The Best Purple Shampoos for Gray and Blonde Hair

Gurls, if there is one thing I get asked about more than anything, it is probably my hair. I get messages all the time asking what I use, what color it is, and about the cut. My purple shampoo is one of the secrets to the color.

Let me tell you, gray hair can be gorgeous, but it can also be a little bossy. One day it looks bright and shiny, and the next day you look in the mirror and think, “Well, who invited the yellow tones to this party?”

Between hard water, sunshine, heat tools, styling products, and just everyday life, gray, silver, white, and blonde hair can start to look brassy or dingy. That is where purple shampoo comes in.

I don’t use purple shampoo every time I wash my hair, and I don’t think most of us need to. But I always keep one in the shower because it makes a big difference when my hair starts looking a little warm or dull.

What Does Purple Shampoo Actually Do?

Purple shampoo works because purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel. That means the purple pigment helps cancel out yellow or brassy tones in gray, silver, white, and blonde hair.

It does not “dye” your hair purple when used correctly, but it can tone your hair and make it look brighter, cooler, and fresher. The trick is not overdoing it. Ask me how I know. Lol!

If you leave some purple shampoos on too long, or use them too often, your hair can start looking a little lavender, dull, or even dry. That is why I like rotating them in only when I feel like my hair needs a boost.

How Long Should You Leave Purple Shampoo On Your Hair?

This is the part that can make or break your results. You really have to adjust how long you let purple shampoo sit on your hair, because not all formulas are the same. Some are gentle and can stay on a little longer, while others get to work fast.

Usually, the longer you leave purple shampoo on your hair, the more it will tone your hair and push it toward that cooler, purple-blonde look. That can be beautiful if that is what you want, but it can also go a little too far if you are not paying attention. Ask me how I know. Lol!

I always recommend starting with just a few minutes the first time you use a new purple shampoo. You can always leave it on longer the next time, but once your hair grabs that purple tone, you may be wearing it until a few more washes fade it out.

The Kristin Ess Sulfate Free Purple Shampoo is the strongest of the four purple shampoos I use. I can only leave it on for a few minutes before I need to rinse it out, or my hair starts pulling more purple than I want. It works, but it works fast, so don’t put it on and let your mind wander.

The Purple Shampoos I Use On and Off

These are the four purple shampoos I have been using and rotating through. I don’t think you have to own all of these, but I do like having a few options because my hair doesn’t always need the same thing.

This Hair Biology Purple Shampoo & Conditioner Set was created with gray hair in mind, which immediately caught my attention. I’ve been using this purple shampoo and conditioner for at least 7 years. I like that it comes as a set because purple shampoo can sometimes feel drying, and using the coordinating conditioner helps keep my hair softer.

This is a nice option if your gray hair is looking dull, yellow, or flat, and you want something easy to grab at the drugstore price point. I would consider this one a good, everyday-friendly purple shampoo set, especially if you are new to using purple shampoo and don’t want to spend a fortune right out of the gate.

The Virtue ColorKick® De-Brassing Shampoo feels like a more elevated option. Virtue products are usually a splurge, but they are known for formulas that help hair look and feel healthier.

I like this one when I want my hair to look brighter but don’t want it to feel overly stripped. If your gray or blonde hair is color-treated, highlighted, or already a little fragile, this is one I would look at closely.

Kristin Ess Sulfate Free Purple Shampoo is a good middle-of-the-road price option, but it is not mild. Of the four purple shampoos I use, this is probably the strongest one for my hair.

I can only leave it on for a few minutes before it needs to be washed out. If I leave it on too long, my hair starts moving more toward that purple-blonde look. That may be exactly what some women want, but I prefer my hair bright and cool without looking too purple.

I like that it is sulfate-free, especially if you color or highlight your hair, but I would start slowly with this one. Use it for a short amount of time, rinse well, and then decide the next time if you need a little longer.

The K18 Triplebright Oxidation Defense Purple Shampoo is the one I would reach for when my hair needs a stronger brightening boost. K18 is a higher-end brand, so this is definitely more of a splurge.

This is a good option if your hair picks up yellow tones easily or if you are trying to keep blonde, gray, or silver hair looking crisp and bright. Since stronger purple shampoos can be more intense, I would start with a short leave-on time and build from there.

Budget-Friendly Purple Shampoos That Get the Job Done

You do not have to spend a fortune to keep brassiness under control. Some of the most popular purple shampoos are affordable, easy to find, and have been used by women for years.

This Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo from Clairol has been around forever, and there is a reason women still buy it. It is one of the classic purple shampoos for blonde, silver, and gray hair.

