As a professional hair stylist, I know how important it is to properly care for blonde balayage hair. The right shampoo is crucial to maintaining the health and vibrancy of lightened locks. I've tested many formulas over my career and discovered my top 5 picks for 2023 with some other experts at Belle Beauties. These shampoos are color-safe, moisturizing, and designed to keep brassy tones at bay.
In this article, I'll share my recommendations for the best shampoos to use on blonde balayage hair this year. You'll learn why these products are effective and get tips on how to incorporate them into your hair care routine. With the proper shampoo, you can keep your blonde balayage looking fresh and avoid damage.
How We Choose the Best Shampoo for Blonde Balayage?
At Belle Beauties, our team of hair care experts, including myself, takes great care in selecting the best products for your specific hair needs. When it comes to choosing the top shampoos for blonde balayage hair, our selection process is meticulous and thorough.
Our primary platform for product discovery is Amazon, a treasure trove of hair care products with a wide variety of customer reviews and ratings. We sift through numerous products, analyzing each one based on its customer feedback.
User reviews provide us with real-life insights into the product's effectiveness, giving us a clear picture of its performance. Additionally, we take into consideration the overall product rating. A high rating typically indicates a consistent positive response from users, making it a reliable factor in our evaluation process.
However, our assessment doesn't stop there. We delve deeper by examining the ingredients of each shampoo. We understand that the secret to a product's effectiveness lies within its formulation. We look for nourishing ingredients that enhance color vibrancy, protect against damage, and promote overall hair health.
Our expert team then compiles all this information, weighing the pros and cons of each product. After careful consideration, we've selected the top 5 shampoos for blonde balayage hair just for you. These shampoos have not only passed our rigorous evaluation but have also stood out for their exceptional quality and performance.
1. Matrix So Silver Purple Shampoo
Total 4.5 stars with 42,455 global ratings
Matrix So Silver Purple Shampoo is a well-known choice among professional hair care products, particularly for those who wish to maintain cool tones in their blonde or grey hair. This color-depositing shampoo is formulated to neutralize brassy warmth and eliminate dull, yellow tones without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
The shampoo is powered by neutralizing pigments that work to maintain the cool blonde hues in your hair. Its key benefits include not only tonal correction but also an added shimmering brightness for both color-treated and naturally grey-to-white shades of hair.
As for its application, it's quite straightforward. Just make sure you're wearing suitable gloves, apply to wet hair, lather, and rinse well. Moreover, the vegan formula is a bonus for those seeking cruelty-free options in their brunette hair care routine.
However, as with all products, Matrix So Silver Purple Shampoo may not work equally well for all users. Based on real customer reviews, some have found the product to be effective within just one wash, noticing a lighter tone to their blonde hair. Others, unfortunately, reported having no noticeable changes even after following the suggested use.
Pros
- Neutralizes brassy warmth and eliminates dull, yellow tones
- Adds brightness and illuminates highlights on blondes
- Vegan formula
- Suitable for color-treated and natural hair ranging from grey to white shades
Cons
- Some users found no noticeable change in hair tone
- Reports of poor packaging leading to spillage during shipping
I've tried numerous hair products, and Matrix So Silver Purple Shampoo really stands out. It's a game-changer for blonde hair, effectively neutralizing brassy tones and adding brightness. I love the vegan formula - a huge plus in my book. However, it didn't escape my notice that results can vary among users, and some reported dryness.
2. L'Oreal Paris EverPure Purple Shampoo
Total 4.4 stars with 22,397 global ratings
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Purple Shampoo is a specialized product designed to maintain the perfect blonde and ombre hair tone while also providing essential hydration.
Its key role is to neutralize brassy yellow and orange tones often found in blonde, bleached, highlighted, and silver hair. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to preserve their blonde balayage.
This shampoo stands out with its hydrating formula that includes Hibiscus and Purple Dye, ensuring not just toned but also deeply moisturized hair. It's noteworthy that this product is vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and without harsh salts, which means it can be used even on color-treated hair without causing any damage.
As part of L'Oreal Paris's Ever Collection, this shampoo forms an integral part of a sulfate-free hair care routine that caters to specific needs. The brand, a leading beauty care company based in Paris, is known for its innovative products and unique expertise in makeup, skincare, hair care, styling, and hair color.
Pros
- Neutralizes brassy yellow and orange tones
- Hydrates and moisturizes dry hair
- Vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and without harsh salts
- Suitable for color-treated hair
Cons
- Some users reported that it didn't work as advertised
- May cause hair breakage, according to some reviews
I'm quite impressed with L'Oreal Paris EverPure Purple Shampoo. It's vegan and free from harsh chemicals, which aligns with my ethos of conscious beauty. The infusion of Hibiscus and Purple Dye effectively tones down any brassiness, leaving the blonde hair vibrant and hydrated.
3. Redken Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo
Total 4.6 stars with 12,920 global ratings
As a hair product expert, I've come across a plethora of products designed for different types of hair and their unique needs. One such product that has been gaining attention lately is the Redken Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo.
