Product Reviews Rated 4.17 out of 5 stars
264 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Simply amazing. I know this review is lengthy but only because I LOVE this shampoo. Let me tell you, when I received this product, I was nervous. Seeing as it was a color depositing shampoo, and the instructions say to avoid your scalp (because of staining), I was upset. I dance for 2 hours every day and by the end I am a greasy/sweaty MESS. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to get my same "clean" feeling as I do with my old shampoo. But I have been using this daily and I can honestly say my hair is so clean after using it but not that dry overly "squeaky" clean like some shampoos. This is a genuine CLEAN that didn't strip my hair of any moisture. The scent is great, very fresh and not overly fragrant or unnatural smelling. On top of that, it WORKS. I am a natural medium-deep brunette and I've got red/copper undertones that are clearly visible in natural lighting, mainly towards to ends of my hair. Not anymore though! I've got beautiful, soft, and shiny deep chocolate hair now and I've been using it for a week now! My only real complaint is that it can be a little tedious to use. Since it can stain, they recommend wearing gloves and keeping it off the scalp as stated previously. I didn't think it would stain that bad, so I put it in my hair one day without gloves and the dye had gotten under my fingernails and it looked like I had dirt under them, as well as product having dripped down the back of my neck and leaving a bit of darkness there. Overall though, this product is great and I truly do recommend it to any brunette who wants to get rid of those red tones and have a nice, rich chocolatey brown color. ***The before and after pictures are attached and this was after just one wash!***
Most Helpful Critical Review Strips the hair completely and primes for the mask. It is a shampoo that uses sulfates (which most people seem to try and avoid nowadays) but is good for clarifying the hair completely. If that's what you want, then it is great for that. If you have curly hair like myself and avoid these types of shampoos, then beware and use sparingly when it's time to clarify. Clarifying is important on occasion though, to make your hair fresh again and products take better - particularly for the purposes for this product line that cools the hair. I'm also a bit unsure why silicone has to be a main ingredient in this - it has the potential to counteract the clarifying since silicones are prone to build-up and blocking out additional moisture for the hair.
Ironically I feel like this shampoo would not be good for the mask in this product line since it would strip out the effects. So if the cooling effect of the Dark Envy line looks good on you and you want it to last + you wash your hair fairly often, I'd recommend a more gentle shampoo.
All in all this shampoo definitely has a purpose especially for this line of products but it wouldn't my go to shampoo.
Reviewed by 264 customers Easier than dyeing but way more expensive! 3
Pantsy from Conneautville
To be honest, not worth it.
Will not work on heathy hair. 3
Alexandria from Lubbock, TX
I've used this shampoo on both wet and dry hair, even leaving it on for up to 10 minutes, and it will not stick to healthy hair. It will only stick to porous hair (AKA severely damaged hair). I've tried the Matrix Dark Envy mask, and that stuff works SO good in one use and lasts me 3 or more washes after one application. The mask lasts me many months since I only have to use it once a week. I will definitely be going back to using their mask since it actually works on my healthy hair. This shampoo smells good though. Please be careful when using it because it WILL stain your finger nails dark purple (it has violent hues in there if you read the ingredient list), and stained my bath tub. Haven't had problems with other pigmented shampoos. But it smells decent. Not overpowering.
I would not buy again 2
Ashley from Anoka Minnesota
This product smells really good it is black out of the bottle iv been using it for over a week and see no noticeable difference in my hair besides its dry I got the shampoo and conditioner
Used on natural brunette hair 5
Brookie from Beckley WV
Does the trick! My virgin hair was two completely different colors at the root and ends, I paired this with the toning mask from this line and notice such a huge difference after one use. My hair is darker, has less orange and red in it, and looks healthier and shinier. My ends especially have new life and I couldn't be happier. Used as directed.
Definitely Works! 5
HayhayS from Oregon
The whole Dark Envy set by Matrix works very well if you use all three products (shampoo, conditioner, and especially the mask). The shampoo doesn't stain your hands, but the mask would be more prone to do so, so I would recommend wearing gloves for that part.
Smells great, and doesn't leave your hair feeling dry.
If this stuff can work on me, having hard water and going from blonde back to dark brown with lots of red/orange undertones, I'm sure it will work for anyone!
Love 5
La Pachuquita from Ventura
I definitely noticed a difference in color with my hair.
not so sure 3
sara from florida
I just used this for the first time because I have dyed black hair and I hate when it begins to fade and my natural red undertones in my hair start to show up; the ingredient list is kind of iffy and tbh my scalp feels kind of irritated right now so idk how I feel about it in all honesty. I wish there was something like this without sulfates and all the icky ingredients; I usually use sun bum and that makes my hair feel really soft and doesn't irritate my scalp, might just stick to the sun bum tbh
Amazing product! 5
Liz from CO Springs
I had this recommended to me by my stylist. I've been working my way back to my natural brown hair after years of being bleach blonde, but was disappointed with red undertones on my level 6 hair. I used this product as directed (left on 5 min or more) and it took away 80% of my red tones after 2 washes! It definitely deepened my color and I've gotten so many compliments on my hair and my friends asking if I dyed it. It's the perfect ash-Brown I was looking for and isn't damaging/staining at all. This is a new staple in my hair care, I definitely recommend!
