Purple shampoo isn’t magic, it’s maintenance. If your hair’s still looking more banana than balayage, the problem might not be the brass, it might be how you’re using your bottle.
In 2025, purple shampoo is still a blonde essential, but let’s be honest: it doesn’t always deliver. Maybe it’s too weak, maybe you’re using it wrong, or maybe it was never the right fix to begin with.
This guide cuts through the purple haze, debunking myths, explaining the real science behind toning, and pointing you to smarter products that actually get the job done.
Why Purple Shampoo Fails (And What to Try Instead)
Reason It Fails | Cause | What to Try Instead |
Brassiness won’t budge | Low pigment or wrong undertone | Choose deeper violet formulas or salon toners |
Hair feels dry or rough | Overuse, sulfate base | Switch to moisturising sulfate-free types |
Doesn’t tone evenly | Uneven porosity or product buildup | Clarify hair before toning |
No visible change | Not left on long enough | Follow correct timing + apply on towel-dried hair |
What Does Purple Shampoo Actually Do?
Purple shampoo is a specially formulated cleansing product designed for blonde, bleached, silver, or highlighted hair. It contains violet pigments that deposit a subtle tint onto the hair shaft during washing, helping to correct unwanted warm tones.
Unlike regular shampoo, its primary role isn’t just to clean, it’s to tone and maintain colour clarity between hair salon JB visits.
How It Works: The Colour Theory Behind It
On the colour wheel, purple (violet) is directly opposite yellow, meaning the two shades cancel each other out. When your light hair starts to develop a yellowish or brassy hue, often from sun exposure, hard water, heat tools, or fading colour, the violet pigments in purple shampoo help balance those tones back to neutral or cool.
Think of it as a mini-toning session in your shower.
Use-case: Ideal for yellow-based brassiness in blonde, bleached, or grey hair. Not suitable for darker hair or red/orange tones.
Limitations of Purple Shampoo You Should Know
While purple shampoo helps with yellow tones, it won’t fix everything. If your hair is turning orange or red, purple pigments won’t help, and may even make things look worse. In these cases, you’ll need:
- Blue shampoo (for orange tones)
- Green-based toners (for red tones)
- Or a proper salon toner for full correction
“Purple shampoo is best thought of as maintenance. It can’t replace a toner or colour service, especially after bleaching or dyeing.” – Senior KSL Hair salon stylist.
Why Isn’t Your Purple Shampoo Working?
There are five common reasons your results are disappointing.
1. Your hair has too much buildup
Product residue blocks pigment absorption.
Hairsprays, oils, and silicone-heavy conditioners can coat your strands, making it harder for purple pigments to deposit. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week before your purple wash to clear the canvas.
2. You’re not leaving it on long enough
Timing matters, 3–5 seconds won’t cut it.
Many users rinse it off too quickly, expecting instant results. Let the shampoo sit for at least 3–5 minutes, or follow the specific instructions on your bottle. For even better results, try applying it to towel-dried hair.
3. You’re using it too often
More isn’t better, it’s just more purple.
Overusing purple shampoo can make hair look dull, dry, or even stained purple. Stick to 1–2 times a week for maintenance. In between, rotate with a moisturising or bond-repair shampoo.
4. It’s the wrong tone for your brassiness
Purple only fixes yellow, not orange or red.
If your brass is orange, you’ll need blue shampoo. If it’s red, a deeper colour-correcting treatment or professional toner is necessary. Using the wrong tone won’t just fail, it might make the colour worse, colour theory folks!
5. Your shampoo is too weak
Low-pigment formulas don’t get the job done.
Many drugstores or beauty retailers like purple shampoos have diluted violet pigments, especially when prioritising price over performance. Opt for salon-grade or concentrated formulas that are sulfate-free and pH-balanced for colour-treated hair.
Example: Pantene Purple Shampoo
It smells nice and feels soft, but the pigment is often so light that brassiness hardly improves, even after repeated use. Instead use salon-grade picks:
- Olaplex No. 4P
- Shiseido Primience
- Fanola No Yellow
“Deep violet pigment, sulfate-free, and pH-balanced help tone effectively without drying out bleached or colour-treated hair.”
