Brassy yellow tones creep into blonde and gray hair from sun, hard water, heat tools, and product build-up. A good purple shampoo uses violet dyes to neutralize that yellow cast so your color looks cooler, brighter, and fresh-from-the-salon again. The goal isn’t to stain your hair purple, it’s to cancel the warmth you don’t want while keeping hair soft and shiny.
Below are four editor-approved purple shampoos that cover every need, from once-a-week heavy hitters to gentle, daily maintenance formulas. You’ll also find a quick how-to so you get bright results without dryness or over-toning.
Quick Picks
| Product | Tone Power | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fanola No Yellow Purple Shampoo | Extra strong | Very brassy platinum, gray or silver that needs a fast reset | Use once weekly, dilute or mix with regular shampoo |
| L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo | Medium | Color-treated blonde, highlighted brunettes, and gray | Sulfate-free, less drying, great routine staple |
| Clairol Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo | Medium-strong | Traditional favorite for golden-to-ashy shifts | Works fast, shampoo-and-go brightening |
| Redken Blondage | Medium | Salon-finish clean with bond-care feel | Purple pigments plus supportive conditioning |
Ratings reflect a summary of owner feedback and stylist commentary.
Deep Dives
1) Fanola No Yellow Purple Shampoo
Rating: 4.7/5
Why we like it: This is the heavy lifter when brass has taken over. Highly pigmented violet dyes knock back strong yellow in one to two uses. Stylists like it for restoring very light platinum and maintaining cool silvers between salon visits.
Use tips: Start with once weekly. Lather on damp hair and leave 1–3 minutes. If your hair is fine or porous, dilute with regular shampoo the first time to avoid over-toning. Follow with a hydrating conditioner or mask.
2) L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo
Rating: 4.6/5
Why we like it: Sulfate-free surfactants give a gentler cleanse that’s friendlier to color-treated or drier hair. Pigment level is moderate, so it’s an easy maintenance option that keeps beige blondes and natural grays bright without going steely.
Use tips: 2–3 times per week as your shampoo step. Leave on 2–5 minutes. Pair with a moisture conditioner to keep the cuticle smooth.
3) Clairol Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo
Rating: 4.6/5
Why we like it: A classic for a reason. The pigment is strong enough to cool down warm highlights, yet workable for most hair types. It leaves a clean, slightly squeaky feel that many users love after product-heavy days.
Use tips: Work into a rich lather and leave 2–4 minutes. If your scalp runs dry, rotate with your regular shampoo and use a nourishing conditioner on mids-ends.
4) Redken Blondage
Rating: 4.7/5
Why we like it: Salon-trusted formula that balances purple pigments with conditioning so hair looks bright and feels soft. Users report less breakage-looking fuzz after use compared to harsher cleansers.
Use tips: 1–3 times weekly based on brass level. Leave 3–5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a light conditioner to keep tone crisp and touchable.
How to Use Purple Shampoo (so it works every time)
- Start with damp, towel-blotted hair. Too much water dilutes the pigment.
- Lather and comb the foam through for even deposit.
- Watch the clock. Fine or porous hair needs 1–2 minutes; thicker or very brassy hair can handle 3–5 minutes.
- Rinse until the water runs clear and condition the mids-ends.
- Frequency: extremely brassy hair 2–3 times weekly at first, then drop to once weekly for maintenance.
Pro tip: If your hair ever looks lavender or dull, switch to a clarifying wash once, then return to purple shampoo less often.
See also
If your highlights look dull even after toning, a quick detox can help. Our guide to Best Clarifying Shampoos for Removing Buildup shows gentle options that clear minerals and hairspray film so your purple shampoo works evenly. For gray or transitioning hair, Best Shampoo for Gray Hair covers everyday cleansers that keep silver bright without dryness, and Best Shampoo for Colored Hair lists sulfate-free staples that won’t strip fresh dye.
Heat styling can push brass back in, so protect your tone with the picks in Best Heat Protectant for Fine Hair before blow-drying or curling. And if lightening left your ends fragile, the repairs in Best Conditioner for Damaged Hair will help your bright color look smooth instead of frizzy.
FAQ
Purple vs blue shampoo. Which do I need?
Purple cancels yellow in blonde or gray. Blue targets orange in darker blondes or light brunettes with warm highlights.
How often should I use it?
Start twice per week for visible brass, then step down to once weekly. Overuse can make hair look flat or slightly lavender.
Will it dry out my hair?
Highly pigmented formulas can feel a bit drying. Always follow with a conditioner or mask and rotate with your regular shampoo.
Can brunettes with balayage use purple shampoo?
Yes, on the lighter pieces. Focus on the highlighted sections and comb the lather through so deposit is even.
Will it stain my hands or shower?
Rinse surfaces right away. If pigment lingers on hands, a little regular soap removes it.
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