Matrix Brass Off Shampoo Review: Is It Worth It?

If you are a brunette who has dared to lighten your hair, you know the heartbreak of watching your cool, expensive balayage turn into a rusty, orange mess within weeks. I’ve been there, staring at my reflection and wondering why my caramel highlights suddenly look like a copper penny.

If this sounds like your current reality, you should buy this product immediately. It isn’t just a shampoo; it is a color-correcting weapon specifically designed to neutralize those stubborn brassy tones in lightened brunettes. Stick around, and I will explain exactly why this blue bottle deserves a permanent spot in your shower caddy.

My Experience With Matrix Brass Off Shampoo

Let me paint a picture that might feel all too familiar. I walked out of the salon feeling like a million bucks. My dark brown hair had been perfectly lifted with hand-painted highlights that were cool, ashy, and dimensional. I felt sleek and sophisticated. But then, life happened. Sun exposure, heat styling, and just the minerals in my shower water started to wreak havoc. By week three, that sophisticated ash tone was fading fast. By week four, I was actively avoiding mirrors in harsh lighting because my hair was throwing off a distinct, undeniable orange glow. It wasn’t the cute, intentional ginger look; it was the “my toner washed out and I don’t know what to do” look.

I had tried purple shampoos before, assuming they were the universal fix for brassiness. I was wrong.

Purple cancels out yellow, which is great for blondes, but it did absolutely nothing for the deep orange hues clinging to my brunette strands.

That is when my stylist handed me the Matrix Brass Off Shampoo.

She explained that since blue sits opposite orange on the color wheel, this was the specific antidote I needed.

The first time I used it, I was genuinely shocked by the pigmentation.

I poured a quarter-sized amount into my palm, and it was an intense, midnight navy blue.

It looked almost like ink. The consistency was thick and luxurious, not runny like some cheaper drug-store alternatives. As I massaged it into my scalp and pulled it through my ends, the scent hit me—it wasn’t chemically or harsh. It had a pleasant, salon-grade fragrance, something slightly floral but mostly clean and vanilla-like, which made the experience feel like self-care rather than a chemistry experiment.

I was warned about the staining, so I was careful. I let it sit for about three to five minutes. I stood there in the shower, anxiously counting down, hoping I wasn’t about to turn my hair green or muddy. When I rinsed it out, the water ran a deep blue for a solid minute before clearing up.

The moment of truth came during the blow-dry. Usually, wet hair looks darker, so I couldn’t tell right away. But as the strands dried, the transformation was undeniable. The rusty, brassy orange was gone. In its place was that cool, crisp, ashy tone I thought I had lost forever. It looked like I had just stepped out of the salon for a fresh toner gloss. The dimension in my highlights was back, popping against my dark base rather than blending into a muddy warmth. However, I did notice my hair felt a little thirstier than usual. It wasn’t straw-like, but it definitely craved a good conditioner afterwards. That was a small price to pay for getting my color back. Since that first wash, this bottle has become my safety net. I don’t use it every day—that would be overkill—but whenever I see that warmth creeping back in, I know exactly what to reach for.