This silver brightening shampoo is specifically formulated for color-treated hair and comes with a refreshing citrus scent. It's designed to tone, strengthen, and brighten blonde hair between salon appointments, helping to keep undesired undertones at bay. The ultra-violet pigments and Triple Acid Protein complex in this shampoo are what set it apart from other products in the market.
One of the key benefits of this shampoo is its toning and strengthening capabilities. It gently cleanses the hair, removing brassy tones while simultaneously repairing and strengthening the dyed hair from its core. Its pure violet (purple) pigment works to tone out brassiness, and it also includes Citric Acid, known for its ability to repair hair from within.
Pros
- Tones and strengthens gray hair
- Removes brassy tones effectively
- Leaves hair brighter and healthier
- Works quickly with noticeable results
Cons
- Can turn hair purple if left on for too long
- May dry out hair and fade hair color
The Redken Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo is a game-changer for blonde hair dyes. It expertly combats brassiness and refreshing color between salon visits. Although it's pricier than some alternatives, its potency justifies the cost. Be cautious not to overuse it, though, as it can be drying.
4. Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo
Total 4.6 stars with 12,764 global ratings
Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo is an innovative product designed to cater to the needs of blonde hair. This shampoo's unique formulation seeks to neutralize yellow and warm tones, while providing strength and shine to the hair.
The shampoo employs a variety of potent ingredients to achieve its stated benefits. The violet pigments attach directly to the hair, instantly neutralizing unwanted yellow tones. Additionally, the Green Tea Extract and UV absorbers work in tandem to combat fading and tonal change, ensuring your color stays vibrant and rich.
What sets this shampoo apart is its SmartRelease Technology. This liposome delivery system is a game-changer. It continuously releases Rosehip Oil, Arginine, and Keratin, which help repair, strengthen, and protect hair from daily styling damage.
According to customer reviews, this shampoo has been highly effective for many users. Amanda, a verified purchaser, noted that despite her initial worries about potential dryness, the product actually made her bleach-blonde curls more moisturized and vibrant. She also noticed a brightening effect on her blonde hair and a reduction in orange and yellow tones.
Pros
- Effectively neutralizes yellow and warm tones
- Strengthens and protects hair
- Enhances shine and smoothness
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- Packaging issues reported by some customers
- May cause dryness for some hair types
Its ability to neutralize yellow tones is impressive, while the SmartRelease Technology leaves your hair feeling strengthened and protected. The scent is pleasant, and it leaves your hair softer. However, the packaging could be improved as I've heard about leakage issues. Also, it may not suit everyone's hair type.
5. Not Your Mother's Blonde Moment Purple Shampoo
Total 4.5 stars with 3,449 global ratings
When it comes to maintaining the vibrancy and longevity of blonde balayage, the right shampoo can make all the difference. The Not Your Mother's Blonde Moment Purple Shampoo is a product that has garnered attention for its unique formulation and benefits.
The shampoo and conditioner duo is specifically designed for blonde, lightened brunette, and silver hair. It is made with dark violet pigments and quinoa, which work together to reduce brassiness, fight against yellow tones, and aid in hair color retention. This product is sulfate surfactant-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan, making it safe for both natural and colored hair.
One of the standout features of this product is its sweet and sunny floral scent, which leaves your hair smelling fresh and clean.
According to customer reviews, many users have found that this shampoo helps maintain their blonde beautifully and prevents it from turning orange. Customers have also praised the product for enhancing the shine in their coloured hair and making their highlights look brand new.
Pros
- Reduces brassiness and fights against yellow tones.
- Enhances shine and makes highlights look new.
- Sweet and sunny floral scent.
- Free from harsh chemicals.
Cons
- May leave hair feeling dry and brittle.
- May not work for everyone in reducing brassiness.
I've been researching Not Your Mother's Blonde Moment Purple Shampoo for quite some time, and it's a game-changer. The violet pigments effectively tone down brassiness, keeping your blonde hair vibrant. It's cruelty-free and vegan, which is a big plus. However, it can leave hair slightly dry, so pairing it with a moisturizing conditioner is a good idea.
Buying Guide for the Best Shampoo for Balayage Hair
As a haircare specialist, I know how difficult it can be to find the right shampoo for blonde balayage hair. Balayage is a highlighting technique that creates soft, natural-looking dimensions in blonde hair by painting the color directly onto the strands.
This leaves some sections lighter than others, creating gorgeous variation. But it also requires specialized care, as the lightened sections can become brassy or discolored without the right products.
When shopping for a shampoo for blonde balayage hair, there are a few key factors to consider:
Violet/Blue Pigments
One of the biggest concerns with blonde balayage is keeping the light sections free of brassiness. Brassiness occurs when undertones of orange and yellow show through, muddying the bright blonde. To counteract this, you need a shampoo with blue or violet pigments.
These pigments neutralize brassiness and keep the hair looking icy and bright. Look for labels that specify “anti-brass” or “for natural, highlighted, and color-treated blonde hair.” The pigments should be strong enough to make a difference but not overpowering.
Hydration
Dryness is another common problem with lightened hair. The process of lifting color leaves the strands damaged and parched. So, it’s crucial to use a shampoo that hydrates while cleansing. Seek out ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and keratin.
