When you’ve dyed your hair a beautiful brown hair color, the last thing you want to see in the mirror is orange!
Don’t panic. Despite the name, blue shampoos have been invented to help your brunette hair (and you) keep it’s cool! That’s why we’re here with the best blue shampoo for brunettes.
Light brown hair, Ash brown hair, balayage, ombre and highlights are all over the hot hair color trend charts this year, so you need to make sure your brunette color is always looking on point.
How does blue shampoo really work? And which one will work best for you?
We’re here with all the answers to keep your color sassy not brassy!
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Table of Contents
- TOP PICK!
- Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
- What is blue shampoo?
- Blue shampoo on brassy hair before and after.
- Which is the best blue shampoo for brunettes?
- Best blue shampoos at a glance.
- #1 Fudge Cool Brunette Toning-Blue Duo
- #2 PRO:VOKE ILLUMINEX Touch of Brunette Blue Toning Shampoo
- #3 Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
- #4 Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo.
- #5 Fanola No Orange Shampoo
- #6 Redken Color Extend Brownlights Blue Toning Shampoo
- TOP PICK!
- Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
- Blue shampoo FAQs
- What does blue shampoo do?
- How does blue shampoo work?
- How do I use blue shampoo?
- Is blue shampoo right for me?
- Is blue shampoo bad for your hair?
- Is it OK to use blue shampoo everyday?
- What happens if you leave blue shampoo on too long?
- Can I use blue shampoo right after dyeing my hair?
- How long should I leave blue shampoo on orange hair?
- Parting words
- Our Research & Review Process
TOP PICK!
Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
Best for: Cool tones and healthier hair.
We love the Joico brand because, just like us, they’re experts in coloured hair care. Joico doesn’t disappoint.
We used it on light brown balayaged hair that was starting to turn brassy.
We left it on for 20 mins to really take effect. It muted the orange tones perfectly without any patchiness.
More than that, it really conditioned our hair too and left it super shiny and soft. This is the best one for us.
Pros
- Gives a natural golden color to hair
- Adds shine and softness to hair
- Mutes orange tones perfectly without any patchiness
Cons
- Requires leaving it on for at least 20 minutes for best results
What is blue shampoo?
Blue shampoo is essential for anyone with dyed brunette hair.
That’s because, as anyone who has ever dyed their hair knows, it can be notoriously difficult to keep color looking fresh and vibrant.
Over time, it can start to look orange, brassy, or simply dull.
Enter blue shampoo: This magical product helps to neutralize unwanted tones, leaving hair looking brighter and more beautiful.
It’s designed to counteract warm orange tones in brown hair, giving it a cool, ashy color.
It can also be used to brighten hair that has become dull or brassy over time.
In general, it’s relatively gentle and can be used on color-treated hair. However, if you use it too often, it can cause your hair to become dry and brittle.
So be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle and only use it when necessary. With a little bit of care, it can help you achieve and maintain the perfect hue.
So if you’re wondering why you need it, the answer is simple: It’s the best way to keep your brunette hair looking its best.
Blue shampoo on brassy hair before and after.
Which is the best blue shampoo for brunettes?
Check out the best products you need in your life today for keeping orange hair at bay!
Best blue shampoos at a glance.
| Hair dye | Looks like | Best for | Buy it now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fudge Cool Brunette Toning-Blue Duo Shampoo Conditioner | Powerful ashy effects. | ||
| PRO:VOKE ILLUMINEX Touch of Brunette Blue Toning Shampoo & Conditioner | Lush fragrance. | ||
| Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo & Conditioner | Cool tones and healthier hair. | ||
| Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo And Conditioner. | Cool ombre and balayage hair. | ||
| Fanola No Orange Anti-orange Shampoo | Cool brunette and super shine. | ||
| Redken Colour Extend Brownlights Blue Toning Shampoo | Easy use ash brown. |
#1 Fudge Cool Brunette Toning-Blue Duo
Features & ingredients:
- Contains Fudge’s super-strength blue colored pigments.
- Successfully gets rid of unwanted red and orange tones from your brunette hair, instantly.
- It has something called Optiplex technology that helps the blue pigments to penetrate deeper into your hair’s core.
- Helps to mend hair bonds that are dried out and prone to breakage from chemical, styling and environmental damage.
