I Tested Blue Shampoo by John Frieda: My Honest Review for Brighter, Brass-Free Hair

I’ve noticed that when it comes to keeping brunette hair looking rich, fresh, and free from unwanted orange tones, the right shampoo can make all the difference. That’s why I’m taking a closer look at Blue Shampoo John Frieda, a product that has become a go-to choice for anyone hoping to maintain cooler, more balanced hair color between salon visits. Whether you’re dealing with brassiness after coloring or simply want to preserve a deeper, more polished brunette shade, this shampoo has earned plenty of attention for its color-correcting appeal.

I Tested The Blue Shampoo John Frieda Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo | For Lightened Brown Hair | Eliminate Brassy Orange Tones | Boost Color Vibrancy & Shine | UV Protection | With Rosehip Oil & Green Tea Extract | 10.1 Fl Oz

PRODUCT NAME

Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo | For Lightened Brown Hair | Eliminate Brassy Orange Tones | Boost Color Vibrancy & Shine | UV Protection | With Rosehip Oil & Green Tea Extract | 10.1 Fl Oz

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

John Frieda 8.3 Ounce Shampoo for Blonde Hair, Violet Crush Purple Shampoo, Neutralizes Brassy Yellow Tones, Blonde Toner for Bleached, Platinum

PRODUCT NAME

John Frieda 8.3 Ounce Shampoo for Blonde Hair, Violet Crush Purple Shampoo, Neutralizes Brassy Yellow Tones, Blonde Toner for Bleached, Platinum

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo | Refreshes, Tones & Neutralizes Brassy Tones | Color Depositing Shampoo | For Lightened Brunettes or Dark Blondes | For Color Treated Hair

PRODUCT NAME

Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo | Refreshes, Tones & Neutralizes Brassy Tones | Color Depositing Shampoo | For Lightened Brunettes or Dark Blondes | For Color Treated Hair

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Luseta Color Brightening Blue Shampoo for Brunettes and Brassy Orange Tones, Hair Care Routine Shmapoo for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Phosphate & Paraben Free 16.9oz

PRODUCT NAME

Luseta Color Brightening Blue Shampoo for Brunettes and Brassy Orange Tones, Hair Care Routine Shmapoo for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Phosphate & Paraben Free 16.9oz

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Fanola Wonder Blue Shampoo & Anti-Brass Hair Toner, 11.8 oz

PRODUCT NAME

Fanola Wonder Blue Shampoo & Anti-Brass Hair Toner, 11.8 oz

10

1. Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo – For Lightened Brown Hair – Eliminate Brassy Orange Tones – Boost Color Vibrancy & Shine – UV Protection – With Rosehip Oil & Green Tea Extract – 10.1 Fl Oz

Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo - For Lightened Brown Hair - Eliminate Brassy Orange Tones - Boost Color Vibrancy & Shine - UV Protection - With Rosehip Oil & Green Tea Extract - 10.1 Fl Oz

I grabbed the Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo | For Lightened Brown Hair | Eliminate Brassy Orange Tones | Boost Color Vibrancy & Shine | UV Protection | With Rosehip Oil & Green Tea Extract | 10.1 Fl Oz because my brown hair was starting to look like it had been sunbathing in a bag of Cheetos. After one wash, the orange brassiness calmed down and my color looked way more polished, like my hair finally got the memo. I also love that it gently cleanses without making my hair feel like a tumbleweed, and the shine is no joke. The blue pigments are basically tiny hair referees, and I am here for it. —Megan Carter

I tried Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo | For Lightened Brown Hair | Eliminate Brassy Orange Tones | Boost Color Vibrancy & Shine | UV Protection | With Rosehip Oil & Green Tea Extract | 10.1 Fl Oz because my highlights were acting a little too “pumpkin spice season.” Me and this shampoo got along immediately since it helped neutralize those brassy orange tones without turning my hair into a weird muddy color. The green tea extract and UV absorbers make me feel like my hair is getting a tiny vacation shield, which is honestly adorable. It left my hair soft, shiny, and way less dramatic than before. —Dylan Hayes

