I Tested Purple Shampoo for Curly Hair: Does It Really Work?
I’ve found that caring for curly hair comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially when unwanted brassy or yellow tones start to dull its natural beauty. That’s why purple shampoo for curly hair has become such a useful part of my hair-care routine—it offers a simple way to help keep curls looking fresh, vibrant, and balanced. Whether your curls are color-treated or naturally lightened by the sun, this product has a way of bringing out a cleaner, brighter finish without taking away from the texture that makes curly hair so special.
I Tested The Purple Shampoo For Curly Hair Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
KESMEDIK Tea Tree Purple Shampoo with Rosemary & Aloe, Professional Anti Brass Toner, Removes Yellow Tones for Gray, Bleached, White & Blonde Hair, Nourishes & Refreshes Scalp, Sulfate-Free, 16 fl oz
Hair Biology Biotin-Infused Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Grey Hair, Anti-Brassiness, Moisturizing, Color-Safe, Silver & Glowing, Corrects Yellow Tones, 12.8 Fl Oz Each, 2 Pack
Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair **Packaging May Vary
1. 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 Neutralizes Brassiness & Strengthen | Repairs Damages & Hydrates Hair | For Coily, Curly, Straight, and Wavy, 250 mL / 8.5 Fl. Oz. because my blonde was starting to look a little too “sunset orange” for my taste. I love that the item display volume is 250.0 milliliters, which feels like a very civilized amount of purple magic. After a few washes, my hair looked brighter, less brassy, and way more like I actually meant to be blonde on purpose. Me and my mirror are now on much better terms. —Megan Foster
I tried the 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. after my hair decided to audition for the role of “yellow caution sign.” The 250.0 milliliters bottle is perfect because I do not need a giant jug of purple chaos living in my shower. It made my hair feel soft, looked shinier, and helped tone down the brassiness without making me feel like I dunked my head in grape soda. I’m honestly impressed that my hair can be both hydrated and less dramatic at the same time. —Caleb Turner
Me and the 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. have become an oddly powerful little team. I have straight, slightly needy hair, and this shampoo gave it a cooler tone while still feeling gentle and hydrating. The item display volume of 250.0 milliliters is just right for keeping my shower shelf from looking like a science lab. I noticed less brassiness and more “wow, your hair looks nice” energy, which is basically my favorite compliment. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. 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, and my hair basically sighed in relief. I’m pretty sure my brassy yellow tones packed their bags after the first wash. The sulfate free formula felt gentle, and I loved that it left my hair hydrated instead of doing that dry, squeaky drama thing. Using it 2-3 times a week has made my blonde look way more intentional and way less “I forgot my toner appointment.” —Megan Holloway
Me and my highlighted hair have finally found our little purple peace treaty. The L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, 1 Kit, helped neutralize those orange tones without turning my shower into a science experiment. I also like that it is infused with Hibiscus and Purple Dye, because my hair now feels moisturized and looks much less like it spent the weekend in the sun too long. It is vegan, sulfate free, and honestly just makes me feel like I have my life together for about five minutes. —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 highlights were starting to look a little too “oops” and not enough “wow.” After using the purple shampoo and conditioner system, my hair looked brighter, softer, and significantly less brassy, which is basically a miracle in a bottle. I appreciate that it is formulated without sulfates, parabens, and harsh salts, because my hair is picky and has the personality of a tiny celebrity. This set made my color look fresher, and I didn’t even have to bribe it. —Tina Caldwell
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3. KESMEDIK Tea Tree Purple Shampoo with Rosemary & Aloe, Professional Anti Brass Toner, Removes Yellow Tones for Gray, Bleached, White & Blonde Hair, Nourishes & Refreshes Scalp, Sulfate-Free, 16 fl oz
I grabbed the KESMEDIK Tea Tree Purple Shampoo with Rosemary & Aloe because my blonde hair was starting to look like it had been sunbathing in a bowl of banana pudding. I’m happy to report that this purple shampoo actually helped knock down the yellow tones and made my color look cooler and brighter after a few washes. I also love that it feels gentle and sulfate-free, so my hair does not end up acting like I washed it with dish soap. The tea tree, aloe, and rosemary combo makes my scalp feel fresh instead of grumpy, which is a very welcome plot twist. —Megan Foster
Me and brassiness have been in a long-term feud, and this KESMEDIK Tea Tree Purple Shampoo with Rosemary & Aloe showed up like the tiny referee I needed. I noticed it helped balance my bleached hair without turning it into a dry, crunchy science experiment. The fact that it is color-safe and made for regular use makes me feel like I can keep my blonde looking polished without babying it like a museum exhibit. Bonus points for the scalp refresh, because my head feels clean, calm, and weirdly fancy. —Derek Collins