Tip: When your purple shampoo looks pale or watery in the bottle, it probably has too little pigment to do much for tone.
What to Use Instead of Purple Shampoo (If It’s Not Enough)
When purple shampoo isn’t cutting it, level up with these smarter tone-correcting options:
Demi-Permanent Toner
Longer-lasting brass control with pro-level results.
Toners gently neutralise unwanted tones and typically last 4–6 weeks. Ideal after bleaching or when hair is too warm despite regular shampooing. Use at home with care, or have it applied at the salon.
Purple Gloss Treatment
Adds shine while correcting tone, without damage.
Glosses are ammonia-free, subtle toners that boost vibrancy and manageability. Great for in-between salon visits or when your hair feels dull and lifeless.
Colour-Depositing Hair Masks
Deep treatment + pigment in one weekly step.
These masks offer both hydration and colour correction, especially helpful for porous or dry blonde hair that doesn’t hold tone well. Gentler than toners and beginner-friendly.
In-Salon Toner Sessions
For a full reset tailored to your exact brass.
Salon toners are custom-mixed to your undertone and hair condition. Book one every 6–8 weeks to maintain a clean, cool tone, especially after lifting or balayage.
Still unsure? Ask your stylist to recommend which route suits your hair condition best.
Read more: 7 Types Scalp Treatments in Johor That Actually Work
Should You Stop Using Purple Shampoo Completely?
Not necessarily, you just need to use it smarter. You see, purple shampoo works best when it’s part of a balanced haircare routine, not the only thing you rely on.
Rotate Your Shampoo
Don’t just use purple shampoo every wash. Swap in a moisturising or bond-building shampoo (like Olaplex or K18) on non-toning days to keep hair soft and strong.
Apply on Towel-Dried Hair
Wet hair = diluted pigment.
For better toning, squeeze out excess water first. Applying purple shampoo to damp (not dripping) hair helps the violet pigments deposit more effectively.
Limit Use to 1–2 Times a Week
Less is more, because more isn’t better.
Overuse can lead to dullness, dryness, or even purple staining. Stick to once or twice a week to maintain tone without overcorrecting.
“Purple shampoo is a tone corrector, not a daily cleanser. Let it support your hair goals, not sabotage them.” Senior Stylist at REDS hair salon.”
What Type of Purple Shampoo Works Best in 2025?
Look for concentrated formulas with added hydration.
Brand | Best For | Price (SGD) | Texture | Sulfate-Free |
Shiseido Primience | Asian bleached hair | $32 | Creamy, rich | ✅ |
Olaplex No. 4P | Damaged blonde hair | $45 | Thick gel | ✅ |
Kérastase Blond Absolu | Frizzy, high-porosity hair | $58 | Silky | ✅ |
Mise en Scène Purple Shampoo | Budget-friendly tones | $16 | Light, liquid | ✅ |
Bonus Tip: Always patch-test before using a new pigmented product.
Beyond the Bottle: Smarter Blonde Care Starts Here
Purple shampoo isn’t a fix-all, but it’s still a smart tool when used right.
If your blonde still looks off despite regular use, the issue could be buildup, poor technique, or using the wrong formula.
Don’t toss your bottle just yet! Instead, upgrade your routine.
- Start by clarifying your hair weekly
- Apply purple shampoo to towel-dried hair
- Use only 1–2 times per week
- Supplement with a gloss, toner, or colour-depositing mask
Still not seeing results? It might be time for a salon toner or gloss consultation to get personalised help based on your hair’s tone, texture, and condition.
Book an appointment with us on REDS Hair Salon, our stylists can help personalise a routine that actually works for your blonde or grey goals.
We have a lot of experience in dealing with brassy hair, so rest assured, we are the best hair salon in KSL City mall.
Don’t believe us? Just search it, and we will pop right up.
Find us here at KSL City Mall!
Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Shampoo
You may have buildup, wrong undertones, or be using the wrong product.
1–2 times per week is enough for maintenance. Avoid daily use.
No, use blue shampoo or a salon toner instead.
Not inherently, but overuse or sulfates can dry hair.
Yes, for stronger results. But monitor closely to avoid staining.
Toners, glosses, or colour-depositing masks offer more control and longevity.