Not seeing a difference 1
AMogavero from Queen Creek, AZ
Washed with this twice now and not seeing a difference.
Leaves residue 1
Sabrina from Ohio
If you scratch your head after you use this shampoo there will be dark green gunk caked under your nails. I stopped using it a few days ago and my hair feels so much better. Don't waste your money
I would buy this product again and again. 5
Terry from NJ
I use the product as directed on the label for best results.
See no changes in my hair color 3
Kay from Seattle
I've used this shampoo now 6 times, in a row (directions say to use every other wash), and I still see no change in tone. I suspected it was maybe because I'm using a different conditioner and stopped conditioning to prevent any color loss, but still nothing :(
Ew I am CONFUSED 1
Autumn from Nevada
I had high hopes for this, but its just one major fail for me lol. I bought this in hopes that it will help extend my hair color and also help with my grow out (in between hair colorings). But it actually did not do this. It didn't deepen my hair color very well, it made it look dull. It also made my grow out appear WORSE and more obvious then other shampoos. It strangely made hair look more brassy and my grow out does have a slight tinge of green. It also leaves my hair a gnarly texture. I naturally have medium brown hair and I dye it pretty dark. Personally, the Redken purple shampoo/conditioner makes my hair look and feel way better than this did. Im bummed that this didn't work out for me given that it has such great reviews. I would give this no stars if I could. :(
Lengthened Darkness 4
Torlynn from Ohio
I received this as a gift, and I was so excited to try it. I wash my hair every 3ish days, as to lengthen the times between hair dyes. I noticed this did allow me to go longer before having to redye my hair. However, I did find that it reduced the time I could wait between washes. But, the smell is great and when I run out of this, I will for sure buy again.
Not For Me 2
eruby1979 from Brooklyn NY
I thought this would do wonders for my dark hair, but no. The staining on the hands and shower is a nuisance, and it made my hair feel dry. Will be returning!
I was hesitant, but now I'm in love! 5
Lexi R from Colorado Springs, CO
I've been having problems with my hair color and decided to try this out instead of coloring it again, and boy let me tell y'all... I'm glad I decided to buy this because it's absolutely wonderful. I thought it wasn't going to work because I had used it twice and wasn't seeing any results, and I used it last night for the 3rd time and I woke up seeing little to no red in my hair. My hair is A nice dark brown almost black color and it's beautiful. And this stuff paired with the conditioner leaves my hair soooo smooth and silky, it's crazy. I definitely recommend!
I desperately needed dark shampoom 5
Ruth from Estero FL
I have dark brown hair & this made it soft & silky with a hint of color. Perfect!
It darken brassy tones in dark brown hair 5
Amy from Texas
It did what it claimed, so good
Stained my hair green 1
Court from Lancaster
I was hoping to just cancel out some red but instead my hair is green now. I'm so upset. 0/10 do not recommend unless you want green hair.
For color touch ups 4
Geo BML from NYC
It works how it says but I don't like using these products because they can wash out on your clothing, towels, pillows etc. if you're not careful. It didn't dry out my hair so that's nice. If you wanna try something like Overtone or touch up your natural dark hair that has faded, then I recommend this product.
I'm fairly satisfied with this. 4
Trippy from Chicago, Il
I used this product a couple times because I wasn't a fan the first time. Although it felt very nice it was a bit too harsh for my hair personally.
I absolutely loved this product 5
MsStasia from Sioux City, IA
I used this product while washing my hair and I cannot express enough how amazing it made my hair look and feel. My natural hair is wavy with a ton of frizz. After using this the first time and letting my hair dry naturally my hair had little to no frizz and my hair felt soft and clean.
Strips the hair completely and primes for the mask. 3
Riss from Omaha, NE
It is a shampoo that uses sulfates (which most people seem to try and avoid nowadays) but is good for clarifying the hair completely. If that's what you want, then it is great for that. If you have curly hair like myself and avoid these types of shampoos, then beware and use sparingly when it's time to clarify. Clarifying is important on occasion though, to make your hair fresh again and products take better - particularly for the purposes for this product line that cools the hair. I'm also a bit unsure why silicone has to be a main ingredient in this - it has the potential to counteract the clarifying since silicones are prone to build-up and blocking out additional moisture for the hair.
Ironically I feel like this shampoo would not be good for the mask in this product line since it would strip out the effects. So if the cooling effect of the Dark Envy line looks good on you and you want it to last + you wash your hair fairly often, I'd recommend a more gentle shampoo.
All in all this shampoo definitely has a purpose especially for this line of products but it wouldn't my go to shampoo.
Love this Product! 5
Yoli from Florida
This product is probably one of the best I have ever used. It left my hair smelling absolutely amazing. I love how soft my hair feels after!
I Love It! 4
Cydmarie from Bangor, Maine
I received this as a free complementary gift from @Influenster. I love this product. I have natural dark drown hair. It works really well to remove the natural red highlights in my hair. The shampoo is easy to use with great results. It makes your hair really soft and shiny without that "wiry " feel. I've always wanted that richer hair color without actually coloring my hair!
