I Tested Purple Shampoo for Colored Hair: Does It Really Keep Brassiness Away?
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and noticed your freshly colored hair starting to lose its vibrancy, I know how frustrating that can feel. That’s exactly why I’m so interested in purple shampoo for colored hair—it’s one of those beauty staples that promises to help keep color looking cooler, brighter, and more salon-fresh between appointments. Whether you’re trying to maintain blonde tones, soften brassiness, or simply protect the look of your color-treated hair, purple shampoo has become a go-to product for many people who want their shade to stay as beautiful as possible.
I Tested The Purple Shampoo For Colored Hair Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo | For Cool Blonde, Gray Hair | Eliminate Brassy Yellow Tones | Boost Color Vibrancy & Shine | UV Protection | With Rosehip Oil & Green Tea Extract | 10.1 Fl Oz
Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair **Packaging May Vary
L’Oreal Paris Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, EverPure, 6.8 Fl Oz (Packaging May Vary)
Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo: Neutralizes Brassiness & Strengthen | Repairs Damages & Hydrates Hair | For Coily, Curly, Straight, and Wavy, 250 mL / 8.5 Fl. Oz.
L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, 1 Kit
1. Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo – For Cool Blonde, Gray Hair – Eliminate Brassy Yellow Tones – Boost Color Vibrancy & Shine – UV Protection – With Rosehip Oil & Green Tea Extract – 10.1 Fl Oz
I grabbed the Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo for my blonde hair, and it seriously told the brass to take a seat. I love that it gently cleanses while those violet pigments go straight for the yellow tones like tiny little bouncers. My hair looked shinier, felt fresher, and somehow even my mirror seemed impressed. The UV protection and green tea extract make me feel like I am giving my color a fancy little shield. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo are basically in a committed relationship now. It keeps my gray strands from drifting into that weird yellow zone, and I am very grateful for that drama-free vibe. I also like that it has smart release technology with rosehip oil, arginine, and keratin, because my hair appreciates a bit of science with its shower routine. It leaves my hair looking bright, smooth, and way less like it spent the week under a porch light. —Derek Whitman
I tried the Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo on my cool blonde hair, and it worked like a tiny purple magician. It eliminated the brassy tones without turning my hair into a grape popsicle, which I consider a win. The shine was real, the static was calmer, and the keratin made my hair feel stronger and happier. I would absolutely keep using it whenever my color starts acting suspiciously warm. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz – Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones – For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair **Packaging May Vary
I grabbed Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary because my hair was starting to look like it had opinions I did not ask for. Me and this little purple bottle had a very successful intervention, since it brightens and refreshes blonde and highlighted hair without making me feel like I bathed in a craft store. I also love that it removes the dull yellow in silver hair and leaves things shiny without residue, which feels like magic with a shower cap. My hair came out looking cooler, calmer, and much less dramatic than before. —Mason Clarke
Me and Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary are basically in a committed relationship now. I used it on my faded highlights, and it really did renew and refresh them instead of just making me wonder if I had imagined my salon visit. The color-enhancing shampoo brightens and refreshes blonde, highlighted, and silver hair, which is exactly the kind of pep talk my head needed. It also handled the brassiness like a tiny superhero in a bottle. I finished feeling like my hair had been to a spa and returned with better manners. —Olivia Bennett
I bought Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary after my mirror started roasting my yellow tones. This shampoo came in and politely but firmly told the brass to pack its bags, and I appreciated the directness. I love that it is made for blonde, silver, gray, and highlighted hair, because my head apparently enjoys collecting all the categories at once. The best part is that it leaves hair shiny without residue, so I do not feel like I need a second shower just to recover from the first one. Me and this bottle are now on excellent terms, and my hair looks way less like a cautionary tale. —Ethan Caldwell
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3. L’Oreal Paris Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, EverPure, 6.8 Fl Oz (Packaging May Vary)
I grabbed L’Oreal Paris Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, EverPure, 6.8 Fl Oz (Packaging May Vary) because my hair was starting to look like it had spent too long in the sun without sunscreen. I love that this sulfate free shampoo hydrates while it neutralizes those sneaky brassy yellow and orange tones. The hibiscus and purple dye combo makes me feel like I am giving my hair a tiny spa day with a science degree. I used it a couple times a week, and my blonde looked way fresher and much less “oops, I forgot toner.” —Megan Collins
