Feeling blue over your blue hair losing its spark too soon? We totally get how irritating it is to watch that gorgeous color fade into a dull shadow of its original glory.
In this article, we'll compile the best shampoos for your blue hair, so that you can maintain its brilliant color and keep it looking its best.
We'll help you keep that stunning shade on point and make sure your hair is always at its best. We're dishing out all the juicy details on the right shampoo to pick — essential ingredients and features to look for, and the good and the not-so-good of each choice.
A Quick Look at The Best Shampoos for Blue Hair in 2023
- Matrix Total Results Brass Off Clarifying Blue Shampoo - Best Overall
- R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo - Best for Oily Hair
- L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisturizing Shampoo - Best for Dry Hair
- Kerastase Bain Chroma Respect Shampoo - Best for Damaged Hair
- Punky Bluemania 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo - Best for Color-Depositing
- Aveda Color Control Shampoo - Best Natural
- Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo - Best Budget-Friendly
Do I Need a Shampoo for My Blue Hair?
Having blue hair can be a lot of fun, but it also requires some maintenance. One question that might be on your mind is whether or not you need a special shampoo for your new blue locks.
The answer is...it depends. If you dyed your hair with a semi-permanent or temporary hair dye, then you might not need a special shampoo at all. Regular shampoo and conditioner should do just fine. However, if you used a permanent hair dye to achieve your blue hue, then a color-safe shampoo specifically formulated for colored hair is recommended.
Using regular shampoo can strip the color from your hair, leaving it looking dull and faded. But using a color-safe shampoo can help preserve your blue hair and keep it looking vibrant for longer.
7 Best Shampoos for Blue Hair to Try in 2023
Matrix Total Results Brass Off Clarifying Blue Shampoo
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Total Results Brass Off shampoo is a blue toning shampoo that is designed to neutralize brassy tones in dark blonde and light brunette hair. It works by depositing blue-violet pigments that bond to your hair and cool down any warm hair tones while removing brassiness.
The shampoo is suitable for color-treated and natural hair, and it can be left on the hair for 2-3 minutes for added toning.
Using this blue toning shampoo can extend the life of blue color-treated hair while increasing its shine and vibrancy, you can see results when using it twice a week to see results. The shampoo is blue-colored, but it doesn't dye your hair.
R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo
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R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo is specifically designed for color-treated hair, and it contains a unique ChromoHance complex that helps keep your hue rich and vibrant for up to ten washes. The shampoo claims to improve detangling and manageability, reduce hair breakage, reduce frizz, and increase shine.
The key ingredients include
- Lychee extract protects hair from free radical damage and improves tensile strength.
- Okra seed extract moisturizes hair and scalp, promotes optimal scalp environment, smooths the cuticle, and adds shine
- Vitamin E conditions hair and protects it from free radicals.
- Sunflower sprout extract moisturizes hair, tames frizz, and adds shine and softness.
L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisturizing Shampoo
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L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisturizing Shampoo is a vegan shampoo that claims to cleanse all hair types without stripping. The shampoo deeply replenishes dry hair with 2X more moisture than non-conditioning shampoo, making it suitable for individuals with dry, dull, or color-treated hair that needs a boost of moisture.
One of the key ingredients in this shampoo is rosemary, which is known for its distinct fragrance and ability to enhance blood flow. Studies have shown that rosemary oil can promote hair growth and has antibacterial and antioxidant benefits.
The sulfate-free formula of this shampoo ensures that it doesn't contain harsh salts or surfactants that can dull or damage hair. Additionally, it is gluten-free and mineral oil-free, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
The EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo claims to be gentle on color-treated hair and can keep color pure for up to 4 weeks. It also leaves hair soft with a luminous shine.
Kerastase Bain Chroma Respect Shampoo
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Kerastase Bain Chroma Respect Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo that recently bagged Marie Claire's Excellence in Beauty Awards 2022. This shampoo is designed with a special focus on colored hair.
Its sulfate-free formula gently cleanses, deeply hydrates the hair, and more importantly, it protects the color and prevents color fading. Its lightweight nature makes it an ideal pick for fine to medium hair types, as it doesn't weigh hair down.
In addition, this shampoo offers a brilliant shine that is 74% more intense than untreated hair. This shine factor is a huge win for those with blue hair. It amplifies the color vibrancy and leaves your hair looking vibrant and dynamic.
The magic, however, lies in its unique combination of key ingredients. Infused with Restoring Acids such as
- Amino Acid, Tartaric Acid, and Lactic Acid approach ensures your blue hair retains its strength and health, along with its color brilliance.
- Centella Asiatica: a flowering plant known for its soothing and recovery properties. This botanical element gives the shampoo a calming edge, offering your scalp and hair the gentle care they deserve.
Punky Bluemania 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo
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Punky Bluemania 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo is a convenient option that instantly intensifies hair color while cleansing and conditioning the hair.
The shampoo is suitable for all hair types and combines three essential steps of the hair dyeing process - cleansing, coloring, and conditioning - into one product. It is designed to add striking colors to hair, maintain vibrancy, and improve shine without sacrificing color vibrance, silkiness, or level of cleanness.
This shampoo is a time-saving option that eliminates the need for a separate conditioning treatment and hair dye touch-up. It can be used every day for full-throttle hair or for touch-ups when needed.
