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Blondies: Hairstylists Love These 15 Purple Shampoos for Brighter, Blonder Hair

 

Lifting your hair to a lighter, blonder hue is a commitment—a worthy one, but a commitment nonetheless. The lightening process leaves the hair porous and more prone to damage, often leading to unwanted dullness and yellowish undertones. That's where purple shampoo comes in—an at-home solution to keep your hair looking bright and balanced between salon appointments.

"Purple shampoo works by neutralizing any unwanted yellow or warm tones to your blonde or gray hair," explains Carolyn J. Gahan, a hairstylist with extensive blonde and hair-lightening experience. Finding a purple shampoo that compliments your hair type isn't exactly straightforward (a simple Google search will garner hundreds of results). 

To help you narrow the results down, we consulted multiple stylists and color experts and then conducted hours of research on the best purple shampoos for blonde hair of various shades and tones. Each formula was evaluated for ingredients, whether it contains sulfates (which can be drying), and recommended use.

Best Overall

Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo

 

What We Like

• Smooths hair and creates shine
• Smells great
• Sulfate-free

What We Don't Like

• Scent may be too strong for some

While Moroccanoil might be best known for its argan oil treatments, this toning shampoo is hands-down one of the best we've tried—and that's saying something. The formula contains the brand's signature ingredient (antioxidant-rich Moroccan argan oil) while incorporating rich violet pigments to brighten naturally and bleached blonde hair, as well as cooler-toned hair colors, like silver, gray, and white.

Purple shampoo can be drying. To help counteract this effect, this product keeps sulfates out of its moisturizing formula. It also smells delicious, though some may find the scent too strong. After lathering up, let the purple suds sit for up to five minutes, then rinse. Trust us, you'll notice a difference after one use.

Who It's For

Suitable for all hair types and textures, this shampoo can be used to brighten blonde, platinum, silver, gray, and white hair.

Price at time of publish: $12

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 2.4 fl oz or 6.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Purple Shampoo

 

What We Like

• Effective formula
• Affordable
• Vegan

What We Don't Like

• Can leave a residue behind

This completely vegan drugstore buy is free of sulfates, parabens, harsh surfactants, and drying salts. It's an excellent choice for those with colored, bleached, or fragile, over-processed hair. The intense purple pigment works to correct orange, yellow, and golden tones while hibiscus extract nourishes and softens. Alternate it with your regular shampoo to maintain a bright, clean blonde.

Who It's For

This creamy, hydrating shampoo is perfect for bleached and over-processed hair craving moisture.

Price at time of publish: $9

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 6.8 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Drugstore

Fudge Clean Blonde Violet Toning Shampoo

 

What We Like

• Affordable and easily accessible
• Effective formula
• Quick results

What We Don't Like

• Not for every wash

This top-rated drugstore pick has amassed a large following thanks to its concentrated formula and reasonable price point. You'll likely notice a difference after the first use. But since it's powerful, we suggest using it as a weekly or biweekly treatment to remove brassy undertones—as opposed to in place of your regular shampoo.

Who It's For

If you're looking for an affordable, effective treatment to use once or twice a week, this is the one.

Price at time of publish: $17

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Original | Size: 8.4 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Splurge

Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color

 

What We Like

• Smells great
• Effective formula with a frothy lather
• Paraben- and sulfate-free

What We Don't Like

• Some noted it can be drying

If you want a violet-toning shampoo that also affords a luxurious hair-washing experience, it's got to be Oribe's Bright Blonde formula. It's supremely gentle and serves up a fine, frothy lather that coats every strand for a fresh, clean, and balanced result. Paraben- and sulfate-free, it also comes enriched with botanical extracts (like watermelon and chamomile), plus keratin for strength. Hairstylist Shelly Aguirre often recommends this shampoo to combat yellowish tones. "[It] has a little more pigment and will definitely add shine and body," she says.

Who It's For

This hairstylist-approved product might be worth splurging on if you're looking for a luxurious showering experience.

Price at time of publish: $49

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 8.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Curly or Kinky Hair

SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength & Color Care Shampoo

 

What We Like

• Affordable
• Contains certified organic ingredients
• Nourishing

What We Don't Like

• Could weigh down fine hair

If your natural texture is on the curlier side, you'll love the nourishment this formula from SheaMoisture gives. It leans on organic shea butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil to restore moisture, while purple rice water subtly brightens. Though it's not as pigmented as other options, the light tint means it can be used every wash without the risk of over-toning.

Who It's For

Suitable for daily use, this naturally sourced shampoo nourishes curly and kinky textures while subtly brightening.

