DIGITAL SCALE

View Original

The Best Purple Shampoo Finds for Every Hair Type in 2024

M.B.

Discover the secret to vibrant, brass-free hair with the best purple shampoo of 2024. Whether you're sporting blonde, silver, or grey locks, finding the right purple shampoo is crucial for maintaining that fresh, salon-worthy color. But what makes a purple shampoo stand out among the rest? From banishing unwanted yellow tones to enhancing the cool hues of your hair, the right product can transform your hair care routine. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the top picks for every hair type, backed by thorough research and user feedback. Get ready to unveil the perfect blend of care and color correction tailored just for you.

A woman sitting in a salon chair while a stylist applies purple shampoo to her wet hair, massaging it gently to ensure even coverage and effective toning.

Our Purple Shampoo Top Picks

Click on the link to view them on Amazon, or continue reading to learn more about each one.

Why Use Purple Shampoo?

Purple shampoo isn't just another product in your hair care arsenal; it's a crucial tool for anyone looking to maintain or enhance the beauty of blonde, silver, or grey hair. But why reach for a bottle of this uniquely colored shampoo? Here's everything you need to know about the benefits and science behind purple shampoo.

Combat Brassiness

The primary reason to use purple shampoo is its ability to neutralize yellow and brassy tones in light-colored hair. The purple pigment in the shampoo directly counteracts these unwanted hues, thanks to the color wheel theory. Purple sits opposite yellow, which means when they interact, they cancel each other out, leaving your hair with a cooler, more vibrant shade.

Maintain Salon-Quality Color

Regular use of purple shampoo helps extend the life of your color-treated hair between salon visits. It's especially beneficial for those with bleached or blonde hair, as it helps maintain the ashy, cool tones that tend to fade over time.

Enhance Natural Silver and Grey Hues

For those embracing natural silver or grey hair, purple shampoo can add a luminous quality by reducing the dullness and yellowing that often accompany these hair colors. It revitalizes and brightens, giving a more polished and refined look.

Versatile Use for Various Hair Types

While primarily beneficial for blonde, silver, and grey hair, purple shampoo can also be used on brunette hair with highlights or balayage to maintain cool-toned highlights and prevent them from turning brassy.

Incorporating purple shampoo into your hair care routine is simple yet effective for keeping your desired hair color looking fresh and vibrant. Understanding its benefits and how it works can help you achieve and maintain the beautiful, brass-free hair color you love.

Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo

Selecting the ideal purple shampoo for your hair is pivotal to achieving the desired effect without compromising hair health. This section will guide you through the factors to consider when hunting for the perfect purple shampoo, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs.

Hair Type and Condition

Your hair type—whether it's fine, thick, curly, or straight—plays a significant role in how a purple shampoo will perform. Similarly, the condition of your hair, such as its level of dryness or damage, can affect the outcome. Look for products that cater to your hair's specific requirements, whether that means added moisture for dry hair or lightweight formulas for fine hair.

Ingredient Quality

The ingredients in your purple shampoo matter immensely. Opt for shampoos free from harsh sulfates if you have sensitive or color-treated hair, as these can strip hair of its natural oils and color. Additionally, look for nourishing components like vitamins, oils, and proteins that can help repair and protect your hair.

Pigmentation Level

The level of purple pigment in the shampoo can vary significantly from one product to another. If your hair is heavily brassy or you have a cooler blonde tone, you might need a shampoo with a stronger pigment. Conversely, for subtle tone maintenance, a less pigmented product might suffice.

Desired Outcome

Consider what you aim to achieve with a purple shampoo. Are you looking to merely tone down brassiness, or do you need a product that also provides deep hydration, volumizes, or repairs damage? Identify your primary goal to find a shampoo that aligns with your needs.

User Reviews and Feedback

Reading reviews and feedback from other users can provide valuable insights into a product's effectiveness and potential issues. Look for consistent patterns in reviews that match your hair type and desired outcomes.

