Purple shampoo is a staple for those with blonde, silver, or gray hair, known for its ability to maintain cool tones and combat brassiness. However, incorrect use can lead to less-than-ideal results, from hair that’s over-toned to color correction that simply doesn’t work. Below, we’ll explore five common mistakes people make when using purple shampoo and how to avoid them for the best hair care results. 

What is Purple Shampoo?

Purple shampoo is a specialized hair product designed to neutralize unwanted yellow or brassy tones in light-colored hair. The science behind it is simple: purple is directly opposite yellow on the color wheel, meaning purple pigments can cancel out yellowish hues. This is particularly useful for blondes, those with gray or silver hair and individuals with light-colored highlights. The shampoo works by depositing a small amount of violet pigment onto the hair, keeping blonde and light hair looking fresh, vibrant and cool-toned.

1. Using Purple Shampoo Without Shampooing First

One of the biggest mistakes many people make is applying purple shampoo directly onto dirty or product-laden hair. Purple shampoo is a toning product, not a cleansing one and it can’t do its job effectively if your hair hasn’t been properly washed first.

How to Avoid This:

• Always start by using your regular shampoo to cleanse your hair of any dirt, oil and styling products. This gives the purple shampoo a clean canvas to work on, allowing it to tone your hair more evenly and effectively.
• After shampooing and rinsing, apply the purple shampoo and follow the recommended leave-in time for best results.

2. Applying Purple Shampoo Too Frequently

Purple shampoo should not be used as a daily hair cleanser. Many people make the mistake of applying it too often, thinking it will keep brassiness at bay indefinitely. Overuse can lead to dull, over-toned, or even purplish hair, especially if your hair is very light blonde or gray.

How to Avoid This:

• Use purple shampoo only 1-2 times a week, depending on your hair’s tendency to develop brassiness. If you use it more frequently, you risk over-toning, which can make your hair look lifeless or give it an undesirable purple tint.
• In between purple shampoo sessions, switch back to a color-safe regular shampoo to maintain healthy hair and avoid over-pigmentation.

3. Expecting Purple Shampoo to Fix Orange Tones

Purple shampoo is great for canceling out yellow or brassy tones, but it won’t work on orange or red tones in darker hair. This is a common misunderstanding that leads to frustration when purple shampoo doesn’t deliver the desired color correction on orange-tinted hair.

How to Avoid This:

• Know your hair’s underlying tone before reaching for purple shampoo. If your hair has orange or red tones, opt for a blue shampoo instead. Blue shampoo is specifically designed to neutralize orange tones in brunette or dark blonde hair.
• If you have both yellow and orange tones, you might need a combination of purple and blue shampoos, or even professional toning services.

4. Skipping the Pre-Tone Step

For those who frequently bleach or lighten their hair, skipping a pre-tone step before applying purple shampoo is a common mistake. If your hair is freshly bleached, it may need a toner or color corrector before the purple shampoo can work effectively. Bleached hair often has a mix of yellow and orange tones that purple shampoo alone may not be able to handle.

How to Avoid This:

• After bleaching, use a pre-toning product to neutralize any intense yellow or orange tones. This will create a more even base for the purple shampoo to work on.
• If you’re unsure whether you need to pre-tone, consult with your hairstylist. A professional toner or gloss treatment can help smooth out any uneven tones before you introduce purple shampoo into your routine.

5. Toning Faded Permanent Hair Color with Purple Shampoo

Another mistake people make is trying to use purple shampoo to tone faded permanent hair color. While purple shampoo is excellent for keeping blonde hair cool-toned and bright, it’s not designed to revive faded or dull permanent color.

How to Avoid This:

• If your permanent hair color has faded, purple shampoo alone won’t restore its vibrancy. Instead, you may need a color-refreshing treatment or professional touch-up to bring the shade back to life.
• Use purple shampoo only for maintaining the tone of blonde or highlighted hair. For fading hair dye, look for color-depositing conditioners or consult a colorist for professional solutions.

Best Purple Shampoos Available in Sri Lanka - Our Top Picks

If you’re looking to add purple shampoo to your hair care routine, selecting the right product is crucial to achieving the results you want. At essentials.lk, we offer a range of high-quality purple shampoos designed to meet various hair needs. Here are some of our top recommendations -

John Frieda Violet Crush For Blondes Purple Shampoo

John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo is formulated with crushed violet pigments to gradually eliminate brassy tones, keeping blonde hair cool and vibrant. Ideal for both natural and color-treated blondes, this vegan-friendly shampoo extends the time between salon visits while enhancing brightness. Suitable for platinum, white, gray, or silver hair.

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Color Protect Purple Shampoo

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Color Protect Purple Shampoo gently cleanses and neutralizes yellow tones in color-treated or gray hair. Designed to brighten blonde, bleached, or highlighted hair, this purple shampoo also nourishes, leaving hair soft, vibrant and free from brassiness.

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Deep Purple Mask

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Deep Purple Mask provides deep care for blonde and bleached hair, instantly neutralizing yellow and orange tones. Infused with purple pigments, this mask hydrates and protects hair, leaving it smooth and cool-toned.

L'Oréal Paris Ever Pure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo & Conditioner

L'Oréal Paris Ever Pure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo & Conditioner neutralizes brassy tones with a gentle formula infused with hibiscus and purple dye. Perfect for blonde, bleached and highlighted brunettes, this sulfate-free duo deeply moisturizes while keeping hair bright and brass-free

To keep your hair looking its best, choosing the right products is key! Browse our haircare collection for a wide selection of purple shampoos and other hair care essentials to maintain vibrant, healthy locks.