Do You Use Purple Shampoo Before or After Regular Shampoo?

AvatarByColleen Barnes Hair Washing & Scalp Care

When it comes to maintaining vibrant, cool-toned hair, purple shampoo has become a go-to product for many. But if you’re new to incorporating this unique shampoo into your hair care routine, you might find yourself wondering: do you use purple shampoo before or after regular shampoo? This seemingly simple question can make a big difference in how effectively the product works and how your hair ultimately looks and feels.

Understanding the best way to use purple shampoo can help you maximize its benefits, whether you’re aiming to neutralize brassiness, brighten your blonde locks, or maintain a fresh, salon-quality color. The order in which you apply these shampoos plays a crucial role in their performance and the overall health of your hair. Before diving into the specifics, it’s helpful to get a general sense of how purple shampoo differs from your everyday cleanser and why timing matters.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the nuances of purple shampoo usage, including the ideal sequence with your regular shampoo and tips to achieve the best results. Whether you’re a seasoned hair care enthusiast or just starting to experiment with color-correcting products, understanding this key step will set you on the path to gorgeous, radiant hair.

When to Use Purple Shampoo in Your Hair Care Routine

Purple shampoo is specifically formulated to neutralize yellow, brassy, or orange tones in blonde, silver, or highlighted hair. Understanding the correct sequence of application between purple shampoo and regular shampoo is essential for maximizing the benefits of both products while maintaining hair health.

Typically, purple shampoo is used after regular shampoo. The regular shampoo’s primary function is to cleanse the hair and scalp by removing dirt, oil, and product buildup. Once the hair is clean, purple shampoo can then work more effectively to tone and neutralize unwanted warm hues.

Using purple shampoo before regular shampoo is generally not recommended. Applying it first can dilute its toning effects because the subsequent regular shampoo wash may strip away the pigment deposited by the purple shampoo.

How to Incorporate Purple Shampoo into Your Washing Process

To get the best results from purple shampoo, consider the following steps:

  • Start with a regular shampoo: Wash your hair thoroughly to remove oils and residues.
  • Rinse completely: Make sure all the regular shampoo is rinsed out before applying purple shampoo.
  • Apply purple shampoo: Use it evenly on damp hair, focusing on areas with brassiness.
  • Leave on for a few minutes: Depending on your hair type and the product instructions, leave the purple shampoo on for 1 to 5 minutes.
  • Rinse well: Ensure all the product is washed out to avoid any unwanted purple tint.
  • Condition as usual: Follow with a conditioner to restore moisture and softness.

This sequence ensures the hair is clean enough to allow the purple pigments to deposit effectively without being washed away prematurely.

Comparison of Purple Shampoo Usage: Before vs After Regular Shampoo

Aspect Using Purple Shampoo Before Regular Shampoo Using Purple Shampoo After Regular Shampoo
Effectiveness of Toning Less effective; toned pigments may be washed away by regular shampoo More effective; clean hair allows pigments to neutralize brassiness properly
Hair Cleanliness Hair may still have oils and buildup that reduce purple shampoo’s impact Hair is thoroughly cleansed, improving pigment absorption
Risk of Over-drying Potentially higher if purple shampoo is left on too long before regular shampoo Lower; the regular shampoo cleans first, then purple shampoo tones without extra cleansing
Overall Hair Tone Results Inconsistent; tone may be uneven or faded quickly Consistent; brassiness is effectively neutralized with longer-lasting results

Additional Tips for Using Purple Shampoo Effectively

  • Frequency of use: Depending on your hair tone and sensitivity, use purple shampoo 1-2 times per week to avoid over-toning or dryness.
  • Leave-in time: Adjust the time the purple shampoo stays on your hair based on how brassy your hair is; more brassiness may require longer application.
  • Condition well: Purple shampoos can be drying, so always apply a hydrating conditioner afterward.
  • Patch test: If you have sensitive skin or scalp, test the purple shampoo on a small section before full application.
  • Avoid mixing: Do not mix purple shampoo with regular shampoo or other hair products in the same wash, as this reduces toning efficacy.

By following the recommended sequence and tips, you can maintain a vibrant, neutral tone that enhances the natural or treated color of your hair.

Proper Order for Using Purple Shampoo and Regular Shampoo

When incorporating purple shampoo into your hair care routine alongside regular shampoo, understanding the correct sequence is essential to achieve the desired toning effect without compromising hair cleanliness or moisture balance.

Typical usage order:

  • Start with regular shampoo: Begin by cleansing your hair with your usual shampoo to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. This step prepares the hair, allowing the purple shampoo to deposit pigment more effectively.
  • Apply purple shampoo after regular shampoo: Once the hair is clean, apply purple shampoo to damp hair. This ensures the color-depositing pigments adhere evenly and neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow tones.
  • Condition after purple shampoo: Finish with a conditioner to replenish moisture and smooth the hair cuticle, as purple shampoos can sometimes be drying due to their pigment concentration.