Aveda Color Control Shampoo
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Aveda Color Control Shampoo is a plant-powered, sulfate cleanser-free shampoo that effectively reduces color fade while gently cleansing hair without stripping it. It is 100% vegan and silicone-free, making it suitable for all hair types and textures, including color-treated, highlighted, and chemically processed-hair.
This shampoo is formulated with botanical cleansers that help to protect color-treated hair while leaving it silky, soft, and shiny. Its naturally derived "magnets" neutralize color-dulling particles to protect the hair during washing. Dual-charged molecules create a protective shield to keep water from penetrating the hair, reducing color washout.
The omega-rich apricot oil in this shampoo nourishes and keeps the hair soft, bouncy, and hydrated, while the Aveda's own Pure-Fume™ aroma, featuring osmanthus, certified organic orange, cypress, cedarwood, and other pure flower and plant essences, provides a pleasant fragrance.
Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo
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Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo designed to replenish nutrients and protect color-treated hair. Infused with an exclusive PROTEINFUSION blend of Elastin Protein and Quinoa, it helps to extend the life of hair color while promoting long-lasting vibrancy. This shampoo is uniquely formulated to help protect and retain color vividness, providing color protection for up to 40 washes.
The shampoo helps to cleanse hair without stripping it of its natural oils and helps hair retain its color vibrancy. The shampoo is proven to cleanse colored hair effectively and safely, leaving hair soft, smooth, and radiant.
How to Choose The Best Shampoo for Blue Hair
When looking for the best shampoo for blue hair, there are several factors to consider, including
Ingredients
The first thing to consider is the shampoo's ingredients. Sulfates, which are commonly found in many shampoos, can damage hair follicles, make hair dry, weaken hair, and cause it to break. Moreover, sulfates can cause your hair color to fade, especially if you have thin or dry hair, as they strip the natural oils that your hair relies on for nourishment.
Therefore, it's important to look for shampoos that are free of harmful ingredients and contain natural ingredients that add nutrients to your hair. For example, aloe vera, olive oil, and other natural oils are good for your hair and will protect it while providing moisture.
Color-Depositing Ability
To keep your blue hair vibrant and prevent it from fading, you need to choose a shampoo that has ingredients to protect the color and prevent dryness and split ends.
Some shampoos contain blue pigment and can help to extend the life of your dye, while others contain blue violet that neutralizes brassy tones that may appear as your blue coloring fades. These blue shampoos will help protect your blue hair and keep your color looking great.
Moisturizing Ability
After coloring your hair, it's important to give it moisture, as color treatments can cause damage and dryness. Therefore, it's recommended to use a shampoo that moisturizes and hydrates your hair.
If you have blue hair that has been damaged by color treatments, using shampoos that contain moisturizing ingredients can aid in repairing your hair. They also usually contain other nutrients that will help keep your hair healthy, shiny, and blue.
Hair Type
When choosing the best shampoo for blue hair, it's essential to consider your hair type. Some shampoos are better suited for specific types of hair.
For instance, if you have oily hair, you might want a different shampoo than someone with dry or damaged hair. Therefore, consider your hair type and choose the shampoo that can help you achieve the best results.
Other Tips for Keeping Blue Hair from Fading
Here are some tips to add to your hair care routine to keep your blue tresses looking their best:
- Shower with cool water or lukewarm: Hot water can cause hair cuticles to lift, leading to color fading. To keep the cuticles closed and preserve the color, rinse your hair with lukewarm or cool water.
- Do not shampoo every day: Frequent washing can dry out your hair and scalp and speed up color fading. Instead, space out your showers and use dry shampoo in between.
- Dry your hair gently: Rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel and using a hair dryer can damage your hair, leading to color fading. To avoid this, gently pat your hair with a towel to remove excess water and let it air-dry whenever possible.
- Use a heat protectant before heat styling: Heat styling tools may cause color fading, therefore, protect your hair by applying a heat protectant before using flat irons and curling wands.
- Avoid too much sun and chlorine: Exposure to sun and chlorine can strip off your hair color. To maintain your blue hair, limit your exposure to these elements. Use a hat or UV protectant product when going outside and wear a swimming cap when swimming.
Final Thought
While it can be challenging to keep your blue hair bright, it is not impossible. One way to prevent color fading is by using the best shampoo for blue hair. Look for a shampoo that not only protects your hair color but also strengthens and repairs it.
Incorporate this shampoo into your hair care routine to maintain your cool blue locks for longer. With proper care, you can enjoy your dream blue hair with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of shampoo should I use for blue hair?
For blue hair, it's recommended to use a shampoo that's specifically designed for colored hair, with sulfate-free and color-protecting ingredients.
How do I keep blue hair from fading?
To prevent blue hair from fading, avoid hot water, daily shampooing, and excessive sun or chlorine exposure. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and cold water to wash your hair, and protect your hair from heat styling and UV rays.
Is purple shampoo good or bad for blue hair?
Purple shampoo is not ideal for blue hair as it is formulated to neutralize yellow tones in blonde hair. Instead, use a blue shampoo that is specifically designed to enhance and maintain blue hair color.
How can you make your blue hair more vibrant?
To make blue hair more vibrant, consider using a color-depositing conditioner or hair mask, which can help refresh and intensify the color. Also, avoid heat styling, use a heat protectant, and deep condition regularly to keep your hair healthy and moisturized.