Best Shampoo for Blue Hair: Top Toning Shampoos to Neutralize Brassiness
Blue-toned shampoos help neutralize brassy orange and red tones in dyed or naturally cool-toned hair. This guide highlights five widely used options, spanning professional formulas and consumer favorites, each designed to deposit blue pigments, protect color, and refresh cool tones. Read on to compare their key benefits, application notes, and what to expect for different hair colors and conditions.
Summary of selected products
| Product | Brand | Core Benefit | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo | Matrix | Neutralizes brassy tones with blue-violet pigments | 8.5 oz |
| Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo | Joico | Brightens color and counters orange/brass with blue pigments | 10.1 oz |
| Luseta Blue Shampoo & Conditioner Set | L Luseta | Counteracts orange/copper hues; preserves cool tones | 2x 16.9 oz |
| Celeb Luxury Colorwash (Blue) | Celeb Luxury | Semi-permanent blue color depositing wash | 8.25 oz |
| EVA NYC Brass to Sass Brunette Shampoo | EVA NYC | Neutralizes brassy red/orange tones in brunette hair | 8.8 oz |
Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo
Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo tones brassy undertones in dark brunettes and lightened blondes. It deposits blue-violet pigments to neutralize brass in a single wash, while nourishing color-treated or natural hair. This multi-tasking formula supports cool-toned results without heavy residue, making it suitable for regular use between salon visits.
Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo neutralizes orange and brassy tones while boosting shine. Its blue pigments attach to hair to quickly counteract brassiness, and the formula includes green tea extract and UV absorbers to help fight fading and tonal shifts, supporting color longevity for treated hair.
Luseta Blue Shampoo & Conditioner Set
The Luseta blue shampoo targets orange and copper hues, while the accompanying conditioner locks in color vibrancy. The set is designed for color-treated and dyed hair, helping to maintain cool tones and extend the life of blue-inflected color between salon visits. A strand test is recommended before full application.
Celeb Luxury Colorwash (Blue)
Celeb Luxury Colorwash is a professional semi-permanent color-depositing shampoo that delivers a bold blue tone. As a temporary color solution, it deposits pigment with each wash, helping to refresh blue shades or experiment with new hues without long-term commitment.
EVA NYC Brass to Sass Brunette Shampoo
This blue-toned shampoo is designed for brunettes seeking to neutralize brassy red and orange tones. It includes Blue Tansy for conditioning and is formulated to be gentle on color-treated hair, while Spirulina and Juniper Berry enrich hair with nutrients for a healthy finish.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Blue Hair Shampoos
- Color depositing vs. color refreshing: Decide whether you want a semi-permanent color deposit (more dramatic, longer-lasting) or a lighter toning effect (more frequent use, softer results).
- Hair type and level of processing: For color-treated or fine hair, look for formulas labeled as gentle or sulfate-free to minimize color fade and scalp irritation.
- Pigment intensity and tone: Blue-based toners range from blue-violet to deep blue. Choose a product whose pigment strength matches your starting undertones and desired outcome.
- UV protection and antioxidants: Some shampoos include UV absorbers or botanical extracts to help defend against color fading and environmental damage.
- Usage frequency: Heavier toning formulas may be used less often (weekly or biweekly), while lighter toning shampoos are suitable for more regular use to maintain cool tones.
- Pairing with conditioners: Color-brightening sets (shampoo + conditioner) help preserve vibrancy and even tone across lengths, reducing brassiness over time.
- Strand testing: Always perform a strand test when trying a new blue shampoo to check for color payoff and potential staining, especially on porous hair.
- Allergen and sulfate considerations: If you have sensitive skin or environmental concerns, consider sulfate-free or fragrance-free options and review ingredient lists for potential irritants.