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The 10 Best Blue Shampoos for Brighter Brunette Hair
Wash away unwanted orange, copper, and red tones
Like all hair colors, brunettes can experience fading, brassiness, and an overall lack of vibrancy. Fortunately, using a blue shampoo can help if you're in between salon appointments, helping to neutralize copper, orange, or red tones that aren't quite what you and your colorist envisioned.
"Similar to purple shampoo for blondes, very light brunettes can use blue shampoo to help to neutralize those brassy tones that can come from oxidation or just being in the sun," explains Rae-Ann Cotto, colorist at NYC the Team Hair Salon. However, she warns that "If you’re on the dark brown side of the [hair color] spectrum, you probably won’t see a difference with this shampoo, as dark brown and black don’t oxidize as often."
Whether you have dark blonde or brown hair, here are our top picks for the best blue shampoos for brunettes, along with expert advice from Cotto to keep your color looking fresh from the salon.
Pros
- Can be left on longer for more toning
Cons
- Some reviewers noted it doesn't have a rich lather
Cotto recommends this blue-violet shampoo from Matrix, which helps neutralize brassiness in lighter brunettes and darker blonde shades.
Who It's For: light brown or dark blonde color treated and natural hair
Customer Review:
"It works best if you leave it on for 2-5 minutes in my experience (for light brunettes). Good for my oily fine hair, doesn't leave residue." —Christina
Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
Pros
- Very potent formula
Cons
- Formula may be drying
Orange roots and brassiness are no match for this shampoo from Joico. Because it's a true ocean blue, it works best with true brunettes rather than those with blonde highlights.
Who It's For: lightened brunette hair
Customer Review:
"It worked for me from the first use. I definitely saw an improvement in overall brassiness. It is drying so use a deep conditioner after using." —Brandy
Pros
- Has kadaku plum and baobab seed extract to replenish moisture
Cons
- Some reviewers said it left hair with a filmy feeling
Even though you don't have to use blue shampoo for every wash, having a formula that coddles hair is still nice. That's the case with this shampoo from Bondi Boost, which has strengthening and hydrating ingredients and color-neutralizing pigments.
Who It's For: color-treated brunettes
Customer Review:
"The way this has brightened up my hair!! So so good. I don't have the time or money to dye it at the moment and this is getting me by! Gives so much life back into my hair!" —Samantha
John Frieda Blue Crush for Brunettes Blue Shampoo
Pros
- Has a clean floral scent
Cons
- Some reviewers said still complained of staining
John Frieda's shampoo does everything you're looking for—cools down brassiness, brightens up highlights, and doesn't over-dry hair—for the right price. Plus, it's formulated with a "tri-dye blend" of pigments meant to help minimize staining.
Who It's For: Color-treated and natural brunettes
Customer Review:
"Hair felt clean after using this shampoo. With color treated hair, of course, you can’t use a detoxifying and/or clarifying shampoo so this was a great solution. Would buy again!" —Busy Mom
Pros
- Gentle cleansing
Cons
- Works more slowly
More on the violet side than straight-up blue, this botanical-rich shampoo brightens up blonde, light brown, and silver hair. The color is less concentrated than other shampoos on this list, so expect to see results over a couple of weeks, rather than after a single wash.
Who It's For: natural and color-treated hair, as well as grey hair
Customer Review:
"This product actually works. I have iron in my water and it tends to make my hair a bit orangey. The product took out the orange in my hair with the first application." —Jennifer S.
Fanola No Orange Shampoo
Pros
- Reduces copper and red tones
Cons
- Reviewers warned that it can stain
Don't worry, dark-haired folks: You can use blue shampoo too. This formula has richer blue pigment to counter orange, copper, and red tones in medium to dark brown hair—and it really, really works. Just beware of staining because of that extra pigment!
Who It's For: colored hair with dark tones
Customer Review:
"It’s a bit scary putting dark blue shampoo in your lighter orange hair. Don’t be, this works. I’d leave it on around 5 minutes. If you get a little blue just shampoo with regular shampoo. Smells good too." —Sara
Pros
- Vegan
Cons
- Some reviewers found the scent too strong
In addition to powerful blue pigment, dpHUE's shampoo has a boost of silk proteins to lend softness and shine. The result? Color that looks salon-fresh, not brittle.
Who It's For: Color-treated brunette hair
Customer Review:
"Easy to use, I use it with the cool brunette conditioner and my hair is soft and shiny." —Lillian
Pros
- Lovely scent
Cons
- Bottle is on the small side
This shampoo utilizes natural blue tansy and spirulina to help give it that color-neutralizing boost, as well as added fatty acids and amino acids to strengthen hair.
Who It's For: Color-treated and natural hair
Customer Review:
"I use this when my hair is looking a little brassy and a little goes a long way! I only use about 1-2 pumps and it gives me a full lather. It smells amazing and doesn’t stain my scalp, even though it looks like it would because the color is so vivid." —Payten
Pros
- Works across a wide range of hair colors
Cons
- Some reviewers complained of staining
This shampoo contains moringa oil and quinoa proteins, which help condition hair while cooling down warm tones. Gourmand fans will also love the sweet fragrance.
Who It's For: Color-treated and natural brunettes and dark blondes
Customer Review:
"It's got a great smell. My hair looks more health and feels great. The brunette color looks brilliant." —Cassie K
Pros
- Gives you the most control
Cons
- The concentrated amount of pigment may take trial and error
If you'd rather stick with your regular shampoo, you might consider these toning drops from Amika; rather than swapping in an entirely new formula, you simply mix in a few drops with your shampoo (or conditioner!) whenever you please.
Who It's For: Those who want maximum control over their color toning.
Customer Review:
"These drops are a must have if you are a brunette. The tone it gives my color is so natural. Just add a few drops in my regular shampoo and it makes such a difference!!" —Amy W.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you use blue shampoo?
Blue shampoo should not replace your regular shampoo. Rather, you can swap it in every few washes—or even mix it with your go-to formula. "I suggest using blue shampoo one to two times per month and diluting it with your regular shampoo," advises Cotto. Mix one to two pumps of regular shampoo with one pump of blue shampoo and mix in your hands until it’s a light blue or lavender color—then use!"
Can blue shampoo turn your hair blue?
The shampoo does have blue pigment so it can happen, particularly if you have a lighter hair color. "If you have a more intense shampoo, your hair can turn blue. However, most blue shampoos will just turn your hair ashy gray at the most," says Cotto. "If this happens, don’t worry! One or two regular shampoos will rinse it out!"
Meet the Expert
- Rae-Ann Cotto is a colorist at NYC the Team Hair Salon in New York.
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