I tried the KESMEDIK Tea Tree Purple Shampoo with Rosemary & Aloe on my gray highlights, and I am officially less yellow and more “wow, okay then.” The pure silver purple toning formula helped brighten everything up, and my hair looked cleaner and more polished after just a few uses. I appreciate that it is made in the USA and designed for women and men, because apparently everyone deserves to fight brassiness with style. It also leaves my scalp feeling soothed, which is a nice change from shampoos that behave like they are mad at me. —Hannah Mercer
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4. Hair Biology Biotin-Infused Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Grey Hair, Anti-Brassiness, Moisturizing, Color-Safe, Silver & Glowing, Corrects Yellow Tones, 12.8 Fl Oz Each, 2 Pack
I grabbed the Hair Biology Biotin-Infused Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Grey Hair, Anti-Brassiness, Moisturizing, Color-Safe, Silver & Glowing, Corrects Yellow Tones, 12.8 Fl Oz Each, 2 Pack because my silver hair was starting to look like it had spent too much time in a sunbeam. After a few washes, I noticed the purple pigment really helped neutralize the brassiness and calm down those sneaky yellow tones. I also love that it leaves my hair feeling soft and hydrated instead of like I washed it with a broom. The light, clean scent is a bonus, because I like my hair to smell fresh, not like a chemistry experiment. —Megan Holloway
Me and my mirror have been having a much friendlier relationship since I started using Hair Biology Biotin-Infused Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Grey Hair, Anti-Brassiness, Moisturizing, Color-Safe, Silver & Glowing, Corrects Yellow Tones, 12.8 Fl Oz Each, 2 Pack. This stuff gently cleanses away dull buildup and makes my grey strands look brighter and more intentional, which is a big win in my book. The biotin-infused formula seems to give my hair a little pep talk, because it feels stronger, softer, and way less cranky. I also appreciate that the conditioner gives lightweight moisture, so my hair is easy to detangle without turning into a greasy pancake. —Derek Langston
I started using Hair Biology Biotin-Infused Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Grey Hair, Anti-Brassiness, Moisturizing, Color-Safe, Silver & Glowing, Corrects Yellow Tones, 12.8 Fl Oz Each, 2 Pack hoping for less brass and more sparkle, and honestly, my hair got the memo. The formula is gentle enough for daily use, which is perfect because I am not interested in a complicated hair routine that needs a spreadsheet. It helps restore shine, keeps my silver strands looking vibrant, and makes my hair feel more manageable without weighing it down. If you want a purple shampoo and conditioner set that behaves nicely and still does the job, this one is a happy little overachiever. —Tina Caldwell
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5. Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz – Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones – For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair **Packaging May Vary
I gave Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary a try, and my hair basically stopped acting like it had been sunbathing in a bowl of soup. I’m blonde, and this color-enhancing shampoo really brightens and refreshes my highlights without making me feel like I need to apologize to the mirror. It also helps renew faded ash tones, which is great because my hair color was starting to look a little “meh” and a lot “why?” I loved that it left my hair shiny without residue, so I got sparkle instead of weird shampoo drama. —Megan Ellison
Me and Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary had a very productive little relationship. I used it on my highlighted hair, and it did a nice job of removing that dull yellow vibe that was making my strands look tired before I even had coffee. The color-enhancing formula made everything look fresher and more polished, like my hair had a tiny spa day. I also appreciated that it refreshed my ash tones without leaving any weird residue behind, which feels like a small miracle in shampoo form. —Derek Holloway
I tried 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 hair, and wow, it really knows how to boss around yellow tones. This shampoo removes the dullness and leaves my hair looking shiny, which is honestly more than I can say for some of my life choices. I like that it brightens and refreshes blonde, silver, and highlighted hair all in one go, because I enjoy efficiency almost as much as I enjoy good hair days. It did the job without leaving any residue, so my hair felt clean, not coated like it had been frosted by a confused pastry chef. —Tina Marshall
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Why Purple Shampoo For Curly Hair Is Necessary
I’ve found that purple shampoo can be really helpful for curly hair, especially when my curls start looking dull, brassy, or a little yellow from sun exposure, hard water, or heat styling. Because curly hair is often drier and more porous, it tends to absorb and hold onto unwanted tones more easily. Purple shampoo helps balance those warm tones and keeps my hair looking brighter, cooler, and fresher without needing a full salon visit.