Read More: My Thoughts On Native Curl Care Shampoo

Pros Of Matrix Brass Off Shampoo

• Extreme Neutralizing Power: This is arguably the strongest selling point of the product. If you are dealing with Level 5 to Level 7 hair that has turned orange, this shampoo does not mess around. The blue-violet pigments are incredibly concentrated. Unlike some “color-safe” shampoos that merely whisper at the problem, this one shouts. It tackles the toughest red and orange undertones that purple shampoos simply cannot touch. It is effective from the very first wash, meaning you don’t have to wait weeks to see a difference in your hair tone.
• Targeted Specifically for Brunettes: One of the biggest issues with the toning market is the confusion between purple and blue products. This product shines because it stays in its lane. It is formulated specifically for lightened brunettes. It understands that the underlying pigment of dark hair is orange, not yellow. By focusing strictly on neutralizing orange, it prevents that weird, muddy grey cast that can happen if you use a strong purple shampoo on dark hair that isn’t light enough. It respects the depth of brunette hair while cooling down the lightened parts.
• Cost-Effective Salon Results: When you calculate the cost of a salon visit for a toner refresh—which can range anywhere from fifty to a hundred dollars depending on where you live—this bottle is a steal. A single bottle lasts a very long time because you are not using it daily. You are essentially getting months of color correction for the price of a few coffees. It extends the life of your balayage or highlights significantly, allowing you to push your expensive color appointments further apart without sacrificing your look.
• Pleasant Fragrance Profile: Many toning shampoos smell distinctly chemical, almost like ammonia or metallic dye. Matrix has managed to mask the heavy pigment load with a fragrance that is genuinely enjoyable. It features top notes of nectarine and raspberry, middle notes of passion fruit and jasmine, and base notes of vanilla and sandalwood. It leaves your hair smelling like you used a high-end luxury product, which adds to the overall feeling of pampering yourself during the wash routine.
• Versatility in Application: While it is primarily a shampoo, the texture allows for different application methods. You can use it for a quick wash if you just need a slight refresh, or you can leave it on for up to three to five minutes for maximum neutralization. Some users, including myself, have even used it on dry hair for specific spot-treating (though you have to be careful with this method). The formula is workable enough that you can distribute it evenly without it clumping in one spot and creating a blue patch.

Cons Of Matrix Brass Off Shampoo

• Potential for Staining: Because the blue pigment is so potent, it does not discriminate between your hair, your hands, and your shower curtains. If you aren’t careful, you will end up with “Smurf hands” and blue cuticles. I highly recommend scrubbing your hands with soap immediately after applying it to your hair, or better yet, wearing a pair of disposable gloves. If you splatter it on white grout or a porous shower curtain, it needs to be rinsed immediately, or it will leave a mark. This isn’t a “wash and go” product; it requires a bit of mindfulness during application.
• Can Be Drying Over Time: This is a common trait among highly pigmented toning shampoos. To deposit that much color, the cuticle of the hair needs to be opened slightly, and the formula is often less conditioning than a standard moisture shampoo. It contains sulfates (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), which are great for cleaning but can strip natural oils. If you have high-porosity or already damaged hair from bleaching, using this too frequently without a heavy-duty mask afterwards can leave your texture feeling brittle, rough, or tangled. It is definitely a treatment product, not a moisturizing one.
• Not Suitable for Platinum Blondes: This might seem obvious, but it is a serious downside if you misuse it. If you are a very light blonde (Level 8 or higher) or have platinum highlights, this shampoo is too dark for you. The deep blue pigments can stain very light hair, turning it a greenish or muddy blue color rather than a cool platinum. It is strictly for the darker, orange-leaning spectrum. If your hair has a mix of very light blonde and caramel, you have to be extremely careful not to over-deposit pigment on the lightest pieces.
• Risk of Over-Toning: Because it is so effective, there is a fine line between “cool ash” and “dull flat.” If you leave it on too long or use it too often (like every wash), your hair can lose its brightness. It can suck the life out of your highlights, making them look dark and matte rather than shiny and dimensional. It requires a bit of trial and error to find the perfect timing for your specific hair porosity. You can accidentally darken your highlights if you get too zealous with the application.
• Sulfate Content Concerns: For those who follow the Curly Girl Method or strictly avoid sulfates to preserve keratin treatments, this product is a no-go. The inclusion of sulfates ensures a good lather and helps the pigment penetrate, but it also means it can strip away expensive keratin treatments or natural oils that curly hair desperately needs. If you fall into these categories, you have to weigh the benefit of color correction against the potential downside of texture disruption.

