While the saying goes, “blondes have more fun,” the adage doesn’t account for the time and money spent on upkeep. The worst thing about going blonde is getting a fantastic bleach treatment or highlight at your favorite salon only to have it brass out within weeks, making you look washed out. To keep your dewy, soft blonde color longer, use purple shampoo. We’ve found the most popular purple shampoo options to help you save money on expensive salon visits.
Buying Guide for Purple Shampoos
Why buy purple shampoo?
UV rays, hard water, and other environmental factors can impact your hair color. Purple shampoo adds purple pigmentation to your hair as it cleanses. It acts as a toner in between coloring, saving you money at the salon and keeping your cool blonde, gray, or platinum hair from turning orange.
What should you consider when buying purple shampoo?
- Consistency: A thick, non-runny, opaque purple shampoo often has better ingredients, fuller pigmentation, and a consistency that’s easier to work with. A rich, robust formula bonds to each strand of your hair, removing brassy pigments, giving you the results you want.
- Tone: If you’re trying to achieve a creamy blonde or grey, violet pigments (and plenty of them) are what you need. If your hair is darker blonde or brown, blue pigments are a better way to go to adjust brassiness. A red-purple tone is best to keep red hair vibrant.
- Allergens: Purple dye, purple pigment, fragrances, gluten, glycol, vitamins, parabens, sulfates, and other common shampoo ingredients may cause allergic reactions in some people. Read the list of ingredients carefully before trying a new purple shampoo if you have sensitive skin.
How much should you expect to spend on purple shampoo?
If you’re looking for a high-quality purple shampoo, you may be spending $30 or more. Some brands skyrocket over $100 per bottle. There are purple shampoo options under $30 and even as low as $10 per bottle or less. Just be aware that for best results, you’ll be spending more than you might on run-of-the-mill shampoos. Also note that you won’t have to use it every day, just once or twice a week.
Our Picks for the Best Purple Shampoos
Pros: This purple shampoo eliminates yellow or orange hues in one use. It has a pleasant, gentle grapefruit scent. Plus, it comes with gloves, so it won’t stain your fingers or nails. It’s hydrating and leaves a nice shine. Plus, it’s paraben- and sulfate-free.
Cons: It can dry your hair out if you use it too often. You only get approximately 8 ounces in a bottle.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a purple shampoo that is chemical-free and cruelty-free, this is a solid choice. Each bottle is made with 100% recycled plastic, too.
Pros: This purple shampoo and conditioner set is an unbelievable value, especially for the quality. It’s not harsh on your hair, and it cleans well. It also doesn’t leave stains on your skin or nails, even without gloves.
Cons: The conditioner can leave your hair a little flat. Some people don’t enjoy the hibiscus fragrance. It takes more than one use to see drastic results.
Bottom Line: If you’re in the market for an affordable purple shampoo that won’t damage your hair, this is a great pick. It can be used repeatedly, and the conditioner softens your treated hair well.
Pros: This purple shampoo doesn’t cause scalp irritation even after prolonged use. It has a light autumnal scent, and it comes in different sizes for new users and continued users. Its purple dyes will cool down warm tones quickly.
Cons: This shampoo can leave your hair feeling dry. You’ll need to have a good moisturizing conditioner on-hand to follow up your wash. It is better for blonde color than for gray.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a purple shampoo that will whip your blonde hair into shape, try this one. You’ll see results after the first couple of washes.
Pros: With this purple shampoo, you get a lot of fluid ounces for the cost. It has a pleasant fragrance that isn’t overpowering. It brightens your hair well. Plus, the bottles each have a convenient pump for depositing shampoo and conditioner.
Cons: If you have sensitive skin, it could cause scalp irritation. It may also cause some dryness or flaking.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an excellent value shampoo and conditioner that will help hold your color longer, this is a great product to try. It comes in a convenient duo that works well together. Plus, it leaves hair shiny and manageable.
Pros: This purple shampoo and conditioner set comes in multiple size packages to suit your needs. The shampoo lathers well, and the conditioner is thick and moisturizing with vitamins, fatty acids, biotin, and antioxidants. It removes coppery tones within a few washes for most people.
Cons: The scent can be a little much for some people. The conditioner may be a little difficult to rinse out thoroughly, especially if you don’t have high water pressure in your shower. This product contains DMDM Hydantoin, which may cause skin irritation in those with sensitive skin.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a great purple shampoo and conditioner that works with multiple hair tones, this may be a great selection for you. The products work well together to tone and moisturize, leaving your hair silky.
Final Thoughts
With the invention of purple shampoo, we’re no longer rushing into the salon every few weeks for a touchup, saving money and time. These purple shampoos will help you keep your colored hair looking its best.