These will nourish strands and improve elasticity. Additionally, make sure the shampoo is sulfate-free, as sulfates can be too harsh and dry for delicate blonde hair.
UV Protection
Many people don’t realize that hair needs sun protection, too. However, blonde hair is particularly susceptible to fading and discoloration from UV exposure.
To prevent this, use a shampoo containing UV filters. Many brands now formulate their products with UV protection specifically for color-treated hair. The sun filters will help fend off fading between salon visits.
Protein
Reinforcing strands with protein is vital for keeping balayage hair healthy. The lightening process weakens and breaks down proteins in the hair.
A protein-infused shampoo will help rebuild, restore, and protect fragile strands. Look for ingredients like keratin, wheat protein, silk amino acids, or hydrolyzed collagen. A weekly treatment with a protein-packed shampoo combats damage and improves elasticity.
Toners
Some shampoos for blonde hair contain toner as well. Toner neutralizes brassiness and brightens color. It helps keep the balayage looking fresh between appointments. Not all toning shampoos deposit color evenly, though. So, read reviews and look for reliable brands with experience formulating toners. When used properly, a toning shampoo can be a great maintenance product between salon visits.
Gentleness
Look for a shampoo that thoroughly cleanses but is still gentle enough for daily use on color-treated hair. Many shampoos boast attributes like “sulfate-free,” “color-safe,” or “daily use.”
Opt for a formula without any harsh detergents or fragrances. The shampoo should feel pleasant to use and leave hair strands soft, not stripped or tangled. A gentle formula ensures you can maintain brightness without unnecessary abrasiveness.
Price
Salon-quality shampoos are available at drugstore prices these days. You can find excellent formulas containing violet pigments, keratin, and UV filters without breaking the bank.
I recommend sticking to the $15-$25 range for a good value. Prestige brands can charge more for essentially the same ingredients. And remember - a little goes a long way with quality shampoo.
Scalp Health
Take scalp health into consideration as well. If you have a dry or irritated scalp, seek out ingredients like tea tree, mint, or eucalyptus for soothing properties.
Or look for shampoos containing probiotics to nurture a healthy scalp microbiome. A healthy scalp means faster, stronger hair growth, which enhances your balayage.
Conditioner
Be sure to use a compatible conditioner designed for color-treated hair as well. The conditioner should contain similar ingredients and benefits as the shampoo.
Layering products with the same formulations ensures you get maximum results. Using a generic conditioner can negate the benefits of your specialty shampoo.
Consultation
I recommend consulting your stylist before trying any new shampoo. They can advise you based on the specifics of your color and hair needs.
Together, you can fine-tune a regimen to keep your blonde balayage in optimum condition. A trusted professional’s input will ensure you get the best results from your at-home routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blonde balayage hair requires specialized care and maintenance. To keep your highlighted hair looking its best, you need to be thoughtful about which shampoo you use. I'm sure you have plenty of questions about finding and using the right products for your blonde locks.
Below, I've compiled some frequently asked questions and thorough answers about shampooing and caring for blonde balayage hair. Read on for tips, recommendations, and expertise from a haircare specialist.
What shampoo is best for blonde balayage?
The best shampoo for blonde balayage hair contains purple or blue pigments to counteract brassiness. Look for a formula labeled “anti-brass” or “for highlighted blonde hair.” Make sure it also hydrates and smooths with oils and keratin.
Do you need to use purple shampoo for balayage?
Yes, using purple shampoo is highly recommended for blonde balayage dark hair. The violet pigments neutralize unwanted yellow and orange tones that can make balayage brassy. Purple shampoo keeps the light pieces icy and bright.
How do you take care of blonde balayage?
Caring for blonde balayage involves hydrating well with sulfate-free purple shampoos and masks. Use purple shampoo 2-3 times a week to tone brassiness. Rinse with cool water and limit heat styling to reduce fading. Always apply UV protection before going into the sun.
Should I use blue or purple shampoo on balayage?
Either purple or blue shampoo will work for toning blonde balayage hair. Purple has more reddish-orange canceling tones, while blue neutralizes pale yellow. Using both interchangeably gives the best all-over tone.
How often should I use purple shampoo on my balayage?
Use purple shampoo 2-3 times per week maximum for blonde balayage hair. Leaving it on for 1-5 minutes lets the purple pigment deposit evenly. More frequent use can result in overtoned hair.
How soon can I use purple shampoo after balayage?
Wait 1-2 weeks after getting balayage before using purple shampoo. Freshly lightened hair absorbs more pigment. Let the color settle first to avoid over-toning into grey or violet shades.
Conclusion
Now that you've read this comprehensive guide, you have all the information you need to properly care for blonde balayage hair. You understand what to look for in a specialized shampoo and conditioner, like anti-brass pigments and hydrating ingredients.
You know how often to use purple shampoo for optimal toning and brassiness control. With this expertise, you can confidently select products that keep your blonde balayage vibrant in between salon visits.
Don't forget to protect your hair from UV rays, use protein treatments, and maintain scalp health as well. Implementing the proper at-home regimen is crucial for preserving beautiful balayage color. I'm confident these tips will help you enhance and extend your blonde balayage.
