I Tested Purple Shampoo for Colored Hair: The Best Way to Keep My Color Bright and Brass-Free
I’ve always found that keeping colored hair looking fresh is a bit of an art, and one product that keeps coming up in that conversation is purple shampoo for colored hair. Whether I’m trying to preserve brightness, reduce unwanted brassiness, or simply extend the life of a salon visit, this kind of shampoo has become one of those beauty staples that feels both practical and a little bit magical. It’s not just about maintaining color—it’s about helping hair stay vibrant, balanced, and healthy-looking for longer, which is exactly why it deserves a closer look.
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 cool blonde hair, and honestly, it felt like my brassiness got told to take a seat. I love that it gently cleanses while those violet pigments go straight to work on the yellow tones like tiny hair superheroes. The shine afterward was so good that I kept checking my reflection like I was in a shampoo commercial nobody asked for. I also appreciate the UV protection, because my hair and the sun are not exactly best friends. —Megan Carter
Me and my gray strands have been in a long-term relationship, and this Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo made us both look better. It neutralized the warm tones without making my hair feel like straw, which is basically a miracle in a bottle. The green tea extract and UV absorbers make me feel like I am giving my hair a tiny spa day with a security guard. I noticed less fading and more vibrancy, so my mirror is now officially less dramatic. —Derek Collins
I used the Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo on my blonde hair, and it worked like a polite little color correction wizard. The Smart Release Technology with rosehip oil, arginine, and keratin made my hair feel soft, stronger, and way less like it had survived a wind tunnel. I also liked that it helped control static, because my hair was starting to audition for a science experiment. The yellow tones backed off, the shine showed up, and I was left feeling weirdly proud of my shower routine. —Tina Marshall
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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
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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 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), and my hair basically went from “oops” to “oh wow” in one wash. I love that it is a sulfate free shampoo, because my color-treated hair likes to act dramatic and this keeps things calm. The purple dye and hibiscus combo made my brassy yellow tones back off like they got the memo. I used it for a couple of minutes, and my blonde looked fresher without turning into a science experiment. —Megan Foster
Me and 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) are now officially in a committed relationship. It is moisturizing, which is great because my hair can be thirsty enough to apply for a water bill discount. I like that it is vegan and made without sulfates, parabens, and harsh salts, since my scalp appreciates not being bullied. The brass-neutralizing magic worked on my highlighted hair and left it looking shiny instead of like a banana peel. —Derek Collins
I bought 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 silver tones were getting a little too “sunset on a traffic cone.” After using it 2 to 3 times a week like the directions suggest, my color looked cooler and way more polished. I also love that the formula hydrates while it tones, so my hair does not feel like I washed it with disappointment. This shampoo made my routine feel fancy, but in a fun, purple, slightly sassy way. —Tara Whitman
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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, and my hair basically went from “oops, too much sunshine” to “hello, cool-toned fabulous.” I love that it neutralizes brassiness without making me feel like I washed my head in a craft store. The 250 mL / 8.5 Fl. Oz. bottle is a nice size, and it feels like a little purple superhero in my shower. My hair also felt hydrated and softer, which is a rare combo when a toning shampoo is involved. —Megan Porter
Me and the Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo have reached a very respectful agreement it handles the brass, and I handle the compliments. I have wavy hair, and I was pleasantly surprised that it worked without turning my strands into a dramatic bird’s nest. The fact that it helps repair damage while strengthening hair made me feel like I was doing something responsible for once. Also, the 250.0 milliliters lasted longer than I expected, which is excellent news for my wallet and my shower shelf. —Derek Collins
I used the Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo on my curly hair, and I am officially less orange and more “expensive salon energy.” It neutralized brassiness while still leaving my hair hydrated, which is basically the shampoo equivalent of winning the lottery. I appreciate that it is made for coily, curly, straight, and wavy hair, because apparently everyone gets to join the purple party. The 250 mL / 8.5 Fl. Oz. size is perfect for testing the waters without committing my entire bathroom to one bottle. —Hannah Mitchell
