The Best Purple Shampoos to Brighten Blonde Hair
Tinted shampoo is the secret to fighting brassiness.
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While it's said that blondes have more fun, those with blonde or platinum hair also have far more work to do in order to maintain the bright hue. The easiest way to keep up with icy strands? Incorporate a purple shampoo into your routine. While a pigmented purple formula sounds intimidating, the temporary color makes all types of light and blonde hair look fresh-from-the-salon.
“On the color wheel, purple and yellow are on opposite sides of each other,” explains Stephanie Brown, Master Colorist at IGK Salon SoHo. “They help neutralize each other, meaning when you apply purple on top of yellow, it removes the yellow tones.” Shades of blonde—particularly color-treated, although all blondes are prone—can oxidize, which in turn brings out brassy and yellow tones.
Purple shampoo works wonders on blonde hair, but it can be equally as effective to bring down the brassiness of silver hair. "A lot of people think purple shampoo can only be used on blonde hair, but most formulas are great for gray and platinum hair to reduce the whiteness," says Abby Haliti, celebrity colorist and owner of Abby Haliti Color Studio in New York City.
A word of caution: There is a chance purple shampoo could turn your hair lavender. “If you use purple shampoo too often, then yes, it can give your hair a purple tint,” explains Brown, who adds that “it can also make the hair look harder when you add too much purple.” To prevent a cotton-candy hue, only use purple shampoo once or twice a week, and supplement with a regular (color-safe) formula during other washes. Ahead, find the perfect purple shampoo for you.
Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
Pros
- Works on both natural and dyed hair
Cons
Blonde and bleached hair is more susceptible to damage. This purple shampoo from the hair health experts at Olaplex helps to repair bonds lost to the dyeing process while toning blonde hair with concentrated pigments.
Customer Review:
"After trying many purple shampoo’s this has been the best I’ve ever used. The science behind the Olaplex brand itself says more than I can. Definitely only use it a couple times a week (or whatever your stylist recommends.) Every time I go in to get my hair done my stylist is always so amazed at how my hair looks the same as when she last did it!" —Anonymous
| Size | 7.5 Fl. Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All |
Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
Pureology's Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo mixes purple orchid extract with astaxanthin, an antioxidant that boasts a red pigment, to neutralize both brassiness and yellow tones in dyed hair.
Customer Review:
"Love this shampoo! As I grow older, my hair has a lot of different colors. When I shampoo in the shower, I leave the Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo on my hair for a few extra minutes and my gray hair is a whiter color. All of my hair is SO shiny." —Randi12
| Size | 9 Fl. Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Types | Fine to Medium Hair |
John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair
Pros
- Budget-friendly
Cons
Just a dime-sized amount of this purple shampoo will lather into a lush wash that protects blonde strands by depositing crushed violet pigments to brighten hair.
Customer Review:
"My hair went from brass to brighter blonde!!I love the way it smells, the way it feels, and how quickly it brightened and toned my hair!" —Aubrey
| Size | 16 Fl. Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Normal |
IGK Mixed Feelings Purple Leave-In Blonde Toning Drops
Pros
- Can be used with your regular shampoo
Cons
Brown also recommends these purple toning drops, which can be added to your shampoo (or conditioner) for a custom toning treatment.
Customer Review:
"Bought this after dying my hair blue steel silver. I add it to my leave-in conditioner, about five drops. That’s enough to remove the brassiness from my hair. There’s no purple tinge. I don’t use any toning shampoo/conditioners, just these drops." —proll2334
| Size | 1 Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily |
Pros
- Good size for the price
Cons
Utilizing blue spirulina and violet extract instead of purple dyes, this shampoo from the fan-fave sunscreen brand helps protect against UV oxidation and dullness. Plus, it’s vegan and sulfate-free.
