Discolored hair is a nightmate. That includes orange, brassy tones, which many experience after bleaching or dying their hair.
Most people also develop unwanted orange undertones at some point in their life.
The experts, such as L’Oreal Paris, have many fixes for this – including blue shampoo.
This special type of toning shampoo has become popular. This, and purple shampoo for blondes, has made it easier than ever to correct hair color.
So lets talk about how you can use blue shampoo on orange hair (or brassy hair) to get rid of the color.
Why Your Hair Turns Orange & Brassy
Before we get to blue shampoo, let’s talk about why your hair turns orange and brassy.
Sometimes, after bleaching or lightening your hair, you start to notice an unwanted orange or brassy hue.
This can be frustrating, but don’t worry. We’ll explain why it happens and help you understand how to fix it:
- Combat underlying pigments in your hair
- Dealing with mineral deposits
- Watch out for the sun
Underlying Pigments In Your Hair
First, understand that hair contains various underlying pigments. When you bleach or dye your hair, you’re trying to remove these pigments to achieve your desired color.
Sometimes certain pigments aren’t removed completely. In the case of brassiness, it’s often because the bleach didn’t fully remove all the orange tones. This leaves your hair with an orange and brassy appearance.
If this is the case, you can read more about blue shampoo on bleached hair here.
Mineral Deposits
Another factor that can contribute to brassiness is if you have iron or mineral deposits in your water. When these interact with your hair, it can turn orange or red and look dull or limp.
The Sun
Additionally, UV rays from the sun can speed up this oxidation process, further contributing to the brassy tones in your hair.
So, how can you fix this problem?
One solution is using blue or purple shampoo at home. These shampoos contain pigments that help neutralize the orange and yellow tones in your hair. This cancels out the brassiness.
Does Blue Shampoo Work on Orange Hair?
Yes, blue shampoo works on orange hair. It’s designed to neutralize brassy, orange tones in brunette hair or color-treated brown hair. Blue shampoo on orange hair can help even out and balance the color.
Blue shampoo won’t have the same effect on yellow tones – that’s where purple shampoo comes in handy.
Fixing Orange hair
While blue shampoo is great, it’s not the only way to combat brassiness. Here’s a video from hair expert Brad Mondo who explains more about other solutions.
How Does Blue Shampoo Combat Orange Hair?
Blue shampoo makes use of the color blue to neutralize orange. That’s the basic idea.
What Is Blue Shampoo?
Blue shampoo is a special type of shampoo designed to neutralize orange and brassy tones in hair. It is made for brunettes and anyone with darker hair.
The magic in blue shampoo lies in its pigments. Blue shampoos contain color-correcting blue pigments that work by following the principles of the color wheel.
Blue Pigments Counters Orange
To understand how blue shampoo combats orange tones in hair, we need to look at the color wheel.
Colors that are across from each other on the color wheel are considered complementary or opposite colors. In this case, blue is the opposite color of orange.
When you apply blue shampoo to your orange or brassy hair, the blue pigments in the shampoo neutralize the orange tones.
Essentially, the blue cancels out the orange, resulting in a more balanced hair color.
Remember, blue shampoo works best on hair with orange or brassy undertones caused by artificial hair pigments. This includes bleaching or dyeing. If your orange hair color is natural, blue shampoo might not be as effective in lightening it.
How to Use Blue Shampoo for Orange Hair
Blue shampoo is easy to use. But there are a few things to look out for. So make sure you understand how to use it:
- Application
- Frequency
- Duration
- How long it takes before you can see results
To use blue shampoo on your orange hair, wet your hair in the shower and apply the blue shampoo like you would with a regular shampoo.
Make sure you cover all the brassy areas.
After massaging it into your hair, rinse it out and follow with a conditioner made for color-treated hair.
Read more about how to use blue shampoo.
How Often to Use Blue Shampoo on Orange Hair
You don’t need to use blue shampoo every time you wash your hair. Instead, use it once or twice a week. This will keep your color fresh and avoid over-toning.
