Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo Review 2026: Does It Really Work?

If you have lightened brunette or dark blonde hair, brassy orange tones are probably your biggest frustration. Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo promises to fix that problem fast. But does it actually deliver?

This review covers everything from ingredients and performance to how it compares to other blue shampoos on the market.

Stick around because I also share the best alternatives and answer the most common questions people ask about this product.

Key Takeaways

• Matrix Brass Off Shampoo uses blue-violet pigments to neutralize brassy and orange undertones in lightened brunette, dark blonde, and highlighted hair. It works on the color wheel principle where blue cancels out orange.
• You can see visible results after just one wash. Many users report a cooler, fresher tone after a single use. Matrix recommends leaving it on for 3 to 5 minutes for extra toning power.
• This shampoo works best on hair at a level 5 to 8. If your hair is very light blonde or platinum, a purple shampoo would be a better choice. Brass Off targets orange tones, not yellow ones.
• It provides moisture along with toning benefits. The formula contains soybean oil and tocopherol (vitamin E), which help keep hair from feeling dry or stripped after use.
• Use it every other wash for the best results. Over-use can lead to blue pigment buildup, especially on porous or damaged hair. Alternating with a regular shampoo keeps things balanced.
• It is a salon-grade formula available at a drugstore price. Compared to many professional toning shampoos, Matrix Brass Off offers strong results without a premium price tag.

Matrix Brass Off Toning Blue Shampoo

Last update on 2026-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Matrix Brass Off Shampoo is a color-depositing blue shampoo made by the well-known professional hair care brand Matrix. It belongs to the Brass Off line, which also includes a conditioner, mask, and toning spray.

The shampoo targets brassy and orange undertones in color-treated, highlighted, and lightened brunette hair. Its deep blue-violet lather deposits pigments onto the hair shaft during each wash. This process cools down warm tones and restores the color you got at the salon.

Matrix designed this product for hair at a pitch level of 5 to 8. That range covers medium brown through dark blonde. If your hair falls in this zone and picks up unwanted warmth over time, this shampoo was made for you.

The formula lathers well and rinses clean. It does not leave a heavy residue or weigh hair down. Most users find their hair feels soft and looks noticeably cooler in tone right after the first wash.

How Does Matrix Brass Off Shampoo Work?

The science behind this shampoo is simple. Blue sits opposite orange on the color wheel. When you apply blue pigment to hair with orange undertones, the two colors cancel each other out. The result is a neutral, cooler shade.

Matrix Brass Off deposits blue-violet pigments during the washing process. These pigments sit on the outer layer of the hair shaft and visually reduce warmth. The longer you leave the shampoo on your hair, the more pigment deposits.

Matrix recommends applying the shampoo to wet hair and leaving it on for 3 to 5 minutes. This wait time allows the pigments to bond and provide stronger toning results. You can then rinse it out thoroughly.

The toning effect is temporary and builds up with regular use. Skipping a few washes will gradually let the pigment fade. That is why consistent use every other day or a few times a week gives the best long-term results.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding what goes into your shampoo matters. Here is a look at the important ingredients inside Matrix Brass Off Shampoo.

CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2) is the star ingredient. This is the blue-violet dye responsible for neutralizing orange and brassy tones. It gives the shampoo its signature deep blue color and does the heavy lifting in the toning process.

Glycine Soja Oil (Soybean Oil) adds moisture and helps smooth the hair cuticle. This keeps hair from feeling stripped or dry after the toning wash. It also adds a subtle shine.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) acts as an antioxidant. It protects the hair from environmental damage and supports overall hair health. This ingredient helps maintain color vibrancy between salon visits.

Salicylic Acid helps remove buildup from the scalp and hair. It provides a gentle clarifying action that keeps the scalp clean and healthy. This also allows the blue pigments to deposit more evenly across the hair.

Amodimethicone is a lightweight silicone that conditions hair without heaviness. It smooths the cuticle, reduces frizz, and leaves hair feeling silky after rinsing.

Who Should Use Matrix Brass Off Shampoo?

This shampoo is not for everyone. It works best on specific hair types and color levels. Knowing if it fits your hair situation will save you time and money.

Lightened brunettes are the primary audience. If you started with brown hair and added highlights, balayage, or an all-over lightening treatment, your hair is likely to develop orange and copper tones over time. Brass Off was built for this exact problem.

Dark blondes also benefit from this shampoo. Hair at a level 7 or 8 often pulls warm after coloring or sun exposure. The blue pigments cool those tones down and restore a balanced shade.

Highlighted hair responds well to this formula too. Highlights on a brunette base can turn brassy fast. A few washes with Brass Off bring back the contrast between your highlights and base color.

However, if you have very light blonde or platinum hair, this shampoo is not the right pick. Those hair levels deal with yellow tones, not orange. A purple shampoo would serve you much better in that case.