Price at time of publish: $28

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Floral | Size: 13.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Damaged Hair

Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Repair Shampoo

 

What We Like

• Strengthening
• Creates shine
• Very pigmented
• Free of sulfates and parabens

What We Don't Like

• Scent may be too strong for some

If you favor a very cool-toned blonde or gray aesthetic, you'll be a big fan of Amika's Bust Your Brass Shampoo. It's extremely pigmented, so it works quickly to mitigate warmth from your hair. The formula also utilizes bond-repair technology to improve strength and reduce breakage, while mango butter leaves hair immediately soft and shiny. Free of sulfates and parabens, it's a stellar choice for dry, damaged, or bleached manes.

Who It's For

If your hair is brittle or prone to breakage, this bond-repair formula will give it the strength it needs to stay blonde.

Price at time of publish: $28

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 8 fl oz or 33.8 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Static

Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo

 

What We Like

• Creates shine
• Long-lasting results

What We Don't Like

• Contains sulfates

If you wish to maintain a cool, clean blonde for longer, this formula is a dream come true. "Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo is my favorite because its pigment attaches to the hair fibers and stays put even after multiple washes," says Gahan. "You will see a noticeable difference straight away, and your hair is mega shiny afterward." It's also packed with peptides to support hair integrity and softness while combating static, humidity, and flyaways.

Who It's For

This stylist-recommended hair wash not only neutralizes yellow tones but also strengthens and smooths your strands.

Price at time of publish: $23

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Original | Size: 10.1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Bleached Hair

Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo

 

What We Like

• Strengthening
• Effective at brightening
• Hydrating

What We Don't Like

• We wish the bottle was bigger

If you want the bond-repairing benefits of Olaplex but don't want to compromise on your color, the brand's No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo is for you. It contains bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate—the signature, patented technology that rebonds broken, damaged, or otherwise compromised strands—along with a violet tint to remove unwanted orange, yellow, and golden tones.

Who It's For

While it's effective on both natural and bottle blondes, this product is especially great for bleached hair that's been damaged in the process.

Price at time of publish: $30

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 8.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Colored Hair

Pureology Strength Cure Best Blonde Miracle Filler

 

What We Like

• Strengthening
• Provides UV protection
• Sulfate-free

What We Don't Like

• Reviewers noted that the bottle's directions are hard to read

If your lightened hair is also prone to split ends and breakage, you can count on Pureology's Strength Cure formula to simultaneously tone, hydrate, and fortify. The key is a winning combination of purple orchid, proteins, and antioxidants designed to seal and repair while removing golden undertones. There's also an included UV filter to ward off color fading.

Who It's For

This sulfate-free shampoo won't dry out color-treated hair, and it goes above and beyond to hydrate and strengthen weakened strands.

Price at time of publish: $85

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 9 fl oz or 33.8 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Fine Hair

Kérastase Blond Absolu Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo

 

What We Like

• Softening
• Hydrating
• Adds volume

What We Don't Like

• Contains sulfates

Kérastase is the pinnacle of luxury French haircare, and this Anti-Brass Shampoo is nothing short of a miracle. The soft, foamy formula uses concentrated violet pigments alongside hyaluronic acid and edelweiss flower to tone the hair while creating touchable volume. After lathering up, leave it on for about two minutes, then rinse. And you can use it up to three times a week, depending on how bright you want to go.

Who It's For

It's not heavy or dense, so it works well for finer hair that's either naturally blonde, gray, or bleached.

Price at time of publish: $40

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Original | Size: 8.5 fl oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Medium to Thick Hair

Shu Uemura YÅ«bi Blonde Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair

 

What We Like

• Hydrating
• Smooths hair
• Delivers cool blonde hue

What We Don't Like

• Contains sulfates

This shampoo from Shu Uemura contains purple and blue pigments exclusive to the brand for a toning effect you really can't find anywhere else. It does an incredible job counteracting yellowish, brassy tones to deliver the cool blonde hue you crave. There's also white peony, coconut, and hyaluronic acid for added hydration, shine, and a natural glow.

Who It's For

This smoothing, moisturizing shampoo is ideal for medium to thick hair types that crave a little extra nourishment.

Price at time of publish: $52

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Floral | Size: 10 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Natural Blondes

Bumble and bumble Illuminated Blonde Purple Shampoo

 

What We Like

• Nourishing
• Creates shine
• Sulfate-free

What We Don't Like

• Some reviewers noted its not pigmented enough

Toning shampoos often skimp on nourishment, which is difficult if you have naturally dry or static hair. But Bumble and bumble's Illuminated formula is rich in hazelnut seed oil, coconut, and glycerin to restore lost moisture and foster shine.1 Then there's the toning element, which works equally well on natural or chemically lightened hair. Bonus: There's even amethyst extract for a little sparkle.

