Which are the Best Silver Shampoos?
Post last updated: 07/03/2023
Blonde, silver or grey hair can be difficult to upkeep. Whether natural, dyed or highlighted, lighter locks can turn brassy and slightly yellow in tone after time and often need a lot of love and attention to keep colour fresh and vibrant.
To keep blonde, platinum or silver locks looking beautiful, there are a few haircare essentials which you need in your beauty routine and a colour-perfecting
Working to counteract brassy and dull tones in blonde or silver hair, silver shampoos transform the look of your hair in just one wash and help to keep your colour looking its best for longer.
What Causes Brassy Hair?
Environmental factors such as the sun, hard water and chlorinated water can all turn hair brassy. Blonde hair turns brassy because it is typically more porous and is prone to absorbing chemicals more easily. Likewise, if your hair is not naturally blonde or grey, you may have natural warm undertones which are only kept at bay when toner is applied. Once the toner wears off, your hair can become brassy which isn’t a good look when you’ve paid all that money for a beautiful blonde colour.
How Does Silver Shampoo Work?
Silver shampoo works by utilising basic colour theory, on the colour wheel, purple sits opposite yellow. When purple and yellow are mixed, they offset each other to create a more neutral shade. By applying silver shampoo to your hair, a small amount of the violet pigment is absorbed into the hair shaft and any brassy or yellow undertones are immediately cooled down.
What is the difference between Silver Shampoo and Purple Shampoo?
Although Purple Shampoo and Silver Shampoo both do the same job of removing brassy tones out of blonde or silver hair, it is Silver Shampoo which tends to be the more potent of the two. This is because Silver Shampoos generally have deeper pigments of purple to give silver hair a stronger colour neutralisation effect.
The Best Purple Shampoos for Blonde, Highlighted and Colour-treated Hair
Discover everything you need to know about purple shampoo, how you should use it and how often. We have also rounded up our favourite purple-hued shampoos for a bright blonde look.
How Long and Often Should You Use Silver Shampoo?
Less is more when it comes to silver shampoo so don’t leave it on for too long or it cause your hair to attain a purple hue and also dry out your hair. It is recommended that you use silver shampoo twice a week, leaving the product on for 4-5 minutes each time to really let those pigments get to work. You can leave silver shampoo on your hair for a slightly longer period of time to add even more cool tones to your hair.
Our Picks of the Best Silver Shampoos
- L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Shampoo
- BLEACH LONDON Silver Shampoo
- Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed So Silver Shampoo
- System Professional Extra Silver Shampoo
- Philip Kingsley Pure Silver Shampoo
- Sachajuan Silver Shampoo
- Original & Mineral Conquer Blonde Silver Shampoo
- Balmain Hair Illuminating Shampoo - Silver Pearl
To help you find your perfect silver shampoo, we have tried and tested some of the most popular formulas which promise to work wonders on blonde hair.
1. L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Shampoo 300ml
- Perfect for: Grey, White or Light Blonde Hair
- Read what our customers say here
2. BLEACH LONDON Silver Shampoo 500ml
- Perfect for: Blonde hair
- Read what our customers say here
3. Matrix Total Results So Silver Purple Toning Shampoo for Blonde, Silver & Grey Hair 300ml
- Perfect for: Blonde and grey hair
- Read what our customers say here
4. System Professional Extra Silver Shampoo 250ml
- Perfect for: Blonde and grey hair
- Read what our customers say here
5. Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde/Silver Brightening Daily Shampoo 250ml
- Perfect for: Bleached or grey hair
- Read what our customers say here
6. Sachajuan Silver Shampoo 250ml
- Perfect for: Blonde and grey hair
- LF customer CatMar says: "Gentle, light and fragrant shampoo for blondes. Does it work - it's not a toner but yes I think it will gradually help reduce the yellow and brassiness and doesn't stain like some of the stronger shampoos."
7. Original & Mineral Conquer Blonde Silver Shampoo 250ml
- Perfect for: Blonde and naturally grey hair
- LF customer Mieta says: "This sulfate free shampoo works perfectly, but do keep it in your hair for 5 to 10 minutes. It's gentle enough for that and does get the brass out of my grey coloured hair like no other. Better than Aveda and even better than Joico which is also gentle. Has become my staple. Can't wait for the conditioner!"
8. Balmain Hair Illuminating Shampoo - Silver Pearl 300ml
- Perfect for: Cool blonde and silver hair
- LF customer Jodie says: "You can leave this shampoo on for a long time without getting that purple tinge some other shampoos give you. Takes out all yellow-ness, the only thing I would say is it isn’t particularly moisturising so you need to use a good conditioner after it. Over all great product"
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