Top 3 Alternatives for Matrix Brass Off Shampoo

If you want to explore other options, these three blue shampoos offer strong competition. Each one targets brassy and orange tones in brunette and dark blonde hair.

1. Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo

Last update on 2026-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Fanola Wonder No Orange Blue Shampoo

Last update on 2026-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Eva NYC Brass to Sass Brunette Shampoo

Last update on 2026-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How To Use Matrix Brass Off Shampoo For Best Results

Getting the most out of this shampoo requires a simple but specific routine. The way you apply it makes a real difference in the toning outcome.

Start by wetting your hair thoroughly with warm water. Warm water opens the hair cuticle, which allows the blue pigments to deposit more effectively. Squeeze a generous amount of shampoo into your palms.

Work the shampoo through your hair from roots to ends. Make sure every strand gets covered, especially around areas that tend to go brassy first. The hairline, crown, and ends are common trouble spots.

Leave the shampoo on for 3 to 5 minutes. This is the most important step. Rushing through the wash and rinsing immediately will give you weak results. Set a timer if needed. The extra minutes let the pigments do their job properly.

Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in the toning effect. Follow up with a conditioner or the Matrix Brass Off Conditioner for added moisture and extended toning benefits.

Before And After Results

The transformation from brassy to cool-toned hair is one of the biggest selling points of this shampoo. Real users consistently report visible differences after the very first use.

Before using Brass Off, lightened brunette hair often looks warm, coppery, and uneven in tone. The highlights may appear orange rather than the ash or beige shade you originally requested at the salon.

After one wash with Brass Off, the orange undertones reduce significantly. Hair looks cooler, more balanced, and closer to a salon-fresh finish. The contrast between highlights and base color becomes more defined and polished.

After two to three consistent washes, the results become even stronger. Hair takes on a smooth, neutral tone with minimal warmth. Many users say their hair looks like they just left the colorist’s chair.

However, results do vary based on hair porosity and the level of brassiness. Very porous hair may absorb more pigment and appear slightly blue or ashy. Less porous hair may need a few extra uses before seeing a major change.

Pros Of Matrix Brass Off Shampoo

This shampoo has earned a loyal following for several good reasons. Here are the biggest advantages that users highlight again and again.

Fast results stand out as the number one benefit. You do not need weeks of use to see a change. Most people notice a difference after a single wash, which makes this shampoo feel like an instant fix.

The formula is moisturizing. Unlike many toning shampoos that leave hair dry and rough, Brass Off contains soybean oil and conditioning agents. Your hair feels soft and hydrated after rinsing, not stripped.

It is affordable for a professional-grade product. You get salon-quality toning power at a fraction of what you would pay for an in-salon toner treatment. A single bottle lasts several weeks with regular use.

The lather is rich and easy to distribute. You do not need a huge amount of product to cover all your hair. The shampoo spreads well and coats each strand evenly, which helps deliver consistent toning results.

Cons Of Matrix Brass Off Shampoo

No product is perfect. Here are the drawbacks you should know about before buying Matrix Brass Off Shampoo.

It can stain. The deep blue pigment can leave marks on your hands, nails, towels, and shower tiles. Wearing gloves during application and rinsing your shower walls immediately after use helps prevent staining.

Over-use can cause a blue or purple tint. If you use this shampoo every single day, or leave it on too long, the pigment can build up. Hair may start to look dull, overly ashy, or slightly blue. Alternating with a regular shampoo avoids this issue.

It contains sulfates. Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are both in the formula. These cleansing agents can be harsh on very dry or damaged hair. If your hair is already fragile, you may want a sulfate-free alternative.

It is not ideal for very light blondes. If your hair is above a level 8, this shampoo may deposit too much blue pigment and leave an unwanted cool cast. Platinum and very light blonde hair needs a purple shampoo instead.

Matrix Brass Off Shampoo vs Purple Shampoo

Many people confuse blue shampoo with purple shampoo. They are not the same thing, and using the wrong one can give you disappointing results.

Blue shampoo cancels orange tones. It is made for brunettes, dark blondes, and highlighted hair that turns coppery or warm over time. Matrix Brass Off falls into this category. The blue pigments target the orange end of the color spectrum.

Purple shampoo cancels yellow tones. It is made for light blondes, platinum hair, silver hair, and gray hair. The violet pigments in purple shampoo neutralize the yellow brassiness that these lighter shades tend to develop.

If you use purple shampoo on dark blonde or brunette hair, it will likely do very little. The yellow-canceling pigments are not strong enough to handle orange tones. Similarly, if you use Brass Off on platinum hair, the blue pigment may leave an unwanted ashy or greenish cast.

The key is to match the shampoo to your hair level. Levels 5 to 8 need blue shampoo. Levels 9 and above need purple shampoo. Choosing the right type saves you frustration and money.

How Often Should You Use Matrix Brass Off Shampoo?

