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Your freshly dyed locks were looking great, but now it seems they have an orangey glow. No, it’s not your aura; it’s discoloration. What caused this brassy hue, and how do we correct it? "All haircolor fades warm," explains color expert Carly Militello from Cutler Salon, "This is unavoidable due to the natural underlying pigment in the hair." For instance, if you have dark brown hair, it’ll fade red, light brunettes can fade to orange, and light blondes can turn yellow. "More often than not, if your highlights keep going orange, they may not have been lifted enough or processed properly at the salon," says Militello, but this is a very common problem when you dye your hair, and usually, it’s an over-the-counter fix. Fortunately, science has provided a solution in the form of purple and blue shampoo to prolong visits to the salon and preserve your color-treated hair.
Wait, what’s the difference between blue and purple shampoo?
Blue shampoo is the lesser-known stepsister to purple shampoo and is equally attractive to the right hair type. It was designed for brunettes to counteract orange tones and should not be used on lighter hair as it’s a much stronger formula than purple shampoo. Blondes banish brassiness using purple shampoo, which fights yellow undertones. It contains violet pigments that neutralize the strands into a cool blonde tone. However, Militello wisely warns us to use these shampoos sparingly. Thanks to recommendations given to us by Militello and fellow beauty editors, we’ve curated a list to help you on your hair journey so you’ll never deal with unwanted orange hues again.
1Best Blue Shampoo for Brunettes
Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo
1Best Blue Shampoo for Brunettes
Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo
$20 at Ulta Beauty$33 at Walmart$25 at JCPenneyCredit: Matrix
Stamped with our seal of approval, this formula deposits neutralizing blue-violet pigments that reduce brassy hues in brunette-highlighted hair.
2Best Blue Shampoo for Dark Hair
Redken Color Extend Brownlights Blue Shampoo
2Best Blue Shampoo for Dark Hair
Redken Color Extend Brownlights Blue Shampoo
Now 55% Off$16 at WalmartCredit: Redken
Highly recommended by Militello for brunettes or balayage-treated hair, Color Extend Brownlights gently cleans the hair without stripping your color.
3Best Affordable Blue Shampoo
Not Your Mother’s Triple Threat Brunette Blue Treatment Shampoo
3Best Affordable Blue Shampoo
Not Your Mother’s Triple Threat Brunette Blue Treatment Shampoo
$19 at WalmartCredit: Not Your Mother’s
Tone out unwanted color from your hair while keeping your color vibrant. Plus, it has a glorious amber woody scent.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best Blue Shampoo for Brunettes
Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
4Best Blue Shampoo for Brunettes
Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
$30 at Ulta Beauty$27 at Walmart$30 at NordstromCredit: Olaplex
A little product goes a long way; it’s so highly concentrated that after a single use, it reduces bronzy orange hues and removes damaging buildup. If ever in doubt, reach for Olaplex. It’s a fan favorite for a reason.
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John Frieda Blue Crush for Brunettes Blue Shampoo
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John Frieda Blue Crush for Brunettes Blue Shampoo
Now 11% Off$11 at WalmartCredit: John Frieda
Restore rich brunette hair between salon visits using Blue Crush. Unlike other formulas, this one was designed for frequent use and is gentle on the hair.
6Best Shampoo for Blondes
Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo
6Best Shampoo for Blondes
Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo
$75 at Aveda Credit: Aveda
Brunettes and blondes searching for a natural base formula, try Blue Malva Shampoo. It neutralizes brassy tones in all shades and is vegan-approved.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best Blue Shampoo for Orange Hair
Fanola No Orange Shampoo and Mask
7Best Blue Shampoo for Orange Hair
Fanola No Orange Shampoo and Mask
$33 at WalmartCredit: Fanola
Tried and true, this shampoo nourishes your hair with gardenia milk and antioxidants while removing bronzy qualities and orange undertones.
8Best Blue Shampoo for Shine
L’Ange Brunette Boost
8Best Blue Shampoo for Shine
L’Ange Brunette Boost
$23 at L’Ange Credit: L’ange
It’s all in the name. Every brunette needs a boost, and L’Ange is serving up the ultimate shine while removing unwanted orange-brassy tones.
9Best Cruelty-Free Blue Shampoo
dpHUE Cool Brunette Shampoo
9Best Cruelty-Free Blue Shampoo
dpHUE Cool Brunette Shampoo
$28 at Nordstrom$28 at Dermstore$28 at Ulta BeautyCredit: dpHUE
Get rid of orange and red undertones using this blue shampoo. This cruelty-free brand strengthens your strands and leaves them silky and soft.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10
Fudge Cool Brunette Blue-Toning Shampoo
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Fudge Cool Brunette Blue-Toning Shampoo
$20 at WalmartCredit: Fudge
Using Opti-PLEX technology, this brand instantly erases red and orange tones from your brunette locks for smooth, weightless strands.
