What does purple shampoo do? The secret to brighter hair

Purple shampoo is a specialized toning shampoo crafted for blonde, silver, bleached, or brassy hair. Infused with deep violet pigments, it counteracts unwanted yellow and orange hues, restoring a cool tone. Many people seek purple shampoo because maintaining bright, ashy, or platinum blonde hair at home can be challenging—without the right care, blonde shades can quickly turn dull or brassy. This article shows you how purple shampoo works, why it’s different, and how it can keep your blonde or silver locks looking fresh and flawless.

What is a purple shampoo? 

Purple shampoo contains crushed violet pigments that work to neutralize unwanted yellow and orange tones. Since purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel, it cancels out warm hues that often appear in lightened hair over time. This makes it an essential product for those looking to extend the vibrancy of their blonde or silver shades without frequent salon visits.

Purple shampoo’s pros and cons

Which purple shampoo is best for you?

Here are four key aspects to consider when selecting the best purple shampoo for your hair:

1. Intensity of pigment

Not all purple shampoos are created equal—some are more pigmented than others.

• If you have platinum, icy blonde, or silver hair, go for a highly pigmented formula to effectively combat strong yellow or orange tones.

• For those with honey or warm blonde hair, a lighter-toned purple shampoo will help maintain brightness without over-toning.

2. Hydration & ingredients

Since toning shampoos can sometimes be drying, you can choose from formulas enriched with nourishing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or hyaluronic acid. If your hair is already prone to dryness, you can choose a sulfate-free purple shampoo that cleanses while keeping moisture locked in.

3. Hair type & condition

Your hair’s natural texture and condition play a role in choosing the right purple shampoo. If you have fine hair, a lightweight formula will prevent build-up and keep strands bouncy. For thick, coarse, or damaged hair, a purple shampoo with added conditioning agents can help maintain softness while toning brassiness.

4. Frequency of use

How often you need to use purple shampoo depends on how quickly your hair turns brassy. If you need frequent toning, choose a formula that can be used a few times a week. If you only need occasional touch-ups, a stronger, once-a-week treatment will keep your blonde fresh without over-toning.

How to use purple shampoo? 

Using purple shampoo the right way is the secret to keeping your blonde or silver hair fresh, cool-toned, and free from brassiness. Follow these simple steps to get the best results!

1. Damp hair but not soaking wet

For the best toning effect, use purple shampoo to damp hair instead of soaking wet strands. Too much water can dilute the pigment. Lightly towel-dry your hair after rinsing to prepare for the toning magic.

2. Lather and let it work its magic

Apply a generous amount of purple shampoo, focusing on the brassiest areas. Work it into a rich lather. Every strand should be evenly coated. Leave it on for 1-5 minutes.

3. Rinse thoroughly, and no purple left behind

Once the time is up, rinse your hair completely with lukewarm water. Any leftover pigment can make hair look dull or over-toned, so make sure the water runs clear before moving to the next step.

4. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner

Purple shampoo can be drying, so always follow with a deep-conditioning treatment to keep your hair soft and healthy. If your hair needs extra love, you can try to use a purple conditioner for added toning power and moisture.

5. Use wisely, and do you know less is more?

Purple shampoo isn’t for daily use! Overusing it can leave hair looking ashy or even slightly purple. Stick to 1-2 times a week for maintenance or as needed based on your hair’s brassiness level. If you notice too much toning, switch to regular shampoo for a few washes to balance things out.

What does purple shampoo do to brown hair

Purple shampoo is famous for keeping blonde hair bright, but what about brown hair? If your brunette locks have blonde highlights, balayage, or ombré that’s starting to look brassy, purple shampoo can help tone down those unwanted yellow hues, keeping your color fresh and cool. However, if your brown hair has more of an orange or reddish tint, purple shampoo won’t do much.

What does purple shampoo do to blonde hair

Purple shampoo is a must-have for keeping blonde hair looking fresh and bright. Over time, blonde hair can start to turn yellow or brassy from things like sun exposure, heat styling, or even minerals in your water. That’s where purple shampoo saves the day! Since purple cancels out yellow (just like on the color wheel), it tones down those unwanted warm hues and brings back that cool, clean blonde look.

What does purple shampoo do to grey hair

Purple shampoo works wonders for grey hair too! Over time, silver or grey hair can start to look yellow from things like pollution, heat styling, or even minerals in your water. That’s where purple shampoo comes in. The violet pigments cancel out those unwanted warm tones, bringing back a fresh, cool silver shade. Using purple shampoo helps keep it bright, shiny, and free from dullness.

What does purple shampoo do to red hair

Since purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow tones, it won’t do much for rich, true red shades, which don’t have brassiness. However, if you have strawberry blonde, auburn, or red hair with highlights, purple shampoo can help keep any lighter sections from turning too warm or brassy. If your red hair has more orange tones and you’re looking to cool it down, a blue shampoo is actually a better choice, as blue cancels out orange.