Finding the right frequency is important. Using it too much or too little will both give you less-than-ideal results.

Matrix officially recommends using Brass Off every other day for ongoing neutralization of brassy tones. This schedule gives the pigments time to deposit and settle without causing excess buildup.

For most people, two to three times per week works perfectly. You use Brass Off on your toning days and switch to your regular shampoo on the other days. This rotation keeps your hair clean, toned, and moisturized.

If your brassiness is mild, once a week may be enough. A single wash can maintain cool tones for several days, especially if you are not exposing your hair to a lot of heat styling or sun.

If your brassiness is severe, you can use it on consecutive washes at first to build up the toning effect. Once you reach your desired shade, switch to a maintenance schedule of two to three times per week.

Always pay attention to how your hair responds. If it starts to look too ashy or dull, cut back the frequency. If warmth creeps back quickly, increase your usage slightly.

Is Matrix Brass Off Shampoo Worth The Money?

The short answer is yes, especially if you have the right hair type and color level for this product.

A bottle of Matrix Brass Off Shampoo typically costs between $10 and $18 depending on the size and retailer. For a professional-grade toning shampoo, that price point is very competitive. Many salon toning treatments cost $30 to $50 per session.

With regular use, one bottle can last four to six weeks. That means you are spending less than $5 per week to maintain salon-quality color at home. The cost-per-use ratio makes this one of the most affordable toning solutions available.

The results speak for themselves. Thousands of users on Amazon, Ulta, and other retailers give this shampoo high ratings. The most common praise focuses on how quickly it works and how soft it leaves hair feeling.

If you color your hair and deal with brassiness between salon visits, Brass Off pays for itself by extending the life of your color. You visit the salon less often, and your hair looks polished every day.

Last update on 2026-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tips To Prevent Brassiness Between Washes

Toning shampoo is just one part of the equation. These daily habits help you keep brassy tones away for longer.

Use cool or lukewarm water when washing your hair. Hot water opens the cuticle and causes color to fade faster. Cool water seals the cuticle and locks in your tone.

Limit heat styling. Flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers accelerate color oxidation. When you do use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray first.

Protect your hair from the sun. UV rays break down hair color molecules and cause warmth to return faster. Wear a hat outdoors or use a UV-protective hair product during summer months.

Avoid chlorine and hard water. Swimming pools and mineral-heavy tap water can shift your hair tone. Use a swim cap in the pool and consider a shower filter if your water has high mineral content.

Pair your toning shampoo with a toning conditioner or mask. The Matrix Brass Off Conditioner and Mask extend your toning results and add extra moisture to keep hair healthy and vibrant.

Final Verdict On Matrix Brass Off Shampoo

Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo delivers on its promises. It neutralizes orange and brassy tones quickly, leaves hair feeling soft, and offers professional results at an accessible price.

This shampoo is a must-have for lightened brunettes and dark blondes who struggle with warmth between salon visits. The blue-violet pigments work fast, and the moisturizing formula prevents the dryness that many toning shampoos cause.

It does come with a few minor downsides. The staining potential requires some care during application. The sulfate content may not suit everyone. And very light blondes should choose a purple shampoo instead.

Overall, Matrix Brass Off earns a strong recommendation in 2026. It remains one of the best blue shampoos on the market for its combination of performance, price, and availability. If brassiness is your hair enemy, this shampoo is a reliable weapon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Matrix Brass Off Shampoo Work On Natural Hair?

Yes, it can work on natural uncolored hair that has warm or orange undertones. However, the effect will be less dramatic than on lightened or color-treated hair. Natural hair cuticles are smoother and absorb less pigment.

Can Matrix Brass Off Shampoo Turn Hair Blue?

It can if you overuse it or leave it on too long. Highly porous or damaged hair absorbs pigment faster. Stick to the recommended 3 to 5 minute application time and use it every other wash to avoid blue buildup.

Is Matrix Brass Off Shampoo Sulfate Free?

No, it is not sulfate-free. The formula contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. If you need a sulfate-free blue shampoo, consider alternatives like Fanola Wonder No Orange or Eva NYC Brass to Sass.

Can I Use Matrix Brass Off Shampoo On Gray Hair?

It is not specifically designed for gray hair. Gray hair typically develops yellow tones, which require a purple shampoo. Using Brass Off on gray hair may add an unwanted blue or cool cast without effectively canceling yellowness.

How Long Does The Toning Effect Last?

The toning effect from a single wash lasts about three to five days depending on your hair type and how often you wash. Regular use two to three times per week maintains consistent cool tones between salon visits.

Can I Use Matrix Brass Off Shampoo With Other Toning Products?

Yes, you can pair it with the Matrix Brass Off Conditioner and Mask for enhanced results. Be cautious about using multiple toning products from different brands at the same time, as this can lead to over-toning and dullness.