Who It's For

If your hair is naturally light, you can use this shampoo to create a subtly brighter, cooler-toned hue.

Price at time of publish: $36

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 8.5 fl oz or 33.8 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Highlights

John Frieda Violet Crush for Blondes Purple Shampoo

 

What We Like

• Hydrating
• Doesn't stain skin
• Affordable
• Fast-acting

What We Don't Like

• Works better for warmer highlights

This shampoo deposits crushed violet pigments onto blonde hair to counteract brassiness. It lathers well without being too sudsy or staining the skin—so you don't have to worry about post-shower purple fingers or ears. What makes this shampoo so great for highlights is its peroxide-free formula that doesn't need to be left on the hair long to deliver results. Reviewers note a difference after one shampoo.

Who It's For

You can use this shampoo as often as every day to make your highlights more noticeable.

Price at time of publish: $12

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 8.3 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Color-Extending

Redken Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Purple Conditioner

 

What We Like

• Eliminates yellowish, brassy tones
• Creates a cooler-toned blond
• Very noticeable results

What We Don't Like

• Not recommended for daily use
• Contains PEGs

If you want your salon-lightened hair to last longer between treatments, this one's for you. Redken Blondage Shampoo contains deep purple color-depositing pigments that eliminate yellowish, brassy tones and leave a cooler blonde hue in their wake. This product can be a bit drying if you use it every day, but don't worry—it'll still work wonders when you lather up just two to three times a week.

Who It's For

This purple shampoo can help you go longer between salon treatments by keeping brassy tones at bay.

Price at time of publish: $25

Hair Type: Color-treated | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Citrus | Size: 10.1 fl oz or 33.8 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Very Light Blondes

Klorane Anti-Yellowing Shampoo with Centaury

 

What We Like

• Plant-based formula
• Naturally sourced pigments
• Leaves hair shiny and soft

What We Don't Like

• May stain hands/shower

If your hair is platinum, white, silver, or otherwise bleached an ultra-light hue, go with Klorane. This plant-based shampoo gives unwanted yellow and copper tones the boot while leaving hair nourished, shiny, and soft. The purple pigments come from organic centaury herb, and while the naturally sourced ingredient works remarkably well, we should note it might temporarily stain your hands or the shower.

Who It's For

This purple-pigmented hair wash is ideal for platinum hair, as well as those with white or silver locks, who want to maintain a cool tone.

Price at time of publish: $22

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Floral | Size: 13.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Where We Stand

Our overall pick for the best shampoo for blonde hair is Moroccanoil's Blonde Perfecting Shampoo, which is packed with argan oil to repair the hair from the inside out while keeping brassy and orange tones at bay. The sulfate-free formula is super gentle, making it great for all hair types. And if you're looking for a budget favorite, check out the L'Oreal EverPure Purple Shampoo.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, and design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then consulted with several experts to ensure we were picking the best of the best.

What to Look for in a Purple Shampoo

• Purple tone: Purple tones and violet pigments aren't all the same, so they can have varying effects at neutralizing unwanted warmth. For example, violet is great at counteracting yellow tones in light blonde hues, as with Fudge Clean Blonde Violet-Toning Shampoo. "If your hair is more of a brassy orange or warm brunette, purple is too light," says Sabrina Yamani Yamga, an award-winning colorist and extension specialist at SPACE by Alex Brown in Chicago. "So you'll want to opt for a blue shampoo." In some cases, Aguirre will show her clients the products against a white background so they better see the difference in tones.
• Blonde tone: Your particular shade of blonde matters, as well as if you dye or bleach your hair or have naturally light-colored locks. For instance, very light blondes will want something that minimizes yellow and brings out cool tones, like Klorane Anti-Yellowing Shampoo. "When it comes to that beautiful, silver, gray hair that can make someone actually look younger and hip, tonality is key," says Aguire. Something like Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo will prevent it from looking dull or yellowish. Meanwhile, John Frieda Violet Crush Shampoo is perfect for counteracting the brassiness in highlights and making them more noticeable.
• Nourishing ingredients: As Yamga notes, purple shampoos can be drying. So look for products containing hydrating ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and keratin amino acids. These are meant to ensure hair is soft, smooth, and shiny after washing. Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo is a great choice if you want something that not only lightens but also improves the texture of your hair. If the price is too steep, go with something like L'Oreal EverPure Purple Shampoo.
• Sulfate-free formula: Dying and bleaching your hair can really do a number on it, and sulfates can make things worse by drying it out.2 With this in mind, you might want to opt for a sulfate-free purple shampoo, particularly one without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength + Color Care Shampoo and Amika Bust Your Brass Shampoo are a couple of our favorite sulfate-free formulas. They're gentle on your strands while still effectively getting rid of unwanted brassy, orange, and yellowish tones.
• Application: When buying shampoo, be sure to note the recommended use. Some are gentle enough for daily use, like SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Shampoo. Others may be too drying or intensely pigmented and are best used two or three times a week. Purple shampoo is generally applied like regular shampoo. Squeeze one or two tablespoons into your hand, then lather it onto wet hair in the shower, making sure to evenly coat the entire length from root to tip. But unlike regular shampoo, you're often supposed to leave it on slightly longer—usually two to five minutes—before rinsing. Be sure to check the brand's specific instructions to avoid leaving the shampoo on too long.