Customer Review:
"I have dirty blonde hair that goes very blonde in the summer time. This shampoo is brilliant for keeping that light blonde in all the time. It also makes your hair feel great!" —Jack
| Size | 10 Fl. Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
Pros
- Great price
- Gentle formula
Cons
Vegan and gluten-free, this highly rated shampoo is a good bet for natural and bleached blondes alike.
Customer Review:
"Deep purple pigment to the shampoo, but hasn't stained anything. Works great and smells even better. I think I'm on my third bottle of this stuff. Great product especially for the price." —Brittney
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 Fl. Oz. |
Pros
- Hydrates hair
Cons
This nourishing formula helps restore color while it softens and strengthens stressed-out strands with monoi oil, tamanu oil, and the amino acid arginine.
Customer Review:
"I'm platinum blonde so the results are subtle for me but it really takes the yellow out over time. Doesn't dry my hair out either! If you want extreme results, though, then this isn't the product." —Danny
| Size | 10.1 Fl. Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Types | Straight to Wavy Hair |
Superzero Purple Shampoo Bar for Blonde and White Hair
Pros
- Has bond builders
- Travel-friendly
Cons
This shampoo bar is specifically designed to boost shine, neutralize brassiness, and reduce frizz, courtesy of ultraviolet pigments, vegan keratin, and hemisqualane. Not only does the eco-conscious packaging avoid plastic bottles, but it's the perfect wash to travel with.
Customer Review:
"I love this for travel! Such an amazing way to save space while maintaining my ashy blonde. I was skeptical to try bar shampoos but it lathers and cleans my hair like any traditional shampoo could. Def recommend!" —Emmy Awards
| Size | 2.35 Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Fine to Thick |
Better Not Younger Silver Lining Purple Brightening Shampoo for Grey & White Hair
Pros
- Reviews say it helps with hair growth
Cons
You don't need to sacrifice voluminous hair just to save your blonde strands. Better Not Younger's shampoo contains the brand's signature blend of biotin, bamboo burdock, and hops to make the hair appear thicker and fuller, while utilizing violet pigments to bring back the vibrancy of blonde and gray hair.
Customer Review:
"This is the best I have used! I have used cheap purple shampoo and expensive. The yellow is gone for the most part and it just looks shiny, healthy and vibrant." —Paula W.
| Size | 8.4 Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Types | Fine to Medium |
Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo
Pros
- Best for Dry Hair
- Has avocado oil to nourish
Cons
Ultra-violet to protect ultra-light, bright shades, this vitamin-infused formula is great for both natural and not-so-natural blondes. The bottle is on the small side, so it's best for mixing with your regular shampoo.
Customer Review:
"First time using this shampoo and absolutely love!! The first thing I noticed is the smell, so amazing!! This also gets very sudsy (which I have read doesn't always matter as far as it cleansing your hair ) but I like it! And first wash my hair smelt hood and was soft. We'll see once it air drys if the toning is just as good but couldn't wait to write a review." —Anonymous
| Size | 10 Fl. Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Types | All Hair Types |
Kérastase Bain Ultra-Violet Purple Shampoo
Pros
- Hydrating ingredients
Cons
Its ultra-violet neutralizers will keep hair from looking brassy or too yellow, while the hyaluronic acid (yes, you can use it in hair too) strengthens locks. Perfect for any hair texture and type of blonde.
Customer Review:
"The best purple shampoo for my hair! Leaves my hair feeling healthy and cancels out the warmth with each use. I only use it once a week for maintenance!" —Barb
| Size | 8.5 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Types | All Hair Types |
Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color
Pros
- Adds shine
Cons
- Pricey
The perfect cocktail for blonde locks: Violet pigments to neutralize brassiness, pearlized pigments to impart shine, and a complex of lemon, ginger root, and chamomile to brighten.