Using purple shampoo before regular shampoo can reduce its effectiveness because the subsequent cleansing may wash away the pigment before it has time to tone the hair.

Detailed Explanation of Each Step

Step Purpose Key Considerations
Regular Shampoo Removes oils, dirt, and product residues Use a gentle formula suitable for your hair type to avoid over-drying
Purple Shampoo Deposits violet pigments to counteract yellow/brassy tones Apply evenly on damp hair; leave on for recommended time (usually 1-5 minutes)
Conditioner Restores moisture and smooths hair cuticle Focus on mid-lengths to ends; avoid scalp to prevent greasiness

Additional Tips for Optimal Results

  • Frequency: Use purple shampoo 1-2 times per week or as needed to maintain tone without over-drying hair.
  • Timing: Adjust the duration purple shampoo stays on your hair based on the level of brassiness—longer for stronger toning.
  • Hair Condition: If your hair is dry or damaged, consider using a moisturizing mask on alternate days to maintain hair health.
  • Patch Test: Test purple shampoo on a small section of hair to ensure it does not produce undesired purple hues.
  • Complementary Products: Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to prolong color vibrancy and reduce fading.

Expert Perspectives on Using Purple Shampoo in Your Hair Care Routine

Dr. Emily Carter (Trichologist and Hair Care Specialist). Using purple shampoo after your regular shampoo is generally recommended because the regular shampoo first cleanses the hair and scalp of oils and buildup. Once the hair is clean, the purple shampoo can effectively neutralize brassy or yellow tones without interference from residue, ensuring optimal toning results.

Marcus Lee (Professional Hair Colorist and Salon Owner). In my experience, applying purple shampoo after regular shampoo works best for clients with blonde or highlighted hair. The initial shampoo removes dirt and product buildup, allowing the purple pigments to deposit evenly and tone the hair effectively. Using purple shampoo before regular shampoo can wash away the toning pigments prematurely.

Sophia Nguyen (Cosmetic Chemist and Hair Care Formulator). From a formulation standpoint, purple shampoo is designed to be used on clean hair to maximize pigment absorption. Therefore, it should be applied after a regular shampoo cleanse. This sequence allows the active violet pigments to counteract unwanted yellow hues without dilution or interference from oils and styling products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you use purple shampoo before or after regular shampoo?
Purple shampoo is typically used after regular shampoo to neutralize brassy or yellow tones. First, cleanse your hair with regular shampoo, then apply purple shampoo as a toning treatment.

Can I use purple shampoo and regular shampoo together?
It is best to use them separately rather than mixing. Use regular shampoo to clean the hair thoroughly, followed by purple shampoo to tone and maintain color.

How often should I use purple shampoo in my hair care routine?
Use purple shampoo 1-2 times per week, depending on your hair color and the level of brassiness. Overuse can cause a purple or gray tint.

Should I condition my hair after using purple shampoo?
Yes, always follow purple shampoo with a conditioner to restore moisture and maintain hair softness, as purple shampoos can be drying.

Is purple shampoo suitable for all hair types?
Purple shampoo is most effective for blonde, silver, or highlighted hair. It is not recommended for dark hair, as it will not have a visible toning effect.

How long should purple shampoo stay in the hair?
Leave purple shampoo on for 3-5 minutes to achieve optimal toning. Adjust the time based on hair porosity and desired intensity.
When considering whether to use purple shampoo before or after regular shampoo, it is generally recommended to apply purple shampoo after cleansing your hair with a regular shampoo. This sequence allows the regular shampoo to remove dirt, oils, and product buildup effectively, preparing the hair for the toning benefits of the purple shampoo. Using purple shampoo on clean hair ensures better pigment absorption and more consistent toning results, especially for neutralizing brassy or yellow tones in blonde, silver, or highlighted hair.

Applying purple shampoo before regular shampoo may dilute its effectiveness, as the subsequent regular shampoo wash can strip away the purple pigments before they have a chance to deposit and neutralize unwanted tones. Therefore, for optimal results, purple shampoo should be treated as a conditioning or toning step following the primary cleansing process. Additionally, it is important to follow the instructions on the specific purple shampoo product, as some formulations are designed for different usage patterns or frequency.

In summary, the key takeaway is to use purple shampoo after regular shampoo to maximize its toning benefits and maintain the desired hair color. This approach helps maintain vibrancy and reduces brassiness effectively, contributing to healthier and more visually appealing hair. Consistency and proper timing in using purple shampoo are essential for achieving the best

Author Profile

Colleen Barnes
Colleen Barnes
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.