Price vs. Quality

While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, the most effective purple shampoo might be a bit pricier due to higher-quality ingredients or stronger pigmentation. However, a higher price doesn't always guarantee a better product. Balance your budget with the need for a shampoo that meets your hair care goals.

By considering these factors, you can narrow down the overwhelming selection of purple shampoos to find one that best suits your hair type, condition, and color maintenance needs. Remember, the right purple shampoo is out there for everyone, and finding it can make all the difference in maintaining your ideal hair color and health.

Top Picks for Best Purple Shampoo

Discover the best purple shampoos that cater to a variety of needs, from combating brassiness in blonde hair to enhancing the silver sheen in grey locks. These selections are based on effectiveness, popularity, and user reviews.

Best Overall Purple Shampoo: Fanola No Yellow Shampoo

Fanola's No Yellow Shampoo is widely celebrated for its potent formula capable of neutralizing yellow tones quickly. It's especially favored by those with blonde, bleached, streaked, or grey hair looking for fast results.

Best Purple Shampoo for Silver Hair: Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo

Clairol Shimmer Lights is a classic favorite for enhancing natural or dyed silver and grey hair. It gently revitalizes and brightens, reducing yellow tones without harsh chemicals.

Best Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair: Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo

Redken's Color Extend Blondage Shampoo is formulated with violet pigments to eliminate brassiness and strengthen blonde hair. It's a go-to for maintaining cool, blonde tones between salon visits.

Best Budget-Friendly Purple Shampoo Pick: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Shampoo

For those seeking quality without a high price tag, L'Oréal's EverPure Brass Toning Purple Shampoo offers an affordable solution. It's sulfate-free, vegan, and specifically designed to neutralize brassiness in blonde, silver, and brunette hair with highlights.

Best Purple Shampoo for Damaged Hair: Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo

Moroccanoil's Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo not only tones but also contains argan oil to hydrate and nourish damaged hair. It's perfect for those needing extra care in addition to color correction.

How to Use Purple Shampoo Effectively

Using purple shampoo correctly can significantly impact how well it works to maintain the desired cool tones in your hair. This guide will walk you through the steps to use purple shampoo effectively, ensuring you get the most out of your chosen product.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Wet Your Hair Thoroughly: Start by thoroughly wetting your hair with warm water to open the hair cuticles and allow the purple pigment to penetrate better.

  2. Apply Purple Shampoo: Use an appropriate amount of purple shampoo, depending on your hair length and thickness. Apply it evenly, concentrating on areas with the most brassiness or yellowing.

  3. Leave It On for the Right Time: The key to effective use is leaving the shampoo on your hair for the correct amount of time. This can vary from 2 to 5 minutes for slight toning adjustments, up to 15 minutes for more intense brassiness neutralization. It's essential to follow the product's specific instructions to avoid over-toning.

  4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Cool water helps to close the hair cuticles, locking in the toning effects and making your hair shinier.

  5. Follow Up with a Conditioner: Always follow up with a conditioner, preferably a purple conditioner if your hair needs extra toning or a hydrating conditioner to maintain moisture balance.

Tips for Best Results

  • Frequency of Use: Use purple shampoo once a week or every other wash day to start, adjusting based on how your hair responds. Overuse can lead to hair taking on a purple tint or becoming dry.

  • Patch Test: If you're using a new purple shampoo for the first time, consider doing a patch test on a small section of hair to see how your hair reacts to the toning effect.

  • Combine with Hydrating Treatments: Purple shampoos can be drying for some hair types. Incorporate hydrating masks or oils into your routine to keep your hair healthy and moisturized.

  • Protect Your Hair: Continue to protect your toned hair from factors that cause brassiness, such as sun exposure, chlorine, and heat styling, by using UV-protectant sprays, swimming caps, and heat protectant products.

