Blonde, silver, or gray hair? Then you need purple shampoo. It keeps the yellow tones away and makes your hair look fresh. But how does it actually work? And are you using it the right way?
No worries—we’ve got you. This guide breaks it all down. Benefits, how to use it, mistakes to avoid… all in one place. Whether you’re new to it or just want better results, this is everything you need to know.
What is Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is a special kind of shampoo made to fight brassy tones in blonde, silver, and gray hair. It has purple pigments that cancel out yellow and orange shades. Making your hair look cooler and brighter.
Sounds like magic? It’s actually just color science. Purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel. So when you use it, the pigments balance out any unwanted warmth in your hair.
But here’s the thing—it’s not a regular shampoo. It doesn’t just clean your hair; it tones it. When you lighten your hair, it doesn’t just turn blonde right away. The process reveals underlying tones—yellow, orange, or even red. That’s why colorists use a toner after bleaching. It helps cancel out those warm shades and gives you the blonde you actually want.
But here’s the thing—toner doesn’t last forever. Over time, it fades, and those brassy tones start creeping back in. That’s where purple shampoo comes in. It works like a mini-toner, helping you keep your hair cool and fresh between salon visits.
Think of it as your blonde’s best friend. It won’t replace a professional toner, but it will keep your color looking better for longer.
Who Should Use It?
If your hair is blonde, silver, gray, or even platinum, purple shampoo is for you. It helps keep brassy tones away and makes your color last longer.
Got highlights or balayage? You’ll need it too! Even if your natural hair is darker, the lighter sections can still turn yellow over time. Purple shampoo keeps them looking fresh.
What about brunettes? If you have lightened hair, like an ombré or caramel highlights, use purple shampoo to tone it. But if your hair is fully dark, it won’t do much.
Basically, if you have lightened your hair and want to keep it cool-toned, you must use purple shampoo. Ready to learn how to use it? Let’s go!
Benefits
Purple shampoo isn’t just for keeping your hair cool-toned—it has some serious perks. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Keeps Your Blonde Fresh – No one wants dull, brassy hair. Purple shampoo tones down yellow and keeps your color looking salon-fresh.
Saves You Trips to the Salon – Toner fades over time. But it helps maintain your shade between appointments. Less brass, less stress!
Works on Silver & Gray Hair Too – It’s not just for blondes. It keeps silver and gray shades bright and cool instead of looking dull or yellowish.
Easy to Use at Home – No complicated steps. Just swap it into your routine, and you’re good to go. (We’ll show you how next!)
Helps Highlights & Balayage Stay Bright – Even if you’re not fully blonde, It keeps your lighter pieces from turning brassy.
Now that you know why it’s a game-changer, let’s talk about how to use it the right way.
How to Use Purple Shampoo for Best Results
Using purple shampoo is easy, but to get the best results, follow these steps:
- Wet Your Hair Start by getting your hair fully wet. It works best when your hair is damp, so make sure it’s soaked through.
- Apply a Small Amount You don’t need a lot! Start with a small amount and work it through your hair. Focusing on the areas where brassiness shows up most (usually the ends or lighter parts).
- Massage and Lather Lather it up and massage it into your hair like regular shampoo. But don’t leave it on too long—let it sit for about 1-3 minutes. The longer you leave it, the more toned your hair will get, but leaving it on too long can make it look purple.
- Rinse Thoroughly Rinse your hair well to get all the product out. You can use cool water to help seal the cuticle and boost shine.
- Condition Purple shampoo can be drying. So always follow up with a good conditioner to keep your hair soft and hydrated.
✨ Also read: How to Deep Condition Hair at Home Like an Expert
You need to use it once or twice a week, not every time you wash your hair. Overusing it can make your hair look darker, as it’ll remove too much yellow. And can leave your hair with an unintended tone.
If you wash your hair twice a week, try using it once to keep that brightness.
For a more balanced effect, you can mix purple shampoo with your regular shampoo. This way, you still add some pigment without going overboard.
How to Find the Best One for You
When you’re looking for the best purple shampoo, focus on a few key ingredients. You want it to have amino acids, citric acid, maleic acid, and wheat protein. These work together to neutralize brassy, yellow tones and keep your blonde fresh. They also repair your hair cuticles, which is super important for color-treated hair.
A purple shampoo alone might not do everything. If you really want to keep your blonde color vibrant, try adding vinegar rinse treatments. They balance the pH in your hair, keeping it bright and helping to fight off brassiness.
Want some extra conditioning too? A purple hair mask is a game-changer. It deep conditions your hair while also neutralizing brassiness. So you get both benefits—hydration and tone correction—all in one.
If you’re in a hurry and need a quick fix, a good Anti-Brass Mask is perfect. It only takes 5 minutes, and it’ll neutralize brassy tones fast, leaving your hair looking fresh. For weekly care, swap your regular conditioner with the Anti-Brass Mask. This will keep your blonde hair cool and bright. And you won’t have to worry about brassiness.
FAQs
What does purple shampoo do to brown hair?
It won’t change fully dark brown hair. But if you have highlights, balayage, or ombré, it can help tone the lighter sections. Since it neutralizes yellow tones, it works best on blonde or light brown highlights. If your brown hair has orange or red undertones, a blue shampoo may work better.
Does purple shampoo lighten hair?
No, it doesn’t lighten hair. It doesn’t contain any bleach or lightening agents. Instead, it tones your hair by canceling out yellow or brassy shades. Making your blonde or gray color appear brighter. If you want to lighten your hair, you’ll need a bleaching or lightening treatment.
Does purple shampoo work on natural blondes?
Yes! If your natural blonde hair gets dull or brassy over time, purple shampoo can help. This is especially true if it’s from sun, chlorine, or hard water. It won’t change your natural color, but it will enhance your blonde, keeping it cool and fresh-looking.
Does purple shampoo damage hair?
Not directly, but overusing it can make hair dry. It has toning pigments, and if used too often, it can leave hair feeling rough or slightly tinted. Always follow up with a hydrating conditioner or a hair mask to maintain softness.
How often should I use purple shampoo?
This depends on your hair color and how often you wash it. Most people use it once or twice a week to maintain their blonde. If your hair gets brassy quickly, you can use it more often. But don’t overdo it—using it every wash may lead to dull or overly toned hair.
Can I leave purple shampoo on overnight?
No! Leaving it on too long can stain your hair purple or gray. You should only leave most shampoos on for 1-5 minutes, depending on how much toning you need. Always check the label and start with a shorter time to avoid over-toning.
Can I mix purple shampoo with regular shampoo?
Yes! Mixing a little purple shampoo with your regular shampoo is a great way to get a subtle toning effect. It’s especially useful if you’re new to purple shampoo or just need a slight refresh.
What’s the difference between purple shampoo and blue shampoo?
Purple shampoo is for blondes and grays—it cancels out yellow tones. The blue shampoo is better for brunettes with highlights—it neutralizes orange tones. Choosing the right one depends on your hair color and what tones you want to correct.
Conclusion
Purple shampoo is a total game-changer for anyone with blonde, silver, or gray hair. It’s easy to use, keeps your color fresh, and helps fight off those annoying brassy tones. Trying to maintain your salon blonde or just keep your hair looking cool and bright? Adding purple shampoo to your routine is a simple way to keep your hair in top shape.
Just remember, it’s not a replacement for regular shampoo, but when used right, it works wonders. Keep it balanced, use it wisely, and your blonde will stay looking salon-fresh.