Maintenance Tips For Matrix Brass Off Shampoo

• Establish a Rotation Schedule: The most critical tip for maintaining healthy hair while using this product is to never use it as your daily shampoo. Think of it as a treatment, not a cleanser. I suggest using it once a week or every third wash. On the other days, use a color-safe, hydrating shampoo and conditioner. This rotation prevents the drying effects from compounding and ensures your hair retains its moisture balance. If you wash your hair infrequently, say twice a week, use this every other week. Listen to your hair; if the color looks good, skip the blue shampoo. Only use it when you see the brass appearing.
• Always Follow with Deep Hydration: Since we established that the formula can be drying, you must pair it with a high-quality conditioner or mask. Matrix makes a matching Brass Off Conditioner which is designed to deposit moisture back in, but I often reach for a heavy deep conditioning mask. Look for ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or keratin. Apply the mask from mid-lengths to ends and let it sit for at least five to ten minutes after rinsing out the blue shampoo. This step seals the cuticle back down and restores the slip and shine that the toning process might have disrupted.
• Use Cool Water for Rinsing: Heat is the enemy of hair color. Hot water lifts the hair cuticle, allowing color molecules to escape and causing your toner to fade faster. When rinsing out the Matrix Brass Off Shampoo, try to use lukewarm or even cool water. This helps to seal the cuticle, locking in the blue pigment and the moisture from your conditioner. It also adds a nice shine to the hair. It might be uncomfortable in the winter, but your hair color will thank you for it.
• Protect Your Hands and Surfaces: Keep a pair of disposable latex or nitrile gloves in your bathroom specifically for this shampoo. If that feels too high-maintenance, just be prepared to scrub your palms with a nail brush immediately after application. Also, be proactive about your shower environment. Before you apply the shampoo, splash water on the walls and floor of your shower. Pigment is less likely to stain a wet surface than a dry one. After you rinse your hair, do a quick scan of the shower walls and rinse away any blue splatters before they have time to set.
• Conduct a Strand Test: If you are nervous about how your hair will react—especially if you have very porous ends or a mix of different highlight levels—do a strand test first. Take a small section of hair from the underside of your head (where no one will see it) and apply the shampoo. Let it sit for the recommended time, rinse, and dry. This will tell you exactly how much pigment your hair absorbs and whether three minutes is perfect or if you only need one minute. This small step can save you from walking around with an accidental green or navy tint on your front pieces.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Matrix Brass Off vs. Fanola No Orange: Fanola No Orange is often cited as the heavyweight champion of blue shampoos. In my experience, Fanola is incredibly potent—perhaps even more so than Matrix. However, that potency comes with a trade-off. Fanola is notoriously drying and has a scent that reminds some users of men’s cologne or heavy chemicals. Matrix strikes a better balance. While Fanola might neutralize a fire-engine orange slightly faster, Matrix leaves the hair feeling softer and smelling significantly better. If your hair is extremely damaged, Fanola might push it over the edge, whereas Matrix is slightly more forgiving while still being effective.
• Matrix Brass Off vs. Redken Color Extend Brownlights: Redken Color Extend Brownlights takes a different approach. It is sulfate-free and designed for a more gradual toning process. You can use Redken more frequently without fear of stripping your hair because it is gentler. However, if you have intense brassiness that needs an immediate fix, Redken might feel too weak. Matrix is the “fix it now” solution, while Redken is the “keep it nice” solution. If you want immediate gratification and powerful neutralization, Matrix is the superior choice. If you want a daily driver that slowly corrects tone over time, Redken wins.
• Matrix Brass Off vs. Joico Color Balance Blue: Joico Color Balance Blue is a very strong contender and sits right in the middle. It has a unique peptide complex that claims to fight frizz and repair damage while toning. Consistency-wise, Joico is a bit runnier than the thick cream of Matrix. In terms of pigment, they are neck and neck. However, I find that Matrix tends to yield a cooler, ashier finish, whereas Joico sometimes leans slightly more matte. Matrix also tends to be more widely available in various sizes, offering better value propositions for the liter bottles compared to Joico’s standard sizing.
• Matrix Brass Off vs. Aveda Blue Malva: Aveda Blue Malva is a plant-based, gentler option. It smells like an herbal spa and is very kind to the scalp. However, for the price point, the pigmentation is significantly lower than Matrix. Aveda is great for natural grey hair or very subtle toning needs, but it struggles against the harsh chemical brassiness resulting from bleached dark hair. Matrix is a chemical fighter for a chemical problem. If you need heavy-duty lifting of orange tones, Aveda will likely disappoint you, making Matrix the pragmatic choice for bleached brunettes.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Super Nature Shampoo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

If you are fighting the battle against brass and losing, this product is the reinforcement you need. It delivers professional-grade toning at home, saving you money and keeping your brunette hair looking intentional and expensive. While it requires a bit of care to avoid staining and dryness, the results are undeniably worth the effort. For any brunette who wants to keep their cool, this shampoo is a non-negotiable addition to your routine. Buy it, use it wisely, and say goodbye to the orange.