By Stefania, Beauty Blogger & Haircare Enthusiast
Okay, real talk: balayage is that girl. Effortless, dimensional, low-maintenance—what's not to love? But here’s the catch: that gorgeous, sun-kissed blend can turn into a brassy mess if you don’t baby it a little. You just spent $$$ and hours in the chair, so the last thing you want is your hair looking like a sad DIY experiment two weeks later. Right? :/
So if you’re wondering which shampoos actually help you keep your balayage fresh, shiny, and salon-worthy—I got you. I’ve tried tons (some were a flop, some changed the game), and I’m dishing out my top picks below.
Ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Why does my hair look like corn?” Same.
Fanola No Yellow is a cult-fave for a reason. It’s packed with intense purple pigments that neutralize yellow tones like nobody's business. Use it once a week, leave it on for a few minutes, and boom—icy, fresh balayage without the salon visit.
Why I love it:
Super pigmented—you’ll see a difference after one wash
Great for cool-toned or ash blonde balayage
Budget-friendly for the results it delivers
FYI: Don’t use it daily unless you’re aiming for violet streaks (not judging).
Redken really said, "You're not going brassy on my watch."
This purple shampoo is a salon favorite and for good reason. It’s got ultraviolet pigment + a protein complex that tones and strengthens your hair. Think of it as toner and protein treatment in one.
What makes it a winner:
Gentle enough for frequent use
Smells amazing (not like chemicals or grandma’s purse)
Leaves hair feeling soft, not stripped
Ever wondered why some shampoos leave your hair feeling like straw? This one doesn’t.
If Olaplex made toothpaste, I’d probably use it. That’s how much I trust this brand.
No. 4P is their take on purple shampoo, and it’s a game-changer. It tones and rebuilds broken bonds in your hair—so it’s basically therapy for your balayage.
Top perks:
Super nourishing (thank you, Olaplex magic)
Neutralizes yellow and orange tones
Ideal for damaged or bleached hair
Pro tip: Let it sit for a few mins for extra toning power. Just don’t go make a sandwich and forget about it—I learned the hard way.
Not all balayage is blonde, okay? Shoutout to the brunettes with caramel and honey highlights.
This one’s for you. Matrix Brass Off is designed for lightened brunettes who want to nix orange tones. It’s blue-based, not purple—which is perfect for brunette balayage.
Why it slaps:
Targets those annoying orange hues
Works in just a couple washes
Affordable and easy to find
Orange tones who? Never heard of her.
Joico is like that reliable friend who never flakes on plans. Solid, consistent, and always comes through.
Their purple shampoo is sulfate-free and color-safe, so it won’t wreck your dye job. Plus, it smells fresh and doesn’t leave weird residue.
What I noticed:
Doesn’t dry out my ends
Subtle toning, perfect for weekly use
Great for fine or thin hair
IMO, this one's super beginner-friendly.
Can we talk about the packaging first? Because, wow.
But aesthetics aside, Amika’s Bust Your Brass is seriously good. It’s got botanical extracts, avocado oil, and keratin, so it tones and moisturizes. Total multitasker.
Why it made the list:
Clean ingredients with no sulfates or parabens
Strengthens fragile balayage strands
Salon results at home
Also, it smells like a fancy spa. Just saying.
If your balayage is fried from heat styling (guilty), Pureology has your back.
This sulfate-free shampoo strengthens damaged strands while toning with purple orchid and pearlescent pigment. It’s extra gentle and totally vegan.
Key highlights:
Ideal for color-treated, fragile hair
Adds shine without weighing hair down
Smells floral and clean, not overpowering
It’s like a bubble bath for your balayage. Luxurious and healing.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get great results. Case in point: EverPure.
This drugstore gem packs a punch with hibiscus + purple dye, and it’s free from sulfates. It’s honestly one of the best budget-friendly options I’ve tried.
Best things about it:
Works surprisingly well for the price
Leaves hair soft and shiny
Easily available at most stores
Perfect for the girlies on a budget who still want Instagram-worthy hair.
Short, sweet, and to the point. That’s Verb.
This shampoo tones brassiness with a gentle touch and adds a little shine boost while it's at it. No harsh sulfates, no drama.
Why it’s worth trying:
Lightweight, great for fine or oily hair
Subtle but effective toning
Budget-mid range pricing
Also, the bottle's cute. Priorities, right? ;)
Kristin Ess gets balayage. Her purple shampoo is not just effective, it’s also affordable and easy to use.
It’s got a luxe scent and tones like a pro—without leaving your hair feeling stiff or dry.
Standout features:
UV filters to protect from sun damage (yes, your hair needs SPF too!)
Works well even with minimal lather
Ideal for soft, subtle toning
It’s the "no-fuss but still fabulous" pick.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your balayage looking fresh doesn’t mean shelling out cash at the salon every month. With the right shampoo, you can maintain that just-colored glow from the comfort of your own shower.
Whether you want icy blonde, soft caramel, or anything in between, there’s a purple (or blue) shampoo with your name on it. Honestly, if you’re investing in balayage, your shampoo needs to work with you—not against you.
So go ahead, treat your strands. They deserve it. And trust me, Future You (a.k.a. the girl with bomb hair in every selfie) will thank you. 🙂
About the Author
Stefania is a California-based beauty blogger and haircare specialist with a soft spot for sun-kissed balayage and beachy waves. With over 7 years of experience testing and reviewing hair products, she’s on a mission to help readers keep their color-treated hair looking flawless between salon visits. When she’s not writing, Chloe’s either scouting cute cafés or giving her hair the TLC it totally deserves.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
