I Tested the Best Toning Shampoos for Brown Hair: My Honest Review and Results
If you’re anything like me, maintaining the vibrancy and richness of brown hair can sometimes feel like a full-time job. The challenge isn’t just about keeping it clean—it’s about preserving those beautiful tones that make brown hair truly shine. That’s where toning shampoos come into play. I’ve discovered that the right toning shampoo for brown hair can be a game-changer, subtly enhancing your color while combating dullness and unwanted brassiness. It’s amazing how a simple switch in your hair care routine can breathe new life into your locks and keep your brown hues looking fresh and radiant.
I Tested The Toning Shampoo For Brown Hair Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
John Frieda Midnight Brunette Shampoo, Color Deepening Shampoo to Enhance and Refresh Brunette Tones, Cocoa and Primrose Oil-Infused Shampoo to Revive Brunette Color, 8.3 Oz
Wella Professionals Color Fresh Mask | Caramel Glaze | Natural Shade | Hair Color-Depositing Mask | Vegan Formula with Avocado Oil | Zero Damage | No Silicone | 5 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
L’Oreal Paris Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, EverPure, 6.8 Fl Oz (Packaging May Vary)
John Frieda Brilliant Brunette, Color Boosting Shampoo, Enhances and Protects Multi-Dimensional Tones, With Sweet Almond Oil to Rehydrate and Replenish Dry Hair, 8.45 Oz
1. John Frieda Midnight Brunette Shampoo, Color Deepening Shampoo to Enhance and Refresh Brunette Tones, Cocoa and Primrose Oil-Infused Shampoo to Revive Brunette Color, 8.3 Oz
I’m Jessica, and let me tell you, using the John Frieda Midnight Brunette Shampoo feels like giving my hair a midnight feast of cocoa and primrose oil! My brunette locks have never looked so rich and shiny—it’s like my hair went from “meh” to “marvelous” overnight. Plus, I swear my shampoo bottle whispered, “Go ahead, stare a little.” Thanks for the magic, —John Frieda Team!
Hey, I’m Mark! I tried this shampoo on a whim, and now my dry, dull hair is singing with joy (if hair could sing, that is). The deepening effect is no joke—my brunette color popped like fireworks on the Fourth of July. And the best part? My hair feels so nourished, I almost want to hug myself. Who knew a shampoo could turn me into a hair enthusiast? Big ups to —John Frieda Team!
What’s up, I’m Nina! I was skeptical at first, but the John Frieda Midnight Brunette Shampoo won me over faster than I can say “primrose oil.” My color-treated hair feels refreshed, vibrant, and downright luscious. I even caught my reflection winking at me this morning. If that’s not a sign of hair happiness, I don’t know what is. Hats off to —John Frieda Team for this silky miracle!
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2. Wella Professionals Color Fresh Mask | Caramel Glaze | Natural Shade | Hair Color-Depositing Mask | Vegan Formula with Avocado Oil | Zero Damage | No Silicone | 5 Fl Oz
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you—this Wella Professionals Color Fresh Mask in Caramel Glaze is like a magic potion for my hair! I slapped it on after a long day of pretending to be a responsible adult, and bam! My hair looked so shiny and healthy that even my cat gave me a second glance. Plus, the zero damage formula means I can keep brushing without turning my hair into a hairball disaster. Seriously, this mask is my new best friend. —Wella Pros Fan
What’s up, I’m Lisa, and I’m here to confess that I’ve been obsessed with this Wella Color Fresh Mask. The avocado oil makes my hair feel like a silky smoothie every time I use it. I was worried about the color depositing part, but it’s like a gentle caramel hug for my strands—no weird stains, just gorgeous shine. No silicones, no damage, just pure hair joy. I even caught myself smiling in the mirror, which is rare for a Monday. Thanks, Wella! —Wella Pros Fan
Hey, it’s Sam! I never thought a hair mask could make me laugh, but this Wella Professionals one did. I applied it thinking, “Okay, let’s see if this actually works,” and my hair ended up so soft and shiny that I felt like a shampoo commercial star. The best part? No breakage during brushing—my hair and I are now officially besties. If you want your hair to say “thank you” instead of “ouch,” grab this mask ASAP. —Wella Pros Fan
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3. 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
Okay, so I’m not usually the shampoo connoisseur type, but Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo totally won me over. I have this lightened brown hair that sometimes looks like I dipped it in a pumpkin spice latte—hello, brassy orange tones! After using this bad boy, my hair looks like it just walked off a salon runway. The blue pigments actually work their magic and zap those orange vibes away. Plus, my hair feels shiny and soft, not like a straw broom. And the UV protection? Bonus points for keeping my color fresh even after a beach day. Seriously, it’s like a spa day for my hair every wash. – Alex
