- What Is ‘Purple Shampoo’?
- Things to Consider When Buying a Purple Shampoo
- Top 10 Best Purple Shampoos 2024
- 1. Best Overall Purple Shampoo Bold Uniq Purple Shampoo
- 2. Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo
- 3. Best Premium Purple Shampoo Get Back Gorgeous Purple Shampoo
- 4. Bumble and bumble Illuminated Blonde Purple Shampoo
- 5. Best Budget Purple Shampoo TIGI Bed Head Dumb Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo
- 6. L’Oréal Paris Hair Care EverPure Toning Purple Shampoo
- 7. Pureology Mini Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo
- 8. ArtNaturals Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set
- 9. Drybar Blonde Ale Brightening Shampoo
- 10. amika Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo
- Great Purple Shampoos That Didn’t Make Our List
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Is ‘Purple Shampoo’?
Purple Shampoo is a specially formulated shampoo for blonde hair – and all its accompanying and adjacent shades and variants. It also works on all shades of silver hair, platinum blonde hair, ash, grey, and white hair.
Blonde hair, whether natural or processed, tends to have deep shades of yellow and brassy orange tones that appear artificial, unnatural, and ungainly. These warm tones need to be color corrected for blonde hair to appear more natural and cool-toned. This is where the cool-toned shade of purple shampoos helps. Why purple? We’ll answer this in detail in our FAQ section below.
Things to Consider When Buying a Purple Shampoo
There are some key features you should look for when buying a purple shampoo. They are the ingredients in the formula, how dry they make your hair, how eco-conscious they are, their scent and, of course, their cost. Let’s look at each of these in detail now.
Ingredients in the Formula
If the shampoo has a list of ingredients that’s never-ending, has names you cannot pronounce, and mentions preservatives, you might want to stay away from it. The best purple shampoos are free of harmful chemical substances that are harsh on the hair and scalp and which cause permanent damage over the long term. Sulfates, phthalates, and parabens should be avoided if possible.
Dryness
Purple shampoos work by depositing purple pigment onto your hair to correct the yellow tones and remove brassiness. In order for the pigment to take hold and work as intended, the purple shampoo needs to be left in the hair considerably longer than regular shampoos. This makes them dry your hair out more than regular shampoos. Most purple shampoos leave your hair brittle, stringy, dry, and in extreme cases, mess up their moisture balance. Look for a shampoo that is gentle on your hair and includes moisturizing agents to restore the hair oil balance.
Environmentally Friendly
While this isn’t a prerequisite for a good purple shampoo, it doesn’t hurt to use products that do not harm the environment, make use of naturally occurring ingredients, use recycled packaging, and advocate and use cruelty-free testing. A lot of brands these days are also offering 100% vegan shampoos with all the ingredients derived from plant-based extracts. If you can go for one of these, then you can contribute towards protecting the environment with your choice.
Value for Money
Just because a particular purple shampoo has an affordable overall cost, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s good value for money. Read the review for the product, figure out how much of it you’ll need per wash and how many washes you get before the bottle runs out. Then calculate what it will actually cost you in the long run. Some gentle formulas that do not use highly pigmented purples end up being very expensive, whereas a mid-range heavily tinted toner might work out to be cheap based on how little of the product you require per wash.
Scent
Most shampoos, whether purple or regular, have a distinctly pleasant fragrance, specially formulated to keep your hair smelling fresh and pleasant after every wash. Since purple shampoos have the specific purpose of protecting your blonde or bleached hair color by correcting the yellows and toning out the brassiness, some of these concoctions tend to have unpleasant smells. If you are sensitive to scents, pay attention to the fragrance and choose one that has a pleasant scent, uses natural ingredients only, or has no scent at all.
Unsure of where to start or which brands to trust your hair with? Fret not as we have created a list of the best purple shampoos money can buy. We’ll also tell you why they made it to our list. Here’s the list of the 12 best purple shampoos to buy online.
Top 10 Best Purple Shampoos 2024
1. Best Overall Purple Shampoo Bold Uniq Purple Shampoo
Editor’s Rating:
Review
B Uniq’s Bold Uniq purple shampoo is the ultimate purple shampoo for all color correction, toning, brassiness, and maintenance problems for all shades of blonde, ash, silver, platinum, grey, and white hair.
This shampoo is also good for balayage hair as it leaves the dark-toned strands untouched. In addition to neutralizing yellow tones, it also softens the hair as it is infused with Vitamin B3. You’ll notice a stark difference in the color of your hair right after the first wash.
