Purple shampoo has become a staple in many hair care routines, especially for those with blonde or highlighted locks. But what exactly is purple shampoo, and how do you choose the right one for your tresses? To start, let’s break down the key ingredients to look out for in a purple shampoo formula. From dryness-fighting agents to environmentally friendly certifications, we’ll cover it all.
Of course, value for money is also crucial, as well as the scent – because let’s be real, who wants their hair to smell like chemicals? Once you’ve got your new favorite purple shampoo, it’s time to put it to good use. Here are the top 10 best purple shampoos on the market right now, from budget-friendly options to premium picks. Top contenders include Bold Uniq Purple Shampoo, Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo, and more.
But don’t just take our word for it – here’s a rundown of each product’s standout features. And if you’re not seeing results with your current purple shampoo, don’t worry! We’ve also got some tips on how to get the most out of your new formula.
What Is ‘Purple Shampoo’?
Blonde hair, regardless of its natural or processed origins, often exhibits deep shades of yellow and brassy orange tones that can appear artificial, unnatural, and unflattering. These warm undertones need to be balanced to achieve a more natural and cool-toned appearance. That’s where the unique properties of purple shampoo come in – specifically formulated for blonde hair, its variants, as well as silver, platinum, ash, grey, and white locks.
By correcting these tones, purple shampoos help to neutralize unwanted warmth and reveal a more radiant, healthy-looking mane.
Things to Consider When Buying a Purple Shampoo
When selecting a purple shampoo, several key characteristics come into play. You’ll want to consider the formulation’s active ingredients, its potential impact on hair dryness, environmental sustainability, fragrance, and price point. In this section, we’ll delve deeper into each of these aspects.
Dryness
Purple shampoos counteract yellow tones and brassiness by depositing purple pigment onto the hair shaft. However, this process requires the shampoo to remain in contact with the hair for an extended period, a characteristic that sets them apart from regular shampoos. As a result, purple shampoos tend to dry out the hair more than their conventional counterparts. In some cases, prolonged use can lead to brittle, stringy locks and disrupt the natural moisture balance.
To mitigate these effects, it’s essential to select a purple shampoo that is gentle on the hair and incorporates moisturizing agents to restore the hair’s natural oil balance.
Environmentally Friendly
When selecting a purple shampoo, it’s not only important to consider its effectiveness but also its environmental impact. Look for products that prioritize sustainability by using natural ingredients, recycled packaging, and cruelty-free testing methods. Many brands now offer vegan-friendly options, where all the ingredients are derived from plant-based extracts. Choosing one of these eco-conscious shampoos can be a small step towards a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Value for Money
While affordability is an attractive aspect of many purple shampoos, it’s essential to consider more than just the upfront cost. To make an informed decision, read reviews, assess your hair needs, and calculate the long-term expense. Don’t be fooled by products that seem cheap due to their gentle nature or low concentration; a mid-range option might actually prove to be the best value despite its initial higher price tag.
Scent
While many shampoos boast pleasant fragrances, some purple shampoos designed to correct yellow tones and tone down brassy notes in blonde or bleached hair can have more pungent scents. If you’re sensitive to strong smells, it’s essential to check the fragrance profile of your chosen shampoo. Opt for a product with a pleasant aroma, natural ingredients, or no scent at all to ensure a comfortable washing experience. For those struggling to find reliable purple shampoos, fear not!
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top 12 options available online, along with insights into what makes each one stand out from the rest.
Top 10 Best Purple Shampoos 2024
Best Overall Purple Shampoo Bold Uniq Purple Shampoo
Uniq’s Bold Uniq purple shampoo stands out as a top-notch product for addressing brassiness, neutralizing yellow tones, and maintaining color-treated locks. Its impressive list of credentials includes being free from sulfates, parabens, gluten, and using exclusively vegan ingredients. This cruelty-free formula is also gentle enough for all shades of bleached hair. The shampoo’s 100% vegan formula ensures it won’t damage the environment or harm animals during testing.
The packaging is not only eco-friendly but also recyclable, making it a standout choice for those committed to sustainable living. As an added bonus, this purple shampoo softens the hair while infusing it with Vitamin B3, leaving a noticeable difference in color after just one wash. It’s particularly effective at maintaining balayage hair, preserving the integrity of dark-toned strands.
The long-lasting effects of its treatment mean you’ll find yourself visiting the salon less frequently and requiring fewer regular washes to maintain the color. While it may have some drawbacks, such as being harsh on the hair and stripping it of natural oils, this minor flaw can be easily mitigated by using a moisturizing hair oil pack after washing. A pro tip is to follow up with a coconut oil or argan oil hair mask post-wash to restore the oil balance to your toned locks.