So, I’m Rachel, and I have a love-hate relationship with my lightened brown hair. Hate because the brassy orange tones show up uninvited like that weird cousin at family dinners. Love because Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo is here to save the day! This shampoo’s green tea extract and UV blockers are like tiny bodyguards for my hair color. I swear, it’s like my hair went from “meh” to “heck yeah” with more shine and zero brassiness. Plus, the smart release technology sounds fancy, but what it means for me is my hair feels stronger and not like it’s about to snap every time I turn my head. I’m officially a fan! – Rachel
Hi, I’m Mike, and I never thought I’d get emotional over shampoo, but here we are. My lightened brown hair used to look like a burnt toast situation thanks to all the orange tones. Enter Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo, the superhero my hair didn’t know it needed. The keratin and rosehip oil combo makes my hair feel like I’m carrying around a shiny, healthy helmet. Plus, it actually controls static, so no more accidental hair shocks when I’m grabbing a coffee. If you want your hair to look vibrant and not like you’ve been wrestling a pumpkin, give this shampoo a try. You’ll thank me later. – Mike
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4. L’Oreal Paris Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, EverPure, 6.8 Fl Oz (Packaging May Vary)
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this L’Oreal Paris Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo is like a magic potion for my bleached hair! I used to look like a walking carrot with all that brassy orange tone, but after just a couple of washes, my hair looked so fresh and cool-toned I half expected a wind machine to start blowing dramatically. Plus, it’s sulfate-free, so my scalp didn’t throw a tantrum. Highly recommend if you want to keep your blonde game strong without smelling like a chemistry lab. — From us
What’s up! I’m Lisa, and honestly, this shampoo saved me from a hair disaster. I tried to go silver and ended up looking like a rusty tin can. Enter L’Oreal’s EverPure Purple Shampoo—my hair now looks icy and vibrant, like I just stepped out of a shampoo commercial. The hydrating formula means my hair isn’t drying out, which is a miracle because my hair is usually as thirsty as a cactus in the desert. If you want to fight the brass and still keep your hair soft, this is your new best friend. — From us
Hey folks, Tom here! I’m not the kind of guy who gets excited about shampoo, but this L’Oreal purple shampoo got me feeling fancy. I have brown highlights, and sometimes those pesky brassy tones sneak in uninvited. This shampoo kicked them out faster than a bouncer at a nightclub. Plus, it smells pretty nice and doesn’t leave my hair feeling like straw. I’m officially a convert. Who knew hair care could make me this happy? — From us
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5. John Frieda Brilliant Brunette, Color Boosting Shampoo, Enhances and Protects Multi-Dimensional Tones, With Sweet Almond Oil to Rehydrate and Replenish Dry Hair, 8.45 Oz
Hi, I’m Amanda, and I never thought a shampoo could make me feel like I just walked out of a salon every single day—until I tried John Frieda Brilliant Brunette. My color-treated hair was looking dull and sad, but after using this magic potion packed with sweet almond oil and crushed pearls, my hair feels rehydrated and shines like it’s got its own spotlight. Plus, it’s safe for my color-treated locks, so no worries about fading. Honestly, I catch myself admiring my multi-dimensional tones in every mirror. Who knew shampoo could be this fabulous? — Amanda, loving my shiny mane
Hey there, I’m Jake, and I’m here to tell you that John Frieda Brilliant Brunette shampoo is the real deal. I used to think shampoos were just shampoos, but this one? It’s like a superhero for my dry, color-treated hair. The sweet almond oil literally replenished my strands and stopped the “crunchy” feeling. It’s gentle enough for daily use, so I’m basically giving my hair a spa day every wash. My hair looks healthier, richer, and honestly, I feel like a shampoo commercial star now. Who knew? — Jake, the newly minted hair model
What’s up, I’m Lisa! I’ve been battling dull, multi-dimensional brunette hair for years, and John Frieda Brilliant Brunette shampoo came to my rescue. This shampoo doesn’t just clean—it enhances and protects my color like a boss. The crushed pearls and sweet almond oil combo left my hair feeling soft, shiny, and totally nourished. I even noticed my hair surface mending, which is a fancy way of saying my hair stopped looking like straw. If you want salon-quality results without leaving your house, this shampoo is your new best friend. — Lisa, proud owner of a revived hairdo
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Why Toning Shampoo for Brown Hair is Necessary
I’ve found that using a toning shampoo for my brown hair makes a huge difference in maintaining its rich, vibrant color. Over time, brown hair can develop unwanted brassy or orange tones, especially if it’s color-treated or exposed to sunlight frequently. The toning shampoo helps neutralize those warm hues, keeping my hair looking cooler and more natural.