Some may even see results using it every two weeks. You need to assess your hair color after each use.
How Long to Leave Blue Shampoo in Orange Hair
Leave the blue shampoo in your hair for two to five minutes. This allows the color-correcting pigments enough time to counteract the orange tones.
Any longer and your hair can develop a blue tint. If needed, you can gradually increase the duration in future applications.
How Long Does Blue Shampoo Take to Remove Orange Tones?
The speed at which blue shampoo works to remove orange tones can vary. But, you should notice a difference after your first use. After a few applications, your hair should appear less brassy, with a cooler, more neutral tone.
If you still have some stubborn orange tones, you may want to consult a professional hairstylist for additional color-correcting options.
Benefits Beyond Brassiness
Blue shampoos have many advantages beyond banishing the orange brassy tones in your hair. Thanks to the blue pigments, they can rejuvenate your locks while imparting a gorgeous shine.
Enhance Health & Hair
One of the benefits of blue shampoo is its ability to enhance the overall health and appearance of your hair. The unique blend of violet and blue pigments in these shampoos can neutralize unwanted brassiness.
This makes your hair color look fresh and vibrant again.
Balance
When you lighten your hair with bleach, the color can sometimes come out looking too orange or too yellow. Blue shampoos counteract this by saturating your hair with cool-toned pigments.
This cancels out the warm tones and create a better balance.
Extra Shine
Blue shampoos can also help improve the shine and smoothness of your hair. They often contain nourishing ingredients to help repair damage caused by bleaching or lightening treatments.
Some blue shampoos don’t. But in any case, it’s wise to use conditioner after your blue shampoo.
Prolonged Hair Life
Another great aspect of blue shampoo is its gentle formula. It is designed to cleanse without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
This helps maintain the health of your hair and scalp. And, it prolongs the life of your color.
Why Blue Shampoo Isn’t Working for You
If your blue shampoo isn’t working, it may be because it’s not the right shampoo for you. Blue shampoo targets orange tones, so if you have yellow brassy hair, it won’t work as well.
There are also other reasons why it might not work:
- You’re not leaving it on long enough.
- You using it too little.
- You’re using other bad hair products that give you more brassy orange hair.
Blue Shampoo: Before & After (What to Expect)
If you’re not sure whether you should use blue shampoo, pay attention. In the following section, we describe what your hair looks like, if you need it.
We’ll also cover what you should expect after using it.
Before Blue Shampoo
If you have lightened or highlighted brown hair and it’s turned orange or brassy, blue shampoo can help neutralize those unwanted tones.
Before using blue shampoo, your hair may appear dull, with a noticeable orange hue. This will particularly be in the areas where highlights or pre-lightened hair is prominent.
This brassiness can make your hair color look uneven and unappealing.
After Blue Shampoo
After using blue shampoo, expect your hair to look rejuvenated and more vibrant. The blue pigments will leave you with a cooler, ash brown or caramel color. This depends on your hair’s natural shade or the color treatment.
The shampoo won’t turn your hair blue. It will instead provide a noticeable difference in the tone and overall appearance of your hair.
To keep your hair looking its best, incorporate blue shampoo into your hair care routine. It’s a simple, effective way to ensure your color stays fresh and brass-free.
Choose the Best Blue Shampoo
It’s important to find a product that suits your hair type and specific needs. Let’s explore some of the top blue shampoos that are popular and highly recommended.
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-free options are important if you have a sensitive scalp or want to avoid harsh chemicals.
Some sulfate-free blue shampoos you can try include:
- dphue Cool Brunette Shampoo: This gentle formula will help neutralize brassy tones while keeping your hair soft and moisturized.
- DevaCurl No-Poo Blue Anti-Brass Zero Lather Toning Cleanser: Ideal for curly-haired brunettes, this product eliminates brassiness and maintains the health of your curls.
Budget
If you’re on a budget, Not Your Mother’s Triple Threat Brunette Blue Treatment Shampoo is a great choice. It helps neutralize orange tones and adds shine to your hair without breaking the bank.
