If you’ve been in the market for purple shampoos, you probably know by now that they’re a game-changer for maintaining cool-toned, blonde, or silver hair. The magic behind purple shampoo is its ability to neutralize unwanted yellow or brassy tones, keeping your color looking fresh and vibrant. But with the explosion of options on the market, finding the best purple shampoo can be overwhelming. That’s why we spent over 200 hours testing various brands and products to bring you the top 10 picks.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the details of what makes these purple shampoos stand out, how they work, and which one might be best for your hair type. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which purple shampoo will keep your locks looking their best.
Why Use Purple Shampoo?
Before we get into our top picks, it’s important to understand the science behind purple shampoo. If you have blonde, silver, or highlighted hair, you’ve likely noticed that over time, these colors can develop unwanted yellow or brassy tones. This is due to various factors like environmental pollutants, mineral deposits in water, and heat damage from styling tools.
Purple shampoo works by using violet pigments to cancel out yellow tones—on the color wheel, purple and yellow are opposites, so they neutralize each other. The result? A cooler, fresher tone for your blonde or silver hair that looks like you just stepped out of the salon. But not all purple shampoos are created equal, which is why selecting the right one for your hair type and needs is essential.
How We Tested These Purple Shampoos
We didn’t just rely on product descriptions and online reviews. Our team of experts spent over 200 hours testing various purple shampoos on different hair types, including color-treated, blonde, gray, and naturally highlighted hair. Each product was evaluated based on several key factors:
- Effectiveness in neutralizing brassiness
- Hair health after use (whether the shampoo dried out or hydrated hair)
- Color intensity of the purple pigments
- Fragrance and overall user experience
- Price point versus value
By examining these factors, we were able to whittle down our list to the 10 best purple shampoos that consistently deliver great results.
The 10 Best Purple Shampoos: Our Top Picks
1. Fanola No Yellow Shampoo
Fanola’s No Yellow Shampoo has long been a favorite among blondes and silver-haired individuals for a reason—it delivers serious brass-busting power. The formula is extremely pigmented, so a little goes a long way. While it’s powerful, it’s also a bit drying, so pair it with a hydrating conditioner or mask if you have dry or damaged hair. Best for those who need serious brass neutralization.
Key Features:
- Extremely pigmented
- Works quickly
- Can be drying for some hair types
2. Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo
Joico’s Color Balance Purple Shampoo is one of the best on the market for maintaining cool blonde, highlighted, and silver hair. With gentle purple pigments, this shampoo neutralizes brassiness without stripping your hair’s natural moisture. The formula also includes keratin and other nourishing ingredients to keep your hair feeling soft and strong.
Key Features:
- Gentle on hair
- Includes keratin for added strength
- Great for frequent use
3. Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo
Redken’s Blondage Shampoo not only tackles brassiness but also strengthens and smooths your hair. This salon-quality shampoo contains a protein complex that helps to fortify hair and reduce breakage, making it ideal for those who bleach or highlight their locks regularly. The formula is slightly more gentle than others, so it’s great for more frequent use.
Key Features:
- Strengthens and smooths hair
- Protein-rich formula
- Great for regular use
4. Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo
Matrix’s Total Results So Silver Shampoo is another heavy hitter in the world of purple shampoos. Its rich, creamy formula effectively tones blonde and silver hair while also moisturizing. Unlike other purple shampoos that may dry out your strands, So Silver leaves hair feeling silky and smooth, making it a great choice for those with dry or damaged hair.
Key Features:
- Moisturizes as it tones
- Rich, creamy texture
- Best for dry or damaged hair
5. Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair by Bold Uniq
Bold Uniq’s Purple Shampoo is a vegan and cruelty-free option that’s highly concentrated and effective at removing brassy tones. The formula is free of parabens and sulfates, making it a good choice for those with sensitive scalps or who are looking for a more natural product. Despite its powerful toning ability, it doesn’t strip the hair of moisture.
Key Features:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Safe for sensitive scalps
6. L’Oreal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Shampoo
This affordable option from L’Oreal Paris is part of their sulfate-free EverPure line, making it gentle enough for regular use. The formula is enriched with hibiscus and other plant-based ingredients, ensuring it tones hair without leaving it feeling dry or brittle. The pleasant fragrance is an added bonus for those who don’t like the medicinal scent some purple shampoos have.
Key Features:
- Sulfate-free and gentle
- Affordable
- Infused with hibiscus for moisture
7. Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo
Clairol’s Shimmer Lights is a cult favorite and has been a go-to for blondes and silver-haired individuals for years. This shampoo is a bit on the stronger side, with deep violet pigments that are great for occasional use when brassiness becomes a problem. It’s not the most hydrating, so follow up with a conditioner to keep your strands soft and manageable.
Key Features:
- Highly pigmented
- Best for occasional use
- Budget-friendly
8. Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo
Amika’s Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo is not only effective at eliminating yellow tones but also adds shine and hydration. The formula includes sea buckthorn berry, known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It’s gentle enough for regular use and leaves hair looking vibrant without drying it out.
Key Features:
- Adds shine and hydration
- Sea buckthorn for nourishment
- Safe for regular use
9. Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Shampoo
Kérastase’s Ultra-Violet Shampoo is a luxury option that offers a balance between toning and nourishing. Its deeply pigmented formula removes brassiness while hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and plump your hair. This is an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain cool tones while also caring for the overall health of their hair.
Key Features:
- Contains hyaluronic acid for moisture
- Luxury feel
- Balances toning with hydration
10. John Frieda Violet Crush for Blondes Purple Shampoo
John Frieda’s Violet Crush Shampoo is another affordable option that works well for maintaining blonde tones. It’s a more lightweight formula, so it won’t weigh down fine hair. The violet pigments effectively combat brassiness, and its mild formula means you can use it a few times a week without worry.
Key Features:
- Lightweight formula
- Safe for regular use
- Affordable
How to Use Purple Shampoo Effectively
Now that you know which purple shampoos are the best, you might be wondering how often you should use them. Overuse can sometimes leave your hair with a slight purple tint, so it’s important to strike the right balance. If you’re just starting out, try using it once or twice a week and adjust depending on the results. If you notice any dryness, be sure to pair it with a hydrating conditioner or mask.
For the best results, leave the shampoo on for 2-5 minutes before rinsing. This will give the pigments enough time to neutralize the yellow or brassy tones in your hair. However, be careful not to leave it on too long, especially if your hair is very light or porous, as it can leave a purple stain.
FAQs About Purple Shampoo
1. How often should I use purple shampoo?
You should start by using purple shampoo once or twice a week, then adjust based on your hair’s needs. If your hair starts to look too cool or purple, reduce frequency.
2. Can purple shampoo dry out my hair?
Yes, some purple shampoos can be drying. If you experience dryness, try using a deep conditioner after washing or look for a more hydrating formula.
3. Will purple shampoo work on brown hair?
Purple shampoo is primarily designed for blonde, gray, and silver hair. However, if you have lightened or highlighted brown hair, it can help neutralize brassiness in those areas.
4. Can I use purple shampoo on natural blonde hair?
Absolutely! Purple shampoo works just as well on natural blonde hair to keep it bright and free from yellow or brassy tones.
5. What happens if I leave purple shampoo on for too long?
Leaving purple shampoo on for too long can result in a purple or grayish tint, especially on very light hair. Always follow the product’s instructions and adjust based on your hair’s response.
