Chatters Stylist Picks

Purple Shampoo 101: When, Why and How Often To Use It - Chatters

Posted on Aug 10, 2026

Jelena Frolov

Stylist at Chatters Emerald Hills

Blonde hair is an investment. You pay a lot of money to achieve the tone you want, and now you are wondering how you can keep your blonde bright. You may not be ready to go back to the salon for toning, but there are at-home options, like purple shampoo that can help with keeping your blonde looking icy-cool until your next appointment.


What is Purple Shampoo?

Purple shampoo is basically a pigmented cleanser that is designed to neutralize unwanted brass or yellow undertones on lighter levels of blondes or silver/grey hair. Over time your toner fades exposing unwanted yellow or orange undertones. The formula used within purple shampoos are designed to counteract brassiness, keeping your blonde looking fresh.


Why “Purple”?

The reason this shampoo is purple breaks down to basic colour theory. Yellow is the opposite of purple on the colour wheel. When opposite colours mix, they neutralize each other. The purple pigment in the shampoo essentially 'cancels out' the warm yellow tones of your hair.


How to Use Purple Shampoo

Purple shampoo works similarly to how you might use your regular, everyday shampoo. To use purple shampoo you’ll want to:

1. Wash your hair normally as you would from your hair roots, to the ends.

2. Let the purple shampoo rest for a few minutes on your hair.

How Long? This depends on your hair type. More porous hair will deposit pigment faster. I advise my clients to ease into using purple shampoo.

  • First Time: Lathering up, and rinsing immediately
  • Subsequent uses: Extend the time gradually until the end result is to your desired tone.
  • Stylist Tip: If you’re looking for more subtle results, I recommend mixing purple shampoo with your regular shampoo.

    3. Rinse, and use your favourite conditioner. Finish out your hair routine as you normally would.

    The Best Purple Shampoo

    REDKEN Color Extend Blondage Purple Shampoo

    This shampoo has intense purple pigment that helps neutralize yellow/orange undertones, and it has a Blondage Depositing mask that you can use for 5 minutes to neutralize warmth.


    Milk_Shake Silver Shine Shampoo or Icy Blonde

    This shampoo features advanced silver-toning technology that neutralizes yellow and brassy tones in blonde hair, while enhancing shine and brightness. The lightweight formula can be used regularly to keep your hair colour vibrant and luminous.


    SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL Goodbye Yellow Neutralizing Wash

    This specialized neutralizing shampoo is formulated to eliminate yellow and brassy undertones in blonde, highlighted, and grey hair. The powerful formula works to deposit cool tones while cleansing, leaving hair with a fresh, ash-toned finish.


    Moroccanoil Blonde perfecting Purple shampoo

    Combining Moroccan argan oil with potent violet pigments, this purple shampoo neutralizes unwanted yellow and orange tones. The formula cleanses while depositing purple tones to create a cool, refined blonde finish with enhanced shine, and nourishment for your hair.

    Don’t forget: Pair your favourite purple shampoo with the matching purple conditioner for optimal results.


    Hair Colours Best Suited for Purple Shampoo

    Golden Blonde Hair

    Unless it’s absolutely necessary, it’s not advised to use purple shampoo if you have golden-blonde hair. If the goal is to maintain golden hues, using purple shampoo will make your hair darker instead of brighter. My suggestion would be to only use purple shampoo in cases where you feel your hair tone is too brassy. To keep a warmer blonde, use purple shampoo no more than once a month.

    Brunette Hair

    While you can use purple shampoo on brunette hair, the purple shampoo is not strong enough to neutralize orange/red undertones, Purple shampoo is made for a lighter level of blonde that may have yellow or yellow/orange undertones.

    For brunette toning, look for stronger pigments:

    • Blue Shampoo will neutralize orange undertones
    • Green Shampoo will neutralize red undertones

    I’d suggest a product like Milk_Shake Cold Brunette Shampoo to help neutralize darker hair.


    When to Start Using Purple Shampoo

    I recommend to my clients to start using purple shampoo two weeks after your colour service. As time goes on your toner starts to fade. That's when you want to start using purple shampoo.


    How Often to Use Purple Shampoo

    Generally speaking, you should use a purple shampoo once a week maximum. For example, if you wash your hair 3-4 times a week, then one of those washes you should use purple shampoo.

    Stylist Tip: Use a clarifying shampoo before using purple shampoo. The clarifying shampoo will help to remove any product build up, creating a clean canvas. This allows purple shampoo to create a more even results.

    Signs of Overuse

    Signs that you’re using purple shampoo too often include:

    • Visibility darker appearance in your hair
    • A dull, ashy tone
    • Slightly purple-tinted hair.

    Remember: Purple shampoo is a toner in a bottle, not a regular cleanser. Be cautious of how often you use it, and purple shampoo should never should replace your regular everyday shampoo.


    Need More Help?

    Maintaining beautiful blonde hair at home is completely achievable with the right knowledge, and tools. With consistent care and the right product, you can keep your blonde looking salon-fresh. If you have any questions about which purple shampoo is best for your hair type or need personalized recommendations, don't hesitate to reach out to me at Chatters Emerald Hills, or to your local stylist. We are here to help you achieve and maintain the blonde of your dreams!

    Related Posts