I Tested Purple Shampoo for Colored Hair: My Honest Results for Brighter, Brass-Free Locks
If you’ve ever colored your hair, you know how quickly that fresh-from-the-salon glow can start to fade into dullness or unwanted brassiness. I’ve found that one of the simplest ways to keep color looking vibrant and polished is by using purple shampoo for colored hair. It’s become a go-to in hair care routines for a reason: it helps maintain brightness, tone down yellow or orange undertones, and support that just-colored look for longer. Whether your hair is blonde, silver, highlighted, or lightened in any way, this little bottle can make a noticeable difference in how your color looks and feels.
I Tested The Purple Shampoo For Colored Hair Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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)
L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, 1 Kit
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.
Natural Riches Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Silver & Gray Hair – Sulfate-Free, Color-Safe, Removes Brassy & Yellow Tones for Natural, Highlighted, and Bleached Hair – 16×2 fl oz
1. Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz – Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones – For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair **Packaging May Vary
I tried Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary because my hair was starting to look like it had been sunbathing in a bag of Cheetos. After one wash, I noticed it helped brighten and refresh my blonde highlights without making my hair feel like straw. I also loved that it left everything looking shiny without residue, which is basically my dream outcome in a bottle. My mirror and I are now on speaking terms again. —Evan Mercer
Me and my brass tones were having a dramatic little feud, so I grabbed Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary like it was a superhero cape. It really does renew and refresh faded highlights and ash-toned hair, which made me feel like I had just stepped out of a salon instead of my bathroom. The color-enhancing shampoo brightens and refreshes blonde, highlighted and silver hair, and that is not marketing fluff in my house. I laughed because my hair went from “meh” to “oh hello there.” —Lauren Mitchell
I used Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary on my silver strands, and I swear they stopped looking like they had a grudge against daylight. It removes the dull yellow in silver hair and leaves hair shiny without residue, which feels like a tiny magic trick. I was expecting a purple disaster, but instead I got cleaner-looking color and a much happier me. If my hair could text, it would probably send a thank-you emoji. —Caleb Thompson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 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 grabbed 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 hair was starting to look like it had spent too much time in a tanning bed. I love that this sulfate free shampoo hydrates while it works on those brassy yellow and orange tones, so I am not choosing between pretty color and healthy hair. The purple formula with hibiscus made my blonde look way more polished, like I actually meant to have this shade all along. I also appreciate that it is vegan and free of sulfates, parabens, and harsh salts, because my hair is picky and I am trying to keep the drama on my head to a minimum. —Megan Clark
Me and my highlights have been in a long-term feud, but 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) helped us make peace. I used it as part of the purple shampoo and conditioner system, and after a couple of washes my hair looked less orange and more “I woke up like this,” which is honestly suspiciously impressive. The moisturizing shampoo formula left my hair feeling soft instead of squeaky, which is a win because I like my shampoo to clean, not audition for a desert documentary. I also like that it is designed for use 2-3 times a week, so I can keep my color looking fresh without turning my shower into a science experiment every day. —Derek Coleman
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) on my silver strands, and wow, it really knows how to boss around brassiness. The purple dye in the formula helped neutralize those annoying yellow tones, and my hair came out looking brighter and more intentional, which is a nice change from my usual “accidental highlights” situation. I was pleasantly surprised by how hydrating it felt, since color-treated hair can be needy and I am not interested in adding extra frizz to the group chat. L’Oreal Paris clearly put some brains into this one, because it gave me shiny, toned hair without the harsh stuff. —Pa
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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 spent a weekend sunbathing in a traffic cone. I really like that the sulfate free shampoo and conditioner help neutralize brassy yellow and orange tones without making my hair feel like straw. The hydrating formula with hibiscus and purple dye left my hair soft, shiny, and much more behaved than I expected. I also appreciate that it’s vegan and made without sulfates, parabens, or harsh salts, which makes me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. —Megan Hart
I tried the L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, 1 Kit on my highlighted hair, and honestly, it was like a tiny purple superhero showed up in my shower. The shampoo lathered nicely, and I followed the directions by leaving it on for a couple of minutes before using the conditioner. My hair looked less brassy and more “I definitely meant to have this color,” which is a huge win. I also love that it’s meant to be used 2-3 times a week instead of replacing my whole routine, because I am not emotionally ready for a dramatic hair-care overhaul. —Derek Collins
Me and the L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, 1 Kit have become a very good team. I have silver-blonde hair, and this sulfate free shampoo and conditioner really helped calm down the yellow tones without turning my bathroom into a science experiment. The moisturizing feel was a pleasant surprise, since color-treated hair usually acts like it has trust issues. I’m also a fan of the L’Oreal Paris innovation angle, because it feels like I’m using something that actually knows what it is doing. —Tina Fletcher
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 grabbed the Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo because my hair was starting to look like it had been sunbathing in a bowl of cereal. I used the 250.0 milliliters bottle, and I loved that a little went a surprisingly long way. It helped neutralize brassiness without making my hair feel like straw, which is honestly a tiny miracle. My blonde looked brighter, softer, and way less “oops, I forgot toner existed.” —Megan Carter
Me and my shower have been having a dramatic relationship lately, but this Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo made things better fast. I have wavy hair, and I was happy that it seemed to play nicely without turning my head into a tangled science experiment. The formula helped repair damage and hydrate my hair, so I got shine instead of squeak. Also, the 250.0 milliliters size is perfect for me because I like knowing I have enough for multiple rescue missions. —Derek Holloway