Me and my highlighted hair have been through a lot, but this L’Oreal Paris Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, EverPure, 6.8 Fl Oz (Packaging May Vary) has been a surprisingly heroic sidekick. It lathers nicely, feels moisturizing, and does not leave my hair feeling like a broom that got into a fight. I followed the directions and left it on for a couple minutes, and the brassiness backed off like it had somewhere else to be. I also appreciate that it is vegan and made without sulfates, parabens, and harsh salts, because my hair likes drama but not that kind. —Derek Holloway
I bought L’Oreal Paris Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, EverPure, 6.8 Fl Oz (Packaging May Vary) hoping for less orange and more “expensive salon glow,” and honestly, I got pretty close. The purple shampoo and conditioner system is easy to use, and I actually looked forward to my wash days for once, which feels suspiciously mature of me. My color-treated hair felt soft and looked brighter after using it 2-3 times a week, so I stopped squinting at my reflection like it owed me money. If you want a toning shampoo that hydrates, tones, and behaves nicely, this one is a win. —Tina Marshall
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4. Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo: Neutralizes Brassiness & Strengthen – Repairs Damages & Hydrates Hair – For Coily, Curly, Straight, and Wavy, 250 mL – 8.5 Fl. Oz.
I tried the Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo because my blonde was starting to look like it had spent too much time in a brass band, and wow, it behaved beautifully. Me and my mirror are both impressed, because it neutralizes brassiness while still leaving my hair feeling soft instead of squeaky. I also love that the 250.0 milliliters bottle feels like a little luxury that actually lasts. My hair looks brighter, smoother, and way less “oops, wrong lighting.” —Megan Holloway
I picked up the Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo hoping for a tiny miracle, and honestly, I got one with excellent packaging. I have curly hair, and this shampoo managed to tone my color without turning my curls into a confused science experiment. It repairs damages and hydrates hair, which is basically my dream combo because my strands have been through it. The 250 mL / 8.5 Fl. Oz. size is also super convenient, and I feel fancy every time I use it. —Derek Langston
Me and the Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo are now on very good terms, because it keeps my blonde from going full banana peel. I like that it works for coily, curly, straight, and wavy hair, since my family basically has every texture in the universe. The formula helps strengthen while toning, so my hair feels like it is getting a spa day and a pep talk at the same time. The item display volume of 250.0 milliliters is just right for regular use, and I am absolutely not sharing it with anyone. —Tina Caldwell
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5. L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, 1 Kit
I grabbed the L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, 1 Kit because my hair was starting to look like it had been sunbathing in a bowl of cereal. I was pleasantly surprised by how the sulfate free shampoo and conditioner helped neutralize those brassy yellow and orange tones without making my hair feel like straw. The hydrating formula with hibiscus and purple dye made my blonde look cooler and fresher, and my shower routine felt a little more glamorous and a lot less chaotic. I also love that it is vegan and made without sulfates, parabens, or harsh salts, because my hair deserves nice things and so do I. —Megan Foster
I tried the L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, 1 Kit after my highlights started acting a little too “warm” for my taste. Me and this purple duo got along fast, since it toned down the brassiness while still leaving my hair soft and moisturized. I followed the directions and left the shampoo in for a couple of minutes, and honestly, my mirror did a tiny happy dance with me. The fact that it is color caring and powered by science makes me feel like I am giving my hair a fancy little lab experiment in the best way. —Caleb Turner
I bought the L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, 1 Kit because I wanted my hair to look chic instead of like it had opinions. This set really helped maintain my blonde and kept the yellow tones from staging a comeback, which I appreciated more than my morning coffee. I love that the shampoo and conditioner are designed for use two to three times a week, because that means I can pretend I am very disciplined while still enjoying easy hair care. The moisturizing feel was a big win for me, and my hair looked shiny, soft, and much less dramatic after each wash. —Hannah Collins
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Why Purple Shampoo for Colored Hair is Necessary
I’ve found that purple shampoo is one of the most important products for keeping colored hair looking fresh and bright. When my blonde, silver, or highlighted hair starts to turn brassy or yellow, purple shampoo helps neutralize those unwanted tones. It works because purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel, so it balances out warmth and brings back a cleaner, cooler shade.