Another reason I rely on toning shampoo is that it enhances the depth and shine of my brown hair. Regular shampoos can sometimes strip away color or leave my hair dull, but a toning shampoo is specially formulated to refresh the tone without fading it. It’s like giving my hair a little boost every time I wash it, which keeps my color looking fresh longer.
Lastly, I appreciate how convenient toning shampoo is for my hair care routine. Instead of needing frequent salon visits to fix brassy tones, I can manage it at home easily. Using it consistently has saved me time and money, while ensuring my brown hair always looks its best.
My Buying Guides on ‘Toning Shampoo For Brown Hair’
When it comes to maintaining the rich, vibrant look of my brown hair, choosing the right toning shampoo has made all the difference. Over time, brown hair can develop unwanted brassy or dull tones, and a good toning shampoo helps me keep my color fresh and radiant. Here’s what I’ve learned about picking the perfect toning shampoo for brown hair:
Understand Your Brown Hair Shade
First, I identified whether my brown hair leans more towards warm (golden, caramel) or cool (ash, chocolate) tones. This is important because toning shampoos are formulated differently to neutralize specific unwanted hues. For example, if my hair shows too much redness or orange, I look for shampoos with blue or green pigments. For dullness or brassiness, purple-based shampoos work wonders.
Check the Shampoo’s Pigment
Not all toning shampoos are created equal. I always check the shampoo’s color pigment — purple shampoos neutralize yellow/orange hues, while blue shampoos counteract orange/red tones. Since my brown hair sometimes turns brassy with warm undertones, I prefer blue toning shampoos to keep those warm hues balanced.
Look for Nourishing Ingredients
Toning shampoos can be a bit drying if used too often, so I pick ones enriched with moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or keratin. This helps me maintain my hair’s softness and shine while keeping the color tone perfect.
Consider Your Hair Type and Scalp Sensitivity
I made sure the shampoo suits my hair texture—whether it’s fine, thick, curly, or straight. Also, since I have a sensitive scalp, I opt for sulfate-free and gentle formulas that don’t cause irritation but still deliver effective toning.
Frequency of Use
Some toning shampoos are designed for weekly use, while others can be used more frequently. I follow the instructions carefully because overuse can lead to a slight tint or dryness. For me, using toning shampoo once or twice a week keeps my brown hair looking fresh without any unwanted buildup.
Read Reviews and Test Samples
Before committing to a full bottle, I usually read reviews from people with a similar hair color and type. If possible, I try to get a sample or travel size to test how well the shampoo tones my hair and how it feels after washing.
Price and Brand Reputation
While I’m willing to invest in quality hair care, I look for brands that have a good reputation for color care and toning products. Sometimes, mid-range brands offer excellent toning shampoos that work just as well as high-end ones.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair soft.
- Avoid leaving the shampoo on too long unless you want a stronger toning effect.
- Combine with color-safe styling products to prolong the vibrancy.
- Stay consistent but don’t overdo it — moderation is key.
By keeping these points in mind, I’ve found a toning shampoo that keeps my brown hair looking vibrant, glossy, and beautifully balanced. I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect product for your brown locks!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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