarm water.
- Step 2 – Put on a pair of gloves on your hands to protect nails from staining.
- Step 3 – Take a small amount of toning shampoo in the palm of your hands and massage it into your scalp and hair, creating a rich lather.
- Step 4 – Let the shampoo sit in your hair for 3-5 minutes to allow the toning pigments to penetrate your hair.
- Step 5 – Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with a conditioner.
Infographics: Advantages Of Toning Shampoos
Toning shampoos can save the day and prevent you from revisiting salons to eliminate the brassiness in your colored hair. They help retain your hair color for a long time, but there’s more than just one benefit of using these fantastic hair care formulas. Scroll down and check out the infographic below to learn more about the perks of toning shampoos. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Brassy and blonde hair needs extra care and attention because it often turns dull and brassy. Whether your hair is naturally blonde, or you like to experiment with a new blonde shade every season, a good expert-recommended toning shampoo is your one-stop solution for strands that always look fresh and vibrant. The Fudge Professional Clean Blonde Violet-Toning Shampoo is the perfect pick to nourish dry and parched blonde hair, while the Matrix Total Results So Silver Neutralizing Mask effectively brightens blonde, silver, and platinum hair. If you prefer vegan shampoo, try the Four Reasons Bronze Toning Shampoo. These toning shampoos will reverse the damage, neutralize unwanted brassy tones, and provide essential nutrients for chemically-treated hair. In addition, they gently cleanse your scalp and hair without messing with the natural oils, and you can achieve gorgeous hair from the comfort of your home.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar is an expert beauty and fashion writer. She has several years of experience reviewing hair care products. She has curated this list of the best toning shampoos based on her research of user reviews and trusted feedback online. The products listed above are great for protecting and nourishing brassy hair color and preventing hair damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does toning shampoo work on natural hair?
Absolutely! Toning shampoo can be used on naturally blonde hair to make it less brassy and more glossy and radiant.
Does toning shampoo damage hair?
A toning shampoo is used to help enhance and refresh color-treated hair. If you’re worried about damage, pick a sulfate-free formula which is gentle and nourishing to your blonde tresses.
How often should you use toning shampoo?
It is best to use a toning shampoo once to twice a week between salon visits to help maintain hair color and prevent fading and dullness.
Is toning shampoo safe during pregnancy?
Toning shampoos are generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, it is best to consult your medical practitioner before trying any new beauty product when pregnant.
Is purple shampoo the same as toning?
Yes, purple shampoo is suitable for blonde hair. It is a great toning solution to prevent brassiness.
What does toning shampoo do to brown hair?
A toning product like the Four Reasons Bronze Toning Shampoo for brown hair imparts a cool metallic bronze color. Some purple shampoos also help neutralize the brassiness of brown hair color.
How long does toning shampoo take to work?
Toning shampoos do not take much time to work. Some shampoos can even show results in one wash.