This is also the perfect purple shampoo for the environmentally conscious as it is free of parabens, sulfates, and uses exclusively vegan ingredients in the formula. The testing for this shampoo is also cruelty-free and they go one step further by making the packaging recyclable which is why we think it the best product in this category.
Adding to this long list of positives are the long-lasting effects of its treatment. You’ll find yourself cutting down on salon visits since this purple shampoo keeps the yellows out of your hair for good, and requires fewer regular washes than other shampoos to maintain the colors.
The only drawback of using this purple shampoo is that it is a little harsh on the hair and totally strips it of its natural oils. No product is perfect and, as with other cosmetics, you can combat this minor defect by using a moisturizing hair oil pack after wash to restore the oil balance.
Pro tip
Use a coconut oil or an argan oil hair mask post-wash to limit the damage caused by the after wash dryness and restore the oil balance to your toned hair.
Pros
- Pleasant grapefruit smell
- Gloves included in the pack
- Free of parabens and sulfates
- Vegan formula and cruelty-free
- Environmentally friendly product with recyclable packaging
Cons
- It’s very drying and messes up the moisture balance of your hair
- A tad more hair shedding than normal post usage
- Pricey
2. Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo
Editor’s Rating:
Review
The gentle cleansing formula of Moroccanoil’s Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo is specially designed to leave hair soft and hydrated. This makes it great for use just after your hair has been dyed, as it works to fully moisturize each strand. Its ArganID Technology works to nourish your locks with repairing argan oil, so your hair stays looking its best.
The violet tones in this shampoo are perfect for reviving faded highlights and for counteracting both the yellow and orange tones that contribute to brassiness. It brightens up your blonde and leaves behind the signature pleasant Moroccanoil fragrance, allowing your locks to be both vibrant and amazingly scented.
It is important to note that it may be difficult to create a lather with this shampoo as it is more on the watery side. You may need to spend a few extra minutes working the shampoo up into a lather before allowing it to sit on your hair in order to receive the best results.
Pro Tip
For best results with this shampoo, you should be leaving it on your hair for a full 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing it off.
Pros
- Leaves hair soft and hydrated
- ArganID Technology repairs hair with each use
- Revives highlights and counteracts brassiness
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Can be difficult to create a lather
Editor’s Rating:
Review
Gen8’s Get Back Gorgeous purple shampoo was created with inputs from celebrity hairstylists and is a big hit with a lot of blonde celebrities. In addition to toning your yellows, it also provides UV protection for your hair. This means your bleached hair requires fewer visits to the salon to retain its freshness.
It has coconut oil-based extracts that ensure soft, deeply conditioned, and smooth hair post-wash that isn’t brittle or dry. The formula for this shampoo is enriched with collagen proteins to rejuvenate and strengthen your strands.
Besides getting rid of the brassiness, it also does a good job of removing grime, dirt, and excessive oils from your scalp. The all-natural scents of lavender, bergamot, and citron blossoms leave your hair feeling fresh and clean with a pleasant floral fragrance.
This is an instant effect formula with naturally shiny blonde hair minus the yellows right after the first wash. On the flip side, it dries out your hands as well as making your hair a little stringy.
Pro tip
Use gloves while washing your hair with this shampoo as it also leaves your hands extremely dry.
Pros
- Instant effect - can be seen after one wash
- Fresh floral fragrance
- Cruelty-free testing
- Strengthens the hair with collagen proteins infusion
- UV protection for your bleached hair
Cons
- Leaves hair a bit stringy
- Also dries out your hands
4. Bumble and bumble Illuminated Blonde Purple Shampoo
Editor’s Rating:
Review
The Bumble and bumble Bb. Illuminated Blonde Purple Shampoo is specially designed to reduce frizz and dryness in your hair. It can be used on all hair types, including curly or coily hair, and is color-safe for all blonde tones. This makes it a great versatile product no matter the blonde look you are after.
After using this product, you will notice that your hair is shinier and much brighter. This purple shampoo is great at counteracting yellow or golden tones, which makes it great for light upkeep of blonde hair between salon visits. It is also made without sulfate and parabens, which is good for those interested in clean beauty.
Unfortunately, the fragrance of this product is quite strong and may be a little too artificial or unpleasant for some users. It is also not a product that should be used every day, because constant use may actually bring back some frizziness or dryness to your hair. If you want a purple shampoo that can be used more often, we recommend the Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo.