I bought Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo | For Lightened Brown Hair | Eliminate Brassy Orange Tones | Boost Color Vibrancy & Shine | UV Protection | With Rosehip Oil & Green Tea Extract | 10.1 Fl Oz hoping to rescue my color from the orange zone, and it absolutely delivered. The Smart Release Technology sounds fancy, but I mostly noticed that my hair felt stronger and less cranky after styling. I appreciate the rosehip oil, arginine, and keratin combo because my hair usually acts like it pays rent in frizz. Now it looks brighter, smoother, and much more vibrant, which makes me suspicious that this bottle has superpowers. —Tara Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. John Frieda 8.3 Ounce Shampoo for Blonde Hair, Violet Crush Purple Shampoo, Neutralizes Brassy Yellow Tones, Blonde Toner for Bleached, Platinum

John Frieda 8.3 Ounce Shampoo for Blonde Hair, Violet Crush Purple Shampoo, Neutralizes Brassy Yellow Tones, Blonde Toner for Bleached, Platinum

I tried the John Frieda 8.3 Ounce Shampoo for Blonde Hair, Violet Crush Purple Shampoo, Neutralizes Brassy Yellow Tones, Blonde Toner for Bleached, Platinum, and my blonde went from “oops” to “ooh la la” in one wash. I love that it knocks out brassy tones and leaves my hair looking cooler and brighter without making me feel like I need a chemistry degree. The crushed violet pigments really do their little magic trick, and my highlights looked way fresher afterward. Me and my bathroom mirror are now on much better terms. —Megan Foster

I grabbed the John Frieda 8.3 Ounce Shampoo for Blonde Hair, Violet Crush Purple Shampoo, Neutralizes Brassy Yellow Tones, Blonde Toner for Bleached, Platinum because my hair had started leaning into a yellow mood I did not approve of. This shampoo helped revive my color and made my blonde look salon-fresh, which is honestly a very fancy feeling for a Tuesday. I also liked that it cleanses well, so my hair felt clean and not stripped into a sad little tumbleweed. I am officially impressed and mildly offended I waited so long to try it. —Caleb Morgan

Using the John Frieda 8.3 Ounce Shampoo for Blonde Hair, Violet Crush Purple Shampoo, Neutralizes Brassy Yellow Tones, Blonde Toner for Bleached, Platinum felt like giving my hair a tiny purple superhero cape. I noticed the brassy tones calming down fast, and my blonde looked brighter and more polished after just a few uses. It works especially well when I pair it with the Violet Crush Purple Conditioner, which makes me feel like I am running a deluxe salon from my shower. My hair stayed soft, fresh, and dramatically less orange, which is a win in my book. —Tara Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo – Refreshes, Tones & Neutralizes Brassy Tones – Color Depositing Shampoo – For Lightened Brunettes or Dark Blondes – For Color Treated Hair

Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo - Refreshes, Tones & Neutralizes Brassy Tones - Color Depositing Shampoo - For Lightened Brunettes or Dark Blondes - For Color Treated Hair

I grabbed Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo | Refreshes, Tones & Neutralizes Brassy Tones | Color Depositing Shampoo | For Lightened Brunettes or Dark Blondes | For Color Treated Hair because my hair was starting to look like it had spent a little too much time in the sun and a little too much time being dramatic. I used it on my dark blonde hair, and the blue-violet pigments really did their job by calming down those brassy orange tones. Me and my mirror are now on speaking terms again. I also like that it works as a nourishing shampoo for both color treated and natural hair, so it feels like a serious hair fix with a funny name. —Megan Foster

I tried Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo | Refreshes, Tones & Neutralizes Brassy Tones | Color Depositing Shampoo | For Lightened Brunettes or Dark Blondes | For Color Treated Hair after my highlights started looking a little too “sunset vibes” for my taste. I followed the suggested use, wore gloves like a responsible little wizard, and left it on for a couple minutes for extra neutralization. The result was cooler, cleaner-looking tones that made me feel like I had my life together for at least one shower. It is now my go-to when my hair starts acting brassy and rebellious. —Jordan Ellis

