How and when to use purple shampoo

Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo that cancels out the yellow and brassy tones that creep into blonde, grey and highlighted hair. The purple pigment sits opposite yellow on the colour wheel, so it neutralises warmth and keeps your colour looking cool, clean and fresh between salon visits. Used correctly it is brilliant. Used too often it can leave a dull, cool cast, so here is how the colour team at Baileys Hairdressing in Grantham suggest you use it.

What does purple shampoo actually do?

Blonde and lightened hair naturally warms up over time. Washing, heat styling, sun and hard water all nudge your colour towards yellow or brassy tones. Purple shampoo deposits a tiny amount of violet pigment each time you use it, which counteracts that warmth and keeps your tone bright.

It does not lighten your hair or replace a salon toner. Think of it as maintenance between appointments, keeping your colour looking its best for longer rather than changing it.

How often should you use purple shampoo?

It is a balance. Once or twice a week is plenty for most people. Any more and the pigment can build up and leave your hair looking flat or slightly grey toned. In the weeks after a fresh set of highlights, once a week keeps things bright without overdoing it, and you can lift to twice a week if your hair warms up quickly.

If your tone looks fine, you do not need to use it at all that week. Listen to your hair rather than sticking rigidly to a routine.

How to use purple shampoo properly

Apply it to wet hair, work it into a lather, and leave it on for two to five minutes depending on how much warmth you want to remove. The longer it sits, the stronger the toning effect, so start with a shorter time and build up. Rinse well, then follow with a nourishing conditioner or mask, because toning shampoos can be a little drying.

We stock a professional option in the salon, the Keune Silver Savior shampoo, which is gentle enough for regular use and keeps blonde and grey tones clean. If you are not sure how often to use it for your hair, just ask your stylist.

Who is purple shampoo for?

It suits anyone with blonde, grey, silver, or highlighted hair. It is especially useful if you have a half head or full head of highlights and want to protect that investment between visits. It also works beautifully on natural or blended greys, keeping them bright rather than dull. For a full routine, our guide on caring for highlighted hair covers the rest, from conditioning to heat protection.

Does purple shampoo get rid of brassy hair?

Yes, that is exactly what it is for. The violet pigment neutralises the yellow and orange tones that make hair look brassy, keeping blonde and highlighted hair cool and clean. For stubborn brassiness, a salon toner or gloss will reset it and your purple shampoo will maintain it.

Can you use purple shampoo every day?

It is best not to. Daily use can cause the pigment to build up and leave a dull or slightly grey cast. Once or twice a week gives you the benefit without the overload.

Will purple shampoo turn my hair purple?

Not when used correctly. It deposits only a small amount of pigment to balance warmth. If you leave it on far too long on very light hair you might see a temporary cool tint, which fades with a normal wash.

Does purple shampoo work on brown or highlighted hair?

It works best on the lightened pieces. On highlighted brown hair it keeps the lighter strands from going brassy, while leaving your natural depth untouched. It will not do much on unlightened dark hair.

Want your colour to stay salon fresh for longer? Book a toner or gloss with our team, or explore our highlights and colour services in Grantham and we will help you build the right routine for your hair.