Top 25 Purple Shampoos for Vibrant Blonde Hair - 2024 Guide
The world may never really know if blondes have more fun. Regardless, both bottle blondes and those who are naturally blessed know the easiest way to keep their hue looking icy is to incorporate only the bestpurple shampoos into their wash-day routine.
Purple shampoos are exactly what they sound like: a shampoo with a purple tint. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King notes that the thinking behind purple shampoos is based on the color-wheel theory, the exact same principle people use for color correction in makeup. This theory, which you may have learned in your middle school art classes, states that colors that are on opposite sides of the color wheel — which are also known as complementary colors — neutralize each other. When the color-wheel theory is applied to hair, it works to balance out brassy tones.
So where does purple fit into all of this? Well, yellow is actually the complementary color to purple, which is why these shampoos work so well to keep brassiness at bay.
"Purple tones cancel out any unwanted brassy yellow tones and maintain brightness between highlighting appointments," explains Felicia Dosso, a colorist at New York City-based Nunzio Saviano Salon.
Brunettes, dirty blondes, and other darker blonde tones (think less Marilyn Monroe, more Gigi Hadid's honey blonde) may want to opt for a blue shampoo instead. Since darker shades have a deeper warmth to their color, they don't yellow — instead, they turn orange. Blue is a complementary shade to orange, which makes it ideal for toning dark blondes and brunettes.
Though King agrees that purple shampoos typically work best on silver or blonde hair, Dosso notes that brunettes can also enjoy their color-cooling benefits. "The main complaint brunettes have is they their hair turns brassy, so I always recommend purple shampoo to my brunette clients too," says Dosso. "I suggest using once a week as needed to negate that."
These shampoos are most often used to balance brassiness for natural and color-treated blondes. While these products can't shift your color completely, they can help you maintain the current hue you have.
Kiyah Wright — a hairstylist and founder of Muze Hair in Los Angeles who works with Jennifer Hudson, Tyra Banks, and Laverne Cox — advises clients to be careful when using certain purple products though because they can stain. "If you have icy-blonde hair and leave a purple shampoo on for too long, your hair will have a blue-purple tinge to it," Wright cautions. So be sure to read the instructions carefully and make sure you time your session accordingly.
Now that you've been filled in on these vibrant shampoos, it's time to put all of this information into practice. Between drugstore-friendly picks and higher-end options recommended by pro stylists, here are our selections for the 25 best purple shampoos on the market for all of your brass-busting needs.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Courtesy of brand 1/25
L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Anti Brass Purple Mask Treatment
Give your bleached, highlighted, or natural color the deep reset it needs with L'Oréal Paris's EverPure Sulfate-Free Anti Brass Purple Mask Treatment. In just five minutes once every week, the sulfate-free formula's hibiscus and purple pigments go to work, targeting brassiness and deep-conditioning hair — so it looks just as fresh as it did when you stepped out of the salon.
Sulfate-free formulas are perfect for sensitive scalps since sulfates "can over-strip the skin of oils, which can leave it dry and prone to allergic reactions," cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson previously told Allure.
$13 $10
Courtesy of brand2/25
Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo
When your hair is feeling drier and more brittle than a tumbleweed, break out Amika's Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo to relieve it. This heavy-hitter is infused with amino acids to mimic a keratin treatment-like finish — so expect a glossier sheen and tamed-down frizz. Amika's toning shampoo also has a vibrant hue to combat brass and maintain your color's salon-fresh finish.
Its pigment is technically neon purple, but we'd consider it phthalo blue, so brunettes may want to check it out for combating brass and maintaining a salon-fresh vibrance.
$20
Courtesy of brand3/25
Kérastase Blond Absolu Strengthening Conditioner
Leanna M., a colorist and member of The Coily Collective at Riccardo Maggiore Salon in New York City, recommends the Kératase Blond Absolu line — specifically the conditioners and leave-ins — for curly girls. It "helps defy brass on a weekly basis while replenishing your hair," she says, which can be attributed to a hefty dose of hyaluronic acid. The overnight leave-in serum (pictured above) "gives you that daily shot of platinum to make your hair always look lively," she points out.
$42
Courtesy of brand4/25
Kristin Ess The One Purple Shampoo
Both blondes and brunettes can enjoy the color-toning results of Kristin Ess' The One Purple Shampoo. This shampoo can cut brass with ease, thanks to its intensely deep violet shade. Due to its very deep color, cool-toned blondes (i.e. platinum and peroxide shades) can feel free to use this shampoo every time they shower, but golden blondes may want to use this opaque formula only when brassiness is noticeable.
$12
Courtesy of brand5/25
Matrix Total Results Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Shampoo
Matrix's Total Results Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Shampoo is part of a collection that also includes a conditioner and leave-in treatment, which claims to leave hair three times stronger when used altogether. But, even if you just use the shampoo, you're bound to see damage-repairing results. This particular formula contains citric acid (a type of alpha hydroxy acid of AHA) to reinforce weakened hair bonds and maintain a healthy scalp.
