I'll go ahead and assume you've heard of purple shampoo. (If you haven't, I'll just kindly send you over to our purple-shampoo explainer.) It's a godsend for those with color-treated hair to keep their strands fresh and vibrant in between salon appointments, but it's best for blonde or gray hair with unwanted warm, yellow tones. If you're a brunette (or even a darker blonde), purple doesn't exactly get the job done—blue shampoo, however, is your anti-brassiness BFF.
A little lesson in color theory: Purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel, which is why violet-hued shampoos can easily cancel out yellow tones in hair. Blue sits across from orange, which is what typically sneaks into brunette hair as it turns brassy. Enter blue shampoos!
As a brunette who highlights her hair (and a self-proclaimed color theory nerd—it fascinates me), I've used my fair share of color-correcting formulas and have decided to reveal my favorites. I also reached out to trusted colorists for their personal blue-shampoo recs plus usage tips for your brightest hue yet. Fellow brunettes, I've got you!
The Best Blue Shampoos, Listed
- Best Overall: DPHue Cool Brunette Shampoo
- Best Strengthening: Bondbar Bonding
- Best for Everyday Use: Eva NYC Brass to Sass Brunette Shampoo
- Most Universal: Virtue ColorKick Blue-Purple De-Brassing Shampoo for All Hair Shades
- Best Moisturizing: Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
Best Overall: DPHue Cool Brunette Shampoo
Pros: Leaves hair so soft, doesn't stain, strengthens strands
Cons: Some reviewers say it leaves a residue
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 8.5 ounces
DPHue is known for its color-safe haircare products that deliver salon-quality shine, and its blue shampoo doesn't disappoint! It's the one I personally use the most (along with the brand's at-home glaze to create even more of a glossy, just-left-the-salon finish), and I really notice a difference after one use. I have golden highlights at the moment, but I find it still works to neutralize any brassiness in those lighter tones. Bonus points for the formula's silk amino acids, which help strengthen strands and make my hair feel so silky post-wash.
Best Custom: Hairstory New Wash Original and Blue Boost Duo
Pros: You can control how much pigment goes into each wash, doesn't strip the hair at all, gentle enough to use every single day
Cons: Takes a bit more time to prep than a pre-formulated blue shampoo
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 8 ounces (New Wash), 0.4 ounces (Blue Color Boost)
If you've ever wanted to cosplay as a colorist, this is the duo for you. It comes with the brand's gentle, sulfate-free shampoo (which Sabrina Carpenter uses, by the way), a tube of the blue-boosting solution, and a reusable whisk. While you can squeeze the entire contents of the tube into the tin, theoretically you could customize how much blue pigment you need for each wash. It'll make you feel like a chemist in the best way.
"This product works quickly and delivers amazing results," adds master colorist and Hairstory network stylist Meaghan Masterson. "Additionally, it contains sunflower extract, which helps combat damage in colored hair."
Best Strengthening: Bondbar Bonding Blue Shampoo
Pros: Strengthens hair as it cleanses, delivers results after just one use
Cons: Very pigmented and prone to staining—you might want to wear gloves!
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 8 ounces
Here's the thing about color-correcting shampoos: They're great for neutralizing brassy tones and maintaining vibrant color, but they can often be pretty drying for the hair—especially if you already have thirsty, breakage-prone strands to begin with. That's why celebrity hairstylist Gregory Patterson, DIY color and styling expert for Sally Beauty, recommends this strengthening formula. "This is the first blue shampoo in the market to include clinically proven bonding technology to help neutralize brassiness after one use and significantly brighten brunette hair while hydrating root to ends," he says.
Best for Dark Blondes: Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo
Pros: Versatile, great for overall brightness, budget-friendly
Cons: Not the best for dark brunettes
Sulfate-free: No
Size: 8 ounces
This shampoo is technically marketed toward blondes, but celebrity colorist Kim Kimble (whose clients include Zendaya and Beyoncé, NBD) says it's great for brunettes, too—especially if your hair reads light brunette or dark blonde. "Given the darker bluish-purple hue, [it's] a best-of-both-worlds option and does a great job moisturizing (especially the conditioner!) and neutralizing unwanted brass," she says.
Best for Everyday Use: Eva NYC Brass to Sass Brunette Shampoo
Pros: Lathers well despite being sulfate-free, smells amazing
Cons: Very pigmented, can slightly stain skin
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 8.8 ounces
Introducing a blue shampoo you'll actually want to use daily (or as often as you wash your hair). It's a gentle, sulfate-free formula, so it won't strip your strands of essential moisture, and it smells divine. With juniper berry, sandalwood, and vanilla, it rivals my favorite perfume. Lovely fragrance aside, the toning benefits deliver. In a consumer trial conducted by the brand, 93% of consumers said their hair looks like it was freshly colored after just one use. Impressive!