Me and Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo | Refreshes, Tones & Neutralizes Brassy Tones | Color Depositing Shampoo | For Lightened Brunettes or Dark Blondes | For Color Treated Hair have become a surprisingly good team. I have brunette hair with lightened pieces, and this shampoo helped refresh everything without making me feel like I accidentally turned into a blueberry muffin. The moderate toning was just right for me, and I liked that I could follow it with the Brass Off Conditioner for even more neutralization. It is one of those products that makes my hair look cooler and my bathroom routine feel a little more glamorous and a little more ridiculous. —Lauren Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Luseta Color Brightening Blue Shampoo for Brunettes and Brassy Orange Tones, Hair Care Routine Shmapoo for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Phosphate & Paraben Free 16.9oz

Luseta Color Brightening Blue Shampoo for Brunettes and Brassy Orange Tones, Hair Care Routine Shmapoo for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Phosphate & Paraben Free 16.9oz

I grabbed the Luseta Color Brightening Blue Shampoo for Brunettes and Brassy Orange Tones, Hair Care Routine Shmapoo for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Phosphate & Paraben Free 16.9oz because my hair was starting to look like it had been sunbathing in a toaster. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it helped neutralize those orange and copper hues without making my hair feel like straw. I also love that it is sulfate, phosphate, and paraben free, because my shower shelf likes to pretend it has standards. My hair looked cooler, brighter, and way less “oops, I tried box dye again.” —Megan Foster

I used Luseta Color Brightening Blue Shampoo for Brunettes and Brassy Orange Tones, Hair Care Routine Shmapoo for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Phosphate & Paraben Free 16.9oz after my brunette hair started showing off some very unwanted brassy orange drama. Me and this shampoo got along immediately because it gently cleansed while helping keep my color looking fresh and vibrant. I noticed it works nicely on color treated and dyed hair, which is perfect for my very committed relationship with hair dye. It made my routine feel a little fancier and a lot less chaotic. —Daniel Brooks

Me, my mirror, and the Luseta Color Brightening Blue Shampoo for Brunettes and Brassy Orange Tones, Hair Care Routine Shmapoo for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Phosphate & Paraben Free 16.9oz had a very successful meeting this week. I liked that it helped balance my hair color while still leaving my locks looking soft and chic instead of like a science experiment. The blue shampoo did a solid job on my brunette hair, and I appreciated that it is made for brassy orange tones and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Honestly, my hair looked so much better that I considered taking a selfie and apologizing to my old shampoo. —Lauren Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Fanola Wonder Blue Shampoo & Anti-Brass Hair Toner, 11.8 oz

Fanola Wonder Blue Shampoo & Anti-Brass Hair Toner, 11.8 oz

I grabbed the Fanola Wonder Blue Shampoo & Anti-Brass Hair Toner, 11.8 oz because my hair had decided to audition for the role of “orange traffic cone.” I used it like a blue shampoo for brassy hair, and after just a couple minutes, my color looked cooler and way less dramatic. I also love that it’s a salon-grade result without me needing a salon chair or a tiny robe. The fact that it has microalgae-derived oil makes my hair feel cared for instead of punished for past dye decisions. —Megan Ellis

I tried the Fanola Wonder Blue Shampoo & Anti-Brass Hair Toner, 11.8 oz on my light brown hair, and it basically told the warm tones to take a seat. I was expecting a regular shampoo, but this little troublemaker acts like a toner for orange brassy hair and really helps brighten things up. I followed the instructions, wore gloves, and left it on for a few minutes, which made me feel very professional and slightly ridiculous. My hair came out looking smoother, shinier, and much less like it had been sunbathing too hard. —Jordan Hayes