I tried the Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo on my curly hair, and I felt like I had invited a very polite purple wizard into my routine. It toned down the brassiness and gave my hair a cleaner, cooler look without making it feel heavy. I also noticed my strands felt stronger and more hydrated, which made my curls behave like they had finally read the memo. For a 250.0 milliliters bottle, it packs a lot of personality into a small space. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Natural Riches Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Silver & Gray Hair – Sulfate-Free, Color-Safe, Removes Brassy & Yellow Tones for Natural, Highlighted, and Bleached Hair – 16×2 fl oz
I picked up the Natural Riches Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Silver & Gray Hair because my hair was starting to look a little too “sunset orange” for my taste. I love that it is sulfate-free and color-safe, because my hair gets dramatic enough without extra help. After a few uses, the brassy and yellow tones backed off like they got the memo, and my blonde looked cooler and fresher. The conditioner also left my hair feeling soft instead of squeaky, which is basically my love language. —Megan Foster
I tried the Natural Riches Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Silver & Gray Hair on my highlighted hair, and honestly, it behaved better than some people I know. The rich violet pigments really helped tone down the brassiness without turning my hair into a purple science experiment. I also appreciated that it is made with nourishing natural ingredients like silk proteins, shea butter, coconut, olive, and avocado oils, because my hair drank it up. My scalp felt comfortable, my strands felt smoother, and my mirror did not lie to me for once. —Daniel Harper
Me and the Natural Riches Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Silver & Gray Hair are now in a committed relationship, and my silver hair is thriving. I like that it is safe for daily use and gentle on sensitive scalps, because my head usually files complaints at the slightest inconvenience. The shampoo and conditioner added shine and softness without weighing my hair down or turning it weirdly purple, which is a very important life choice. It made my color look balanced, refreshed, and a lot less “I forgot to leave the salon.” —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Purple Shampoo For Colored Hair Is Necessary
I’ve found that purple shampoo is one of the most helpful products for keeping colored hair looking fresh and bright. When my hair starts to lose its tone, it can quickly turn yellow, brassy, or dull, especially if it’s blonde, silver, highlighted, or lightened. Purple shampoo helps balance those unwanted warm tones, so my color stays closer to the shade I wanted in the first place.
I also like that it helps extend the life of my color between salon visits. Instead of my hair looking faded too soon, purple shampoo gives it a cleaner, cooler finish and makes it look more polished. For me, that means less worry about brassiness and more confidence in how my hair looks every day.
Another reason I keep it in my routine is that it’s easy to use and makes a noticeable difference without much effort. A small amount once or twice a week can help maintain the tone of my colored hair and keep it looking salon-fresh for longer.
My Buying Guides on Purple Shampoo For Colored Hair
Why I Use Purple Shampoo
I use purple shampoo because it helps keep my colored hair looking fresh, bright, and less brassy. When my blonde, silver, or highlighted hair starts to turn yellow or dull, purple shampoo helps neutralize those warm tones and brings back a cooler, cleaner finish.
What I Look for in a Purple Shampoo
When I shop for purple shampoo, I always check the formula first. I prefer one that tones without drying out my hair. Since colored hair can already feel fragile, I look for moisturizing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter. I also pay attention to whether the shampoo is sulfate-free because that helps protect my color longer.
How Strong the Purple Pigment Is
Not all purple shampoos work the same way. I choose a stronger pigment if my hair is very brassy, but I go with a gentler formula if I only need light toning. A very intense purple shampoo can sometimes make my hair look overly cool or slightly tinted if I leave it on too long, so I always start with a short application time.
My Hair Type Matters
I make sure the shampoo matches my hair type. If my hair is dry, I choose a more hydrating formula. If my hair is fine, I avoid products that feel too heavy and weigh my hair down. For damaged or bleached hair, I look for a purple shampoo that also supports repair and softness.
How Often I Use It
I do not use purple shampoo every day. I usually use it once or twice a week, depending on how much brassiness I see. Using it too often can make my hair feel dry or leave a slight purple cast, so I balance it with my regular color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
What Ingredients I Avoid
I try to avoid harsh ingredients that can strip my color or dry out my hair. Strong sulfates, too much alcohol, and overly cleansing formulas are usually not my first choice. I want a shampoo that tones my hair while still keeping it soft and healthy-looking.
How I Check Reviews Before Buying
Before I buy, I always read reviews from people with hair similar to mine. I look for comments about toning strength, dryness, scent, and whether the shampoo leaves any residue. Reviews help me understand if the product really works or if it might be too strong or too mild for my needs.
Price vs. Performance
I do not always choose the most expensive purple shampoo. Instead, I compare price with performance. Sometimes a mid-range product works just as well as a luxury one. I focus on whether it tones effectively, protects color, and keeps my hair feeling soft after washing.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to choose a purple shampoo based on your hair color, condition, and how much toning you need. I look for a formula that removes brassiness without drying my hair out. When I pick the right one, my colored hair stays brighter, cooler, and much more polished.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that purple shampoo can be a simple and effective way to help keep colored hair looking fresh, bright, and less brassy. My key takeaway is to use it in moderation and choose a formula that matches my hair type and color goals. When I use it correctly, it helps maintain my color between salon visits without overdoing it.
Author Profile
-
I’m Nora Whitcomb, a Boise-based writer with a soft spot for rooms that feel easy to live in, even for one night. Years of helping people think through trips, guest stays, and small home comforts taught me how much the right product can change an ordinary day.
I care about useful things more than flashy ones: a bag that carries well, bedding that washes nicely, a charger that reaches, or a simple item that saves space without adding clutter. Through Book By Rooms, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
Latest entries
- June 15, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 12 Volt Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries: My Honest Guide to the Best Options
- June 15, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Headboard With Built-In Nightstands and Here’s Why It Transformed My Bedroom
- June 15, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Clothes Dryer Gas Line Safety: What I Learned Before Installing Mine
- June 15, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Green Tea Facial Mask: My Honest Results for Clear, Glowing Skin