Whether you’re blonde, silver, grey, have balayage or highlights, it can be a struggle to keep your colour as vibrant as it was in the salon. That’s where purple shampoo comes in. What does purple shampoo do? It’s specifically designed to neutralise brassy, yellow and orange tones to preserve the cool, bright hues in your hair between salon visits.
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about purple shampoo and answer all your questions, like how does purple shampoo work? And does purple shampoo actually work?
WHAT DOES PURPLE SHAMPOO DO TO YOUR HAIR?
What is purple shampoo used for? Lightened or colour-treated hair is prone to developing yellow or brassy undertones. And no one wants that. This happens due to exposure to sun, minerals in water and regular styling.
Purple shampoo contains violet pigments. On the colour wheel, violet is opposite to yellow. So what will purple shampoo do? It puts those pigments to work to neutralise the yellow and orange hues. The result is hair that looks fresh and cool.
Why does purple shampoo work so effectively? A formula like our TONI&GUY Purple Shampoo is designed to deposit the pigments in your hair evenly. It also contains additional nourishing ingredients to keep your hair in good condition.
If you’re dealing with brassiness now and asking how fast does purple shampoo work, the good news is that it works fast. Within a single wash you’ll notice renewed vibrancy and brightness in your hair.
The beauty of purple shampoo lies in its simplicity. Whether your goal is to maintain a clean platinum, a smoky silver or a vibrant balayage, it’s an effortless way to achieve a salon-fresh finish at home.
WHAT IS PURPLE SHAMPOO’S EFFECT ON DIFFERENT HAIR COLOUR?
Understanding what purple shampoo does to blonde hair versus brunette or highlighted hair helps you unlock its powerful potential for vibrant, balanced colour.
For blondes, especially those with ash or platinum tones, purple shampoo works wonders on brassiness. The violet pigments cancel out yellow tones, refreshing your colour between salon visits.
On brunettes, purple shampoo won’t lighten or turn hair purple, but it’s great to soften brassiness in lighter brown highlights.
Redheads with highlights can also benefit from occasional purple shampoo use to reduce any light orange undertones.
Over time, warmth can creep into highlights and balayage on darker hair, and purple shampoo helps to zap this warmth and keep your hair looking cool and fresh.
COMMON QUESTIONS ON THE EFFECTS OF PURPLE SHAMPOO
We receive questions about the effects of purple shampoo all the time – from brassiness to tone to tricky green hues. Here are the most common ones.
Does purple shampoo make blonde hair lighter?
Technically, no. It won’t “lighten” your hair, but it can make blonde shades appear cleaner and brighter by neutralising those unwelcome warm tones.
Can you tone your hair with purple shampoo?
Absolutely. Purple shampoo is safe for all colour-treated shades, from icy blondes to bold highlights. It will tone hair beautifully to keep brass at bay.
Can you use purple shampoo on ash blonde hair?
Yes. It’s a top choice for keeping ash tones crisp.
Does purple shampoo help orange tones?
Yes, but with a caveat. Purple shampoo is most effective on yellow or light orange tones. For deeper orange, an intensive purple mask (like our TONI&GUY Purple Toning Mask) might be more effective.
Does purple shampoo help with green hair from chlorine?
Although purple shampoo doesn’t directly counteract green, it can mask subtle green tones on blonde or highlighted hair. It can help to refresh your look until your next salon visit.
Does purple shampoo make your hair dry?
When used as directed, purple shampoo won’t dry out or damage your hair. However, leaving it on too long could result in a slightly purple tint or a muted finish caused by excess violet pigment buildup, especially on lighter hair.
Does putting purple shampoo on dry hair make it blonder?
No, purple shampoo won’t make your hair blonder, even when used on dry hair, as it doesn’t contain any bleaching agents. Using purple shampoo on dry hair could intensify the toning effect and give you a less-than-desired result, so it’s best to use it on wet hair as directed.
Can you dye hair with purple shampoo?
That’s a no. Purple shampoo is specifically designed to neutralise yellow and brassy tones in lightened hair, not to deposit permanent colour.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE PURPLE SHAMPOO?
The magic of purple shampoo lies in knowing when and how often to use it. And the answer depends on your hair colour and how brassy it is.
For blondes or those with highlights, one to two times a week is generally effective for keeping yellow tones in check. For ash blondes or grey shades, you may find even once a week delivers the cool tones you’re after.
CAN PURPLE SHAMPOO BE USED DAILY?
Purple shampoo can be used regularly, but it’s important to note that purple tones will accumulate or build up with a daily wash. We recommend changing your regime at least once a week with our StrengthPlex, Volume Addiction, Colour Radiance Pro or Damage Repair range for best results.
Our TONI&GUY Purple Shampoo is specifically designed to offer powerful toning while being gentle on your hair. To maintain vibrance, use TONI&GUY Purple Shampoo once or twice weekly. It’s then best to follow with our TONI&GUY Purple Conditioner or TONI&GUY Purple Toning Mask to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. You may also opt to alternate your purple shampoo with our TONI&GUY Damage Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, which cleanses and protects the moisture and strength of colour-treated hair.
To achieve optimal results, apply the purple shampoo to damp hair and leave it on for 3-5 minutes. This is just enough time to get the job done without over-depositing pigment. How long to leave purple shampoo in is a balancing act. A few minutes will soften brassiness, while longer times (5-10 minutes) intensify toning.
TONI&GUY Purple Shampoo is your go-to for keeping your colour bright, cool and beautifully balanced.
TONE LIKE A PRO
Purple shampoo isn’t just another product in your haircare lineup. It’s your go-to for keeping your colour bright, cool and beautifully balanced between salon visits.
With TONI&GUY Purple Shampoo, you get more than just toning power. It’s a professional formula packed with strengthening and smoothing ingredients designed to enhance colour and add lustre. It gives your hair the shine and cool tones you love, all while protecting it from brass without damaging or drying it.
Ready to keep that brass at bay? Explore our full range as Australia’s Number 1 Selling Purple Toning Brand and get more tips and hair care inspiration in our how-tos.