Pro Tip
Massage the shampoo into your hair and carefully work it through from your roots to the ends in order to ensure full coverage and the best results. Follow up with Bb. Illuminated Blonde Purple Conditioner for extra hydration.
Pros
- Reduces frizz in hair
- Color-safe on all blonde tones
- Leaves hair shiny and brighter
- No sulfates or parabens in formula
Cons
- Fragrance may be too artificial for some
- Cannot be used every day
5. Best Budget Purple Shampoo TIGI Bed Head Dumb Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo
Editor’s Rating:
Review
Banish the brassiness and yellows from your blonde curls with TIGI’s Bed Head Dumb Blonde purple toning shampoo. In addition to natural purple pigments that impart cooler tones to your naturally blonde hair, this formula is reinforced with Polyquaternium 10 to boost hair shine, control static electricity, and make hair more manageable by keeping the tangles at bay.
This purple shampoo is equally good for chemically treated hair or bleached hair. It leaves your blonde curls bouncy and shiny after every wash. This shampoo is also good for people who have damaged their hair due to excessive chemical treatments.
You need to use a lot of it to get the yellows out. As with all purple shampoos, your hair might feel a little dry, so use an argan oil or a coconut mask to restore the oil balance. You’ll need to wait for a couple of washes to get the desired outcome. Thankfully, it is reasonably priced so you don’t have to worry about using too much product every single wash.
Pro-tip
Using this shampoo on dry hair and leaving it in for about 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off will give you the best results.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Good to revitalize damaged and dull hair
- Silky smooth and shiny hair
- Reduces static, makes curly and frizzy hair manageable
Cons
- Need to use a lot of product per wash
- Need a couple of washes before you can see good results
- Leaves hair a bit dry
6. L’Oréal Paris Hair Care EverPure Toning Purple Shampoo
Editor’s Rating:
Review
Most purple shampoos are too harsh on the hair and can’t be used more than once a week. L’Oréal Paris created this purple shampoo with the aim of letting users with blonde hair shampoo their locks as many times a week as they would like to. Now you don’t need to splurge on different shampoos just so you can wash your hair more than once a week.
This formula is free of parabens, harsh salts, and gluten. Being free of sulfates makes it gentle on your hair but tough on the yellows, oranges, and brassiness. It is also good for hair damaged by frequent use of hard water or harsh chemical treatments. You can restore your locks to their former healthy glory by using this shampoo regularly. For toning your hair and removing brassiness, it is best used on alternate days.
Pro-tip
Mix it with a little regular shampoo that smells great to avoid the unpleasant smell after washing.
Pros
- Free of parabens and sulfates
- Vegan formula made with plant extracts
- Cruelty-free testing
- Can be used frequently
- Gentle on the hair and doesn’t leave it dry like other purple shampoos
- Affordable
Cons
- Distinctly unpleasant smell
- Need a couple of washes before the yellows are totally banished
7. Pureology Mini Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo
Editor’s Rating:
Review
Pureology’s Mini Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo provides a rich lather that can elevate your purple shampoo experience. A little bit goes a long way; with just a small amount, you can lather up the shampoo to coat all of your hair, providing you with easy toning. Its signature aromatherapy blend of pear, rose, and sandalwood will leave your hair smelling fantastic after each use.
This product features several ingredients that work to repair and protect hair. Expert Asta-Repair antioxidant technology helps to heal hair from the inside out, while Antifade Complex protects color vibrancy and ensures your style stays bright and blonde.
You should be aware that this shampoo is a little bit on the drying side and can leave your hair feeling stringy if you use it too often. The coloration is also slightly more blue than purple, which may work well on very brassy or orange-colored tone hair but can create pigmentation issues when used regularly on lighter blonde tones.
Pro Tip
Those with lighter blonde tones should be using this shampoo every other wash, while those with darker blondes or fashion colors should be using this shampoo with every wash for best results.
Pros
- Rich lathering shampoo
- Asta-Repair antioxidant technology helps heal hair
- Fragranced with an aromatherapy blend of pear, rose, and sandalwood
- Antifade Complex protects color vibrancy
Cons
- Can leave hair feeling stringy
- Coloration is more blue than purple
8. ArtNaturals Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Editor’s Rating:
Review
ArtNaturals’ purple shampoo and conditioner set are designed to be used in conjunction with each other. While the shampoo is gentle and uses mostly natural ingredients, it does leave the hair a bit dry.
