Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo formulated to neutralize brassy yellow and orange tones in blonde hair using violet pigments — helping your color stay brighter, fresher, and cooler between salon visits.
Why Blonde Hair Turns Brassy
Brassiness refers to unwanted warm hues — yellow/orange — that show up over time. Common causes include:
- Mineral Buildup: Hard water minerals like iron and copper can latch onto hair and dull tone.
- Sun Exposure: Similar to how a banana turns brown when left out in the sun, UV rays can oxidize your hair, leading to discoloration.
- Heat Styling: Heat can be harsh on your hair, and overusing heat tools like blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons can also contribute to brassiness.
- Product Buildup: Using the wrong hair products (or even just too much of a product in general) can leave a residue that dulls your blonde.
How Purple Shampoo Works
Purple shampoos use color theory: purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel, so it neutralizes unwanted yellow tones to restore cooler, brighter blonde.
Step-by-Step: Using Purple Shampoo Effectively
Using purple shampoo is pretty straightforward, but we’ve broken it down into several easy steps to ensure you get the best results:
- Start with Clean, Wet Hair. Shampoo your hair as usual to remove any dirt or product buildup. This ensures the purple shampoo can work effectively.
- Apply the Purple Shampoo. Focus on the areas where you see the most brassiness. If your roots are darker, avoid them to prevent any unwanted color changes.
- Let It Sit. The amount of time you leave the shampoo on can vary. Start with a few minutes and gradually increase the time if needed. Don't leave it on for too long, though, or your hair might turn purple.
- Rinse Thoroughly. Make sure you rinse out all the shampoo to avoid any residue that could dull your hair.
- Follow Up with Conditioner. After using purple shampoo, hydrate and nourish your hair with a good conditioner, like Pureology’s Strength Cure Blonde conditioner. This step helps keep your hair healthy, nourished, and shiny.
How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?
The frequency of using purple shampoo depends on your hair's individual needs. Some people use it once a week, while others prefer every other wash. Start slowly and experiment to find what works best for you. If you notice your hair getting too dry, use it less often. Balance is key!
Debunking Purple Shampoo Myths
We understand that purple shampoo can be intimidating, especially when there’s misinformation floating around out there. With that in mind, let’s go over some common myths about purple shampoo to clear up any lingering uncertainty on the subject.
- Myth 1: Purple shampoo is damaging. Not true! When used correctly, purple shampoo is perfectly safe for your hair. It's designed to tone and brighten, not strip or damage.
- Myth 2: Purple shampoo is a replacement for regular shampoo. Nope! Purple shampoo is a toning treatment, not a cleanser. You should still use a regular shampoo to clean your hair and remove impurities.
Pureology’s Purple Shampoo Pick: Strength Cure Blonde
If you're looking for a go-to purple shampoo, Pureology’s Strength Cure Blonde is a fantastic option. Perfect for brittle or fragile strands, this formula strengthens and repairs damaged blonde hair while neutralizing brassiness.
And to add moisture back into blonde hair, try Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. Use it in rotation with purple shampoo to keep your blonde vibrant and healthy.
FAQ about Purple shampoo
Q — Will purple shampoo turn hair purple?
A — Only if left on too long; follow recommended timing.
Q — Can I use purple shampoo on dry hair?
A — Purple shampoo is most effective on wet hair after cleansing.
Q — Is purple shampoo safe for all blondes?
A — Yes, but results depend on shade and hair porosity.




