Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo Review 2026: Worth Buying?

If you color, lighten, or highlight your brunette hair, you know how fast those warm, brassy orange tones can creep in. Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo has been one of the most talked about blue shampoos on the market for years.

But does it still hold up in 2026? Is it worth your money? And will it actually deliver the cool, fresh tones you want?

In this detailed review, we break down everything about this popular blue toning shampoo. We cover its ingredients, how it works, real user results, how to use it correctly, and who should buy it. We also look at alternatives that might suit your hair better.

Key Takeaways

• Matrix Brass Off Shampoo uses blue-violet pigments to cancel out orange and brassy undertones in lightened brunette and dark blonde hair. It works on hair at levels 5 through 8 on the color chart.
• Results show up after just one wash for most users. The shampoo deposits color-correcting tones during every use, and many reviewers report a visible difference immediately.
• This product is best for brunettes who lighten, highlight, or balayage their hair. It is not the same as a purple shampoo. Purple shampoos target yellow tones in very light blondes. Blue shampoos target orange tones in darker shades.
• You should use it every other wash for the best results. Overuse can lead to a slight blue or violet tint on lighter sections, so moderation is important.
• The formula also provides moisture and shine. Matrix has updated this shampoo to give 2x more moisture and stronger, shinier hair compared to older versions.
• It is a salon-grade product at a mid-range price. You get professional quality without the premium salon price tag, and it is widely available online and in stores.

Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo Overview

Last update on 2026-08-20 at 07:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo is a blue toning shampoo made by Matrix, a brand under the L’Oréal Professional family. It is a salon-grade product sold at an affordable price point. The shampoo comes in a deep blue bottle and has a rich blue-violet formula inside.

The main goal of this shampoo is simple. It fights brassy and orange tones in color-treated, highlighted, or lightened brunette hair. It does this by depositing blue-violet pigments into your hair every time you wash.

Matrix designed this shampoo for hair at pitch levels 5 through 8. This means it works best on medium brown to dark blonde shades. It is available in 10.1 oz and 33.8 oz bottles.

How Does Matrix Brass Off Shampoo Work?

The science behind this shampoo is based on color theory. Blue sits opposite orange on the color wheel. So blue pigments cancel out orange tones. This is exactly what Matrix Brass Off does during each wash.

The shampoo deposits highly concentrated blue-violet pigments into the hair cuticle. These pigments coat and penetrate the hair strand. They neutralize the warm, unwanted copper and orange tones that develop after coloring or lightening.

You apply it to wet hair, lather it up, and leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes. The longer you leave it, the more toning effect you get. Then you rinse it out. The result is cooler, fresher hair with less brassiness. It also cleans your hair like a regular shampoo, so it does double duty.

Key Ingredients in Matrix Brass Off Shampoo

The hero ingredients in this formula are the blue-violet color pigments. These are the active toning agents that do the heavy lifting against brassy tones. They are professional-grade and highly concentrated.

Beyond the pigments, the shampoo also contains salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the scalp and removes buildup. This helps keep your scalp healthy and your hair looking clean. You will also find tocopherol (Vitamin E), which acts as an antioxidant to protect hair from environmental damage.

The updated formula also includes moisturizing agents that Matrix claims provide 2x more moisture than previous versions. This is a big deal because toning shampoos have a reputation for drying out hair. Matrix addressed that concern directly with this reformulation.

Top 3 Alternatives for Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo

1. Fanola Wonder No Orange Blue Shampoo

Last update on 2026-09-02 at 22:18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Fanola is an Italian professional brand known for its intense pigmentation. The Wonder No Orange formula is extremely potent and works fast. It is great for stubborn brassiness but should be used with caution on lighter hair because the pigments are very strong.

2. Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo

Last update on 2026-08-20 at 07:51 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Joico’s blue shampoo is a great mid-range option. It neutralizes orange and brassy tones while boosting shine. It also contains UV protection, which helps preserve your color longer between salon visits. Results last through multiple washes.

3. Redken Color Extend Brownlights Blue Shampoo

Last update on 2026-08-20 at 14:19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Redken Brownlights is a sulfate-free blue toning shampoo. It is gentle on color-treated hair and deposits blue pigments to cancel brassiness. This is an excellent choice if you prefer a sulfate-free formula and have sensitive or dry hair.

