The Best Purple Shampoos for Blonde, Highlighted and Colour-treated Hair
Post last updated: 08/03/2023
If you have blonde hair, you may have heard about purple shampoo and how it can help to keep your colour vibrant.
Hair can turn yellow naturally, giving a brassy appearance. These unwanted brassy tones can appear for a number of reasons including sun exposure, chlorine and heat styling.
We are breaking down some common concerns and questions people have when introducing a purple shampoo into their routine. What we can tell you though, is once you've tried it, you'll never want to be without it...
What does purple shampoo do?
Toning the hair is essential when applying blonde colour, and purple shampoo is your at-home treatment to keep the colour looking fresh and vibrant. As purple is the opposite of yellow in the colour spectrum, purple-pigment shampoo draws out orange brassiness to reveal your perfect true blonde.
The main benefit is actively colour-correcting blonde hair to reveal a beautifully brighter tone, but some formulas also deliver deep cleansing action, defend against pollution, and hydrate. When used alongside a purple conditioner, these products work in synergy for the ultimate colour maintenance routine.
How often should you use a purple shampoo?
It's important to remember that purple shampoo should not be used every day as an everyday shampoo. Although they are brilliant at removing brassy tones, if used every day, they can cause your hair to take on a lilacy-grey hue.
We recommend using once to twice a week, instead of your usual shampoo to help upkeep the cool undertones of your locks.
Once you've rinsed the shampoo out, applied conditioner, rinsed again, and finished your blow-dry, you should notice a visible reduction in brassiness. By introducing this step as a weekly treatment, you can actively safeguard your colour and ensure that unwanted yellow tones are quickly lifted away.
As it is a toning shampoo, it can have a slight drying effect on your hair, so if you feel like your hair feels a little dehydrated, make sure to introduce hydrating hair masks, conditioners and serums into your routine.
Will purple shampoo stain your hair purple?
This is often the most asked question when it comes to purple shampoos as it's a major worry if you have blonde hair and don't want it to end up lilac!
Purple shampoo won't stain your hair as it washes out, but when used every day, it can cause it to become grey, which is why we recommend using only once or twice a week.
Can you use purple shampoo on non-blonde hair?
Purple shampoo is specifically formulated for blonde hair, highlighted hair, silver hair, platinum hair and ombre hair, as it balances the tones to boost colour vibrancy. However, if you're looking to eliminate brassiness from coloured brunette hair, we'd recommend introducing blue shampoo into your routine. Blue shampoo contains blue pigments which tone and brighten brunette hair.
How to keep your blonde fresh with OLAPLEX 4P
Harsh yellow tones wreaking havoc on your blonde hair? Discover how to keep brassy locks at bay with the new Olaplex 4P shampoo...
Our Picks of the Best Purple Shampoos
- Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
- Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Shampoo
- Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra Violet Shampoo
- Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo
- L'Oréal Professionnel Blondifier Gloss Shampoo
- TIGI Bed Head Dumb Blonde Violet Toning Shampoo
- BLEACH LONDON Silver Shampoo
1. Olaplex No.4P Blonde Hair Hydrating and Brightening Purple Toning Shampoo 250ml
344
£28.00
- Suitable for: All-over colour, balayage or natural blondes
- Why LF customers love it: Helps bleached hair, doesn't go purple on the scalp. Read more reviews here
2. Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Shampoo 250ml
11
£30.00
- Suitable for: Blonde and grey hair
- Why LF customers love it: A little goes a long way, hair feels moisturised
3. Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra Violet Shampoo 250ml
306
RRP: £28.25Current price: £25.43
- Suitable for: White, Blonde, lightened or blonde highlighted hair
- Why LF customers love it: Leaves hair soft and shiny, but can make hair a feel a little dry so always follow with a good conditioner or hair mask. Read more reviews here
4. Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo 300ml
187
RRP: £23.90Current price: £21.51
- Suitable for: Naturally blonde or grey hair as well as colour-treated hair
- Why LF customers love it: Smells lovely and works well on bleached hair. Doesn't dry out hair. Read more reviews here
5. L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Blondifier Gloss Shampoo 300ml
30
RRP: £16.50Current price: £14.85
- Suitable for: Blonde and highlighted hair
- Why LF customers love it: It's a brilliant cleansing shampoo that helps keep purple build-up at bay
6. TIGI Bed Head Dumb Blonde Violet Toning Shampoo 400ml
10
£20.50
- Suitable for: Balayaged hair
- Why LF customers love it: Nice big bottle, smells amazing and results were seen after the first wash
7. BLEACH LONDON Silver Shampoo 500ml
50
RRP: £11.00Current price: £8.25
- Suitable for: Balayaged, Blonde, Silver and grey hair
- Why LF customers love it: Effective results but can make hair a little dry so always follow up with a good conditioner or mask.
Working with brands at LOOKFANTASTIC for over two years I have developed my knowledge of all things beauty from key skincare concerns to niche makeup tricks and haircare hacks. I have a major passion for finding effective solutions that are easily accessible to everyone so that we can all achieve our best, glowing complexion.