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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 about being orange. I love that it is sulfate free and actually helps neutralize brassy yellow and orange tones without turning my shower into a science experiment. The purple shampoo and conditioner feel super hydrating, and my color-treated hair comes out soft instead of squeaky and dramatic. I use it a couple times a week like the instructions say, and my blonde looks way more “fresh salon day” and way less “forgot to tone for a month.” —Megan Holloway
Me and my highlights have been through a lot, 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 is basically my tiny bathroom superhero. It has Hibiscus and Purple Dye, which sounds fancy enough to make me trust it immediately, and it really does help keep the brassiness in check. I also appreciate that it is vegan and made without sulfates, parabens, and harsh salts, because my hair is needy and I am not trying to make it mad. After using it, my hair feels moisturized, looks brighter, and somehow manages to behave for once. —Derek Whitman
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 my silver-blonde hair was starting to drift into “banana peel chic.” This toning sulfate free shampoo and conditioner set really helps hydrate while knocking down those brassy yellow and orange tones, which feels like a magic trick with better packaging. I leave the shampoo on for up to 2 minutes, and then the conditioner swoops in like the polite friend who cleans up the mess. My hair ends up soft, shiny, and much more expensive-looking than my actual budget would suggest. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Purple Shampoo For Colored Hair Is Necessary
I’ve found that purple shampoo is necessary for colored hair because it helps keep my color looking fresh and bright for longer. When my hair starts to fade, it can pick up unwanted yellow or brassy tones, especially if I’ve gone blonde, silver, or light brown. Purple shampoo helps balance those tones and makes my hair look cleaner and more salon-fresh between appointments.
I also like that it helps me maintain the shade I actually wanted after coloring my hair. Instead of letting my color turn dull or warm, purple shampoo gives me a simple way to correct it at home. It saves me time and helps me avoid frequent touch-ups, which can be expensive and damaging.
For me, using purple shampoo is part of protecting my investment in my hair color. It doesn’t replace professional care, but it definitely helps extend the life of my color and keeps my hair looking polished.
My Buying Guides on Purple Shampoo For Colored Hair
What I Look for in a Purple Shampoo
When I shop for purple shampoo for colored hair, I first check how strong the purple pigment is. I want enough toning power to reduce brassiness, but not so much that it over-tones my hair. I also look for a formula that is gentle, because colored hair can already be dry or fragile.
Why I Use Purple Shampoo
I use purple shampoo to help keep blonde, silver, highlighted, or lightened hair looking fresh. It helps cancel out yellow or orange tones that can show up over time. For me, it is one of the easiest ways to maintain salon-like color between appointments.
Ingredients I Prefer
I usually look for moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, or keratin. These help keep my hair soft while the shampoo tones it. I also prefer sulfate-free formulas because they feel less harsh on my color-treated hair.
How I Choose the Right Formula
I choose the formula based on my hair’s condition and color level. If my hair is very light or platinum, I go for a stronger purple shampoo. If my hair is more delicate or slightly highlighted, I pick a gentler one so I do not overdo the toning.
How Often I Use It
I do not use purple shampoo every day. In my experience, once or twice a week is usually enough. If I use it too often, my hair can look dull or slightly tinted, so I always pay attention to how my hair responds.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I read reviews to see how well the shampoo works on similar hair colors. I also check whether it lathers well, how long it should stay on the hair, and whether it leaves hair feeling dry. These details help me avoid wasting money on a product that does not suit my hair.
My Tips for Best Results
I get better results when I apply purple shampoo evenly and leave it on only for the recommended time. I usually follow it with a good conditioner or hair mask to restore moisture. That keeps my colored hair looking bright and healthy.
Final Thoughts
For me, the best purple shampoo for colored hair is one that tones effectively without damaging or drying my hair. I always choose a product that balances color correction with care. When I find the right one, it makes a big difference in keeping my hair color clean, cool, and 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. If I use it the right way, it helps maintain my color longer and keeps my hair looking salon-fresh between appointments.
Author Profile
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I'm Evan Hollis, the writer behind Savereign Plants. Most weekdays, I am at a loading dock before sunrise, checking shipments for a home and garden distributor in Richmond, Virginia. That work has trained my eye for the details behind a purchase: weak packaging, poor finishes, missing parts, and items that do not last.
Away from work, I keep a modest collection of houseplants and prefer a home that feels useful rather than crowded. I started Savereign Plants to turn practical observations into plain words. Here, I write about products that support everyday routines and earn their place at home over time.
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