Blue or purple shampoo for cool brunette/beige blonde balayage?
Hi! I just got my hair done and would love some advice from people who know more about colour than I do.
I went in with inspiration photos but wasn't really sure what the correct terminology was, so I mostly described what I wanted. I asked for something very cool-toned and soft, kind of like a balayage with subtle highlights. I wanted a cool "Bambi brown" fading into a beige blonde/bronde, where it's more of a bronde blend
I do like the result, and I know we were starting from quite a dark brunette base, so I'm happy to be lighter than I was before. I just don't think it's quite what I had in mind.
My hairdresser also gave me conflicting advice about toning shampoo. He said to use blue shampoo to keep the brunette parts ashy, but I'm noticing some yellow/golden pieces through the lighter sections. Should I be using blue shampoo, purple shampoo, or alternating both?
I'm also switching to a new hairdresser because I'm relocating. Since they won't know what I discussed with my previous stylist, what would you recommend I ask for at my next appointment to get closer to my goal?
The look I'm aiming for is similar to Barbara Palvin's hair a cool brown root that melts into a cool beige blonde/bronde, while still keeping brown woven throughout so it looks really blended rather than mostly blonde with dark roots.
Are there any colour terms or techniques I should mention?
I'd really appreciate any advice. Thanks!
INSPO PICS
Posted Jun 27, 2026, 10:30 AM UTC