How to Tone Brassy Hair with Purple Shampoo (Step-by-Step Guide)
You leave the salon with that perfect, fresh blonde, but a few weeks later you catch your reflection and… yikes. Your hair’s turned yellowish and lost its salon shine. The fix? A $10 bottle of purple shampoo can save you hundreds on emergency toning appointments, only if you use it correctly. Here’s How to Tone Brassy Hair with Purple Shampoo.
Why Hair Turns Brassy
Even with professional color, lightened hair is prone to yellow and orange tones from:
- Sun exposure
- Heat styling
- Hard water minerals
- Fading toner pigments
Purple shampoo works by depositing violet pigments to neutralize those yellow tones (think back to the color wheel: purple cancels yellow).
Who Should Use Purple Shampoo
Best for:
- Platinum blonde
- Ash blonde
- Silver/grey hair
- Lightened brown hair that pulls yellow
Not ideal for:
- Very dark hair (you’ll need blue shampoo for orange tones)
How Often to Use Purple Shampoo
- Blondes with strong brassiness: 2-3x a week.
- Maintenance: 1x a week (as it can be drying).
- Adjust based on how quickly your color fades.
Step-by-Step: How to Tone with Purple Shampoo
Step 1: Start with Wet Hair
Dampen your hair with warm water to open the cuticle slightly.
Step 2: Apply Purple Shampoo
- Squeeze out excess water.
- Apply a generous amount from root to tip.
- Use gloves to avoid staining your hands.
Step 3: Let It Sit
- Mild brassiness: 1–3 minutes.
- Strong yellow tones: 5–7 minutes.
- Check every minute to avoid purple buildup.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Use cool water to help seal the cuticle and lock in the tone.
Step 5: Follow with Conditioner
Purple shampoo can be drying, so use a hydrating conditioner or mask afterward.
Pro Tips to Get the Best Results
- Clarify first: Once a month, use a clarifying shampoo before purple shampoo for even pigment deposit.
- Alternate with hydrating shampoo: Keeps your hair from getting too dry.
- Don’t overuse: Too much can cause a violet tint.
Purple shampoo is one of the easiest ways to keep your blonde, silver, or ash tones fresh. No salon visit required. Use it the right way, and you’ll stretch your color, save money, and keep your hair looking freshly toned for weeks.
Related Post: How to Tone Brassy Hair at Home
FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, however, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep xoxokaymo running.