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.
Matrix Total Results Dark Envy Color-Depositing Green Shampoo
What is the Matrix Total Results Dark Envy Color-Depositing Green Shampoo?
I trust Matrix because it's one of the more affordable hair care brands celebrity hairstylists recommend. The Dark Envy line, which also includes a conditioner and a neutralization mask, is the latest in Matrix's toning lines.
Previously, the brand's toning lines boasted the So Silver Shampoo — which neutralizes yellow tones in blonde and silver hair — and the Brass Off Blue Shampoo, which neutralizes brassy tones in blonde hair.
And similar to these other toning lines, Dark Envy is specifically designed to neutralize red undertones in black or dark brown hair, regardless of whether it is natural or dyed. It uses color theory, in a sense, to combat any unwanted brassiness in your strands in just a single wash.
Why I like itI have noticeable results after just one washThis shampoo — which smells lightly of jasmine, citrus and cedar — is actually purple, but the active ingredients include blue and yellow direct dyes. Direct dyes are not permanent, so this shampoo isn't a one-and-done thing.
However, I did notice results after just one application. (I didn't even use the conditioner or neutralizing mask with it!) I don't think the results were drastic enough for friends and family to notice, but I was still impressed especially when I looked at side-by-side before and after photos.
My highlights, some from the autumn sun in Portugal and some from a balayage treatment in June, looked more blonde than orange/red. And overall, my hair looked cooler. (Imagine using the "warmth" editing tool on Instagram.) With this shampoo, my hair leans more toward the left (the cooler end) than the right (the warmer end).
What to considerWhile I love this shampoo's results, I'm not in love with the process. First of all, because the shampoo contains dyes, it can leave behind a greenish-yellow stain. The stain isn't permanent, but it can be annoying to have to use gloves (as recommended on the bottle). Although this shampoo can be used daily, I use it about four times a week, since I only wash my hair that often.
Another thing I'm not crazy about is the texture. It's not creamy and soft like normal shampoo. It's more gooey. But then again, it doesn't just wash my hair — it corrects it!
Plus, when I use it I usually follow it with the L’Oréal Wonder Water I swear by, so I still have silky hair in the end.
Finally, I'm not crazy about the fact I have to leave it on for 3-5 minutes. However, it does give me time to shave my legs.
All things considered, I can't really complain. Plus, it's a lot cheaper — and quicker — than taking a trip to the salon! (Even the liter-sized bottle is less expensive than a salon treatment.) For that reason alone, I can't recommend it enough.
More Matrix Dark Envy products to considerMatrix Dark Envy Shampoo, 33.8 oz
If you end up loving the Matrix Dark Envy Shampoo, this 33.8 oz bottle should be enough to last you throughout the year — especially since the shampoo only needs to be used every other day.
Matrix Dark Envy Hydrating Conditioner
This conditioner was designed to lock in the results from the Dark Envy Green Shampoo so that the finish lasts longer. But according to reviews, the product is also great for manageability and enhancing shine, too.
Matrix Dark Envy Toning Hair Mask
The Dark Envy line is best used as a system, suggests the brand, so however often your hair needs it, this hair mask is the final product to complete your collection. Use it a few times a week as a deep treatment system, since it works as both a toner and conditioner to intensely moisture your strands.
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Katie Jackson