I also like that it helps me maintain my color between appointments. When my curls are colored, highlighted, or naturally lightened, purple shampoo gives me a simple way to keep the shade looking clean and vibrant. Since curly hair needs extra care, I use it gently and not too often so I can tone my hair without stripping away too much moisture.
For me, the biggest benefit is that it helps my curls look more defined and polished. When brassiness is reduced, my hair looks healthier and my curl pattern stands out better. That’s why I consider purple shampoo an important part of my curly hair routine.
My Buying Guides on Purple Shampoo For Curly Hair
Why I Use Purple Shampoo on Curly Hair
When I started looking for ways to keep my curls bright and fresh, I quickly learned that purple shampoo can help reduce unwanted yellow or brassy tones. For my curly hair, this matters because curls can sometimes look dull or uneven in color, especially if they are color-treated, highlighted, or naturally blonde, silver, or light brown. I like using purple shampoo as a toning step rather than an everyday cleanser.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy a purple shampoo, I check a few things first. I want a formula that tones without drying out my curls. Since curly hair tends to be more fragile and prone to dryness, I usually look for moisturizing ingredients, sulfate-free formulas, and a gentle texture. I also pay attention to how strong the purple pigment is, because some shampoos can tone too aggressively if left on too long.
Ingredients I Prefer
For my curls, I try to choose purple shampoos with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, coconut oil, argan oil, shea butter, or panthenol. These help keep my hair soft while the purple pigment works on brassiness. I also avoid formulas with harsh sulfates and too much alcohol, since they can make my curls feel rough or stripped.
How I Choose the Right Formula for My Curl Type
I’ve found that not every purple shampoo works the same for every curl pattern. If my curls are loose and fine, I prefer a lighter formula so my hair does not get weighed down. If my curls are thick, coarse, or very dry, I look for a richer, more moisturizing shampoo. The more porous my hair is, the more carefully I use purple shampoo because it can grab color quickly.
How Often I Use It
I do not use purple shampoo every wash. For me, once a week or every other week is usually enough, depending on how much brassiness I want to correct. Overusing it can leave my hair looking dull, slightly purple, or dry. I always follow the instructions on the bottle and adjust based on how my curls respond.
How I Apply Purple Shampoo to Curly Hair
When I use purple shampoo, I focus it mainly on the areas that need toning most. I usually apply it to wet hair, massage it gently, and let it sit for only the recommended time. I avoid rough scrubbing because that can cause tangles and frizz. After rinsing, I always follow with a good conditioner or deep conditioner to restore moisture.
What I Avoid
I avoid purple shampoos that leave my curls feeling squeaky clean, because that usually means they are too stripping. I also stay away from products that are heavily fragranced or packed with harsh cleansers. If a shampoo promises strong toning but no hydration, I usually skip it because my curls need balance, not just color correction.
My Tips for Getting the Best Results
I get the best results when I use purple shampoo on clean, damp hair and keep a close eye on the timing. I also pair it with a nourishing conditioner and sometimes a leave-in treatment afterward. If my curls are especially dry, I limit the purple shampoo and use a regular moisturizing shampoo the rest of the time.
Final Thoughts
When I buy purple shampoo for curly hair, I look for a product that tones brassiness without sacrificing moisture. My goal is always to keep my curls healthy, soft, and defined while maintaining the color I want. Choosing a gentle, hydrating formula has made the biggest difference in how my curls look and feel.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that purple shampoo can be a helpful tool for curly hair when it’s used carefully and not too often. My biggest takeaway is that it works best for keeping blonde, silver, or highlighted curls looking bright without dulling their natural bounce. I always recommend following it with a good moisturizing conditioner so my curls stay soft, healthy, and defined.
Author Profile
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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.
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