Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Matrix Brass Off Shampoo
Best for Brassiness/Color-TreatedOlaplex Shampoo (No. 4)
Best for Damaged HairPrice
$18-$25
$28-$32
Summary
The top community recommendation for banishing brassiness in highlighted or color-treated hair, using both blue and violet pigments for a dual toning effect. More effective than standard purple shampoos.
Reddit's go-to for chemically damaged or color-treated hair, with users reporting hair that feels genuinely repaired after consistent use. A true cult product.
Pros
- Contains both blue and violet pigments for superior brassiness removal
- Specifically praised for effectiveness on lightened or highlighted hair
- Community-recommended over competing purple/blue shampoos
- Available at mid-range price point at most beauty retailers
- Specifically formulated to repair bond damage from bleach and color
- Cult-level loyalty among Reddit's beauty communities
- Works well as part of the full Olaplex system or standalone
- Widely praised for making damaged hair feel genuinely healthier
Cons
- Can over-tone hair if left on too long or used too frequently
- Not a moisturizing everyday shampoo — best used 1-2x per week
- May turn very light blonde hair slightly ashy if overused
- Premium price point, especially for regular use
- Less effective on hair that isn't chemically processed
- Some users find it too heavy for fine hair
Our take
Purple shampoos are hit or miss, but Matrix Brass Off with its blue and violet pigment combo is the one Reddit actually recommends — it works where others disappoint.
If your hair has been through bleach, heat, or color damage, Olaplex No. 4 is the one people keep coming back to — it's the benchmark everything else gets compared against.
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