While you may have heard a lot about purple shampoo, blue shampoo is also a highly effective at-home hair toner. Known for canceling out the brassy orange tones in brunette (or highlighted) hair, blue shampoo is a key product for adding shine, removing dullness, and making your hair look healthier.

Brassy orange and red tones occur naturally, yet they look a little more noticeable (and undesirable) when your hair is color-treated. Finding the right blue toner is important as you want a product that works but won’t dry out your hair in the process - or leave a blue tint behind. I’ve tried a lot of different options at multiple price points in search of the best option. Keep reading for a list of my favorite blue toners, as well as tips on how often to use them and the difference between blue shampoos and conditioners.

blue shampoo before and after on highlighted brown hair

the best blue shampoo for brunette hair

Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo - Aveda isn’t my go-to hair brand, but it’s been around for a long time and is known for high-quality products. This was more expensive than I would typically spend, but I know the bulk size will last me a long time, especially since a little goes a long way. The results make the price worth it; this shampoo suds well without drying your hair, adds shine, and is gentle enough that it won’t tangle wiry hair.

Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Hair Gloss - Technically a treatment instead of a shampoo, this is a great option for dark brown hair. It subtly cancels out all brassiness without adding a blue tint, and adds an incredible about of shine since it’s a gloss. It’s also hydrating, and leaves your hair soft and frizz-free.

dpHUE Cool Brunette Shampoo - This is pricier than I thought it would be, and also a little drying, so I wouldn’t use it too often. I did like the way it provided a subtle tone and shine, and the blue was light enough that I didn’t worry about this staining my hair, scalp, shower, or hands. The scent is very light and fresh, so it’s ideal if you are sensitive to heavy fragrance. The brand makes a Cool Brunette Conditioner, which I would recommend over the shampoo if your hair is heavily damaged, prone to breakage, grey, or wiry.

the best budget-friendly blue shampoo for brunette hair

Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo - Still a little pricy at $20 a bottle, this is the most budget-friendly blue shampoo I’ve found that tones your hair without completely drying it out or stripping it of its color. It is still a little drying, so I recommend either mixing it with your normal shampoo or leaving it on for less time than intended, and be sure to follow-up with a hydrating hair mask. This one is the best, most cost-effective mask I’ve used; I’ve repurchased it over 12 times over the years and you can’t beat the hydration it provides for less than $10 per jar.

FAQs about blue shampoo, conditioner, and toners

what does blue shampoo do?

Blue shampoo neutralizes brassy undertones in your hair; these are the orange (and sometimes red) tones you see in darker hair, especially if it has been highlighted. It brightens your hair, adds shine, extends the time you can go between salon visits, and makes your hair color pop. Brassy tones can occur naturally, which is why your hair stylist custom-creates your color to combat this. As the weeks pass between appointments, environmental factors, heat damage, pollution, hard water, and product buildup can dull the color so adding a blue shampoo or conditioner to your regimen helps bring your hair back to life.

what’s the difference between blue shampoo vs conditioner?

Both shampoo and conditioner will provide you with great results, but I find that blue shampoo is a little harsher and more likely to dry out your hair. If you have fine, dry, or damaged hair, I would stick with a blue conditioner as it’ll tone your hair while also hydrating it.

how often should you use blue shampoo or conditioner?

It’s recommended to use blue toner about once a week for highlighted hair, or every other week if your hair is darker. As someone who washes her hair daily, I prefer to use a blue conditioner because it’s gentler on my hair; I use it every 10 days or so.

can you use blue shampoo and conditioner together?

You can, but it isn’t necessary. Using both at the same time might even over-tone or tint your hair unless you have very dark hair. Toners are meant to brighten your hair - not lighten the color - so using both won’t dramatically change the overall look.