Don't get me wrong: I love red hair. I just don't like red hair on me. I prefer my natural hair color, brown. Still, I've lightened my hair in the past - even going full blonde once - so now I notice lingering red and orange undertones when I'm in the sunlight. Recently, I decided to splurge on a $20 bottle of shampoo and try the bestselling Matrix Total Results Dark Envy Color-Depositing Green Shampoo. Here's why I highly recommend it if you're looking to neutralize red undertones.
What is green shampoo and why it works
Green shampoo, like purple and blue shampoos, refers to the color of the product and its neutralizing capabilities. Green shampoos work to neutralize the red tones in brunette hair, offsetting any red tones that make your hair look more fiery than it’s supposed to look. Green is the opposite of red on the color wheel, so green tones counteract red undertones in darker hair colors. This makes green shampoos a color corrector for brunettes seeking to tame red or brassy hues at home.
Matrix describes the Dark Envy line as specifically designed to neutralize red undertones in black or dark brown hair, whether natural or dyed. It uses color theory to combat brassiness in just a single wash, though results can vary by hair and porosity. The system includes a green-tinted shampoo with blue-yellow direct dyes to achieve neutralization, and it is not permanent because direct dyes are used rather than dyeing proteins permanently.
Product lineup and how they help neutralize red tones
- Matrix Total Results Dark Envy Green Shampoo: Green color-depositing formula designed for levels 1-4 to neutralize red undertones; leaves a cool, glossy finish. Includes a conditioner and a masking option in the broader Dark Envy system.
- Brass Off: A blue-toned option that neutralizes orange tones in higher level blondes (levels 5-7), illustrating how color-depositing shampoos target different brassy hues.
- So Silver: A purple-toned option that neutralizes yellow tones in blonde and silver hair (levels 8-10+), showing how different shampoos are tuned to specific color corrections.
The Dark Envy system is designed to be used as a complete set for best results, but the shampoo alone can still deliver noticeable corrections after a single wash for many users. If you’re aiming for longer-lasting neutralization, pairing with the conditioner and mask is recommended for enhanced manageability and lasting tone.
What to expect when using green shampoo to fight red undertones
After the first wash, you may notice your hair leaning cooler and reducing red brightness. For example, some users report their highlights or balayage appearing more blonde and less orange/red after application. The exact results depend on your base color, level, and porosity, but the principle remains: green shampoo deposits color to cancel red tones rather than removing pigment entirely.
Be mindful of potential staining or dye transfer. Green shampoos contain direct dyes, which can leave a greenish-yellow stain on skin or nails if contact is prolonged. Wearing gloves is recommended, and it’s best to avoid contact with the scalp. The staining is not permanent, but it requires careful application and rinsing.
How to use green shampoo correctly
To use green shampoo effectively, wear gloves and apply to wet hair. Lather and rinse well, then leave on for a recommended time-typically 3-5 minutes for maximum cooling effect-before rinsing. Follow with a conditioner to lock in moisture and help with manageability and shine. If you’re mixing products, you might alternate with a non-tinted shampoo to balance color and cleanse without over-depositing dye.
For brunettes, green shampoo is especially valuable because it targets red undertones common in deeper brown shades. For lighter brown hair with blue undertones, blue shampoos may be more appropriate to reduce brassiness or orange tones. The right neutralizing shampoo depends on your specific hair color level and undertones.
Practical considerations and purchasing options
Available options include a range of color-depositing and color-correcting shampoos with varying bottle sizes and price points. Notable examples include:
- Matrix Total Results Dark Envy Color-Depositing Green Shampoo - designed for dark bases (levels 1-4) with a system that can include conditioner and a masking treatment; popular for neutralizing red undertones.
- Other green-depositing products vary by brand but share the core goal of counteracting red tones in brunette hair through color theory and direct dyes.
Prices for online purchases vary by brand and size. For example, some best-selling purple toning shampoos (used for different undertones) can be found for a few dollars per ounce, while green toning shampoos may offer comparable value with a focus on red-neutralization benefits. When choosing a product, consider whether you prefer a system (shampoo + conditioner + mask) for longer-lasting results or a single-shampoo solution for quick adjustments.
Color theory refresher and the color wheel
Green sits opposite red on the color wheel, which explains why green toning shampoos are effective at canceling red undertones in brunette hair. If your hair leans toward the red family, green toning products can help bring it toward a cooler, more balanced shade. For more nuanced corrections, you can use blue toning products to target orange hues in lighter brown hair, and purple toning products to neutralize yellow tones in blonde or silver hair.
Usage tips from professionals
Celebrity stylists emphasize that the timing of application matters: leave-on times should be adjusted based on the desired neutralization level and the starting tone of your hair. Protect your skin and nails with gloves, and avoid scalp contact to minimize staining. The overall strategy is to use a color-correcting shampoo as part of a broader care routine that may include conditioner and masks to preserve moisture and shine after color correction.
Table: quick reference for color-correcting shampoos
| Hair level | Neutralization target | Example product |
|---|---|---|
| Levels 1-4 | Red undertones | Dark Envy Green Shampoo |
| Levels 5-7 | Orange/brass | Brass Off Blue Shampoo |
| Levels 8-10+ | Yellow/pale brass | So Silver Purple Shampoo |
In practice, if you want to maintain natural-looking brunette tones while removing red undertones, incorporate green shampoo into your routine a few times per week, adjust frequency based on your hair’s response, and consider pairing with a conditioner and mask to preserve moisture and shine. Some customers report that the overall feel of their hair improves after using the system regularly, with a cooler finish and enhanced vibrancy of color.