Unleash the Power of Purple Shampoo for Remarkable Toning

If you feel like you’re constantly fighting against brassy orange and yellow undertones in your lightened locks, you’re not alone. For generations, blondes and gray-haired women alike have struggled with keeping hair looking crisp and bright between color appointments.

Fortunately, there’s a simple yet powerful weapon that’s been gaining traction for neutralizing stubborn discoloration and restoring cool, luminous tones to highlighted hair.

You may have heard of it before, but prepared to be wowed by what today’s advanced purple shampoos can truly accomplish after reading this comprehensive guide.

What Is Purple Shampoo and How Does It Work?

Purple shampoo contains special violet pigments that bind to hair fibers and effectively cancel out unwanted warm, brassy tones. The color-balancing purple pigments don’t permanently stain or dye hair. Rather, they work as temporary toners that can be rinsed out with shampooing.

This toning effect helps counteract the yellowing and orange discoloration that develops in color-treated blonde and gray hair over. Repeated use over several weeks can continue neutralizing undesired hues for prolonged color vibrancy between salon visits.

Additionally, many purple shampoos also contain moisturizing and strengthening ingredients that improve hair’s texture and manageability while enriching color.

Although purple shampoo has historically been viewed as a specialized product only for platinum blondes, advancements in formula technology have increased its versatility for all levels of blonde, silver, and highlighted brunette hair seeking to combat brassiness.

A Closer Look at 5 Top Purple Shampoo Contenders

With the booming popularity of purple shampoos, the options on store shelves today seem endless. They vary greatly in their potency, formats, scent profiles and pricing.

To help you parse through the noise, here’s an overview of 5 top-rated salon quality purple shampoos recommended by hair colorists. Consider what hair tone and level of brassiness you’re working with as you evaluate which fits your needs.

Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo

• Rich, sulfate-free formula with strong purple pigments
• Added Quadramine Complex for hair strengthening
• Best for very light blondes and brighter grays
• Sweet floral scent; higher price point around $17.99 per bottle

Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo

• One of the first and most well-known purple shampoos
• Better for dishwater blondes with subtle warmth, not super light hair
• Classic chemical scent; very affordable usually under $10

Amika Bust Your Brass Shampoo

• Ultra-concentrated, creamier pigments add lots of slip
• Keeps all blondes bright thanks to blue pigments too
• Luxurious bergamot scent; mid-range price of $24

dpHue Purple Shampoo

• Gentler formula great for introductory purple shampoo users
• Contains calming lavender oil; no harsh salts or sulfates
• Subtle grape scent; right around $15 per bottle

Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo

• Salicylic acid chews through stubborn brassiness
• Unique lush tropical fragrance with pear and mimosa
• Most expensive around $46 but does last a while

I can personally attest to the dramatic toning results of Joico’s Color Balance paired with periodic use Oribe’s Bright Blonde on my platinum hair. But friends with mousier brownish blondes have raved about Clairol’s iconic Shimmer Lights removing just enough warmth without overdoing it.

Mastering Proper Purple Shampoo Application

With a stellar purple shampoo selection in hand, let’s cover best practices for incorporating it into your hair care regimen:

Always start with dry hair

Most shampoo directions instruct you to apply it to wet hair in the shower. But most industry colorists actually recommend putting purple shampoo on dry hair before anything else in your routine.

Shampooing in the shower directly can dilute and wash away the toning pigments faster, while they absorb better into dry strands. Work it evenly from roots to ends before rinsing.

First focus just on mid-lengths and ends

When applying to dry hair, concentrate mostly on keeping ends bright initially. Purple shampoo can temporarily stain dark roots and scalp, so mid-lengths outward is safest for first-timers.

Limit first use to 5 minutes

Never leave purple shampoo on longer than the instructions state, at least for the first treatment. Starting with 5 minutes or less prevents overdoing it while your hair adjusts.

Gradually increase leave-on time

Once comfortable with initial results after a couple uses, slowly extend to 7-10 minutes for greater toning effect. Most brands say not to exceed 10 minutes even after months of use.

Rinse thoroughly with cool water

Always flush purple shampoo out using cool vs. hot water, as heat accelerates color fading. Ensure water runs completely clear. Consider a second regular shampooing to remove all traces if hair feels sticky.

Use clarifying shampoo or apple cider vinegar rinse if needed

If results plateau or hair begins feeling stiff from excessive product buildup, do an occasional clarifying wash. An apple cider vinegar rinse also strips away residue so pigments absorb better next use.

What Level of Results Can You Expect?

While purple shampoo works wonders, also maintain realistic outcome expectations. You’ll likely notice brassiness and warmth neutralizing more and more with each use. But purple shampoo isn’t lightning fast like toner, nor will it take brunettes bright blonde instantly.

visible difference compared to before starting purple shampoo

Initial Use

Expect hair to appear slightly less brassy immediately after the first 1-2 purple shampoo sessions. It may exhibit subtle ashy hints similar to using a toner.
Visually track your hair’s metamorphosis by taking before and after pics.

2-4 Week Mark

After 4-6 uses, orange and yellow tones should lift further, leaving hair brighter and lighter overall. At this phase, brassiness when hair dries post-shower may barely be detectable.