Best Natural: Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo
Pros: More moisturizing than other options
Cons: Might take a few shampoos to reach peak results
Sulfate-free: No (but the type of sulfates used tend to be less irritating)
Size: 33.8 ounces
For those in the market for plant-based pigments, allow me to point you to Aveda. This shampoo uses blue malva and coneflower to deposit pigment and balance the hair and scalp. The $75 price tag may stop you in your tracks, but keep in mind that you get almost 34 ounces of product (a standard shampoo bottle is around eight ounces), so it's essentially a value size. It's technically marketed toward gray hair, but all shades of brunette can benefit from the blue hue.
Best for Curls: DevaCurl No-Poo Blue Anti-Brass Zero Lather Toning Cleanser
Pros: Very gentle and hydrating, contains a Smart Porosity Neutralizing Complex for balanced pigment
Cons: Doesn't have much of a lather
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 12 ounces
Curls and coils tend to be delicate and prone to dryness—color-treated curls even more so! That said, curly girls need a gentle color-correcting shampoo to effectively neutralize brassiness without stripping already thirsty strands. This sulfate-free formula from DevaCurl does just that. It's gentle, hydrating, and includes a Smart Porosity Neutralizing Complex for a uniform tone. Highly porous sections of hair tend to absorb more of the pigment, which is why this complex balances out the porosity of your whole mane.
Most Universal: Virtue ColorKick Blue-Purple De-Brassing Shampoo for All Hair Shades
Pros: Doesn't stain, strengthening formula, doesn't dry out hair
Cons: Expensive
Sulfate-free: Yes
Size: 8 ounces
Imagine a blue and purple shampoo had a baby—that's this Virtue number. It's great for all shades of blonde, brunette, and silver, with a blue-purple tint that brightens the hair and kicks brassiness to the curb. I also appreciate how sheer the pigment is; it effectively deposits pigment without staining my skin or shower, which is a major plus. It also features Virtue's proprietary protein, Alpha Keratin 60ku, to simultaneously repair and protect fragile strands.
Best Moisturizing: Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
Pros: Helps eliminate frizz, great for highlights
Cons: Contains fragrance
Sulfate-free: No
Size: 10 ounces
If you frequently deal with frizz (raises hand), a moisturizing shampoo infused with smoothing oils is a must. This blue shampoo features a "smart release technology" that continuously releases rose-hip oil, arginine, and keratin into your locks long after you rinse, so your strands remain hydrated and protected (which results in less frizz!). Joico products always leave my mane feeling so silky, and this high-tech number is no different.
What to Look for in Blue Shampoo
"Look for a blue shampoo that has a mega dose of hydration," says Patterson. "While toning shampoos work to help neutralize any unwanted brassy tones in our hair, they can oftentimes be very drying." Seek out healthy hair hydrators like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and plenty of nourishing oils (jojoba, avocado, argan, etc.).
"Additionally, pay close attention to the ingredient list; some brands use harsh dyes, such as fabric dyes, which can negatively affect your hair color and overall hair health," advises Masterson.
Who Should Use Blue Shampoo?
"Blue shampoos are best for brunettes and dark-level blondes that are showing a lot of brass tones in the form of orange and orange-yellow (predominantly orange)," explains Patterson.
It's also best for those with color-treated hair looking for a tune-up in between salon appointments; you could use blue shampoo on virgin brunette hair to make your natural color appear richer, but it's best suited for dye that has accrued red or orange undertones.
What's the Difference Between Blue and Purple Shampoo?
It's a good question! Both options keep your color nice and vibrant in slightly different ways. "Blue neutralizes more orangey/red brassy tones, whereas purple neutralizes yellow tones," explains Kimble. (Remember that quick color theory lesson above?) Translation: Purple shampoos are great for keeping blonde locks looking icy, while blue shampoos help brunettes retain their richness.
Dark blondes can also use blue shampoos, as Patterson notes above, whereas lighter, champagne blondes might fare better with a purple option. Some people even choose to use both in their routines if they notice yellow and orange tones in their hair. "Blue and purple shampoos work differently but can also support each other depending on your unique hair needs," Kimble adds.
How To Use Blue Shampoo
Using any toning shampoo requires a slightly different method—you don't want to just plop it on your roots, give it a scrub, and wash it right out. Rather, both Patterson and Masterson recommend first cleansing with your regular or clarifying shampoo then following up with your blue-tinged option. "This method ensures that the hair is free of impurities, allowing the blue shampoo to effectively tone the hair for the best results," Masterson explains.
"Begin your application where your hair is brassiest so that it receives the majority of the blue pigment," Patterson shares. "Massage it through, and let it sit for three to five minutes."
If you have super-dry, damaged ends or high-porosity hair in general, you might want to apply conditioner before blue shampoo to act as a barrier between the cleanser and your strands. That way, Patterson says, you avoid over-toning those areas and leaving behind a temporary blue tint.
Why Trust Who What Wear?
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
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