Top 10 Blue Shampoos for Brunettes: Say Goodbye to Brassy Hair

Are you a brunette fighting the battle against brassy, orange tones in your hair? Blue shampoo might be the secret weapon you need.

Whether you have natural brown hair or color-treated locks, blue shampoo can help maintain cool, vibrant tones and eliminate unwanted warmth.

In this guide, we will explore the top 10 best blue shampoos for brunettes and why they deserve a spot in your hair care routine.

In a Nutshell: Key Takeaways About Blue Shampoo

Blue shampoo works with color theory principles, using blue pigments to neutralize orange and red tones in brunette hair. Here are some important points to know:

• Blue shampoo is specifically formulated for brunettes while purple shampoo works better for blondes
• The blue pigments in these shampoos counteract orange and red undertones that naturally develop in brown hair, especially after coloring or sun exposure
• Regular use can extend the life of your color by maintaining those cool, ashy tones without frequent salon visits
• Most blue shampoos should be used 1-2 times per week for best results without over-toning
• Leave the shampoo on for 3-7 minutes before rinsing for optimal toning effect
• Blue shampoo can be slightly drying, so following with a good conditioner is important
• Results are gradual and may take a few applications to see significant improvement
• It works best on light to medium brown hair with visible brassiness
• Using gloves during application is recommended as blue pigment can temporarily stain hands
• For maximum effect, apply to dry or towel-dried hair first, then add water to lather

Now let’s dive into the best blue shampoos available on the market for brunettes seeking to maintain cool, beautiful color.

Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo

Matrix Brass Off is a salon-quality blue shampoo that has become a favorite among hair professionals and brunettes alike. This color-depositing shampoo is specifically designed for lightened brunettes or dark blondes dealing with unwanted brassy tones.

The rich blue formula contains powerful pigments that effectively neutralize orange tones in brown hair. What makes this shampoo stand out is its ability to refresh your color while still being gentle enough for regular use.

Pros:

• Professional-grade formula with strong blue pigmentation
• Noticeably reduces brassiness after just a few uses
• Protects color from fading
• Pleasant scent that isn’t overwhelming
• Works well on highlighted and balayage brown hair

Cons:

• Higher price point than some drugstore options
• Can be slightly drying if overused

For best results, massage the shampoo into wet hair and leave it on for 3-5 minutes before thoroughly rinsing. Use 1-2 times per week or as needed when brassiness appears.

Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo

Joico’s Color Balance Blue Shampoo is another excellent option for brunettes fighting brassiness. This shampoo is formulated with the brand’s exclusive Multi-Spectrum Defense Complex that helps protect color while the blue pigments work to neutralize orange tones.

What sets Joico apart is its addition of rosehip oil and green tea extract, which help nourish the hair while fighting UV damage – one of the main causes of brassiness in the first place.

Pros:

• Contains UV protectors to prevent future brassiness
• Enriched with rosehip oil and green tea for added nourishment
• Vibrant blue formula that effectively tones orange
• Color-safe formula that won’t strip your dye
• Leaves hair feeling soft and manageable

Cons:

• Might be too intense for very light brunettes
• Blue pigment can stain grout in shower if not rinsed thoroughly

For maximum benefits, apply to wet hair, massage into a lather, and leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. Use once or twice weekly depending on your hair’s needs.

John Frieda Blue Crush Shampoo for Brunettes

John Frieda’s Blue Crush is a more affordable yet effective option for brunettes dealing with brassy tones. The formula is specifically designed to crush brassy tones in brown hair, leaving you with cooler, more vibrant color.

This shampoo stands out for its accessibility – it’s widely available in drugstores and supermarkets, making it an easy addition to your hair care routine without a special trip to a salon or specialty store.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly option with good results
• Gentle enough for frequent use
• Pleasant fragrance that most users enjoy
• Easy to find in most stores
• Works well on both natural and color-treated brunette hair

Cons:

• Less intense blue pigment than professional options
• May require more frequent use to maintain results

Apply to wet hair, lather, and leave on for about 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For best results, follow with the matching Blue Crush conditioner.

Fanola No Orange Blue Shampoo

Fanola No Orange has developed something of a cult following among brunettes dealing with stubborn orange tones. This Italian professional brand doesn’t mess around with its formulation – it contains a high concentration of blue pigments specifically designed to eliminate unwanted orange reflections in medium to dark hair.