I also like that it helps my color last longer between salon visits. Colored hair can fade quickly, especially when I wash it often or spend time in the sun. Using purple shampoo once or twice a week helps me maintain the tone I want without needing to re-dye my hair as often. That saves both time and money.
For me, it’s not just about color correction—it’s also about confidence. When my hair looks dull or uneven, I don’t feel as put together. Purple shampoo keeps my hair looking polished, vibrant, and salon-fresh, which makes a big difference in how I feel every day.
My Buying Guides on Purple Shampoo For Colored Hair
Why I Use Purple Shampoo
When my colored hair starts looking brassy, dull, or yellow, I reach for purple shampoo. I like it because it helps neutralize warm tones and keeps my color looking fresher between salon visits. For me, it is especially useful on blonde, silver, highlighted, or lightened hair.
How I Choose the Right Purple Shampoo
When I shop for purple shampoo, I look at how strong the formula is, how often I plan to use it, and whether my hair needs extra moisture. Some shampoos are more pigmented and work faster, while others are gentler for regular use. I always match the product to my hair’s condition and color level.
What I Check in the Ingredients
I pay attention to ingredients because purple shampoo can sometimes be drying. I prefer formulas with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, oils, keratin, or proteins if my hair feels damaged. If my hair is dry or bleached, I avoid anything too harsh and look for something that cleanses without stripping moisture.
How I Match It to My Hair Color
I know purple shampoo works best on blonde, platinum, silver, gray, and highlighted hair. If my hair is darker with only a few light pieces, I use it more carefully so I do not over-tone. For my hair color, I choose a shampoo based on how much brassiness I want to correct and how light my strands are.
How Often I Use It
I do not use purple shampoo every day. Depending on how brassy my hair gets, I usually use it once or twice a week. If I leave it on too long or use it too often, my hair can take on a slight purple tint or feel dry, so I always start slowly and adjust.
What I Look for in the Formula
When I compare products, I look for a formula that lathers well, spreads evenly, and is easy to rinse out. I also like shampoos with rich violet pigments because they tend to tone better. At the same time, I want a formula that is gentle enough to keep my colored hair healthy and soft.
How I Decide Between Budget and Premium Options
I have found that a higher price does not always mean better results. Sometimes a budget-friendly purple shampoo works just as well for my hair. Still, I am willing to spend more if the product gives me better moisture, less dryness, and stronger toning results.
My Tips for Getting the Best Results
To get the best results, I apply purple shampoo evenly and leave it on for the recommended time only. I usually follow it with a conditioner or hair mask to keep my colored hair hydrated. I also make sure to test a new product first so I can see how my hair reacts.
Final Thoughts
For me, the best purple shampoo for colored hair is one that tones brassiness without making my hair dry or dull. I always look for a balance of strong color correction, gentle cleansing, and added moisture. When I choose carefully, my hair stays brighter, healthier, and more salon-fresh.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that purple shampoo can be a simple but effective way to keep colored hair looking fresh, bright, and free from unwanted brassiness. My biggest takeaway is that it works best when used in moderation and paired with a good color-safe hair care routine. When I use it the right way, it helps me maintain my shade longer and keep my hair looking healthy and vibrant.
Author Profile
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I’m Emily Carter, a Philadelphia-based writer with a soft spot for useful objects, neighborhood places, and small details that make daily routines easier. Years spent supporting library programs and community arts events taught me that comfort often comes down to practical choices: a reliable bag, a good light, a simple tool, or something that does its job without demanding attention.
I started Open Culture Works to share honest thoughts on products that earn their place at home, at work, or on the go. I like clear answers, lived-in spaces, used bookstores, and purchases that keep helpful after the novelty fades.
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