The pleasant grapefruit scent, included gloves, and commitment to environmental sustainability are definite pros. The only notable cons are its drying effects, minor hair shedding, and higher price point.
Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo
Moroccanoil’s Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo has won our hearts due to its unique ability to gently cleanse hair while leaving it brighter, more nourished, and hydrated. The formula, infused with ArganID Technology, works to repair hair with each use, making it an excellent choice for those who have recently dyed their locks. The shampoo’s violet tones are particularly effective in reviving faded highlights and combating brassiness by counteracting yellow and orange tones.
As you rinse your hair, the signature Moroccanoil fragrance lingers, leaving your tresses smelling fresh and vibrant. A minor caveat is that this shampoo may be more watery than others, requiring a bit of extra effort to create a rich lather. To achieve optimal results, we recommend leaving the shampoo on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. Overall, the benefits far outweigh any slight inconvenience, as your hair will emerge soft, hydrated, and boasting a healthy sheen.
Best Premium Purple Shampoo Get Back Gorgeous Purple Shampoo
The Gen8 Get Back Gorgeous purple shampoo stands out as an exceptional product, offering instant toning and correction of yellows and brassy tones in the hair. By leaving it on for four minutes during the first wash, users can achieve salon-like results without needing to visit a professional. The shampoo’s unique formula was developed with input from celebrity hairstylists and has gained popularity among many blonde celebrities.
Beyond its toning capabilities, this product also provides UV protection for bleached hair, reducing the need for frequent salon visits to maintain hair freshness. Coconut oil-based extracts in the formula work to leave hair feeling soft, deeply conditioned, and smooth after washing, while collagen proteins help to rejuvenate and strengthen strands. The shampoo’s all-natural scents of lavender, bergamot, and citron blossoms create a fresh and clean fragrance that leaves hair smelling pleasant.
One notable benefit is its ability to remove grime, dirt, and excessive oils from the scalp, leaving users with a cleaner and healthier-looking mane. While this product does provide an instant effect, toning hair to achieve a naturally shiny blonde color minus yellows after just one wash, it also has some drawbacks. Users may experience dry hands and slightly stringy hair as a result of using the shampoo.
To mitigate these effects, consider wearing gloves while washing your hair with this product. Overall, the Gen8 Get Back Gorgeous purple shampoo offers several pros, including instant toning, a fresh floral fragrance, cruelty-free testing, strengthening of hair through collagen proteins, and UV protection for bleached hair.
Bumble and bumble Illuminated Blonde Purple Shampoo
The Bumble and bumble Bb. Illuminated Blonde Purple Shampoo is a game-changer for blonde locks, offering a unique combination of benefits that make it a staple in many beauty routines. Not only can it help reduce frizz and dryness, but it’s also color-safe for all blonde tones, making it a great option for those looking to maintain their golden hue between salon visits. The formula is free from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens, appealing to those who prioritize clean beauty.
One of the standout features of this purple shampoo is its ability to counteract yellow or golden tones, leaving hair looking shinier and brighter overall. While it’s not a product that can be used daily, using it in moderation can help keep frizz at bay and maintain a healthy-looking mane. Just be aware that some users may find the fragrance overpowering, which could be a drawback for those who prefer milder scents.
In terms of usage, the key is to massage the shampoo into your hair and work it through from roots to ends to ensure full coverage and optimal results. Pair it with the Bb. Illuminated Blonde Purple Conditioner for an added boost of hydration. While this product may not be perfect, its many benefits make it a great addition to any blonde’s beauty arsenal.
Best Budget Purple Shampoo TIGI Bed Head Dumb Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo
TIGI’s Bed Head Dumb Blonde purple toning shampoo stands out as the best purple shampoo for curly hair, boasting a unique formula that tackles common issues like frizz, static, and tangles. The addition of Polyquaternium 10 not only enhances shine but also helps to reduce unwanted flyaways and brassiness in naturally blonde locks. This versatile product is equally effective on chemically treated or bleached hair, leaving curls bouncy and radiant with every wash.
While it may require a bit more product than usual, the payoff comes with healthier-looking strands and a revitalized mane that’s silky smooth to the touch. As with all purple shampoos, some dryness may occur, but this can be easily mitigated with an argan oil or coconut mask treatment. With reasonable pricing and a few patience-testing washes, you’ll be rewarded with a dramatically improved color tone and manageable locks.
For optimal results, apply the shampoo to dry hair and leave it on for 10-20 minutes before rinsing – your blonde curls will thank you!