6-8 Week Milestone

This marks the pivotal point where purple shampoo’s cumulative effects become undeniably noticeable. Here’s where you’ll really see it counteracting discoloration and notice blonde tone a few shades cooler than when you began.

3 Months Later

After 3 months following a strict purple shampoo regimen, blonde color likely appears freshly done as if straight out of the salon chair. Continued use maintains this just-toned radiance between professional glossing appointments.

6 Months Later

50+ uses in, hair remains almost entirely brass-free. Think bright, icy tones that catch the light. Regular purple shampoo users may go over a year without needing toner.

*1 Year Milestone

By now long-term, weekly purple shampoo application ensures hair appears lightened, polychromatic, and visually brighter. Strands dazzle with depth instead of falling flat. Consistency truly pays off.

Does Purple Shampoo Actually Work? Your Top 12 Questions, Answered

Still have some burning questions about the power of purple shampoo? Here I’ll tackle the 12 most frequently asked:

How does purple shampoo compare to toner?

Purple shampoo can’t replace or extend a professional toner gloss treatment, but offers similar neutralizing effects between salon visits. For best results, use them regularly in harmony.

Can you use purple shampoo on color treated hair?

Yes, purple shampoo is safe for occasional use with professionally colored hair. Just know it may enhance tone more intensely on highlighted hair. Rinse promptly and stretch out treatments further at first.

Why does my hair still look brassy after purple shampoo?

Ensure you’re using one strong enough for your level of lightness. Also, give it more time to build up on strands. And eliminate product residue with a vinegar rinse and start fresh.

Does purple shampoo dry out your hair?

Overuse can contribute to dryness, but following instructions and limiting treatments prevents this. Deep condition regularly and refrain if hair feels particularly fragile.

Can you leave purple shampoo in too long?

Yes, max out use at 10 minutes. Any longer risks oversaturation of pigment creating a grayish or ashy overtone that’s tough to reverse.

How often should you use purple shampoo?

Frequency depends on your goals and how quickly brassiness develops, but 1-2 times per week suffices for most blondes. Listen to your hair‘s needs.

When is the best time to use purple shampoo?

Applying it before shampooing on dry hair gives it better opportunity to penetrate and neutralize warmth vs. using in shower. Let it soak in 5-10 minutes then rinse well with cold water.

Can brunettes use purple shampoo?

Those with darker brown hair likely won’t notice major toning effects from purple shampoo, however some brunettes find it adds slight cool undertones. Do an allergy test before extensive use.

Can you use purple shampoo on extensions?

Yes, as long as they are real human hair extensions, purple shampoo can make blonde extensions brighter. Just closely follow timing instructions to avoid over-toning.

What is a purple shampoo bar?

This refers to a solid, bar form rather than liquid bottled formula. Bars last longer, reduce plastic waste, and offer easier portability and portion control during application.

What does blue shampoo do?

Whereas purple shampoo battles yellow tones, blue shampoo neutralizes orange and red brassiness specifically. Blondes may alternate between the two for maximum tone correction.

Is there such thing as too much purple shampoo?

You can’t technically go too purple, but overdoing applications without giving hair a break risks drying, damaging, and discoloring darker roots. Moderation prevents catastrophe.

Do you have to "pre-lighten" hair for purple shampoo?

No bleaching or pre-lightening is necessary. However, those with darker blonde and brunette hair may not notice as intense toning as lighter blondes will. Manage expectations accordingly based on your baseline shade and warmth.

Caring For Color-Treated Hair Beyond Purple Shampoo

While keeping purple shampoo in your regular rotation works wonders fighting brassiness, also incorporating these maintenance practices primes hair to look its absolute best:

Weekly Replenishing Hair Mask

Using a deeply nourishing and conditioning hair mask treatment for 5-10 minutes after shampooing helps ensure hair stays healthy enough to absorb pigments optimally over time.

Monthly Clarifying Shampoo

Product buildup prevents toners from sticking. A monthly clarifying wash removes styling residue so purple shampoo works like new again.

Bi-Monthly Salon Gloss Appointments

Refresh your base color and tone with a pro gloss every 6-8 weeks. Purple shampoo sustains salon results in between appointments.

Daily Thermal Protectant Spray

Always apply heat protecting spray before hot tool styling. This shields fragile color-treated strands from drying out and becoming brittle over time.

Satin Pillowcase

Reduce friction and breakage overnight. A smoother satin pillow slip allows hair to freely move instead of catching and snagging on fabric.

Protective Styles

When possible, embrace low-manipulation protective hairstyles like braids, buns, or headscarves to prevent over-washing and unnecessary environmental damage between washes.

Conclusion: Embrace the Transformative Power

Still afraid to take the purple plunge? I encourage you to set those fears aside. Having tested my fair share of purple shampoos over my decade of blonde hair trials, I promise with extended use, the results will undoubtedly leave you wowed.

What do you have to lose besides brassiness? Those buttery golden undertones you once embraced but have now betrayed you, leaving hair looking lifeless?

Bid those brassy beasts farewell. Let the purple transformation begin. I can’t wait for you to see the beautifully brightened and refreshed tone that awaits underneath those this vexing discoloration.

It’s time to reclaim your inner cool blonde radiance. Simply massage this color-correcting elixir into dry strands 1-2 times per week moving forward to uncover the lighter, brighter you.