FAQ

What are the benefits of purple shampoos for blonde hair?

Purple shampoo neutralizes any unwanted yellow or warm tones that can crop up with bleached blonde or otherwise chemically lightened hair. They can offer a brightening effect while bringing out a cooler hue, allowing you to potentially go longer between salon color treatments.

As Gahan explains, "Purple sits directly across from yellow on the color wheel, which means it will correct and cool down the hair with the slight purple pigment in the shampoo." She notes that if you're rocking a darker blonde color or are looking to correct an orangey tint, a blue-based shampoo (as opposed to violet) might be a better option.

How often should you use purple shampoos for blonde hair?

This depends on the specific formula, as well as the current color and condition of your hair. Some purple shampoos can be drying, and if you use them too often, you can risk over-toning. "Overuse can cause the hair to look dull or purple in appearance," says Gahan.

For these reasons, lathering up with a violet-pigmented wash two or three times a week is often best. However, some formulas are gentle and subtle enough for daily use.

Does purple shampoo get rid of brassy tones?

Yes. Purple shampoo acts like a mild version of a hair color toner, which your colorist applies after bleaching your hair. By using purple shampoo regularly, you can help maintain the cool or neutral tones you had right after it was freshly colored. Violet sits directly opposite from yellow on the color wheel. So, by applying a purple tint, you can cancel out the warmth and restore your hair to the desired cooler, brighter tone.3

What is better for brassy hair: blue or purple shampoo?

It depends on the color of your hair and what tones you want to get rid of. For light blonde, platinum, or silver hair with unwanted yellowish tones, purple shampoo is best. As noted, purple counteracts yellow because it's directly opposite on the color wheel. If you have darker blonde, ombré, or balayage hair and want to remove orangey, brassy, or reddish tones, go with blue shampoo.

Do I need both purple shampoo and conditioner?

Probably not. There's no shortage of purple haircare products to fight brassiness and yellow tones, but you don't need to use them—let alone all at once. A purple shampoo should be enough to achieve the desired results, and you can follow it with a non-pigmented deep conditioner to replenish lost moisture and nourish your strands. (Dry, brittle hair is common among the bleached set.)

What's the difference between toner and purple shampoo?

A purple shampoo is a toning shampoo, but it isn't a toner. A toner is a color product that's mixed with a developer. It's left on the hair for a set amount of time to allow it to process, then rinsed out. (Toners are most often applied in salons by professional colorists, but some at-home kits are available.) A toning shampoo, on the other hand, is milder than a toner and doesn't require a developer.

Will purple shampoo lighten hair?

Not exactly. Purple shampoo doesn't lighten hair—that can only be done with a bleaching agent. This type of hair wash calls on violet pigments to cancel out yellow tones, which are opposite purple on the color wheel. As a result, your hair will become brighter and cooler-toned, which can make it appear lighter.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Emily Algar has had bleached highlights for most of her life—and because her natural hue is quite warm, she's spent years (and dollars) testing some of the best blonde toning shampoos on the market. She's also spent the last six years chatting to various hairstylists and colorists for work (it's a tough life), gathering industry tips about the next products for every hair type and condition. Theresa Holland updated this list with additional buying tips and expert insights.

Team Byrdie worked with experts to ensure the best picks in this category: 

Carolyn J. Gahan is a creative colorist with extensive blonde and hair-lightening experience.
Sabrina Yamani Yamga is an award-winning colorist and extension specialist at SPACE by Alex Brown in Chicago.
Shelly Aguirre of Chicago's Maxine Salon is a professional stylist with over a decade of experience teaching at salons and tradeshows.