Why and When You Should Use Purple Shampoo: A Complete Guide for Brighter, Cooler Hair

Luxe Beauty Bar
Jun 6
2 min read

Whether you’re freshly blonde, rocking silver strands, or embracing grey gracefully, maintaining the perfect hair tone can be tricky. That’s where purple shampoo steps in as a game-changer. If you’re new to this purple shampoo, or unsure how often to use it, this guide breaks it all down for you.

What Is Purple Shampoo?

Purple shampoo is a specially formulated hair cleanser with a deep violet pigment. It’s designed to neutralize unwanted yellow, brassy, or orange tones that can appear in light-colored hair over time. It works on the principles of the color wheel—purple sits opposite yellow, so the pigments cancel out brassiness and help your hair appear cooler, brighter, and fresher.

Who Should Use Purple Shampoo?

Purple shampoo isn’t just for platinum blondes. You can benefit from it if you have:

Bleached or highlighted blonde hair
Natural or dyed silver/grey hair
Platinum, ash, or icy blonde tones
Balayage or ombré styles with light ends

Even some brunettes with blonde highlights or balayage may find it useful for keeping brassiness at bay.

Why You Should Use Purple Shampoo

Neutralizes Brassiness
Environmental factors like sun exposure, hard water, and heat styling can make light hair turn yellow or orange. Purple shampoo helps combat those tones and keeps your color looking salon-fresh.
Extends the Life of Your Color
Regular use can reduce how often you need toning treatments or salon visits, saving you time and money.
Enhances Cool Tones
Want that icy blonde or silvery sheen to stand out? Purple shampoo enhances the cool tones, making your color look more vibrant and polished.
Boosts Shine and Brightness
Brassy tones can make hair look dull or tired. A well-balanced tone helps your hair look shinier and healthier overall.

When and How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?

It depends on your hair type, color, and how quickly it gets brassy:

For bright blondes or platinum hair:
Use purple shampoo 1–2 times per week to maintain your tone.
For silver or grey hair:
Use once a week to prevent yellowing and keep that silvery hue crisp.
For highlighted brunettes:
Use once every 1–2 weeks to refresh lighter pieces without dulling the darker base.
If you’re seeing brassiness:
Introduce purple shampoo more frequently until the tone balances, then reduce usage to maintain results.

Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it. Using purple shampoo too often can leave hair with a violet tint or overly ashy look. Start slow and adjust based on your hair’s response.