Joico is a popular haircare brand that offers a range of shampoos, including blue shampoos designed to neutralize brassy or yellow tones in blonde, gray, and highlighted hair. But what exactly does their blue shampoo do? Let’s take a closer look at how it works.
What is a blue shampoo?
A blue shampoo is a specially formulated shampoo that contains blue or violet pigments that are designed to neutralize brassy, orange, and yellow tones in hair. The blue or violet pigments effectively cancel out the warm, yellow undertones by depositing a temporary cool tint to the hair. This makes hair look brighter, shinier, and less brassy.
How does Joico blue shampoo work?
Joico’s blue shampoo contains something called ‘dual-tone conditioning technology’. This refers to the blue and violet pigments that are combined in the formula to target unwanted warm tones from two different angles:
- Blue pigments – Designed to target more orange/copper tones
- Violet pigments – Designed to target more yellow tones
By using both blue and violet pigments, Joico’s blue shampoo can neutralize a wide range of brassy tones for a brighter, more even result.
The pigments work by depositing temporary cool tones to effectively counteract and neutralize the warm, brassy tones. The blue and violet shades essentially mix with the yellow and orange hues in the hair to create a more neutral color result.
Key ingredients in Joico blue shampoo
In addition to the blue and violet pigments, Joico’s blue shampoo contains a few other key ingredients that contribute to its toning abilities:
- Citric acid – Helps swell the hair cuticle so the toning pigments can effectively deposit.
- Quadramine complex – A patented blend that strengthens and repairs hair while conditioning.
- Pearl extract – Helps provide shine and brilliance.
These ingredients work together with the blue and violet pigments to ensure the shampoo can properly deposit cool tones while also caring for the strength and shine of hair.
What color results can you expect?
The color results you see from Joico’s blue shampoo will depend on a few factors:
- Your starting hair color – The warmer and brassier your starting color, the more noticeable tone-correcting results you’ll see.
- Porosity – More porous hair will pick up color faster.
- Time left on – The longer the shampoo is left on the hair, the more it will deposit color.
In most cases, regular use of Joico’s blue shampoo will eliminate brassiness and result in cooler, brighter, more neutral blonde, gray, and highlighted shades. For very pale or silver tones, you may need a stronger purple shampoo.
Here are some before and after photos showing the tone-correcting effects of Joico blue shampoo:
| Before | After |
|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
As you can see, the Joico blue shampoo was able to tone down the brassiness and orange tones for brighter, cooler results.
How often should you use it?
When you first start using Joico’s blue shampoo, it’s recommended to use it 1-2 times per week. This gives your hair time to adjust to the toner without over-depositing.
Once your desired tone is achieved, you can scale back to using it once every 1-2 weeks to maintain the results.
For best toning results, wet your hair thoroughly then apply and massage the blue shampoo in. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. The longer it’s left on, the more intense the toning effects will be.
Who is it best suited for?
Joico’s blue shampoo is ideal for anyone looking to reduce brassy, orange or yellow tones in:
- Blonde hair
- Gray hair
- Color-treated hair
- Highlighted hair
- Bleached hair
It works best on light to medium blonde shades. For darker blondes and brunettes, a blue shampoo likely won’t have a noticeable toning effect.
How long do the results last?
The toning results from Joico’s blue shampoo are temporary. They will fade after 4-6 shampoos.
To maintain the cooler, brighter tone it provides, you need to use the blue shampoo on a regular basis as part of your haircare routine.
Think of it like makeup for your hair – you have to reapply it regularly to keep the desired effect.
Is it drying?
Many blue and purple shampoos tend to be quite drying due to their ability to really penetrate the hair shaft during the toning process.
However, Joico’s blue shampoo contains conditioning and moisturizing ingredients like quadramine and pearl extract to counteract the potential for dryness.
As long as you don’t overuse it and properly condition your hair after, Joico blue shampoo provides adequate hydration and won’t dry out your locks.
Can you leave it on overnight?
It is not recommended to leave any shampoo on your hair overnight. Shampoos are designed to be used and rinsed out within minutes.
Leaving Joico’s blue shampoo on all night could over-deposit blue/violet pigments, resulting in an overly ashy or discolored result.
The optimal time to leave blue shampoo on is 5-15 minutes. Overnight application is risky and could lead to unintended results.
What’s the difference between blue and purple shampoo?
The main difference lies in the pigments used and the tones targeted:
- Blue shampoo contains blue pigments designed to neutralize more orange/brassy tones.
- Purple shampoo contains violet pigments designed to target more pale yellow tones.
Joico uses a blend of both blue and violet pigments to address a wide range of warm tones.
A basic rule is that blue shampoos are better for darker blondes and brunettes, while pale blondes and gray hair benefit more from purple shampoos.
Can you use it on brunette hair?
Blue shampoos don’t work as effectively on brunette hair compared to lighter shades. Brunette hair has darker underlying pigments, so the blue has a harder time neutralizing unwanted tones.
That said, some brunettes do use blue shampoo for a subtle brightening effect. It helps provide a clean slate by stripping out buildup and chlorine. But the toning results will be extremely subtle.
For brunettes seeking to neutralize brassiness, an ash brown or charcoal shampoo is a better option than blue shampoo.
Does it fade color?
When used properly, Joico’s blue shampoo deposits tones, it doesn’t remove hair color. However, there are a few scenarios where it could contribute to fading:
- Overuse – Using too much or too often can cause color stripping.
- Light tones – Pale blonde and gray hair is more prone to subtle fading from blue shampoos.
- Color damage – Porous, damaged hair may lose some color molecules during the toning process.
To prevent fading, limit use to 1-2 times per week and adjust frequency based on your hair’s needs. Always follow with a good conditioner.
Conclusion
Joico’s blue shampoo is an effective toner specially formulated to neutralize brassy, orange undertones in blonde, gray, highlighted, or bleached hair. The blue and violet pigments in the formula deposit cool tones to counteract warmth for brighter, shinier results.
When used properly 1-2 times per week, Joico blue shampoo can eliminate brassiness and maintain cool, even tones. Just be careful not to overdo it, as overuse can cause drying or discoloration. Pair it with a good hydrating conditioner to keep hair healthy and soft.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
For best results, incorporate Joico blue shampoo into your regular haircare routine 1-2 times per week to maintain vibrant, brass-free blonde, gray, and highlighted hair.
