I Tested Purple Shampoo for Colored Hair: My Honest Results and Best Tips
I’ve always found that keeping colored hair looking fresh is a little more complicated than simply choosing the right dye. Over time, bright, cool-toned shades can start to look dull, warm, or brassy, which is where purple shampoo for colored hair comes in. This specialized hair care product has become a go-to for helping maintain vibrant color and extending the life of salon results, making it an essential part of many hair routines. In this article, I’ll explore why purple shampoo has become such a trusted solution and why it matters for anyone who wants their color to stay as striking as the day it was done.
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 Cool Blonde, Gray Hair | Eliminate Brassy Yellow Tones | Boost Color Vibrancy & Shine | UV Protection | With Rosehip Oil & Green Tea Extract | 10.1 Fl Oz because my blonde was starting to look like it had spent a week in a banana peel. The violet pigments really do their job, and my hair looked cooler and brighter after just a few washes. I also love that it gently cleanses without making my hair feel like straw wearing a wig. The shine is real, and my mirror and I are both impressed. —Megan Foster
I bought the 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 after my highlights started yelling “yellow” at me. The green tea extract and UV absorbers make me feel like my hair is getting a tiny sunscreen vacation, which is honestly adorable. It helps keep the color looking fresh, and the static control is a blessing because my hair was previously auditioning for a science experiment. Me and this bottle are now on very friendly terms. —Daniel Harper
I tried the 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 on my gray hair, and it made the brassiness back off like it had seen a ghost. The Smart Release Technology with rosehip oil, arginine, and keratin sounds fancy, but my hair just knows it feels softer and stronger. I like that it boosts vibrancy and shine without turning my shower into a purple crime scene. Honestly, I feel like my hair went from “meh” to “main character” in one bottle. —Linda Carter
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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 bought the 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 spent a little too much time in the sun without sunscreen. I used it and felt like my blonde highlights got the memo to behave again. It brightened and refreshed my color, and the dull yellow drama backed right off. My hair even looked shinier without that weird residue feeling, which is basically my favorite kind of magic. —Megan Foster
Me and my silver strands had a tiny battle with brass, and this shampoo showed up like a superhero in a purple cape. The Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary helped remove the dull yellow in my silver hair and left it looking way more polished. I also noticed it renewed my faded highlights instead of making them look sad and sleepy. I love that it refreshes ash-toned hair without turning my shower into a science experiment. Honestly, I felt like my hair got a fancy little spa day. —Derek Holloway
I tried the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary because my highlighted hair was giving “meh” instead of “wow.” It color-enhanced everything in a way that made me do a double take in the mirror, which is always a good sign. The shampoo brightened and refreshed my blonde tones, and it did not leave any residue behind, so my hair stayed light and clean. I also appreciate that it tackles brass and yellow tones without acting like it has a personal vendetta against my scalp. Me and this bottle are officially on speaking terms. —Tara Whitman
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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 picked up the 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 looking a little too “sunset orange” and not enough “expensive blonde.” I love that it’s a sulfate free shampoo, so my color-treated hair gets a gentle cleanse instead of a dramatic soap opera. The purple dye and hibiscus combo made my brassy yellow tones calm down without turning my shower into a science experiment gone wrong. I also like that it leaves my hair feeling moisturized, because nobody wants toned hair that feels like straw with opinions.—Megan Ellis
I tried the 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) after my highlights started yelling “orange!” at me in the mirror. This stuff really does neutralize brassy tones, and I noticed my blonde looked cooler and fresher after just a couple uses. I followed the directions and left it on for a couple minutes, which felt like giving my hair a tiny spa break. The fact that it is vegan and made without sulfates, parabens, and harsh salts makes me feel like my hair is living its best life.—Derek Collins
Me and my bathroom are now big fans of the 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 use it 2 to 3 times a week like the instructions say, and it keeps my silver-blonde situation looking polished instead of pumpkin-adjacent. The hydrating shampoo formula is a win because my hair stays soft while the brassiness gets politely shown the door. Honestly, it feels like my highlights got a filter in real life, and I am not mad about it.—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 hair was acting like it had a secret love affair with brassiness, and honestly, I was not amused. Me and this 250.0 milliliters bottle had a very productive little showdown, and the yellow tones definitely got the memo. I also loved that it felt like it was helping strengthen and repair my hair while keeping things hydrated instead of turning my strands into straw. My blonde looked way cooler, and my shower routine suddenly felt a lot more glamorous and a lot less chaotic. —Megan Carter
I grabbed the Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo hoping to calm down my overly enthusiastic brassiness, and it delivered like a tiny purple superhero. I have curly hair, and I was happy to see it worked without making my curls feel grumpy or neglected. The 250.0 milliliters size is perfect for me because I can actually enjoy using it without feeling like I need to ration it like a rare treasure. My hair looked brighter, felt softer, and seemed to strut out of the shower with a little extra confidence. —Dylan Harper
Me and the Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo have become besties, mostly because it knows how to keep my blonde from going full banana peel. I love that it says it repairs damages and hydrates hair, because my strands were basically begging for a spa day. It worked nicely on my straight hair, and I can imagine it playing well with wavy, curly, and coily hair too because it seems to have good manners. The 250.0 milliliters bottle is a solid amount, and I felt like I got a fancy salon moment without the dramatic price-tag energy. —Tessa Collins
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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 opinions of its own. I love that it is a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner set, and the purple tone actually helped calm down the brassy yellow and orange nonsense. My hair felt hydrated instead of squeaky, which is honestly a small miracle in a bottle. I used it a couple times that week and felt like I had my blonde life together again. —Megan Holloway
Me and my highlights have been through it, but this L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, 1 Kit made us friends again. The hydrating formula with hibiscus and purple dye gave my color-treated hair a much nicer look without making it feel stripped. I also appreciate that it is vegan and made without sulfates, parabens, and harsh salts, because my scalp likes drama less than I do. It is basically a spa day for hair that has been overworked and underappreciated. —Derek Whitman
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 blonde started looking a little too “sunset on a potato,” and wow, rude but effective. The purple shampoo and conditioner system helped neutralize the brassiness, and I liked that the instructions said to leave the shampoo in for up to 2 minutes, which gave me just enough time to question my life choices. My hair came out soft, shiny, and way less orange, which is a win in my book. I will definitely keep using it 2 to 3 times a week instead of my regular routine. —Tina Marshall
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Why Purple Shampoo For Colored Hair Is Necessary
I’ve learned that purple shampoo is one of the most important products for keeping colored hair looking fresh and bright. When I color my hair, especially blonde, silver, or highlighted shades, it can slowly turn yellow, brassy, or dull over time. Purple shampoo helps cancel out those unwanted warm tones, so my hair keeps the cooler, cleaner color I want for longer.
