If you are a brunette that bleaches or color treats your hair to make it blonde, then you probably have experienced some tones in your hair that you do not like. Maybe you get yellow or orange tones. I am right there with you, girl! It was not until the end of 2019 that I realized what the best shampoo for brunette colored hair really is when it comes to removing those yucky tones. I want to share this with you all because you might be in the same boat as me- not knowing that blue shampoo even exists. Yes, you read that right, blue shampoo!
Purple vs. Blue Shampoo
I was on Youtube one night and a video for blue shampoo for brunettes came up in my suggested videos. I have no idea why it was suggested, since I do not watch any related content, but I am so grateful that it did! All these years I have been trying out different purple shampoos and conditioners, and either not seeing any results, or not seeing all of the results that I want.
As it turns out, purple shampoo and conditioners are made for natural blondes. For brunettes that make their hair blonde, we are to be using blue shampoo.
I am going to start by talking about some products currently in my shower that I purchased before finding out about blue shampoo. I have been highlighting my hair since 9th grade, and I am at the point where my hair is mostly blonde. But, I am a natural brunette.
Some Purple Shampoo and Conditioners
Below I am showing Loreal’s Ever Pure Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner. I have been using this stuff for many years now. The purple is very light and pastel in color. Honestly, it does not take the yucky tones out of my hair, but it at least it smells good and makes my hair soft! If you are a natural blonde, then you may want to try this stuff out. I cannot be mad that it does not work on me, since it is not really made for my hair type!
Shimmer Lights purple shampoo actually does give me results! I get the best results from an actual blue shampoo, but Shimmer Lights is pretty good. I attribute that to the purple being so dark and rich in color. They also make a conditioner, but I have never tried that.
The Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Anti-Brass Treatment is really just a conditioner. It smells fruity and delicious, and it does soften my hair. Again, I do not see results color-wise, but I cannot be angry with that. if you are a natural blonde, maybe give this a try as well. It is super pale purple. There is no corresponding shampoo for it.
What Happens When You Lighten Brunette Hair
The reason that brunettes get orange, red, or yellow tones (we call that brassiness) after bleaching or coloring comes from what makes your hair brown in the first place. Brown hair contains plenty of red pigment that needs to be lifted out in order to give you that blonde that you crave. Sometimes the color does not lift fully. But, over time those red tones can creep back and make your hair look brassy. Even a natural blonde can get brassy, which is where those purple shampoos and conditioners come into play. This is really where color theory enters the conversation. A blue shampoo can cancel out those brassy tones on a brunette.
Related Post: Hair Care Routine – Bleached Hair Friendly
The Best Shampoo for Brunette Colored Hair
I started watching plenty of those suggested Youtube videos, because I wanted to know out the door which shampoo was the best shampoo for brunette colored hair without having to any trial and error on my wallet. Each and every time, Matrix’s Total Results Brass Off Color Obsessed Shampoo was the clear winner!
I have been using it for nearly two months now, and this stuff rocks. I got results right away the first time that I used it. The key is to apply it to your hair and to let it be for three to five minutes before rinsing. If you rinse right away then you will not get any benefits! You should wear gloves when using this product. I admit that I do not, but I should.
As time rolls on, I now only use this shampoo once a week, and I do not let it stay on as long. I actually start to get blue/purple streaks in my hair if I overdo it. Not to worry- they do wash out and fade away with normal shampoo. I follow this shampoo up with whatever conditioner that I have.
Conclusion
To sum up my findings, purple shampoo and conditioner is made for natural blondes, while blue shampoo and conditioners are made for brunettes who color or bleach their hair to be blonde. After watching many videos, and with my personal experience, I believe that the best shampoo for brunette colored hair is Matrix’s Total Results Brass Off Color Obsessed Shampoo. I will not be purchasing any more purple products into the future, but, I will use up what I have to get my money’s worth. If you bleach or color your brunette hair, what are your tips for keeping brass at bay? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
Did you know that blue shampoo is a thing?