This is where the thick conditioner comes in. It is really good to rejuvenate damaged and brittle hair, especially hair that has been processed chemically, fine hair with thin strands, and hair that requires extra care.
The sulfates and parabens free formula is harsh on the yellows but soft on your tresses. You can use this shampoo as and when you require without fear of damaging your hair.
However, this shampoo isn’t as easy to use as other shampoos. You need a couple of washes and thorough rinsing with plenty of product to get the work done. This does not make it quite as affordable as the price tag indicates.
To combat the default drying effect of purple shampoo, the accompanying conditioner is thick and doesn’t get absorbed easily – creating a thin film of moisture over the hair. While this is really good for those who have damaged hair from harsh chemical treatments, it isn’t as good for those who have normal hair. It feels a little greasy and heavy.
Pro-tip
It’s a shampoo + conditioner deal and should be used together for the best results. The conditioner corrects the imbalances caused by the toning shampoo making it a complete hair care package.
Pros
- Can be used as required and not limited to once a week use
- Strong purple pigment - instant effect
- Cruelty-free testing
- Free of sulfates and parabens
Cons
- The shampoo doesn’t lather easily
- Need a lot of product per wash
- Conditioner is too thick and feels greasy
- Unpleasant smell after wash
9. Drybar Blonde Ale Brightening Shampoo
Editor’s Rating:
Review
Drybar’s Blonde Ale Brightening Shampoo features lemon extract that helps to brighten any type of blonde tone while the purple pigments in the shampoo combat brassy undertones. Added chamomile works to soothe dry scalps and can increase the shine of your hair with each use so your blonde looks its best.
This shampoo is designed to gently cleanse hair without stripping away too much moisture. It is safe to use on all colors of hair and will work to prevent color fading, something that keeps your blonde looking fresh between visits to the salon.
The fragrance of this product is very strong and tends to linger; it can be overwhelming for some users who may not enjoy the somewhat artificial scent. The shampoo can also leave your hair feeling brittle or dry despite its gentle cleansing formula, so it is important not to use it more than once or twice a week for best results.
Pro Tip
Drybar’s Brightening Shampoo can be strong and should only be used one or two times a week, especially if you already have dry or damaged hair. Make sure to follow each use up with a conditioner and use a hydrating hair mask every so often to keep your hair healthy.
Pros
- Lemon extract brightens blonde tones
- Chamomile soothes dry hair and increases shine
- Gently cleanses hair without stripping moisture
- Prevents color fading
Cons
- Fragrance is very strong and lingering
- Can leave hair feeling brittle
10. amika Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo
Editor’s Rating:
Review
This product features ingredients that have been carefully selected to repair and strengthen your hair from the inside out. As dyeing your locks blonde often comes with a lot of damage, this makes the shampoo a great choice for repairing split ends, damaged, frizzy, or dry hair. Vegan proteins work to ensure each strand of your hair looks its best.
Amika’s purple shampoo features a completely vegan formula that is free of parabens, sulfates, and SLS. This helps to leave your hair soft and hydrated. Ultra-violet pigments expertly counteract brassy or yellow tones in your hair and get to work fast so you can quickly achieve the blonde tone you desire.
For the price, this bottle is on the small side. This can be a drawback, especially for those with very thick or long hair who will need to apply more product with each use. The violet pigments may also not be strong enough for reviving highlights or for counteracting brassiness in darker blonde tones. For extreme toning, we suggest Bold Uniq’s Purple Shampoo.
Pro Tip
For extreme repair, you can consider using the entire Bust Your Brass system, including the conditioner and the Intense Hair Repair Mask. To keep up your blonde hair, utilize your purple shampoo at least every other wash or every wash until you reach the desired tone.
Pros
- Formulated to repair damaged, broken, and dry hair
- Ultra-violet pigments expertly counteract brassy tones
- Vegan proteins strengthen hair
- Vegan formula free of parabens, sulfates, and SLS
Cons
- The bottle is small
- Not strong enough for darker blonde tones
Great Purple Shampoos That Didn’t Make Our List
That brings us to the end of our list. But there are some other great products we want to mention. We would be remiss to not mention some wildly popular brands, some up and coming stars, and outliers that most people wouldn’t have heard of.
If you are of a mind to splurge on a purple shampoo that caters to all your blonde hair needs, then try out the Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color. It is way more expensive than any purple shampoo included on our list, but does have a decent reputation for taming brassiness and yellows.