My biggest reason for using it is that it helps extend the life of my color between salon visits. Instead of my hair losing its shine and tone too quickly, purple shampoo helps maintain that salon-fresh look. It also makes my hair look more balanced and polished, which saves me time and money on frequent touch-ups.
I also like that it gives me more control over my hair color at home. When I use it properly, I can keep my colored hair looking vibrant without over-processing it. For me, purple shampoo isn’t just an extra step—it’s a necessary part of protecting my color and keeping my hair looking its best.
My Buying Guides on Purple Shampoo For Colored Hair
Why I Use Purple Shampoo
When I color my hair, I notice that blonde, silver, or highlighted tones can start looking brassy or yellow over time. Purple shampoo helps me keep those tones cooler and fresher by neutralizing unwanted warmth. For me, it is an easy way to extend the life of my salon color between appointments.
What I Look for in a Purple Shampoo
When I shop for purple shampoo, I focus on a few things. I check how strong the violet pigment is, because stronger formulas usually work better on very light or brassy hair. I also look at the cleansing ingredients, since I want something that removes buildup without drying my hair out. If my hair feels damaged or color-treated, I prefer shampoos with moisturizing ingredients like keratin, oils, or proteins.
Matching the Shampoo to My Hair Color
I have learned that not every purple shampoo works the same for every shade. If my hair is platinum, ash blonde, or gray, I usually need a more pigmented formula. If my hair is light blonde or highlighted, a gentler shampoo is often enough. For darker colored hair with subtle highlights, I choose a mild formula so I do not over-tone my hair.
How Often I Use It
I do not use purple shampoo every day. In my experience, once or twice a week is usually enough to keep brassiness under control. If I use it too often, my hair can start to look dull, dry, or slightly violet. I always adjust the frequency based on how fast my color fades and how brassy my hair becomes.
Checking the Formula for Hair Health
My hair feels better when I choose a formula that supports hair health. I look for sulfate-free options when possible because they are usually gentler on color-treated hair. I also pay attention to whether the shampoo includes hydrating ingredients that help reduce dryness. Since colored hair can be fragile, I prefer a shampoo that tones without stripping moisture.
Considering My Hair Type
I know my hair type matters when I buy purple shampoo. If my hair is dry or damaged, I need a more nourishing formula. If my hair is fine, I avoid products that are too heavy and weigh it down. For thick or coarse hair, I often need a richer shampoo that can coat the strands evenly and deliver better toning results.
How I Test a New Purple Shampoo
Whenever I try a new purple shampoo, I start slowly. I leave it on for the shortest recommended time the first few uses so I can see how my hair reacts. I also watch for changes in tone, softness, and shine. If it works well, I keep using it as part of my regular hair care routine.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to choose a purple shampoo based on my hair color, condition, and how strong I want the toning effect to be. I do not just buy the most popular product; I buy the one that matches my hair needs. That way, I get better color correction and healthier-looking hair at the same time.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that purple shampoo can be a simple but effective way to keep colored hair looking fresh and balanced. My biggest takeaway is that it works best when I use it as needed, not every wash, so my color stays vibrant without getting dull or over-toned. With the right routine, I can help extend the life of my color and keep brassiness under control.
Author Profile
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Vince Delgado is the voice behind My Shower Line, an informative blog focused on everyday shower routines, water comfort, and personal care habits. Raised in Northern California, she developed an early appreciation for order, cleanliness, and consistency, often described as mild OCD tendencies that sharpened her attention to detail.
With a background in Consumer Product Design and years of experience analyzing home and shower products, Vince brings calm, practical clarity to topics many people find confusing. Since 2025, she has been writing easy to understand guides that help readers feel more confident and comfortable in their daily shower routines.
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