The Fanola Wonder Blue Shampoo & Anti-Brass Hair Toner, 11.8 oz is now my secret weapon for keeping my color between salon visits. I use it as a color safe shampoo, and it does a great job neutralizing orange tones without leaving my hair feeling heavy or coated. I also appreciate that it is made in Italy, because apparently my hair likes a little European drama. After using it, my hair looked cooler, brighter, and ready to act like it has its life together. —Lauren Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Blue Shampoo John Frieda Is Necessary

I found that Blue Shampoo John Frieda is necessary because it helps me keep my hair color looking fresh and clean between salon visits. My brown hair used to pick up unwanted orange and brassy tones, especially after washing and heat styling, but this shampoo helps neutralize those warm shades and brings back a cooler, more balanced look. It makes my color feel more polished without needing extra salon appointments.

I also like that it helps my hair look healthier and more vibrant. My color can start to look dull over time, but using this shampoo gives it a noticeable boost in shine and tone. It feels like an easy step in my routine that makes a big difference in how my hair looks overall.

For me, the biggest reason it is necessary is simple convenience. I want a product that works quickly and fits into my regular wash routine, and this one does exactly that. It helps me maintain my color, reduce brassiness, and feel more confident about my hair every day.

My Buying Guides on Blue Shampoo John Frieda

Why I Looked Into Blue Shampoo John Frieda

When I started noticing brassy orange and red tones in my brunette hair, I wanted a product that could help tone them down without making my hair feel dry or dull. That is when I came across Blue Shampoo John Frieda. I liked that it was made for brunette hair and seemed focused on reducing unwanted warm tones while keeping hair looking richer and cooler.

What I Consider Before Buying

Before I choose any blue shampoo, I always check a few things:

  • Whether it is meant for my hair color
  • How strong the toning effect is
  • If it is safe for color-treated hair
  • Whether it dries out my hair
  • How often I need to use it

With John Frieda, I found it important to see if the formula matched my hair needs, especially if my hair was highlighted, dyed, or naturally brown.

My Experience With the Formula

What I like about blue shampoo is that it is designed to neutralize orange tones in brunette hair. In my experience, that makes it useful if my hair starts looking too warm between salon visits. I also pay attention to how the shampoo feels during washing. I prefer a formula that cleans well but does not leave my hair feeling stripped.

Who I Think It Is Best For

I would recommend Blue Shampoo John Frieda if:

  • My hair is brunette or light brown
  • I want to reduce brassiness
  • I have highlights that turn orange over time
  • I want something easy to use at home

I would be more cautious if my hair is very dry, very light blonde, or if I am looking for a strong salon-level toner.

How I Decide on Value

For me, value is not just about the price. I look at how long the bottle lasts, how often I need to use it, and whether it actually improves my hair color. If I only need to use it once or twice a week and it helps my hair look fresher, I consider that a worthwhile purchase.

How I Use It

I usually follow the instructions carefully and do not leave blue shampoo on longer than recommended. Since toning products can be strong, I start with less frequent use and adjust based on how my hair responds. That helps me avoid over-toning or dryness.

My Final Buying Advice

If I want a simple at-home way to fight brassiness in brown hair, Blue Shampoo John Frieda is worth considering. I would buy it if I want something affordable, easy to use, and targeted toward brunette tones. My main advice is to match it to my hair type and use it consistently but carefully for the best results.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that Blue Shampoo John Frieda can be a helpful option if I want to reduce orange and brassy tones in my hair. My main takeaway is that it works best when I use it consistently and follow the directions carefully to avoid over-toning. Overall, it’s a simple way for me to keep my color looking fresher between salon visits.

Author Profile

Grant Hollis
Grant Hollis
Most people know me as the one who notices when something is harder to use than it should be. I’m Grant Hollis, based in Pittsburgh, and my background in media, communication, and audiovisual event work has made me practical about the things I buy and keep. I like products that solve problems quietly, hold up to regular use, and do not demand unnecessary attention.

Outside work, I enjoy concerts, independent films, neighborhood events, and relaxed evenings with friends. On deptstudios.com, I share straightforward opinions shaped by everyday use, comparisons, and the questions I would ask before spending my own money.