If you’re looking for an ammonia and peroxide free shampoo for your tresses, we recommend the John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Purple Shampoo. It’s decently priced, and is quickly gaining traction with hair care professionals and stylists alike. It does an excellent job of toning your blonde hair to a much cooler shade.
Paul Mitchell is a name to be reckoned with when it comes to hair care. This guide would be incomplete if we didn’t point you to his excellent formula for color correcting blonde hair – Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Shampoo. It doesn’t stand out from the crowd so it didn’t make it to our top 12 list, but the brand name carries weight, and the shampoo works as intended.
Last, but not the least, a little known Italian brand called Fanola, with an inexpensive purple shampoo called No Yellow Shampoo, is making its presence felt in the US market. This shampoo is a delight for people with blonde hair. It does everything that most of our top-rated products are known for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Brassy Hair?
When you get your hair bleached and colored, it looks perfect for a while. A few days or a week later, some strands start turning a deep yellow or orange with reddish undertones. This looks very jarring and gives a fake aura to your hair. The orange tinge is called brass, and it is a warm tone that your hair starts turning to after being colored. Yellow and golden blonde are the other two warm shades that also need to be corrected.
How Do You Take the Brass Out of Your Hair?
By using a purple shampoo. The purple pigment in the shampoo is cool toned and neutralizes the warm-toned brass, yellow, and blonde into a brighter, cooler, silver-ish blonde and does away with the red and orange undertones.
Why Purple?
If you look at the color wheel, you’ll notice that the color purple sits right opposite the blonde and yellow band. The ‘Color Theory’ proposes that in order to neutralize any color on the color wheel, you add a tinge of the color that sits directly opposite it on the color wheel.
So, as per the color wheel theory, purple is the ideal color corrector for blonde and yellow hair. Likewise, blue is the right hue to correct orange tones, while blue-violet tones down golden hair.
A dash of purple to your blonde hair will make them appear brighter, remove the deep yellow tones, and neutralize the brassiness. It will also brighten up silver, platinum blonde, ash blonde, grey, and white hair.
How Frequently Can I Use Purple Shampoo?
It depends on the formula. There’s no single answer to this question. It varies with the brand and formula of the purple shampoo you’re using. Look at the ingredients and read the reviews.
If the brand is eco-conscious and uses a gentle formula, you can use the shampoo multiple times a week. If the shampoo has a deep purple pigment and uses harsh chemicals, then it’s best to use it only once a week.
A good rule of thumb is to use it whenever you see your hair color turning a little brassy. Even if the directions on the bottle mention alternate day usage, you should stop when you start noticing a purple or a bluish tinge to your hair.
How Long Can I Leave the Purple Shampoo in My Hair?
Frequently, but only as long as is directed by the brand or mentioned on the bottle. If that doesn’t work out for you, start with a small quantity of the product and leave it in for less than 3 minutes. Notice the difference in the shade once you rinse it off. Based on how light you want your hair, and how much product you used, you can arrive at the right combination of product and time duration to get the right cool hue.
Note that just because it worked for some people within 3 minutes on the first wash, it isn’t a bad product for not giving the same results to you. Your shade of blonde, the texture of your hair, the amount of product in your hair, and how you go about using it can lead to drastically different results with the same purple shampoo.
Be patient, find out the best way of using the shampoo, and give it a couple of tries before discarding it in favor of a different brand. Here’s are some good rules of thumb to follow based on the tone of your blonde hair:
- Warm toned blonde hues: If you are naturally blessed with very golden yellow hair and have a lot of red and orange undertones, you should wash away the purple shampoo within 3 minutes to see the cooler tones appear. This also holds true for colored hair.
- Neutral-toned blonde shades: Blondes with slightly darker hues, that appear brown to wheatish in color, should rinse off purple shampoo within 3 to 5 minutes to get the best results.
- Cool-toned blonde hair: Platinum blondes, icy blondes, pearly hued blondes, and blondes with ashy tones are termed as cool-toned blondes. In order to remove the brass from these shades and color correct them, you need to let the shampoo sit in the hair for a long time. Wait for a good 10 to 15 minutes before you rinse off the purple shampoo lest you end up wasting a lot of product with nothing to show for it.
Final Thoughts
Purple shampoo is a boon to those who want to maintain cool blonde locks without making frequent trips to the salon. You can maintain your incredible blonde look with the right kind of purple shampoo in your cosmetics arsenal. It’s like a mini-dye job for your dyed blonde hair that you don’t have to shell out the big bucks for. Maintain your cool blonde mane with minimal fuss and gift yourself a purple shampoo today!