March 20-25: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here!
Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Purple Shampoo

Last updated on February 29, 2024

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Whether you were born with blonde hair or you pay for it, it can be tough to get the color just right. Even if it looks perfect the day you color it, it can gradually lose its luster and start to turn brassy. Those yellows, oranges and reds that make blonde hair look less brilliant than you’d prefer are hard to avoid.

Stylists typically add a toner to reduce those colors, known as undertones. But not everyone pays for salon color and, of those who do, the toner can lose its power over time. That means in the weeks following your appointment, you may find that your blonde takes on a bit of brassiness, which you’re stuck with until your next coloring.

That’s where purple shampoo comes in. If you look at a color wheel, purple is directly across from yellow, and colors located on opposing sides of the wheel cancel each other out. When purple is applied to your hair, it cancels out the yellow tones, providing that icy blonde color that is seen as the ideal.

MORE: The Best Organic Shampoo and Conditioner

But blonde hair isn’t the only hair color that can benefit from a tube of purple shampoo. Those with silver hair also find undertones starting to appear, and purple shampoo can help with that, as well. Some with dramatic blonde or silver highlights also find that purple shampoo provides better color, although it has no effect on other hair colors.

Our Picks For The Top Purple Shampoos

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Fanola Chemically Treated Hair Purple Shampoo, 11.8-Ounce

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Fanola

Chemically Treated Hair Purple Shampoo, 11.8-Ounce

This purple shampoo eliminates brassiness in both blonde and silver hair. If you want a slightly lavender hue, you can even leave it on a little longer. This shampoo is a very dark color of purple, so you'll need to wear gloves.

Overall Take

Moisturizing FormulaSome purple shampoos can dry your hair out, but moisturizers in this purple shampoo will keep your hair soft and shiny.

 Runner Up

Bold Uniq Restorative Purple Shampoo, 8.5-Ounce

Bold Uniq

Restorative Purple Shampoo, 8.5-Ounce

This purple shampoo not only reduces brassiness, but it also is sulfate- and paraben-free to protect your hair color. You'll get protection from the sun's harmful rays and a formula that's cruelty free and vegan.

Overall Take

Provides UV ProtectionIf you spend time outdoors, consider this purple shampoo, which helps protect your hair color from harmful UV rays

 We Also Like

MATRIX So Silver Brightening Purple Shampoo, 10.1-Ounce

MATRIX

So Silver Brightening Purple Shampoo, 10.1-Ounce

Designed for all hair types, this purple shampoo helps clarify and enhance shine while also removing brassy undertones.

Overall Take

For All Hair TypesPick up a bottle of this purple shampoo if you've noticed your blonde doesn't look quite as vibrant anymore.

 Best Value

L’Oréal Paris Damaged Purple Shampoo For Blonde Hair Set, 6.8-Ounce

L'Oréal Paris

Damaged Purple Shampoo For Blonde Hair Set, 6.8-Ounce

This purple shampoo for blonde hair not only cleanses, but also conditions hair. It does an excellent job of neutralizing brassy, yellow and orange tones without the use of harsh chemicals.

Overall Take

Complete SetA fresh aromatic hibiscus fragrance is what you'll get when you opt for this purple shampoo for blonde hair.

What to Look For

  • You don’t have to have dyed hair to benefit from purple shampoo. In fact, those with naturally blonde and naturally silver hair find it reduces undertones.
  • Purple shampoo can dry out your hair. Look for one that is formulated to overcome that obstacle, leaving your hair soft, shiny and undertone free.
  • For those with damaged or dry hair, a nourishing toning mask will probably be better for your hair than a purple shampoo.
  • Just because you use purple shampoo, doesn’t mean you can do away with a toner. If your salon provides that service, use purple shampoo as a supplement. If you color your own hair, look for a toner that can reduce undertones.
  • Don’t use purple shampoo in the first two weeks after your hair has been colored. The hair is more porous following bleaching, making it more likely you’ll get blotchy, uneven results.
  • Follow the instructions closely on the bottle. If a time range is recommended for leaving the shampoo on your hair, go with the low end of that range at first, then increase as you get more comfortable with the results. Leaving purple shampoo on too long can create a lavender hue, although some like having that tint and choose to leave it on longer to get there.

More to Explore

Natural blondes are definitely in the minority worldwide, and even in the U.S. Globally, 2 percent of people are naturally blonde (or blond, going by the male spelling), and only 1 in 20 in the U.S. are. However, if you add in the 1 in 3 women who bleach their hair, the number of fair-haired people rises significantly. But even natural blondes may find they need to lighten a little, since blonde hair typically darkens over time.

MORE: The Best Purple Conditioner

Being a brunette actually has its own benefits, though. Brunette hair is typically thicker, and it has more melanin, offering more protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

More to explore