This one can be very effective, but it can also be strong. If you are new to purple shampoo, I would not slather it on and then go fold laundry for twenty minutes. Start with a short amount of time, rinse well, and follow with conditioner.

This EverPure Purple Shampoo from L’Oréal Paris is a great drugstore option, especially if you prefer a sulfate-free formula. It is made for blonde, highlighted, silver, or brunette hair with brassiness, and it is easy to find.

I like options like this because they make hair maintenance feel doable. Not everyone wants to spend salon prices on shampoo, especially when the grocery cart already looks like a luxury purchase these days.

This Botanic Hearth Purple Shampoo from Amazon is another affordable option, and I like that it includes ingredients like lavender oil, rosemary oil, and vitamin E. If your hair tends to feel dry, I always appreciate a purple shampoo that tries to tone and soften at the same time.

This would be one to consider if you want something from Amazon that is easy to reorder and doesn’t feel like a huge investment. at the same time.

Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Sets for Dry Gray Hair

A lot of gray hair is naturally drier and more wiry. Mine has a mind of its own some days, and I’m just thankful it doesn’t ask for its own zip code.

If your hair feels dry after using purple shampoo, a purple shampoo and conditioner set might be the better route. The shampoo helps tone the yellow, and the conditioner helps add softness back in.

This Tea Tree Purple Shampoo & Conditioner Set combines purple toning with ingredients like rosemary and aloe. I like that combination because gray hair can need both brightness and moisture.

This is a good option to look at if your hair gets brassy but also feels dry, especially in the summer when sun and heat can do a number on it.

This Purple Shampoo & Conditioner Set for Blonde and Gray Hair is another nice option if you prefer to buy the shampoo and conditioner together. It is designed for blonde, silver, platinum, and gray hair, and it is sulfate- and paraben-free.

A set like this makes sense if you want a simple routine and don’t want to play mix-and-match in the shower. Honestly, some mornings I’m lucky to remember if I already shampooed once. Lol!

Salon Favorites Worth the Splurge

Sometimes it is worth spending a little more, especially if your hair is color-treated, highlighted, fragile, or you are trying to maintain a cooler salon tone.

This No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Shampoo from Olaplex is popular because it tones brassiness while also helping hair feel stronger. If your hair has damage from coloring, heat styling, or lightening, this is one of the splurge options I would consider.

A little goes a long way with many salon shampoos, so even though the bottle costs more, you may not need to use as much.

This Platinum Blonde Violet Shampoo from Paul Mitchell has been a salon favorite for years. It helps brighten blonde, white, silver, and gray hair while toning down warmth.

This is a great option if you like a trusted salon brand and want something that has stood the test of time. Some products are popular for a season, and others stick around because they actually work.

This Icy Blond Shampoo is one to consider if you like a cooler, ashier tone. It is made to help cancel out stubborn brassiness and keep platinum, silver, and blonde hair looking bright.

This type of shampoo can be more intense, so I would start slowly. If your hair grabs pigment easily, don’t leave it on too long the first time.

My Purple Shampoo Tips for Gray and Blonde Hair

Purple shampoo can be wonderful, but it is not something I would use blindly. Here are a few tips I follow:

• Start with once a week and adjust from there.
• Do not leave it on too long the first time.
• Use a good conditioner afterward.
• Rinse well, especially around your hairline and ends.
• Don’t use it every wash unless your stylist tells you to.
• If your hair starts looking dull, flat, or too cool-toned, take a break.

The goal is bright and fresh, not purple and parched.

Which Purple Shampoo Should You Try First?

If you are brand new to purple shampoo, I would start with something affordable and easy, like Hair Biology, L’Oréal EverPure, or Kristin Ess.

• If your hair is dry, try a shampoo and conditioner set.
• If your hair is color-treated or damaged, look at Virtue, K18, or Olaplex.
• If your hair is very yellow or brassy, Shimmer Lights or Icy Blond may give you stronger toning, but use them carefully.

The best purple shampoo is the one that tones your hair without drying it out or making it look too purple. That may take a little trial and error, but once you find the right one, you will know it.

Final Thoughts on Purple Shampoo

Gray hair does not have to look dull, and blonde hair does not have to turn brassy. The right purple shampoo can make a big difference, and it only takes a few minutes in the shower.

I don’t use purple shampoo every time I wash my hair, but I do rotate it in when my hair starts looking yellow or not as bright. It is one of those little maintenance steps that helps keep gray, silver, white, and blonde hair looking polished.

Now tell me, have you found a purple shampoo you love, or are you still looking for the perfect one? I’m always curious about what works for other women, because hair has a way of humbling us all.

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Verse Of The Day

Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
²⁶ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”