Reviewers say:
“This definitely removed hideous reddy-brassy orange tones from my hair that I didn’t want. It left my hair feeling smooth and healthier and refreshed.”
“I was waiting for Fudge to do a Blue shampoo as my balayaged roots can go very orangey. I’ve not been disappointed, this really does the trick. I have used this for a few weeks and noticed the difference from the first wash.”
“This works super well and does exactly what it say it does. I would 100% recommend this to family or friends with brown hair that has unwanted red or orange tones as it removes these tinges of unwanted color super well!”
Our experience:
This is powerful stuff which you can see from when you first squeeze it out!
It comes in a handy tube and the liquid itself is a bright, shimmery metallic turquoise blue color.
YOU WILL NEED TO USE GLOVES. And rinse your shower down afterwards as the blue really sticks.
Because of this, it really does the job.
It’s messy but it muted our red tones instantly and we love it for that.
Best for: Powerful ashy effects.
#2 PRO:VOKE ILLUMINEX Touch of Brunette Blue Toning Shampoo
Features & ingredients:
- Contains blue pigments that eradicate orange tones in brunette hair.
- The perfect solution to keeping your balayage and ombre hair colors cool.
- A nourishing sulphate free formula that’s oil-infused to help repair your hair.
- Leaves hair shiny, healthy and hydrated too.
Reviewers say:
“I’ve been using this shampoo and conditioner twice a week for a few weeks now and just had to come here to say it’s brilliant.
It’s toned my orangey ginger tones down and my natural looking brown hair color is back.”
“Absolutely brilliant! If you need to take care of orange hair and you want your hair to shimmer in the sun this is deffo the one!
I left it on for the recommend three minutes and my hair is super soft!”
“I really like this shampoo and the matching conditioner. It smells lovely and makes my hair really soft with no orange color. I will definitely be buying them again.”
Our experience:
We tried this on caramel ombre hair that had started to show orangey tones.
It smells lovely! Not the ‘chemical’ smell of some shampoos. It makes the list for that.
We left it on for 2 minutes but felt we had to shampoo it afterwards to rinse it all out. Our hair was a lovely, ashy brunette hue afterwards.
Best for: Lush fragrance.
#3 Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
Features & ingredients:
- A neutralising formula that works to color-correct any overly warm, brassy or orange tones in naturally dark brunette hair with salon highlights or ombré.
- Utilises a Multi-Spectrum Defense Complex to help fight fade.
- Bio-Advanced Peptide Complex repairs hair from root-to-tip, ensuring frizz is diminished and shine is illuminated.
Reviewers say:
“I tried this out at first by mixing a bit with my regular shampoo and let it sink in for a further minute and conditioned. I was absolutely amazed, turned my hair to a lovely golden color!”
“I have only used this twice and a lot of people are commenting at work saying my hair is so much lighter now (not orange anymore) I’m impressed.”
“You really can see results from the first wash! It’s literally saved me from having a melt down of having ginger hair.
I can’t recommend this product enough for any brunettes that have got a hint of red that needs getting rid.”
Features & ingredients:
We love the Joico brand because, just like us, they’re experts in colored hair care. Joico doesn’t disappoint.
We used it on light brown balayaged hair that was starting to turn brassy. We left it on for 20 mins to really take effect. It muted the orange tones perfectly without any patchiness.
More than that, it really conditioned our hair too and left it super shiny and soft. This is the best one for us.
Best for: Cool tones and healthier hair.
#4 Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo.
Features & ingredients:
- This is a hard-core, professional salon clarifying shampoo.
- It neutralises brassy tones to keep your hair color cool.
- It’s recommended for brunettes who lighten their hair.
- This deposits blue-violet color pigments to fight brassy tones.
Reviewers say:
“Most of my hair WAS a warm brassy brunette with blonde ends, but this toned my hair fabulously. No longer does my hair look brassy and my face look flushed!”
“Absolutely love this product. My natural hair color is really dark brown but it tends to got redder in the sun. This works on orange hair to keep the color fresh and cool.”
“I use this on a daily basis and use the conditioner too. I love them both. Having a balayage, this product makes my hair so bright, definitely recommend!”
Our experience:
We used this Joico-alike on ombre hair with warm, brassy tones.
It’s a shampoo for red/orange AND yellow tones so perfect for ombre, balayage or highlights styles.
