I’ve spent a lifetime being told by stylists to never dye my hair. Good news for them, I never have. I’m a natural blonde that becomes platinum in the summer (thank you, sunshine) and only a little darker in the winter. But as a beauty editor, I get countless press releases about hair toners, how to cure brassiness, and purple shampoo recommendations.
I could never relate to them—having never experienced brassiness to my knowledge. I’d ask stylists whenever I got the chance, “Can natural blondes use purple shampoo?” It felt like there was a part of being blonde I was missing out on or couldn’t relate to. Until I tried purple shampoo for myself. Not expecting a result, of course, but ending up being pleasantly surprised with the hair of my dreams. Seriously!
(Image Source: Getty / Miguel Sotomayor)
About the Expert
Annagjid “Kee” Taylor is a Philadelphia-based celebrity hairstylist and beauty entrepreneur. From a young age, she has always been fond of styling hair and helping people gain confidence in their appearances.
So, Can You Use Purple Shampoo on Natural Blonde Hair?
Short answer, absolutely!
For years, I was always under the impression purple shampoo only works for people with color-treated blonde hair; that it kept it looking fresh and bright. But when you think about it, how can color theory only help color-treated hair—wouldn’t it help all hair? I was thinking about it all wrong.
If we think back to the color wheel we learned in art class, yellow and purple are complements. Meaning they can cancel each other out. “Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo that is specially formulated to help treat brassy or yellow hair, as the complementary color helps neutralize the tones,” says celebrity hairstylist Annagjid “Kee” Taylor. So no matter if your hair is naturally blonde or not, purple shampoo will help brighten your hair tones.
Benefits of Purple Shampoo for Natural Blondes
The first time I used purple shampoo, I noticed my hair looked super clean. Clean as in, it shined like it never had before and it almost acted like a clarifying shampoo because I felt I got rid of all the buildup that was possibly on my scalp or coating my strands before.
Besides looking clean and sleek, my hair actually looked brighter. I was noticing blonde strands that look darker before my shower (or “hidden,” as I like to say) had re-emerged into their golden selves. “Purple shampoo does not lighten your hair but brightens it. Even if you do not have dyed hair, it will still keep your natural hair color fresh and prevent your hair from becoming too yellow,” Taylor explains.
Now, I try to use purple shampoo one or two times a month. I definitely don’t need it as often as someone who color treats their hair so I like to use it sparingly. I’ll first start with a scalp cleanse (I like to use the Inkey List Glycolic Scalp Treatment) then I will go in with the purple shampoo, my favorite being from Eva NYC and I leave it in my hair for about five minutes. “Keep in mind that the cooler the blonde, the longer the purple shampoo should remain on your hair before giving it a good wash. Feel free to use it daily or as often as you think is necessary for your hair or desired color,” says Taylor.
Best Purple Shampoo for Natural Blondes
Eva NYC Tone It Down Blonde Shampoo
This is my favorite purple shampoo. I love it for the low price, its incredible smell, and how soft it makes my hair. I like to pick this up at Target and sometimes I even spot it at TJ Maxx if I hunt hard enough. It’s a must-have product to always have on hand if you have blonde hair. Blow out your hair on the day you cleanse with this, the softness will shock you.
(Image Source: Eva-NYC.com)
Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo
Joico is the first brand of purple shampoo I ever tried. My first reaction was how amazing it was for fine hair. It didn’t weigh down my strands and I was able to extend my hair for three days (super unlikely for me) before needing another wash.
(Image Source: Ulta.com)
Kristin Ess Purple Shampoo
This is another amazing affordable option that you can find right at the drugstore. It’s gentle on hair and sulfate-free so if you have dry, frizzy hair, or sensitive skin it’s an ideal option as it doesn’t strip moisture too much or irritate the scalp.
(Image Source: Ulta.com)
Verb Purple Shampoo
Get this in the 42oz size, it is totally worth it! It may seem like a lot for a shampoo but when you factor in how big of a bottle this product is and the fact that you’ll be using this as a treatment, not an everyday shampoo, the price is 100% justified. It’s a great deal and an even better formula. You can use it on gray or silver hair tones as well.
(Image Source: VerbProducts.com)
Playa Violet Brightening Shampoo
If you’re prone to buildup, you need this purple shampoo from Playa. Aside from its color-toning abilities, it has apple cider vinegar and vitamin C to cut through and break down product buildup on your scalp and throughout your hair. Consider this your weekly hair detox that has a whole lot of benefits wrapped up into one. It also has babassu oil to condition and hydrate so you don’t have to worry about your hair drying out.
