Constant color treatments can lead to dullness and brassiness – those yellowy, orange tones we all dread! And it may surprise you to hear that brunettes are no exception.
No matter how flawless your salon-fresh hair looks, it’s usually only a matter of time before those warm undertones rear their ugly head.
But thank goodness for blue conditioner! It’s helped me transform my hair color and keep it looking its best. Keep scrolling if you want to learn more about this miracle color-corrector!
What is Blue Conditioner?
Blue conditioner is a toning treatment that helps neutralize brassy, orange undertones in brunette hair.
No need to panic, the blue doesn’t turn your hair Marge Simpson blue. It only tones down the brassiness to restore your hair to a cooler, more neutral shade of brown.
See how blue and orange sit opposite on the color wheel? That’s the concept: it works by depositing a blue-violet pigment that cancels out the orange.
Most blue conditioners are temporary and wash out gradually until your next treatment.
Why Should You Use Blue Conditioner?
For all my brunettes out there, you need this product in your life!
Ever spent money on gorgeous highlights or balayage only to have them turn brassy a few weeks later? Trust me – if you want to extend the life of your color between salon visits, try switching up your conditioner!
Blue conditioner can also brighten natural brown hair while knocking out any brassiness caused by sun exposure, hard water, etc.
Using a blue toning treatment is much easier and less damaging than getting your hair recolored every few weeks. It’s basically color-refreshing self-care in the shower!
Who Should Use Blue Conditioner?
Blue conditioner is ideal for anyone with:
- Brunette or chestnut brown hair (dyed or natural)
- Lightened brunette hair
- Balayage or ombre hair
- Highlighted brown hair
- Dark blonde hair
- Salt-and-pepper colored hair
However, those with light blonde or platinum hair colors should avoid blue conditioners.
The blue tint can make your pale strands look ashy, grayish, or bluish. For lighter blondes, purple conditioner work better to tone down yellowness.
Best Blue Conditioners
Below are our top recommendations for the best blue conditioners to try:
1. Luseta Blue Shampoo & Conditioner Set
This Blue Shampoo and Conditioner Set from Lustea tops my list for many reasons.
The blue hue in the formula has a pearlescent quality that leaves your hair looking bright, beautiful, and radiant. It helps accentuate the dimension that way.
You can visibly see highlights and definition being elevated, and the hair has a much healthier, fresher look after rinsing.
It’s not just that the brown stays fresh and true, but the hair appears much more smooth, lush, and voluminous, too.
Try this if you need a low-key but hard-hitting color corrector with a lovely softening effect.
2. Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo & Conditioner
This Matrix Blue Brass Off Shampoo and Conditioner does an amazing job of neutralizing unwanted warmth and brassiness.
I was initially worried the blue pigment would leave my hair dull or ashy, but that wasn’t the case at all. After using it, my brunette hair looks richer, while my lighter highlights have a gorgeous golden-blonde tone.
Brass Off is ultra-nourishing and moisturizing, which is so important for combating dryness and damage caused by color treatments
My only complaint is that I wish the bottle sizes were larger since I can go through this quite quickly – but it’s a minor issue.
Overall, I’m absolutely obsessed with the Matrix Brass Off blue system!
3. John Frieda Blue Crush for Brunettes
The John Frieda Blue Crush Conditioner crushes brassy tones to a pulp, and I’m not exaggerating! My highlights in particular look less orange and more golden.
It contains avocado oil and other hydrating ingredients that leave my hair feeling soft, smooth, and manageable. It revives both the color and condition of my highlighted brown hair.
The formula can penetrate the hair strands while avoiding staining the skin. You don’t need gloves or to worry about discoloring your shower walls.
It’s affordable, easy to use, and delivers beautiful, lasting cool brown tones.
4. Eva NYC Brass to Sass Brunette Conditioner
First, the formula doesn’t discriminate between hair types. It works for fine, thick, straight, curly, and, most importantly, color-treated hair.
The Eva NYC Brass to Sass Brunette Conditioner is packed with all-clean, good-for-you ingredients. It has spirulina that’s full of nourishing vitamins and nutrients for your hair and blue tansy that combats dryness and frizz.
Plus, the juniper berry scent smells divine! Just one wash and you can see the difference.
Final Thoughts
So far, the blue conditioner has never failed me whenever I lighten or get highlights for my brown hair.
It’s an easy way to extend that pricey salon color and keep your brown locks looking their absolute best between appointments.
Just be sure to follow the instructions and do a strand test first!