It didn’t disappoint.
We left it in for 10 mins as we were worried about blonde ends turning green but we needn’t have been.
The result was bright blonde and cool brunette with only a hint of brassiness left in the brown.
Next time we will leave it on for longer. This is the best for blonde highlights of any kind.
Best for: Cool ombre and balayage hair.
#5 Fanola No Orange Shampoo
Features & ingredients:
- This one is ideal for darker colored, color-treated hair.
- Useful for neutralising unwanted copper tones in brunette hair.
- Cleanses, hydrates and softens.
- Adds shine.
- Delivers long-lasting results.
Reviewers say:
“This Fanola no orange has been a life saver when it comes to color corrections. It completely cancels the orange tone in hair giving it a cooler, ashy tone.”
“I use this on a lot of my clients that have dark hair that’s gone a little orange and have to say it really does help! Leaves hair super shiny too. Would recommend.”
“Great product for brunettes with highlights or balayage as it eliminates brassy tones quickly.”
Our experience:
This Fanola shampoo took a couple of washes to see it really take effect on our highlighted hair.
But it cooled down our hair and left us with a gorgeous ashy lights that really really shone.
Combine it with the Fanola No Orange Conditioning Mask for the best results. This is the best for super shine.
Best for: Cool brunette and super shine.
#6 Redken Color Extend Brownlights Blue Toning Shampoo
Features & ingredients:
- Part of Redken’s Color Extend, color care product collection.
- It’s a powerful sulphate-free toning shampoo.
- It contains blue pigment to neutralise brass and red tones.
- Keeps highlighted and natural brunette hair color cool and bright.
Reviewers say:
“I found this just as my naturally brunette hair starting to turn warm! Two shampoos later and my hair is a much cooler color. I actually prefer it now to when it had first been colored!”
“I’m so in love with this shampoo. Is doesn’t take much to do an amazing job. It has worked wonders on my hair.
“Not only did this take away all the brassiness in one day it also got my hair to the light brown I wanted it to be! I didn’t expect to get the color I wanted this fast at all.”
It is looking, smelling and shining like never before. I can highly recommend this to everyone. “
Our experience:
We tried this one on light brown hair which had previously been highlighted and started to show orange tones.
It smelled fantastic and made our hair feel really clean.
It worked wonders on our hair straight away, turning it a cool, ashy color. Best of all, this was the least messy of the products on the list.
We didn’t need gloves and didn’t end up with a blue bathroom!
Pair it with the matching conditioner for truly softer, smoother hair. This is the best for easy use.
Best for: Easy use ash brown.
TOP PICK!
Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
We love the Joico brand because, just like us, they’re experts in colored hair care. Joico doesn’t disappoint.
We used it on light brown balayaged hair that was starting to turn brassy. We left it on for 20 mins to really take effect.
It muted the orange tones perfectly without any patchiness. More than that, it really conditioned our hair too and left it super shiny and soft. This is the best for us.
Blue shampoo FAQs
What does blue shampoo do?
These clever cleansing products contain blue pigments that are used to neutralize red and orange, brassy tones in brunette colored hair.
The blue pigment in the shampoo tones down these warm tones and reflects light, which gives your hair a radiant appearance.
Really, they’re a type of hair toner.
Hair toners are used to correct color that’s becoming a different color to the one you started with!
Brunette shampoo also cleanses your hair like a regular shampoo while getting rid of dullness and color build up.
With just one wash you can instantly transform even the most stubborn brassy tones into a cooler, softer brunette shade. Thank goodness!
How does blue shampoo work?
The formula contains blue toning and violet colored pigments that help to keep unwanted red and brassy orange undertones under control. This works because science.
Blue pigments counteract red and brassy orange tones as they are opposite colors so cancel each other out.
If you take a look at the hair color wheel that the rules of all hair colors abide by, you’ll see that blue is directly opposite orange.
That’s why we use blue pigment on unwanted brassy, orange tones in brown hair to correct it and restore the cooler color.
This is also true when you want to use hair dye to cover orange hair.
How do I use blue shampoo?
Do
- Give it a couple of weeks after coloring your hair before you use this product. Because of the chemicals involved, your hair will be super porous and the blue pigments in the shampoo could make it go patchy.
- Alongside it, use a good blue conditioner for brunette hair to keep your hair healthy, soft and in great condition.