L’Oréal Paris Hair Care EverPure Toning Purple Shampoo
This purple shampoo from L’Oréal Paris stands out as an exceptional choice for regular use, boasting a gentle formula that’s free of harsh chemicals. Unlike many other purple shampoos on the market, this one can be used multiple times a week without causing damage to your locks. Its unique blend of plant extracts and natural ingredients makes it not only vegan-friendly but also cruelty-free tested.
One of its most notable benefits is its ability to gently tone down yellows, oranges, and brassiness in hair, making it an excellent option for those who want to restore their hair’s healthy glory after exposure to hard water or harsh chemical treatments. For best results, we recommend using it every other day to achieve the desired toning effect. In terms of pros, this shampoo is free from parabens and sulfates, making it a great choice for those with sensitive scalps.
Additionally, its affordability and gentle formula mean you can use it frequently without worrying about drying out your hair. Some users may find the smell unpleasant, but mixing it with a regular shampoo can help alleviate this issue. With a couple of washes, you should start to see the yellows being banished, making it a great investment for those looking to maintain healthy-looking locks.
Pureology Mini Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo
Pureology’s Mini Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo stands out with its rich lathering formula, perfect for both lighter and darker blonde tones. The signature aromatherapy blend of pear, rose, and sandalwood provides a pleasant scent that lasts long after washing. While it’s effective at toning hair, the product features ingredients that also work to repair and protect hair.
Specifically, Expert Asta-Repair antioxidant technology helps heal hair from the inside out, while Antifade Complex protects color vibrancy and ensures styles stay bright and blonde. It’s worth noting that this shampoo is on the drying side, which can result in stringy hair if used too frequently.
Additionally, the coloration has a slightly blue tint rather than purple, which may be beneficial for those with brassy or orange-toned hair but can cause pigmentation issues when used regularly on lighter blonde tones. For optimal results, users with lighter blonde tones should use this shampoo every other wash, while those with darker blondes or fashion colors can use it with every wash.
Overall, the pros of this product include its rich lathering, ability to heal and protect hair, pleasant scent, and color vibrancy protection. However, some may find that it leaves their hair feeling stringy and has a blue-ish tint rather than purple.
ArtNaturals Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set
This purple shampoo stands out as the best for dry, damaged, and fine hair. Its strong pigment effectively neutralizes unwanted yellow and orange tones, leaving hair with a cool silver finish. The gentle formula, although sulfate- and paraben-free, can leave strands feeling slightly dry. To counterbalance this, the accompanying conditioner is thick and provides an intense moisturizing treatment, ideal for damaged hair from chemical processing or fine hair with thin strands.
When used together, this shampoo and conditioner set creates a comprehensive hair care package that corrects imbalances caused by the toning shampoo. While it may not be as easy to use as other shampoos, its ability to provide instant results and its cruelty-free testing make up for its minor drawbacks. With regular use, you can achieve a beautiful silver color without damaging your locks.
However, keep in mind that some users have reported unpleasant odors after washing and the conditioner can feel slightly greasy on normal hair.
Drybar Blonde Ale Brightening Shampoo
Drybar’s Blonde Ale Brightening Shampoo is a standout product that combines the power of lemon extract, chamomile, and purple pigments to create a truly exceptional blonde-hair experience. The lemon extract, in particular, helps to brighten and increase shine in any type of blonde tone, while the added chamomile soothes dry scalps and can even enhance the overall sheen of your hair with repeated use.
This gentle yet effective shampoo is designed to cleanse without stripping away too much moisture, making it suitable for all colors of hair, including those who want to maintain their color vibrancy between salon visits. However, users should be aware that the fragrance of this product can be overwhelming and may linger; it’s also possible that using it more frequently than recommended could leave your hair feeling brittle or dry.
As such, we recommend using Drybar’s Brightening Shampoo one or two times a week at most, followed up with a conditioner to keep your locks healthy. With proper use, this shampoo can be a valuable addition to any blonde-haired individual’s routine.
amika Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo
Amika’s Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo stands out for its ability to deliver consistent results, tackling damaged, dry, or broken hair with a repair-focused formula. This vegan-friendly product boasts carefully selected ingredients that work together to strengthen and improve the overall health of your locks. A particular highlight is the inclusion of ultra-violet pigments, which quickly counteract brassy or yellow tones, helping you achieve the desired blonde shade.
While the bottle may be on the smaller side for some users, the shampoo’s effectiveness in repairing damaged hair is undeniable. However, it’s worth noting that this product may not be strong enough to tackle more severe brassiness issues or revive highlights in darker blonde tones. For those seeking a more intense toning experience, Bold Uniq’s Purple Shampoo is a recommended alternative.
As part of the Bust Your Brass system, using the conditioner and Intense Hair Repair Mask can provide even more comprehensive repair. To maintain your blonde locks, consider using this purple shampoo at least every other wash or until you’ve achieved the desired tone.
