You might want to turn to blue shampoo if your hair is turning a brassy orange. A simple wash can really turn back the time on your gorgeous, coloured hair.
Blue shampoos are typically used to neutralise brassiness in brown hair, since blue is opposite to orange on the colour wheel.
Whether you have brown hair or caramel-coloured highlights, a blue shampoo may be just what you need to eliminate those orange hues.
In this article, we’ll be sharing the differences between blue shampoo and purple shampoo. You can also expect a few before-and-after photos as well as a list of the best blue shampoos for brassy hair.
Blue shampoo vs. purple shampoo
Photo source: @matrix on Instagram
If you’ve heard of colour toning shampoos, you might have seen purple shampoos and wondered how it differs from a blue shampoo.
Purple shampoo is used to eliminate the yellow colours that can surface in blonde hair. This works because purple is the opposite of yellow on the colour wheel, similar to how blue is the opposite of orange.
After identifying the undertones you want to eliminate, it is easy to choose between blue shampoo and purple shampoo. In fact, we’ve even got a list of best purple shampoos if you want to maintain your blonde hair.
How to use blue shampoo
Photo source: @matrix on Instagram
Adding blue shampoo into your regular shower routine is a very simple process. You just need to use it a few times a month or at most every other time you wash your hair.
Here are the steps to use a blue shampoo:
- Wear some gloves to save your nails from being stained blue.
- Wet your hair and massage the blue shampoo in. Try to apply it as evenly as possible from root to tip.
- Allow the shampoo to sit according to product instructions. Usually, the longer it sits, the more it will work. (But don’t leave it on too long, as you can end up with blue strands!)
- Rinse off the blue shampoo and follow up with your usual conditioner and other haircare products.
- Admire your brass-free hair in the mirror and enjoy those beautiful tresses.
The results after using a blue shampoo
Here are a few before and after photos of how blue shampoo can really help to get rid of those brassy tones. You’ll also be able to get a better idea of what you can look forward to.
Photo source: @thatbrunettelauren on Instagram
This is a great example of how effective a blue shampoo can be, as it really does take away those bright orange tones.
Photo source: @fudgehair.nederland on Instagram
Another straightforward example, you can prepare to say goodbye to those brassy hues and restore your brown hair to the cool darkness it used to have.
Photo source: @belleandglow on Instagram
Although this isn’t a before-and-after photo, this truly shows how effective a blue shampoo can be, as this girl could keep her balayage locks almost the same caramel shade after many months.
Best blue shampoos for brassy hair
Blue shampoos under S$30
Not Your Mother's Triple Threat Brunette Blue Treatment Shampoo Vegan
This blue shampoo is one of the few vegan-friendly formulas out there, so we’re really into this.
Featuring blue tansy oil, this shampoo can gently cleanse and moisturise both natural and colour treated hair.
It retails for US$8.99 (~S$12.51) for 237ml.
Eva Nyc Brass to Sass Brunette Shampoo MOST REVIEWED, VEGAN
This is by far the most well-loved blue shampoo on Ulta as it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and a whopping 2,531 reviews at the time of writing.
Many love the rich and creamy texture and how it not only made their hair less brassy, but also more healthy.
It retails for US$12.99 (~S$18.08) for 260ml.
John Frieda Blue Crush for Bruenttes Blue Shampoo
Enjoy a cooler, brighter head of brown hair with this brass-fighting blue shampoo featuring crushed blue pigments.
Some reviews report that this is a little drying for the hair, so be sure to follow up with a hydrating mask or thick conditioner.
It retails for US$12.99 (~S$18.08) for 245ml.
Schwarzkopf Goodbye Orange
This is a highly-pigmented wash for instant tonal deposit that counteracts underlying orange and red tones. What’s great is that it’s vegan and free from animal-derived ingredients too.
A combination of colour deposits and active washing substances allows for neutralising, cleansing, and care in a single step.
It retails for S$21.50 for 300ml.
Matrix Total Results Brass Off Blue Shampoo for Brunettes
Blue-violet pigments are used to neutralise those brassy tones while refreshing your hair with cool tones.
This blue shampoo is safe for both colour treated and natural hair, so go ahead and shampoo away.
It retails for US$20 (~S$27.83) for 300ml.
Fudge Cool Brunette Shampoo
This is a luxurious shampoo that effectively eliminates impurities while targeting unwanted red and orange tones in colour treated hair.
Although this product isn’t vegan, it’s not tested on animals.
It retails for S$26 for 250ml.
Blue shampoos under S$60
Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
You can enjoy the instant neutralisation of orange tones and brassiness thanks to its rich, toning ingredients.
This is formulated with a one-of-a-kind liposome delivery system that continuously releases rosehip oil, arginine, and keratin to repair and strengthen your hair.
It retails for S$32 for 300ml.
Fanola No Orange Shampoo
Formulated with a rich blue pigment, this shampoo cancels out unwanted orange, red, and copper tones.
Using this blue shampoo once every three washes should keep your brunette tresses on point.
It retails for S$32.90 for 1,000ml.
Redken Colour Extend Brownlights Blue Toning Sulfate-Free Shampoo
This colour-depositing blue shampoo is great for preventing orange and red undertones in brunette hair.
It’s also a sulfate-free formula, so you can expect a gentle cleanse which will prolong your cool tones without stripping your hair colour.
It retails for US$24 (~S$33.41) for 300ml.
DevaCurl NO-POO BLUE Anti-Brass Zero Lather Toning Cleanser VEGAN
Those with colour treated curls will benefit the most from this vegan and cruelty-free blue shampoo.
It has got a smart porosity neutralising complex to equalise porosity while reducing brassiness. The result? Ultimate curl flexibility, shape, and definition.
It retails for US$28 (~S$38.98) for 355ml.
dpHUE Cool Brunette Shampoo VEGAN
This blue shampoo is formulated without a long list of ingredients. It is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, and silicone.
It won’t strip or dull your coloured hair, leaving it fresh and brass-free between salon visits.
It retails for US$28 (~S$38.98) for 250ml.
Bouclème Toning Drops
While this isn’t a shampoo, you can turn any shampoo of your choice into a brass-neutralising one with a few drops of this.
Just add a couple of drops to your shampoo or conditioner. Then, go through your haircare routine as usual. You can also leave it on for five minutes before washing it out.
It retails for S$46.50 for 30ml.
Blue shampoos under S$130
Featured image credit: matrix_with_love & thatbrunettelauren
