Blue shampoo is a type of hair care product designed specifically for people with red or orange hair. It contains blue or violet pigments that help neutralize brassy, orange tones in dyed red hair. Using a blue shampoo helps keep color-treated red hair looking vibrant and clean.
How does blue shampoo work on red hair?
The blue or violet pigments in blue shampoo are designed to cancel out unwanted warm, brassy tones in color-treated red hair. When applied to the hair, the blue pigment sticks to the orangey parts of the hair strand and neutralizes those tones. This helps keep dyed red hair looking bright, crisp and free of brassiness.
Blue shampoo contains direct dyes rather than oxidative dyes. This means rather than lifting color out of the hair altogether, it deposits color to counteract undesired tones. Using blue shampoo too often can result in over-depositing of blue pigment, so it’s best to use it once or twice a week to neutralize brassy tones.
Does blue shampoo lighten red hair?
No, blue shampoo does not have any lightening or bleaching effect on dyed red hair. It works by depositing blue pigment rather than stripping color. Some people mistakenly think blue shampoo will help lighten their red hair or remove the red dye, but that is not the case. True hair lighteners contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide to lift underlying pigment.
Will blue shampoo turn red hair purple?
If used improperly, blue shampoo has the potential to turn red hair purple. This happens if the blue pigments overwhelm the red, orange and yellow undertones in the hair. Using blue shampoo too often or leaving it on for too long can result in over-toning, which gives hair an undesired purple tint.
To avoid this, it’s best to use blue shampoo sparingly – no more than once or twice a week. Rinse it out thoroughly after 5 minutes or less. Using a good conditioner can also help remove excess blue pigment if you overdo the blue shampoo.
Does blue shampoo work on natural red hair?
Blue shampoo can help control brassy tones in natural red hair, but results may be more subtle. Natural red hair contains various shades of red, orange and gold. Blue shampoo works to neutralize the orangey-yellow tones that can make hair appear brassy.
When used properly, blue shampoo reduces warmth and enhances the cooler, redder tones in natural red hair. However, it takes caution not to overdo it and end up with purple tinted hair. Using blue shampoo just once a week or every other week is plenty for natural redheads.
What to look for in a blue shampoo
When shopping for a blue shampoo, look for a formula designed specifically for color-treated red hair. It should contain blue or violet pigments rather than silver, which is better suited to blonde and gray hair.
Some key ingredients to look for include:
- Blue Malva – Helps balance brassy tones
- Indigo – Neutralizes warmth and enhances red tones
- Violet – Cancels out yellow tones
- Heliotrope – Bluish-purple flower extract that provides color correction
Avoid blue shampoos with sulfate surfactants, as these can be drying and strip color faster. Also avoid mineral oil and silicones that can build up on hair over time.
Look for hydrating ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and shea butter to help maintain the health of color-treated hair along with blue pigments to keep brassiness at bay.
How to use blue shampoo on red hair
Here are some tips for properly using blue shampoo on red hair:
- Shampoo hair as usual first, then follow with blue shampoo focused on the mid-lengths and ends where brassiness tends to build up most.
- Let the blue shampoo sit for 2-5 minutes before rinsing out – less time for subtle tone correction, more time if hair is very brassy.
- Use blue shampoo no more than 1-2 times per week for maintenance.
- If hair starts to take on a purple tint, discontinue use until the unwanted tones fade.
- Always follow blue shampoo with a good hydrating conditioner.
- Consider using a leave-in conditioner or hair mask to help keep red hair vibrant.
- Shampoo hair less frequently – 2-3 times a week max – to preserve dyed red color.
Before and after pictures using blue shampoo on red hair
Here are some before and after photos showing the color correcting effects of blue shampoo on red hair:
| Before | After |
|---|---|
As you can see, using a blue shampoo helps remove brassiness and enhances the true, cooler red tones for brighter, livelier color.
Other tips for caring for red dyed hair
In addition to using a blue shampoo, here are some other tips for keeping dyed red hair looking its best:
- Wash hair less frequently – no more than 2-3 times per week – to preserve color vibrancy
- Use shampoos and conditioners specially formulated for color-treated hair
- Limit use of hot styling tools to reduce fading
- Rinse hair with cool water and use heat protecting sprays when heat styling
- Use an in-shower color depositing treatment once a week to refresh color
- Get a gloss treatment done by your colorist every 4-6 weeks
- Use leave-in conditioners and hair masks to boost moisture
- Protect hair from sun exposure with hats or sprays
- Get trims every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and keep hair healthy
Common mistakes that cause red hair to turn brassy
It’s easy for red hair to become brassy overtime. Here are some common mistakes that can lead to brassiness:
- Over-shampooing – Too frequent washing fades color fast.
- Using normal shampoos – Harsh sulfates strip dyed color.
- Swimming in chlorinated pools – Chlorine oxidizes red pigments.
- Too much heat styling – Excessive heat damages and fades hair.
- Not using conditioner – Conditioner seals in color and adds shine.
- Sun exposure – UV rays speed up fading of red dye.
- Not getting touch-up glosses – Regular salon glosses help color last longer.
Conclusion
Blue shampoo is an ideal product for keeping dyed red hair looking vibrant and minimizing brassiness. It works by depositing blue-violet pigments that cancel out unwanted warm, orange undertones. For best results, use blue shampoo sparingly 1-2 times per week max, rinse thoroughly and always follow with a good hydrating conditioner. Combine blue shampoo with other color-protecting hair care habits to maintain beautiful salon-worthy red hair.