As a hairstylist and hair care expert with 10+ years of experience in the US, I've tested and reviewed dozens of shampoos for blue hair. Here are my top 5 picks, based on their ability to preserve color, hydrate hair, and keep it looking its best.
Choosing the right shampoo for blue hair is essential for maintaining its vibrant color and keeping it healthy. As a hairstylist and hair care expert with 10+ years of experience in the US, I've tested and reviewed dozens of shampoos specifically designed for blue hair.
Here are my top 8 picks, based on their ability to preserve color, hydrate hair, and keep it looking its best:
- Punky Bluemania 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo - Overall best shampoo for blue hair
- Tigi Bed Head Color Goddess - Best for maintaining blue hair
- R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo - Best for oily hair
- L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture Shampoo - Recommended for dry hair
- Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo - Best natural shampoo
- Kerastase Reflection Bain Chromatique Multi-Protecting Shampoo - Recommended for damaged hair
- MATRIX Total Results Brass Off Color Depositing Blue Shampoo - Best to refresh faded blue hair
- Redken Color Extend Shampoo - Best color-protect shampoo
Top Shampoo For Blue Hair 2024
Punky Bluemania 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo & Conditioner
Best Color Depositing Shampoo For Blue Hair
So I had to try out this Punky Bluemania as it's one such color depositing shampoo that not only prevents your color from fading but adds fresh pigment to it too.
I liked that the ingredients list includes keratin, hydrolyzed quinoa protein, and amino acids. These help strengthen your hair and repair any damage caused by the bleaching and coloring process.
I could feel my tresses look really soft and healthy with continued use. So that was a huge plus point apart from color-protection.
True to its name, the 3-in-1 shampoo cleanses, nourishes, and adds color. So you get a shampoo, conditioner, and hair dye in one product.
But I have kind of dry hair so I use an additional conditioner. If you have straight, oily hair however you can actually skip conditioning thanks to this product.
I was impressed with the mild, 100 percent cruelty-free formula. And the fact that it is sulfate-free and gentle enough to be used everyday.
Pros:
- Sulfate free shampoo so it won't strip hair dye
- Nourishes hair with its protein-rich formula
- Adds color pigment to ensure hair dye lasts longer
- Adds shine to hair as it contains argan oil
- Cruelty-free formula
Cons:
- Can stain clothes and pillowcases
My Ratings:
- Color Protect - 4.5/5/5
- Color Enhancing - 5/5
- Hair Care and Gentleness - 4/5
R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo
Best Shampoo For Blue Hair And Oily Scalp
Another great shampoo for blue hair is the Gemstone Color Shampoo by R+co. I really liked its extremely gentle formula and the fact that it is free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, gluten, and petrolatum.
And the best part is that this shampoo is completely cruelty free as well.
On using what impressed me most was that this shampoo could thoroughly cleanses hair without stripping hair dye. Which is actually rare as most color-protect shampoos contain oil and silicones that coat hair to protect hair dye.
But there are a few hiccups with this product. First of all it’s a tad too expensive. But in my opinion is a great splurge as the formula is amazing.
Secondly, it’s too drying for my locks. So while it’s a great choice for oily hair, it can leave already-dry tresses in a mess.
Pros:
- Free from sulfates and other harsh chemicals so it won't strip color or moisture
- Removes excess oil and dandruff flakes as it's very clarifying
- Exfoliates scalp gently thanks to the lemon formula
- Refreshing citrus fragrance
Cons:
- Expensive compared to Matrix and Punky shampoos
- Can dry hair as it's acidic and clarifying
- Added perfume might not suit sensitive scalps
My Ratings:
- Color Protect - 4.5/5
- Color Enhancing - 4/5
- Hair Care and Gentleness - 3.5/5
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture Shampoo
Best Shampoo For Blue Hair And Dry Scalp
This L’Oreal shampoo is another top sulfate-free shampoo for blue hair. The ultra-gentle formula is free of sulfates, metallic salts, parabens, and other harsh surfactants. In fact, the formula is vegan and natural.
The shampoo contains a blend of botanical extracts, including rosemary. These extracts help hydrate your tresses, adding moisture and softness. The color-protect formula prevents the hair dye from fading.
L’Oreal Everpure is the best shampoo for blue hair at its price. It’s also got a wonderful fragrance that most users seem to like. As it’s a sulfate-free shampoo, you won’t notice a lot of lather. But this product works well at cleansing your hair.
