The Ultimate Guide to Blue Shampoo for Brown Hair: Banishing Brassiness and Boosting Cool Tones

Blue shampoo is a secret weapon for brunettes looking to maintain cool, vibrant color and combat unwanted brassy tones. Unlike regular shampoos, blue shampoos are designed as a color treatment, typically used weekly or less. This comprehensive guide explores how blue shampoo works, how to use it effectively, and highlights some of the best blue shampoos available.

Understanding Blue Shampoo and Its Purpose

Blue shampoo works on the same principles as purple shampoo for blondes. Blue formulations counteract warm tones in brunette hair. Jimmy Green, Education Manager for Redken and Pureology, explains, "Blue shampoos are used to neutralize any unwanted warmth in the hair, so are suited to clients with a brunette base. Warm or orange tones can come through brunette hair naturally, from exposure to the environment or if hair has been lightened. A blue shampoo works to neutralize these unwanted tones, creating a more natural look."

If your goal is to achieve a cool-toned brunette with an ashy finish, blue shampoo is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer to maintain any red or orange tones in your hair, using blue shampoo will have the opposite effect.

How to Use Blue Shampoo Effectively

To get the best results from blue shampoo, it's essential to use it correctly:

• Even Distribution: Unlike traditional shampoos, blue shampoo should be distributed evenly throughout the hair. Zoë Irwin, Colorist and Creative Director at John Frieda Salons, advises, “When people use it at home, they can get an overload of color at the front where they've placed their hands because they haven’t taken it through the hair. When looking at my client I can tell if they've had their hair forwards or backwards when washing based on how much blue is in there.” She recommends combing the shampoo through to ensure even distribution.
• Protecting Highlights: The pigment in blue shampoo tends to grab onto more porous areas, such as highlights or bleached sections. Irwin suggests applying oil to these areas before washing with blue shampoo to ensure even results and maintain hydration. However, if you are aiming for a blue hue, like the trending blue-gray hair color, this porosity can be advantageous.
• Avoid Over-Toning: It’s easier to add color than to remove it, so don’t leave blue shampoo on for too long to avoid over-toning.

Top Blue Shampoos for Brown Hair

Here are some of the best blue shampoos for brown hair, each with unique benefits:

Read also: How to Use Oribe Purple Shampoo

1. Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo: This shampoo is ideal for those seeking instant toning and rich results. Its deeply pigmented formula quickly eliminates brassiness and orange hues. The woman&home team highly recommends it, with senior beauty editor Rhiannon praising its ability to add depth and coolness.

   • Key Ingredients: Citric acid, vegetable protein
   • Pros: Rich, dark blue formula, salon-quality brand, sulfate-free, lathers nicely
   • Cons: May be too rich for some

2. Virtue ColorKick De-Brassing Shampoo: If you're looking for a luxury option, Virtue ColorKick De-Brassing Shampoo is a great choice. It contains the brand's signature Alpha Keratin 60ku® protein to strengthen hair.

   • Key Ingredients: Alpha Keratin 60ku® protein, violet and lavender extracts
   • Pros: Contains protein complex to strengthen hair, subtler toning, smells great
   • Cons: Expensive

3. John Frieda Blue Crush Shampoo: This affordable option contains crushed blue pigments that effectively eliminate orange tones in bleached or highlighted dark brunette hair. Woman&home’s Beauty Editor Stephanie Maylor notes its effectiveness in toning down orange DIY highlights when used with the accompanying conditioner.

   • Key Ingredients: Crushed blue pigments
   • Pros: Affordable, vegan, contains crushed blue pigments for toning, good for very orange hair
   • Cons: Not as luxurious as other options

4. dpHUE Cool Brunette Shampoo: Known for its shine-boosting properties, this shampoo contains silk proteins and hibiscus flower to strengthen hair and enhance vibrancy. Its pearlescent formula effectively tones down brassiness while leaving a pleasant scent. Plus, the entire brand is vegan-friendly.

   • Key Ingredients: Silk proteins, hibiscus flower
   • Pros: Pearlescent formula, nice scent, silk proteins to strengthen hair
   • Cons: None, unless on a tight budget

5. Bouclème Color Toning Drops: These drops are perfect for those with curly hair who want to cool down orange tones without changing their existing hair routine. They can be mixed with any shampoo or conditioner, allowing for customized intensity.

   Read also: Dark Brown Hair with Purple

   • Key Ingredients: Blue spirulina, kangaroo paw flower, banksia, and red spider flower
   • Pros: Suitable for curly hair, can be mixed with any shampoo or conditioner, allows for custom intensity, vegan
   • Cons: Technically not a shampoo

6. L'Oréal Professionnel Chroma Crème Shampoo: This shampoo is a trusted salon-quality option that delivers a great cooling effect and enhances shine. It features exclusive technology and professional tailored dyes for optimal results.

   • Key Ingredients: Caring agents and professional tailored dyes
   • Pros: Trusted salon-quality brand, great cooling effect, adds shine
   • Cons: Harder to find in the US

7. Aussie SOS Brunette Hair Blue Shampoo: A budget-friendly option that effectively cools down brassy tones. Its vegan formula comes in a bottle made from 40% recycled plastic.

   • Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Australian pepperberry
   • Pros: Affordable, rich blue formula, vegan, eco-friendly packaging
   • Cons: Sweet scent may not appeal to everyone

Blue vs. Purple Shampoo: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between blue and purple shampoo depends on the specific tones you want to correct. Jimmy Green advises assessing your hair to determine whether it looks orange or yellow. "If you see orange tones, then a blue shampoo is perfect. However, if the hair is looking more golden yellow then the hair will need more of a violet/purple shampoo. If you see multiple tones, you should consider which tone is more prominent and select your shampoo from there."

Can Blue Shampoo Darken Brown Hair?

While blue shampoo is primarily a toning product, it can give the appearance of darker hair by cooling down warm tones and imparting a smoky vibe. It doesn't darken hair in the same way as a salon coloring session.

How Often Should You Use Blue Shampoo?

The frequency of use depends on how quickly your hair develops brassiness. Justin Anderson, Celebrity Colorist and Founder of dpHUE, recommends using blue shampoo once a week or every other week to maintain a natural, even brunette tone. Overuse can lead to over-toned hair, similar to over-exfoliating the skin.

Read also: Using Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair

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