Who Should Use Matrix Brass Off Shampoo?

This shampoo is made for brunettes and dark blondes who lighten, highlight, or balayage their hair. If your hair falls between level 5 (medium brown) and level 8 (dark blonde), this product is a strong match for you.

It is also a solid pick for people who get ombré or color melts and notice warm, coppery tones developing between salon appointments. If your highlights start to look orange instead of cool and ashy, this shampoo can help bring them back.

However, this is not the best choice for very light blondes or platinum hair. Those hair types usually have yellow brassiness, not orange. For yellow tones, a purple shampoo like Clairol Shimmer Lights or Fanola No Yellow is a better option.

Blue Shampoo vs Purple Shampoo: What’s the Difference?

This is one of the most common points of confusion. Blue shampoo and purple shampoo are not the same thing. They target different types of brassiness based on your hair’s undertone.

Purple shampoo uses violet pigments. Violet cancels yellow. So purple shampoos work best on light blonde, platinum, silver, and gray hair. They fight the yellowish brassiness that these lighter shades develop over time.

Blue shampoo uses blue pigments. Blue cancels orange. So blue shampoos like Matrix Brass Off work best on darker blondes and lightened brunettes. If your hair turns orange or copper after a few weeks, blue shampoo is the right pick. Choosing the wrong type can leave you with dull or oddly tinted hair, so this distinction matters.

How to Use Matrix Brass Off Shampoo Correctly

Using this shampoo correctly makes a big difference in your results. Start by wetting your hair thoroughly with warm water. Squeeze a generous amount of the shampoo into your palm.

Apply it to your hair and work it into a lather from roots to ends. Make sure you distribute it evenly. Then leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes. This wait time is important because the pigments need time to deposit into the hair shaft.

After the wait time, rinse your hair completely with cool water. Cool water helps seal the cuticle and lock in the toning pigments. For best results, follow up with a conditioner. Matrix also makes a Brass Off conditioner and mask that pair well with this shampoo. Use the shampoo every other wash to maintain your tone without over-depositing color.

Before and After Results

One of the best things about Matrix Brass Off is how quickly you see results. Many users report a noticeable difference after a single wash. The orange and coppery tones fade, and the hair takes on a cooler, ashier appearance.

After two to three uses, the difference becomes even more obvious. Hair looks fresher, more vibrant, and closer to how it looked right after a salon appointment. The blue-violet pigments do an excellent job of restoring that just-colored look.

That said, results can vary based on your starting hair color and porosity. Very porous hair may pick up more pigment faster, which can sometimes lead to a slight blue or grey tint. If this happens, simply reduce the frequency of use or shorten the leave-on time.

Pros of Matrix Brass Off Shampoo

There is a lot to like about this shampoo. The toning power is strong and consistent. You get noticeable results from the first wash, and the effects build over time with regular use.

The price is fair for a salon-quality product. You are getting professional-grade pigments at a drugstore-friendly cost. The shampoo also works as a regular cleanser, so you do not need a separate everyday shampoo on the days you use it.

The updated formula adds moisture and shine. Older toning shampoos often left hair feeling dry and straw-like. Matrix fixed that issue. Users also praise the pleasant scent and the smooth texture of the lather. The product is widely available on Amazon, Ulta, Sally Beauty, and other retailers.

Cons of Matrix Brass Off Shampoo

No product is perfect, and Matrix Brass Off has a few drawbacks. The biggest complaint from users is that the blue pigments can stain. Your hands, nails, and shower tiles may turn blue during use. Wearing gloves and rinsing your shower quickly can help.

Some users with lighter or more porous hair report that the shampoo left a blue or purple tint on their strands. This usually happens from leaving the shampoo on too long or using it too often. Following the recommended 3 to 5 minute window and using it every other wash can prevent this.

The shampoo also does not lather as much as traditional shampoos. This is normal for color-depositing shampoos, but some users find it takes more product to feel like they have fully cleaned their hair.

Is Matrix Brass Off Shampoo Worth the Price?