- Rinse it out thoroughly.
- Experiment with using it more frequently or as an intensive treatment in between washes. Everyone’s hair will have different needs and some find these color-correcting shampoos can be drying.
Don’t
- Don’t leave the shampoo on your hair for too long – the blue tint can stain your hair. If you notice too much blue in your brown hair after washing, you can use a good clarifying shampoo to remove it and rinse it out well.
- Don’t overuse it, find out what works for you and your hair. You can start by mixing it with your normal shampoo to test the cooling strength.
- Don’t use it to cancel out yellow tones – it could make your hair green! (For this you need purple shampoo).
Is blue shampoo right for me?
It’s ideal for those with brown hair, as it helps to counteract brassiness and keep your locks looking bright and fresh.
If you’ve ever noticed your hair looking a bit yellow or orange after spending time in the sun, then you know what we’re talking about.
If you’re worried about your hair turning blue, don’t be – blue shampoo will only deposit a hint of color, so you’ll still look like a brunette goddess (or god!).
- If your hair is dyed brunette, you need this to keep red tones in check and your brown hair cool.
- If your ombre or balayage hair colour is looking brassy, they’ll work for you too.
- If you’re a blonde looking to neutralise brassy tones, you need a Purple Shampoo.
- For grey hair that’s showing signs of yellow brassiness, Silver Shampoos are best for you.
Is blue shampoo bad for your hair?
The truth is that most shampoos are too harsh for daily use. So it’s no more or less damaging than any other shampoo.
They all strip away natural oils from our scalp and hair which can lead to damage over time.
Some people can find them drying. The best thing to do is make sure you condition with a good, color-safe conditioner after every wash.
Is it OK to use blue shampoo everyday?
We wouldn’t recommend using it, or any shampoo, every day.
The color pigment can stain your hair with frequent use and leave you with a nasty green/blue tinge!
Here’s the thing: it’s designed to counteract warm tones in your hair, so if you’re using it every day, you could be stripping away some of your natural hair color.
That being said, if you’re careful about not overusing it, daily blue shampooing can be perfectly fine. Mix a small amount in with your regular shampoo.
Just make sure to follow up with a conditioner to keep your strands hydrated.
It’s best to stick to using it once a week to cool and tone your color.
Use regular, sulphate-free shampoos to cleanse your hair in between.
What happens if you leave blue shampoo on too long?
Similarly, don’t leave it in your hair too long!
No more than 5 minutes for really red-toned hair.
You run the risk of it temporarily staining your hair.
If you do notice a blue or green tint to your hair after using it, don’t panic!
You can wash your hair again with a good clarifying shampoo and this should rinse it out.
Can I use blue shampoo right after dyeing my hair?
If you’ve just dyed your hair, you might be wondering if you can use blue shampoo right away.
The answer is maybe.
If you’ve used a semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color, the blue shampoo will probably be fine.
But if you’ve used a permanent hair color, it’s best to wait a few days before using blue shampoo.
This will give the color time to set and avoid any potential problems.
So don’t use it for at least three days after your hair has been colored.
This is because:
- You shouldn’t need to. Your new color shouldn’t need toning so soon!
- Your hair will be more porous after dyeing. Which means it could absorb the blur pigment and become patchy.
If you’re not sure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and wait a few days before using blue shampoo after dying your hair.
How long should I leave blue shampoo on orange hair?
This stuff is a miracle worker when it comes to toning down brassiness in hair. But, how long should you leave it on for maximum effectiveness?
Well, it really depends on how orange your hair is.
For light orange tones, try leaving the shampoo in for about 3-5 minutes.
For darker, more stubborn orange tones, go ahead and leave it on for up to 10 minutes. Pro tip: don’t overdo it!
Leaving blue shampoo on for too long can actually turn your hair blue-grey.
So, be patient and let the shampoo work its magic, but don’t forget to rinse it out thoroughly after the desired amount of time.
Happy toning!
Parting words
So, if you’re a brunette who’s looking for ways to keep your hair color from fading, or just wants to add a little shine and coolness back into your locks, using a blue shampoo is the best way to go.
We’ve given you our top recommendations – now it’s up to you to choose which one works best for you!
Now that you know how to keep your brunette hair cool, go ahead and wash away those pesky orange tones!
Good luck!
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