This shampoo is known for its powerful results but should be used carefully as it can be quite potent.

Pros:

• Extremely effective against stubborn orange tones
• Highly pigmented formula shows results quickly
• Professional salon quality at a reasonable price
• A little goes a long way
• Visible results often after just one use

Cons:

• Very strong formula that can over-tone if left on too long
• Can be drying to the hair
• Blue pigment will stain hands if gloves aren’t used

For optimal results, apply to damp hair with gloves, leave on for 3-5 minutes (not longer for first-time users), then rinse thoroughly. Follow with a deep conditioning treatment to counteract any dryness.

Eva NYC Brass to Sass Brunette Shampoo

Eva NYC’s Brass to Sass is a newer entry to the blue shampoo market but has quickly gained popularity. This formula contains blue tansy oil, which naturally produces blue pigment, along with spirulina and juniper berry to nourish the hair while toning.

What makes this shampoo special is its focus on both color correction and hair health, with a sulfate-free formula that won’t strip your hair while fighting brassiness.

Pros:

• Sulfate-free formula is gentler on hair
• Contains natural ingredients like blue tansy and spirulina
• Moisturizing properties help prevent dryness
• Pleasant scent that users love
• Cruelty-free and vegan formulation

Cons:

• Lighter blue pigmentation may require more frequent use
• Pump dispenser sometimes has functionality issues

Apply to wet hair, massage until you create a rich lather, and leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For enhanced results, use with the matching Brass to Sass conditioner.

dpHUE Cool Brunette Shampoo

dpHUE’s Cool Brunette Shampoo is a premium option that focuses on maintaining cool tones in brown hair. This shampoo contains blue pigments as well as silk proteins and hibiscus flower extract to help strengthen hair while neutralizing unwanted warmth.

This formula is particularly good for those with sensitive scalps or who are concerned about hair damage, as it’s free from harsh sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.

Pros:

• Gentle formula suitable for sensitive scalps
• Contains silk proteins for strengthening
• Sulfate-free and paraben-free
• Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free
• Effectively tones while improving hair health

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Requires consistent use for best results

Massage into wet hair, allow to sit for 1-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use 1-2 times per week or alternate with your regular shampoo.

OLIGO PROFESSIONNEL Blacklight Blue Shampoo

OLIGO’s Blacklight Blue Shampoo is a salon-quality option that combines effective toning with hair nourishment. What makes this shampoo unique is its formula enriched with 11 amino acids that help strengthen and protect the hair cuticle while the blue pigments work to neutralize orange tones.

This sulfate-free formula is especially good for those with highlighted or balayage hair who want to maintain cool tones without stripping or damaging their color treatment.

Pros:

• Contains 11 amino acids for hair strengthening
• Sulfate-free formula protects color
• Effectively revives faded highlights
• Moisturizing ingredients prevent dryness
• Professional salon quality

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Smaller bottle size than some competitors

For best results, apply to wet hair, massage gently, and leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Use once or twice a week as needed.

Luseta Blue Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Luseta’s Blue Shampoo and Conditioner Set offers a complete toning system for brunettes dealing with brassiness. This dual-action system not only helps neutralize orange tones with the shampoo but also extends the toning effect with the matching blue conditioner.

This set is particularly good for those who color their hair at home and want to maintain cool tones between colorings.

Pros:

• Complete system with matching conditioner
• Value pricing for a shampoo and conditioner set
• Gentle enough for regular use
• Good for both natural and color-treated hair
• Pleasant fragrance

Cons:

• Less intense toning than some professional options
• May not be strong enough for very stubborn brassiness

Apply shampoo to wet hair, lather, and leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. Follow with the blue conditioner, leaving it on for 2-3 minutes for enhanced toning effect.

Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Anti-Orange Blue Shampoo

Alfaparf Milano’s Semi Di Lino Anti-Orange Blue Shampoo is a sulfate-free option from a well-respected Italian haircare brand. This formula is specifically designed for brown, chestnut, and dark hair that tends to develop unwanted warm tones.

What makes this shampoo special is its inclusion of linseed extract, which helps nourish and protect the hair while the blue pigments work to neutralize orange and red tones.