$39More from Allure
The Simple Way to Figure Out Your Hair's Curl Type
The 19 Best Essential Oil Diffusers to Make Your Home More Aromatherapeutic
19 Micellar Waters That Remove Your Makeup in One Simple Step
17 Hair-Dryer Brushes That'll Make You Break Up With Your Blow-Dryer
6/25
Ogx Blonde Enhance + Purple Toning Shampoo
Ogx's Blonde Enhance + Purple Toning Shampoo harnesses purple fig and iris to color-correct yellow tones and extend the longevity of your color for just $10 — a pretty impressive feat if you ask us. This drugstore gem also infuses your hair with hydrolyzed keratin for an extra dose of strengthening. Bonus? It smells absolutely incredible, thanks to notes of blood orange, papaya butter, and coconut milk.
$7
Courtesy of brand 7/25
DpHue Cool Blonde Shampoo
"As a professional colorist, I always want to provide my clients with tools that will help them maintain their color in between salon visits," explains Los Angeles-based colorist Justin Anderson, who works with Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Margot Robbie. "For anyone who has blonde, gray, or white hair, this dpHue Cool Blonde Shampoo is a must. It’s formulated with deep violet pigments that neutralize yellow tones and brassiness while gently cleansing the hair.”
$26
Courtesy of brand8/25
Verb Purple Toning + Hydrating Hair Mask
Like the "mask" in its name implies, Verb's Purple Toning + Hydrating Hair Mask goes all-in with nourishing ingredients like açai, sunflower seed, and pro-vitamin B5 that leave your hair softer, smoother, and more luscious than before. Violet pigments, of course, swoop in to take care of brassy tones in blonde, gray, and silver hair. While you can leave this treatment in your hair for up to 20 minutes (and as little as five to seven minutes), it's always a good idea to patch-test first.
$18
Courtesy of brand 9/25
Pantene Silver Expressions Purple Shampoo
While blondes can definitely use Pantene Silver Expressions Purple Shampoo, it was actually created specifically for gray, white, and silver hair. This gentle toning shampoo uses pro-vitamin B5 (also known as panthenol, which moisturizes and strengthens hair) to brighten up white tones and transform gray tones into silky silver.
$15
Courtesy of brand 10/25
Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner For Beautiful Color
The Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner For Beautiful Color duo "has the perfect violet tone, removing brassiness and brightening blonde or silver hair," explains Los Angeles hairstylist Miles Jeffries (who works with Mariah Carey, Angela Bassett, and Tinashe, to name a few). "When I need more intense brightness, I use them together. If I just want a touch of brightness, I'll use one or the other, depending on the client.”
$46
Courtesy of brand 11/25
Redken Color Extend Blondage Color-Depositing Shampoo
A 2019 Best of Beauty winner, Redken's Color Extend Blondage Color-Depositing Shampoo combines violet pigment to eliminate any signs of brassiness and citric acid (a type of alpha hydroxy acid) to repair hair from its core. To avoid any temporary staining, apply the shampoo with disposable gloves. From there, leave it on for three to five minutes and follow up with Redken's Blondage Conditioner or Hair Mask for best results.
$23
Courtesy of brand 12/25
Shu Uemura Color Lustre Shades Reviving Balm in Cool Blonde
Ferrara is also a fan of Shu Uemura's Color Lustre Shades Reviving Balm in Cool Blonde, which she says is "amazing for in-between salon visits." After shampooing, apply this treatment to refresh and intensify platinum tones, as well as to prevent color fading.
$59
Courtesy of brand 13/25
Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Conditioner
Clairol's Professional Shimmer Lights Conditioner is a "tried-and-true staple that has been around for decades and is a part of many colorists' personal kits," says colorist Kadi Lee, who is based in Los Angeles and works with Julia Roberts, Amber Valletta, and Suki Waterhouse. "The formula isn't too harsh and is pleasant-smelling. And for the cost-conscious, it gives you the most bang for your buck.”
$13More from Allure
The 19 Best Essential Oil Diffusers to Make Your Home More Aromatherapeutic
The Simple Way to Figure Out Your Hair's Curl Type
17 Hair-Dryer Brushes That'll Make You Break Up With Your Blow-Dryer
19 Micellar Waters That Remove Your Makeup in One Simple Step
Courtesy of brand14/25
Madison Reed Color Therapy Color Depositing Hair Mask in Perla
Infused with hair-strengthening and shine-boosting ingredients like argan oil, keratin, and ginseng root extract, Madison Reed's Color Therapy Color Depositing Hair Masks are five-minute conditioning treatments that can be used in-shower two to three times per week in place of conditioner. While there are five shades in all, Perla (pictured above) specifically adds violet tones to neutralize brassiness in blonde or highlighted hair.
$20
Courtesy of brand 15/25
Davines Alchemic Shampoo in Silver
Nikki Ferrara, colorist and founder of Nikki Ferrara Hair Color in New York City, recommends Davines' Alchemic Shampoo (and Conditioner) in Silver. "It's great for removing unwanted yellow tones on blonde hair," she tells Allure. It's also infused with vitamin B to deeply moisturize hair and restore it with a healthy-looking, shiny finish.