Pros:
- Sulfate-free formula so it won't strip existing hair dye
- Affordable price
- UV filters to protect color from fading
- Vegan formula
- Cleanses hair without drying it out
Cons:
- Doesn't lather well (due to lack of sulfates)
- Added perfume not good for very sensitive scalps
- Doesn't give a very "clean" feeling
My Ratings:
- Color Protect - 4/5
- Color Enhancing - 4/5
- Hair Care and Gentleness - 4/5
Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo
Best Natural Shampoo For Blue Hair
Aveda is known for its organic, herb-based shampoos, and this Color Conserve variety doesn’t disappoint. It contains natural ingredients including grapefruit, geranium, and lavender extracts help nourish and protect your hair.
The shampoo works well to cleanse your hair without stripping it of color. There are no surfactants in this shampoo, so your blue hair color remains bright and vivid. The color-protect formula also keeps it safe from UV rays.
If you want a natural shampoo that doesn’t damage your processed hair any further, this is the one for you. It keeps dryness and frizz at bay and also has a pleasant lavender scent.
Pros:
- Natural, sulfate-free formula that won't remove natural oils or dye pigments
- Herbal ingredients that are safe for hair
- UV filters help protect color from fading
- Anti-frizz formula helps smoothen hair
- Mild surfactants cleanse hair without drying it out
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other blue shampoos
My Ratings:
- Color Protect - 4.5/5
- Color Enhancing - 4/5
- Hair Care and Gentleness - 5/5
Kerastase Reflection Bain Chromatique Multi-Protecting Shampoo
Best Damage-Repair Shampoo For Blue Hair
Sun exposure is one of the main reasons why hair color (any color, not just blue) fades quicker. So we’re glad to have found his Kerastase shampoo that contains several UV filters to protect color-treated hair.
The shampoo neutralizes water molecules, helping preserve your hair color and shine. It creates a hydrophobic layer on each strand, preventing color pigments from being washed away.
It also contains rice bran oil and vitamin E. These make UV rays bounce off your hair, leaving your blue locks vibrant and shiny.
Pros:
- Protein-rich formula helps repair damaged blue hair
- Helps preserve hair color and moisture as it's sulfate-free
- UV filters help protect color from fading
- Adds shine to hair thanks to the rice bran oil formula
Cons:
- Contains sulfates so it will strip your existing blue hair dye
- Scent too overpowering for some people
My Ratings:
- Color Protect - 3/5
- Color Enhancing - 3/5
- Hair Care and Gentleness - 4/5
MATRIX Total Results Brass Off Color Depositing Blue Shampoo
Best Blue Shampoo For Blue Hair
While blue shampoos are originally for neutralizing red and orange tones on brunette hair, they can be used to strengthen blue pigments on your color-treated hair as well.
The shampoo not just increases shine and vibrancy of your blue hair, but it also extends the life of the dye. So no more rushing off the salon every other week.
I give it bonus points for the amazing rose and vanilla fragrance.
Pros:
- Good for those with oily hair
- Blue pigments enhance hair colors
- UV filters help protect color from fading
- Can be used as a purple shampoo for blonde hair
Cons:
- Can be rough on curly hair
- Contains sulfates
- Leaves hair dry if you dont' have an oily scalp
My Ratings:
- Color Protect - 4/5
- Color Enhancing - 4.5/5
- Hair Care and Gentleness - 3.5/5
Redken Color Extend Shampoo
Best Salon Shampoo For Blue Hair
Redken is a brand used by salon professionals worldwide. So it’s no wonder that this formula is so effective at protecting your hair color from fading. It’s chock full of UV filters that prevent sun exposure from dulling your blue hair.
This Redken shampoo helps cleanse your hair without drying it out. Another thing that impressed us about this product! It's one of the best shampoo for vivid colored hair.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- UV filters help protect color from fading
- Helps add shine and vibrancy to hair color as it contains jojoba oil
Cons:
- Contains sulfate that can leave hair tangled and dry and strip hair dye
- Added perfumes that can irritate sensitive scalp
My Ratings:
- Color Protect - 4.5/5
- Color Enhancing - 4.5/5
- Hair Care and Gentleness - 4/5
The Verdict - Which is the best Shampoo for Blue Hair?
The best shampoo for blue hair is Punky Bluemania 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo. It is specifically designed for blue hair, and it does a great job of maintaining the vibrancy of the color without stripping it away. It is also sulfate-free and paraben-free, so it is gentle on hair and won't cause it to fade.