Pros:

• Sulfate-free formula is gentle on hair
• Contains linseed extract for added nourishment
• Effectively tones without excessive drying
• Professional salon quality
• Works well on natural and color-treated hair

Cons:

• Limited availability in some regions
• Higher price point than drugstore options

Apply to wet hair, massage gently into a lather, and leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Use once or twice a week as needed.

Bondbar Bonding Blue Shampoo

Bondbar’s Bonding Blue Shampoo takes a different approach by combining toning benefits with bond-building technology. This innovative formula not only neutralizes brassiness in brunette hair but also helps strengthen damaged hair bonds, making it an excellent choice for those with color-treated or chemically processed hair.

The budget-friendly price point makes this an accessible option for those wanting to try blue shampoo without a significant investment.

Pros:

• Bond-building technology helps repair damage
• Budget-friendly price point
• Hydrating formula prevents dryness
• Cruelty-free and vegan
• Paraben-free formula

Cons:

• Newer brand with less proven track record
• May require more frequent use for dramatic results

Apply to wet hair, massage into a lather, and leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For enhanced repair benefits, use 2-3 times per week.

How to Choose the Right Blue Shampoo for Your Hair

Finding the perfect blue shampoo depends on several factors specific to your hair. Here are some things to consider when making your selection:

1. Hair color intensity: Darker brunettes may need a more pigmented formula like Fanola No Orange, while lighter brunettes might prefer something gentler like John Frieda Blue Crush.
2. Hair condition: If your hair is damaged or dry, look for formulas with added moisturizing ingredients like Eva NYC Brass to Sass or bond-building properties like Bondbar.
3. Frequency of use: If you plan to use blue shampoo frequently, opt for sulfate-free formulas like dpHUE or OLIGO to prevent over-drying.
4. Budget considerations: Prices range from affordable drugstore options like John Frieda to premium salon brands like Matrix or Joico. Choose what fits your budget while meeting your needs.
5. Additional benefits: Some formulas offer extra perks like UV protection, strengthening proteins, or natural ingredients that might align with your overall hair goals.

How to Use Blue Shampoo for Best Results

To get the most out of your blue shampoo, follow these simple steps:

1. Start with dry or towel-dried hair for maximum pigment absorption if you want intense toning (especially for stubborn brassiness).
2. Wear gloves to prevent blue staining on your hands.
3. Apply the shampoo and massage it into your hair, focusing on the areas with the most brassiness.
4. Leave it on for the recommended time (usually 3-5 minutes, but follow your specific product’s instructions).
5. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
6. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner or the matching blue conditioner if available.
7. Use 1-2 times per week or as needed when brassiness appears.

For maintenance, alternate with your regular shampoo to prevent over-toning or dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Shampoo

What is the difference between blue and purple shampoo?

Blue shampoo neutralizes orange tones in brunette hair while purple shampoo targets yellow tones in blonde hair.

How often should I use blue shampoo?

Most experts recommend using blue shampoo 1-2 times per week for maintenance.

Will blue shampoo turn my hair blue?

When used as directed, blue shampoo will not turn your hair blue. However, leaving it on too long or using it too frequently can cause a slight blue tint.

Can I use blue shampoo on natural brown hair?

Yes, blue shampoo works on both natural and color-treated brunette hair that shows orange or red tones.

How long does it take to see results from blue shampoo?

You may notice subtle improvements after the first use, but optimal results typically appear after 3-4 applications.

Is blue shampoo drying to the hair?

Some blue shampoos can be drying due to their pigment content, which is why following with a good conditioner is important.

Can I use blue shampoo on black hair?

Blue shampoo is most effective on light to medium brown hair. Very dark or black hair may not show noticeable results.

How do I know if I need blue shampoo?

If your brunette hair has unwanted orange, red, or copper tones, blue shampoo could help neutralize those warm tones.

Can I leave blue shampoo on longer for better results?

While it might be tempting, leaving blue shampoo on longer than recommended can lead to over-toning and potential damage.

Is blue shampoo safe for keratin-treated hair?

Most blue shampoos are safe for keratin-treated hair, but look for sulfate-free formulas specifically.

Last update on 2025-05-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!