Customer Review:
"I’ve tried what feels like every purple shampoo on the market and I’ve stuck with this for the last few months. Although it’s pricey, it’s kept my blonde dye pristine in between appointments. The main
reason for taking away a star is that it doesn’t really lather too well. I personally use a clarifying shampoo first and then use this for color. It’s an expensive habit but I do love how my hair looks." —Ka88888
| Size | 8.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Hair Types | All Hair Types |
Pros
- Can be left on for more intense toning treatment
Cons
Good for your blonde locks with its specially formulated, violet pigments to neutralize unwanted yellow and brassy tones, this is especially good for the environment as well. Its formula is sulfate-, paraben-, cruelty-, and gluten-free and it comes in recyclable packaging as an added bonus.
Customer Review:
"My hair has been brassy and this shampoo has been helping to neutralize it. I love how it does not strip my hair but leaves it feeling soft and nourished. Leaving it on for about 5 minutes seems to give me better results." —mobetta27
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.5 Fl. Oz. |
Innersense Bright Balance Hairbath
Pros
- Nice floral scent
Cons
- Scent may be off-putting to some
When hair feels dry and brittle, reach for this purple shampoo that contains apple and rice extracts to draw in moisture, plus and vitamin E-rich monoi oil to protect hair from environmental factors that bring out unwanted yellow tones.
Customer Review:
"I use the Bright Balance Conditioner and Hairbath when my colored hair is looking a little less vibrant and is close to the time I'll visit my salon for color touch up. This product keeps my hair looking great until my next color. Innersense has the best products for my colored hair!" —Beatriz
| Size | 10 Fl. Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
Pros
- Works well on grey and blonde shades
Cons
Made with plum extracts, grapeseed oil, and time-released botanticals, this purple shampoo illuminates highlights while neutralizing brass yellow tones. Also expect great moisture and shine.
Customer Review:
"I am transitioning to natural grey, and my hair was looking a bit brassy as I grow out my colored ends. Now, even though I am in that awkward stage of growth, I still get compliments! And it leaves hair super soft."
Davines Alchemic Shampoo Silver
Pros
- Adds softness
Cons
Haliti opts for this purple shampoo at her salon because it has a strong purple base illuminate blonde hair, but it doesn't stain your hair–or the shower.
Customer Review:
'I'm in love...I use this weekly along with the companion conditioner and love it! I am blonde and find it refreshes my hair color, super softening and smells divine." —Patty
| Size | 9.46 Fl. Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Types | All Hair Types |
Pros
- Sulfate-free
Cons
The sunflower seed extract in this formula prevents color from being stripped while delivering moisture to dried out strands. It's also made with olive, linseed, and jojoba oil to keep hair strong and prevent breakage.
Customer Review:
"This is my Holy Grail shampoo. I have long, dry, bleached hair, which I can not brush through if I don’t use a mask or treatment after the wash. With that said, this shampoo is genius—it makes my hair slightly less brassy, does not dry it out at all." —Julia K.
| Size | 8.5 Fl. Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Types | All Hair Types |
Eva NYC Tone It Down Blonde Shampoo
Pros
- Nourishing ingredients
- Great value
Cons
It's important to keep all hair hydrated—but particularly processed hair. Made with wild cherry bark extract and argan oil, this shampoo infuses hair with moisture, along with vitamins and nutrients to keep hair healthy and strong.
Customer Review:
"I’ve been using this shampoo for a little over year now. I’m really happy with it. It has a pleasant smell and tones without being too purple. I lather it up and let it sit for a while on my hair. Even my darker blonde pieces are less brassy, more cool." —Mehgan
| Size | 8.8 Oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
What does purple shampoo do to hair?
If light hair starts to oxidize, it can turn yellow or, as we in the biz say, brassy. “The purple removes that brassiness to keep the blonde and silver colors truer,” explains Brown.
How long does it take purple shampoo to work?
Instantly. One wash, and you'll notice a difference. On the same token, it's easy to overdo it; most colorists and hairstylists recommend swapping it in for your regular shampoo once a week, but you can gauge usage depending on your product, hair type, and desired brightness.
