Purple Shampoo Guide: How to Use It and Which One to Choose

If you have blonde, highlighted, gray or silver hair, you've probably noticed it can turn warmer or brassier over time. Purple shampoo is a popular at-home way to keep those tones in check between salon visits. Here's how it works, how to use it without overdoing it, and the options we carry.

How purple shampoo works

It comes down to the color wheel. Purple sits opposite yellow, so purple pigment helps neutralize unwanted yellow tones in light hair. Blue sits opposite orange, which is why blue shampoos are often recommended for brunettes whose hair turns brassy-orange. Purple shampoo doesn't lighten hair. It deposits a small amount of cool pigment to balance warmth.

Who should use it

  • Natural or colored blondes who notice yellow tones
  • Highlighted or balayaged hair
  • Gray, white or silver hair that looks dull or yellowed

If you love a warm, golden blonde, you may not need purple shampoo at all. Ask your colorist.

How to use it

  1. Start once a week in place of your regular shampoo, and adjust from there.
  2. Apply to wet hair and lather well, making sure the most yellow areas are evenly covered.
  3. Leave it on for the time recommended on the label. Longer is not always better, and leaving it too long can give very light hair a lilac tint.
  4. Rinse thoroughly and follow with conditioner. Many purple shampoos have a matching purple conditioner.

Purple shampoos can be more drying for some hair types, so a hydrating mask once a week is a good balance.

Purple and violet shampoos we carry

Purple vs. blue shampoo

Use purple when the unwanted tone is yellow, typically on blonde, highlighted and silver hair. Use blue when the unwanted tone is orange, typically on brown or dark blonde hair that's been lightened. Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo and Blue Conditioner are blue options.

Troubleshooting

My hair looks lilac or gray. Shorten the time you leave it on, use it less often, or alternate with a regular color-safe shampoo. A normal wash or two usually lifts the tint. My hair still looks yellow. Make sure the formula is applied evenly and left on for the full recommended time. Persistent brassiness may need a toner at the salon. My hair feels dry. Follow with conditioner every time and add a weekly mask.

When to see your colorist

Purple shampoo is maintenance, not a substitute for a toner or gloss service. If your blonde has shifted noticeably warmer, your roots have grown out, or you want a different shade, a salon visit is the better fix. Your colorist can tone your hair and tell you how often to use purple shampoo with your formula. Call 631-243-5927 to book.

Keeping blonde healthy

Lightened hair is often more fragile, so pair toning products with gentle care: heat protection, regular conditioning and, if your stylist recommends it, a bond-building treatment. Our blonde care guide has more tips.

Shop locally or online

Every product mentioned here is available at parkavesalons.com, shipped from our salon in Deer Park, NY, or ready for free pickup at 1940A Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729. Have a question about which product fits your hair? Call 631-434-5540, or book a salon visit at 631-243-5927 and ask your stylist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use purple shampoo?

Many people start once a week and adjust. Follow the label, and use it less often if your hair starts to look lilac or feels dry.

Can brunettes use purple shampoo?

Purple targets yellow tones. Brunettes with orange brassiness usually get better results from a blue shampoo.

Will purple shampoo lighten my hair?

No. Purple shampoo deposits cool pigment to neutralize yellow tones. It does not lighten hair.

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