To find the best shampoo for blue hair, I measured the following parameters:
- Color retention: How well the shampoo preserved the vibrancy of blue hair over time.
- Nourishing and hydrating properties: How well the shampoo nourished and hydrated hair.
- Gentleness: How gentle the shampoo was on hair and scalp.
- Availability and affordability: How easy the shampoo was to find and afford.
Punky Bluemania 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo scored high in all of these categories. It is a great choice for people with blue hair who want to keep their hair looking its best.
How To Choose The Best Shampoo For Blue Hair
Blue hair is a bold and unique fashion statement that requires special care and attention. After all, you didn't spend all that time and money achieving that perfect shade just to watch it fade away within a few washes. That's why it's crucial to choose the right shampoo for blue hair to help maintain its vibrancy and shine.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best shampoo for blue hair.
1. Look for sulfate-free options: Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Opt for shampoos that are gentle on color-treated hair and don't contain harsh sulfates.
2. Check for UV protection: The sun's UV rays can cause hair color to fade faster, especially for blue hair. Look for shampoos with added UV protection to help shield your locks from the sun's damaging effects.
3. Choose nourishing ingredients: Blue hair is more prone to dryness, so it's important to choose a shampoo that adds moisture and nourishment to the hair. Look for ingredients such as argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter to help keep your locks healthy and hydrated.
4. Aim for a pH-balanced formula: The ideal pH balance for hair is around 5.5. Choosing a shampoo within this range can help keep your scalp and hair healthy, leading to better color retention.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the best shampoo for blue hair. Remember to read product labels carefully, and look for shampoos that cater specifically to color-treated hair to ensure that your blue locks stay vibrant and healthy.
How to Prevent Your Blue Color from Fading
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your blue hair color from fading:
- Wash your hair less often: Every other day or three times a week is ideal. Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils and color.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner: Sulfates can be harsh on color-treated hair and cause it to fade faster. Look for products that are specifically designed for colored hair.
- Use cold water when washing your hair: Hot water can open up the hair cuticle and allow the color to fade out more quickly. Cold water helps to seal the cuticle and keep the color locked in.
- Apply a color-safe leave-in conditioner after washing your hair: This will help to protect your hair from the sun's harmful UV rays and other environmental damage.
- Avoid using heat styling tools on your hair: Heat can also damage your hair and cause the color to fade. If you must use heat styling tools, be sure to use a heat protectant spray first.
- Get regular trims: Split ends can travel up the hair shaft and cause the color to fade. Getting regular trims will help to keep your hair healthy and looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep blue hair from fading?
Do not wash your hair at least 72 hours after applying hair dye
Use cold water (or lower temperature) when washing your hair
Always use a sulfate-free shampoo
Skip regular shampooing and use a dry shampoo instead
If needed, use a color-depositing shampoo or blue shampoo to strengthen the pigment
Avoid swimming in chlorine-added water
Protect your hair from UV rays by using a scarf, hat, or leave-in serum
Use a heat protective serum before using hot styling tools
What does blue shampoo do to blue hair?
People with naturally brunette hair can also use blue shampoos to remove reddish tones from their strands. This gives your strands a brighter, more vibrant look.
If you use blue shampoos on blue hair, the blue pigments might help strengthen the color. Most of these shampoos also come with color-protect formulas. So these even help with preventing fading and adding shine.
What will purple shampoo do to blue hair?
Purple shampoos are very popular. Unfortunately, they do not have any effect on blue-colored hair. These shampoos are enriched with violet pigments that help cancel out brassy and yellowish undertones from blonde hair. They do not add blue pigment to your hair.
Which Is The Best Conditioner For Blue Hair
Another recommended conditioner for blue hair is the Joico Color Balance Blue Conditioner. It is specially formulated to eliminate brassy tones and maintain the intensity of blue hair. Powered with Bio-Advanced Peptide Complex, this conditioner helps in repairing and protecting the hair from future damage.
Lastly, if you are looking for a vegan and cruelty-free option, the Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash in Extreme Blue is the one for you. Not only does it condition the hair, but it also deposits color with each use, making sure your blue hair stays vibrant and bold.
Conclusion
Blue hair is unique and brings out the fun aspect of your personality. But this hair color requires more care. And using the best shampoo for blue hair helps add shine, prevent color from fading.
In fact, using a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner might even keep those pesky roots at bay for a longer time. So invest in these protective shampoos to make your hair color last longer and turn heads everywhere!