Premium
In case you’re looking for a top-of-the-line option, try Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo. It’s a splurge, but it’s known to effectively tone down brassiness. It also providing nourishment to your hair.
Well-Known
For those who prefer products from well-known brands, you might consider:
- Redken Color Extend Brownlights: This shampoo is designed specifically for brunettes and helps to maintain cool, ashy tones.
- Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo: Another popular option, Joico’s blue shampoo keeps your brown hair vibrant and brass-free.
- John Frieda Blue Crush for Brunettes Blue Shampoo: Another great option.
Hair Type Considerations
When using blue shampoo on your orange, brassy hair, it’s essential to consider your hair type. Different hair types may require different care and treatment.
| Hair Type | Best Shampoo Color | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Blonde Hair | Purple | Neutralizes underlying yellow tones |
| Brunette & Dark Brown | Blue | Neutralizes unwanted orange tones |
| Color-Treated Hair | Blue | Helps prevent fading and brassiness |
| Natural Hair | Blue | Maintains cool undertone and adds shine |
| Gray Hair | Purple | Counteracts yellow tones in gray hair |
| Balayage Hair | Blue | Maintains desired shade and blends highlights or lowlights seamlessly with the rest of the hair |
These are general recommendations. Individual results may vary. It’s always best to consult with a professional hairstylist for personalized advice.
Blue Shampoo for Blonde Hair
If you have blonde hair, blue shampoo is not be the best choice for you. Since blondes have underlying yellow tones, a purple shampoo works better.
Blue Shampoo for Brunette and Dark Brown Hair
Blue shampoo is the perfect solution for brown hair. Natural brunettes often struggle with unwanted orange tones after lightening their hair. Blue shampoo neutralizes these warm hues, leaving your hair looking refreshed.
Blue Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
Color-treated hair comes with its own challenges, like fading and brassiness. A blue shampoo specially formulated for color-treated hair may give the best results.
Blue Shampoo for Natural Hair
If you have natural hair without any color treatment, you may still benefit from using blue shampoo. But make sure to choose a formula suitable for natural hair.
These shampoos can help maintain a cool undertone and add shine to your locks.
Blue Shampoo for Gray Hair
Gray hair will benefit more from purple shampoo. As gray hair has a tendency to turn yellow, a blue shampoo won’t have the same effect as purple shampoo.
Blue Shampoo for Balayage Hair
Finally, if you have balayage, where your hair is painted with highlights or lowlights, blue shampoo is beneficial as well. Blue shampoos can be used to maintain the desired shade and make your hair blend seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does blue shampoo work well on bleached hair?
Yes, blue shampoo works well on bleached hair, especially if your hair has turned brassy or orange after the bleaching process. Blue shampoo contains pigments that neutralize the brassy orange tones in your hair, restoring it to a more natural-looking color. Just apply it as you would with your regular shampoo, and you should start seeing results after a few uses.
Is blue shampoo effective for gray hair?
Blue shampoo is primarily designed to neutralize orange tones in brunette or bleached hair, but it may help to some extent with yellow tones in gray hair. If you have gray hair and are experiencing brassiness, you may benefit more from using a purple shampoo, which is designed specifically to neutralize yellow tones in blonde, silver, and gray hair.
How often should I use blue shampoo on brassy hair?
It’s recommended to use blue shampoo on brassy hair 1-2 times a week or as needed, depending on the severity of the brassiness. Overusing blue shampoo may lead to an over-toning effect, causing your hair to take on an ashy or blueish hue. To maintain your desired color, you can alternate blue shampoo with your regular shampoo to balance the toning effects.
Does blue shampoo lift orange tones?
Blue shampoo is designed to neutralize, not lift, orange tones in your hair. The blue pigments in the shampoo work by counteracting the orange tones, making them less visible. Although blue shampoo won’t remove or lighten the orange tones completely, it can significantly reduce their appearance and help you achieve a more balanced hair color. Remember, consistency is key when using blue shampoo, and you should see improvements with regular use.