At around $10 to $16 for a 10.1 oz bottle (depending on the retailer), Matrix Brass Off delivers strong value for the money. Comparable salon toning services can cost $30 to $50 per visit. This shampoo lets you maintain your color at home between appointments.

The 33.8 oz bottle offers an even better per-ounce value if you plan to use it long-term. It is a cost-effective way to extend the life of your salon color without frequent touch-ups.

Compared to competitors like Fanola and Joico, Matrix Brass Off sits in a similar price range but has wider availability. You can find it at nearly every major beauty retailer, which makes it convenient to restock.

Real User Reviews and Feedback

Last update on 2026-08-20 at 07:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Across Amazon, Ulta, and other platforms, Matrix Brass Off Shampoo holds strong ratings from thousands of reviewers. Most users give it 4 to 5 stars and praise its ability to remove orange tones quickly.

Common praise includes phrases like “my hair looks like I just left the salon” and “the best blue shampoo I’ve tried.” Brunettes with balayage and highlights are the most satisfied group of users.

On the flip side, some negative reviews mention staining and occasional over-toning. A few users with lighter hair reported their strands looked slightly blue after use. However, these cases are usually tied to overuse or leaving the product on longer than recommended. Overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Here are some practical tips to get the most out of Matrix Brass Off Shampoo. First, always start with a shorter leave-on time (around 3 minutes) and increase only if you need more toning. This prevents over-depositing pigment.

Second, use the shampoo with the Matrix Brass Off Conditioner or Mask for a complete toning system. The conditioner adds moisture and extends the toning effect. The mask provides an even deeper level of pigment deposit for very brassy hair.

Third, wear old clothes or use dark towels on wash days. The blue pigments can temporarily stain fabric. Also, rinse your shower walls immediately after use to prevent staining on light-colored tile or grout. Finally, store the bottle upside down to get every last drop of product out.

Final Verdict on Matrix Brass Off Shampoo

Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo remains one of the best blue toning shampoos in 2026. It delivers on its promise to neutralize brassy, orange tones in lightened brunette and dark blonde hair. The formula is effective, affordable, and easy to use at home.

If you struggle with warm tones creeping into your highlighted, balayaged, or lightened hair, this shampoo is a smart investment. It extends the life of your salon color and keeps your hair looking fresh and cool-toned between visits.

Just remember to use it correctly. Follow the 3 to 5 minute rule, use it every other wash, and pair it with the matching conditioner. Do that, and you will love the results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use Matrix Brass Off Shampoo?

Matrix recommends using this shampoo every other wash day. This frequency gives you consistent toning without over-depositing blue pigments. If your hair is very porous, you may want to use it just once a week. Adjust based on how your hair responds after the first few uses.

Can I use Matrix Brass Off Shampoo on natural, uncolored hair?

Yes, you can. However, the results will be less dramatic on uncolored hair. This shampoo works best on hair that has been lightened, highlighted, or color-treated. On natural hair, the blue pigments may cool down warm undertones slightly, but the effect will be subtle.

Will Matrix Brass Off Shampoo turn my hair blue?

It should not turn your hair blue if you use it correctly. Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Over-toning happens from leaving the shampoo on too long or using it too frequently. If you notice a blue tint, skip the next scheduled use and wash with a regular shampoo to fade the tint.

Is Matrix Brass Off Shampoo sulfate-free?

No, the standard Matrix Brass Off Shampoo is not sulfate-free. It contains sulfates for effective cleansing and lathering. If you need a sulfate-free blue shampoo, consider Redken Color Extend Brownlights, which offers a sulfate-free alternative.

Can I use Matrix Brass Off Shampoo with other hair treatments?

Yes, you can. It pairs well with deep conditioners, hair masks, and leave-in treatments. For the best toning system, use it with the Matrix Brass Off Conditioner and Mask. Avoid using it on the same day as a chemical treatment like a perm or relaxer. Wait at least 48 hours after any chemical service.

Does Matrix Brass Off Shampoo work on gray hair?

It can help tone down warm undertones in gray hair, but it is not specifically designed for that purpose. Gray hair with yellowish brassiness responds better to a purple shampoo. If your gray hair has more orange warmth, Matrix Brass Off may help cool it down.