$27
Courtesy of brand 16/25
Beachwaver Co. Brb Blonde Purple Shampoo
Infused with a blend of Brazilian blackberries, French apricots, and Tahitian vanilla, Beachwaver's BRB Blonde Purple Shampoo smells like hair-care heaven. But the real kicker? The 2020 Best of Beauty-winning Beachwaver duo (the complementary conditioner also won) eliminates brassy tones and brightens blonde tones with utter ease. Coconut oil and shea butter restore moisture and special bond multipliers (which rebuild the internal bonds of your hair follicle) strengthen your hair, so it'll look healthier than you thought possible.
$28
Courtesy of brand17/25
Pravana The Perfect Blonde Shampoo
Jaxcee, colorist and founder of The Coily Collective currently at Riccardo Maggiore Salon in New York City, says that Pravana's sulfate-free The Perfect Blonde Shampoo is "not drying like a lot of the old guard." That's all thanks to a nourishing lineup of amino acids and jojoba, sunflower, and coconut oils. From the same line, she also recommends The Perfect Blonde Conditioner and Masque, especially for double-processed blondes.
$20
Courtesy of brand 18/25
Mr. Smith Blond
California-based hairstylist Cherin Choi says Mr. Smith Blond is her top at-home maintenance product. Whereas "shampoos tend to contain sulfates and take out color while depositing." Blond is a conditioner that enhances your color and infuses hair with almond, lavender, and orange peel oils that repair damaged cells and replenish moisture. She also appreciates that Mr. Smith uses essential oils, versus synthetic ingredients, as fragrances for its collection.
$50
Courtesy of brand 19/25
Framesi Color Lover Dynamic Blonde Violet Shampoo
Jaxcee also loves busting brass with Framesi's Color Lover Dynamic Blonde violet shampoo because its pigment is potent enough to "neutralize unwanted yellow tones out of blonde and white hair." She also notes that fewer suds found in the formula means it's "great for textured hair because it doesn't strip the hair of its natural oils," she adds.
$24
Courtesy of brand20/25
John Frieda Violet Crush For Blondes Purple Shampoo and Conditioner
This budget-friendly duo, John Frieda's Violet Crush For Blondes Purple Shampoo and Conditioner, deposits crushed violet pigments to help color-treated or highlighted blonde hair look cooler and brighter in as little as one use. That's pretty impressive. Plus, glycerin keeps hair looking moisturized and healthy.
$24 $20
Courtesy of brand 21/25
Rusk Deep Shine PlatinumX Shampoo
Leanna also recommends Rusk Deep Shine PlatinumX Shampoo for at-home toning. Since the pigment is "not too strong," you don't have to get nervous about emerging from the shower with purple hair. "Deep Shine is in its name for a reason; it leaves the hair feeling soft and smooth," she tells Allure. "It works amazingly for softening brass in brunettes, as well as blondes." The shampoo is infused with wheat protein to balance moisture levels and a combination of honey, lemongrass, verbena, and citrus extracts to brighten your color.
$14 $12More from Allure
The Simple Way to Figure Out Your Hair's Curl Type
19 Micellar Waters That Remove Your Makeup in One Simple Step
The 19 Best Essential Oil Diffusers to Make Your Home More Aromatherapeutic
17 Hair-Dryer Brushes That'll Make You Break Up With Your Blow-Dryer
Courtesy of brand22/25
Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo
Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo is formulated with deep violet pigments to counteract unwanted yellow and orange tones in blondes, lightened brunettes, and gray hair, making it an ideal option for at-home color upkeep. Like the rest of the brand's beloved products, this shampoo is infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil to repair dry hair and seal cuticles.
$24
Courtesy of brand 23/25
Kevin Murphy Blonde Angel Wash
"I love using Kevin Murphy's Blonde Angel Wash on clients because it’s part of a whole blonde routine that works on the health of fragile blonde hair, as well as the color," says hairstylist Aubrey Marie, who has worked on numerous movie sets including Lady Bird. Another thing about the lavender-infused shampoo: it’s sulfate-, paraben-, and cruelty-free. "It’s a great regimen to send home with my actors because it’s nourishing and gently tones brassiness."
$37
Courtesy of brand 24/25
Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo and Conditioner
Joico's Color Balance Purple Shampoo and Conditioner have the "perfect amount of pigment in it without leaving any purple in the hair," explains Los Angeles-based salon owner Larisa Love. "I also love that it leaves the hair shiny and healthy — not dry."
$19
Courtesy of brand 25/25
Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash in Flawless Diamond
Ferrara also recommends Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash shampoo (and conditioner) in Flawless Diamond. This keratin-safe option "helps with the unwanted yellow tones on super light blonde hair," she says and helps your hair resist fading if going to the salon for a refresh isn't an option right now.
The Simple Way to Figure Out Your Hair's Curl Type
The 19 Best Essential Oil Diffusers to Make Your Home More Aromatherapeutic
19 Micellar Waters That Remove Your Makeup in One Simple Step
17 Hair-Dryer Brushes That'll Make You Break Up With Your Blow-Dryer