Great Purple Shampoos That Didn’t Make Our List
As we conclude our list, it’s only fitting to acknowledge some notable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut. There are several brands and products that are worth mentioning, even if they didn’t quite rise to the top. For instance, Oribe’s Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color is a luxurious option that’s more expensive than our listed options, but has a reputation for effectively toning down brassiness and yellowness in blonde hair.
If you’re looking for an ammonia- and peroxide-free alternative, John Frieda’s Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Purple Shampoo is a decently priced option that’s gaining popularity among professionals and stylists alike. It does an excellent job of toning down blonde hair to a cooler shade. Paul Mitchell is another well-established brand in the hair care industry, and their Platinum Blonde Shampoo is a solid formula for color correcting blonde hair – even if it didn’t make our top 12 list.
Last but not least, there’s Fanola, an Italian brand making waves in the US market with its inexpensive No Yellow Shampoo. This product is a delight for people with blonde hair, offering all the benefits of our top-rated products without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Brassy Hair?
The temporary perfection of bleached and colored hair can quickly give way to an unflattering reality. Within a few days or weeks, certain strands may begin to take on a deep yellow or orange hue with reddish undertones, creating an unsettling contrast that can detract from the overall appearance. This unwanted warmth is commonly referred to as ‘brass,’ a tone that arises when hair is colored and can give it a fake or artificial look.
Furthermore, yellow and golden blonde are other warm shades that may require correction to maintain their original vibrancy.
How Do You Take the Brass Out of Your Hair?
When incorporating a purple shampoo into your routine, the unique properties of this product come into play. The cool-toned pigment neutralizes warm-toned brass, yellow, and blonde tones, transforming them into a brighter, silvery blonde shade. Additionally, it eliminates red and orange undertones, leaving you with a more balanced and refreshing color.
Why Purple?
According to color theory, the key to neutralizing any color on the wheel is to incorporate its opposite counterpart. This opposing hue serves as a corrector, balancing out the original tone. On the color wheel, purple occupies the exact opposite position of the blonde and yellow spectrum. Similarly, blue counteracts orange tones, while blue-violet hues temper golden locks.
The application of purple to blonde hair can achieve three primary effects: it will brighten the overall appearance, eliminate deep yellow undertones, and neutralize any brassiness that may be present. This corrective approach is equally effective for silver, platinum, ash, grey, and white hair, ultimately resulting in a more vibrant and natural-looking finish.
How Frequently Can I Use Purple Shampoo?
The effectiveness of using purple shampoo depends heavily on the specific formula and brand being used. When evaluating the best approach, it’s essential to examine the ingredient list and read reviews from other users. For eco-friendly brands that utilize gentle formulas, multiple applications per week may be possible. Conversely, harsh chemicals and deep pigmentation may warrant more conservative use – ideally once a week.
A practical guideline is to use purple shampoo whenever you notice your hair color starting to take on a brassy tone. This rule supersedes any recommended frequency listed on the product packaging, as you should stop using it when you start observing a purplish or bluish hue in your locks.
How Long Can I Leave the Purple Shampoo in My Hair?
When it comes to achieving the perfect blonde hue, timing is everything. The brand or bottle may recommend a specific duration, but don’t be discouraged if you need to adjust based on your unique hair type and texture. Start with a small amount of product and leave it in for less than 3 minutes to notice the initial difference in shade. From there, experiment with varying combinations of product and time to find what works best for you.
Keep in mind that everyone’s results may differ, even with the same product. Factors such as natural hair color, texture, and the amount of product used can greatly impact the outcome. Be patient and don’t be quick to dismiss a product if it doesn’t yield immediate results. Instead, give it a few tries to find the right balance.
Some general guidelines to follow based on your tone are:For warm-toned blondes with golden yellow hues and red or orange undertones, aim for a 3-minute rinse time to bring out cooler tones. This applies to both natural and colored hair. Neutral-toned blondes with darker shades that appear brown or wheatish may benefit from rinsing the purple shampoo within 3-5 minutes to achieve optimal results.
Cool-toned blondes with platinum, icy, pearly, or ashy tones require a longer dwell time to correct any brassiness. Allow the shampoo to sit in your hair for 10-15 minutes before rinsing to avoid wasting product.
Final Thoughts
For those seeking to maintain their cool blonde locks without constant salon visits, purple shampoo is a game-changer. By incorporating this product into your beauty routine, you can effortlessly preserve your stunning blonde color at home, eliminating the need for frequent professional touch-ups. With its unique properties, purple shampoo provides a mini-dye job effect on dyed blonde hair, offering a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution for maintaining your cool blonde mane.