By following these steps and tips, you can maximize the benefits of your purple shampoo, keeping your blonde, grey, or silver hair looking vibrant and healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Purple Shampoo

When it comes to using purple shampoo, achieving the perfect balance between removing brassiness and maintaining the health of your hair is crucial. However, it's easy to make mistakes that can lead to less-than-desirable outcomes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid to ensure you get the most out of your purple shampoo experience.

Overusing Purple Shampoo

One of the most frequent mistakes is overusing purple shampoo. While it's an excellent tool for neutralizing yellow tones, using it too often can lead to hair acquiring a purple tint or becoming overly dry.

  • Tip: Limit use to once a week or adjust based on your hair's response. If you notice a purple hue or dryness, reduce frequency.

Skipping Conditioner

Neglecting to follow up with a conditioner after using purple shampoo is another oversight. Purple shampoos can be drying, and skipping conditioner can leave your hair feeling brittle and looking dull.

  • Tip: Always use a hydrating conditioner after purple shampoo to replenish moisture and keep your hair soft and shiny.

Using Too Much Product

Applying too much purple shampoo can not only waste product but also lead to uneven toning, with some areas of your hair absorbing more pigment than others.

  • Tip: Start with a small amount and add more if needed, focusing on areas with the most brassiness.

Not Leaving It on Long Enough (or Leaving It on Too Long)

The effectiveness of purple shampoo depends significantly on how long you leave it in your hair. Not leaving it on long enough may result in minimal toning, while leaving it on too long can cause unwanted purple tones.

  • Tip: Follow the product instructions for timing. Start with the lower end of the recommended time range and increase as needed for more toning.

Ignoring Hair Type and Color

Different hair types and colors can react differently to purple shampoo. What works for one person may not work for another, especially considering the wide range of blonde, silver, and grey shades.

  • Tip: Consider your specific hair type and color when choosing a purple shampoo. Look for products tailored to your needs, and adjust usage accordingly.

FAQs about Purple Shampoo

Navigating the world of purple shampoo can raise many questions, especially for new users or those considering switching brands. Here’s a compilation of frequently asked questions that address common concerns and provide clarity on using purple shampoo effectively.

How Often Should I Use Purple Shampoo?

The frequency of purple shampoo use depends on your hair type, condition, and the level of brassiness. A general guideline is once a week, but you may adjust based on your specific needs. If your hair starts to take on a purple tint or feels dry, reduce usage.

Can Purple Shampoo Be Used on Dry Hair?

Yes, purple shampoo can be applied to dry hair for a more intense toning effect. However, this method should be used sparingly to avoid over-toning or drying out your hair. Always follow with a deep conditioner.

Will Purple Shampoo Work on Brown Hair?

Purple shampoo is most effective on blonde, silver, and grey hair. However, brunettes with highlights or balayage can use it to tone down brassiness in the lighter sections of their hair.

Can Purple Shampoo Damage My Hair?

When used correctly, purple shampoo should not damage your hair. Overuse, however, can lead to dryness and brittleness. To prevent damage, limit its use, and always follow with a nourishing conditioner.

How Long Should I Leave Purple Shampoo in My Hair?

The ideal time varies by product, but generally, it’s between 3 to 5 minutes for maintenance and up to 15 minutes for stronger toning. Always start with the minimum recommended time and adjust based on the results.

Is Purple Shampoo a Substitute for Hair Dye?

No, purple shampoo is not a substitute for hair dye. It’s a toning shampoo that neutralizes brassy and yellow tones in light-colored hair. It cannot change your hair color or cover greys.

Can I Use Purple Shampoo on Extensions?

Yes, purple shampoo can be used on blonde, silver, or grey hair extensions. Ensure the extensions are real human hair and follow the same usage guidelines to avoid over-toning.

By addressing these FAQs, you can better understand how to incorporate purple shampoo into your hair care routine effectively, ensuring you achieve and maintain the cool, vibrant tones you desire.