I Was Blonde for 30 Years—These Are the Only Purple Shampoos and Conditioners I Recommend

Harper Rose2 days agoLast Updated: 26 September 2024

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I Was Blonde for 30 Years—These Are the Only Purple Shampoos and Conditioners I Recommend

Up until a few months ago, I had been blonde my entire life and began my career as a faux blonde way back in fifth grade. (I always wanted my natural dirty-blonde shade to be lighter, and after lots of begging, my parents finally agreed to let me get highlights.) Therefore, for years, I needed purple shampoo and conditioner in my life like I need coffee and an extra-spicy margarita come Friday. I was always a perfectionist when it came to maintaining my bright-blonde hue, and my shower was never without six or seven bottles of the stuff. I’m practically an alchemist at this point.

Regardless of the tone of your blonde (this also applies to silver, gray, and white hair), the best purple shampoos and conditioners come in clutch thanks to their signature violet tone, which naturally counteracts that inevitable yellow, brassy tinge that can start to creep in a few weeks post–color session. You can blame other products in your hair routine in addition to the chemicals and minerals found in your water for any unwanted color morph.

Regularly using purple-toned formulas is an expert-backed antidote, and every single colorist I’ve ever seen has reminded me to purple up every few washes to keep things toned and on the cooler side of the blonde-hair spectrum. Since I’ve tried more purple shampoos and conditioners in my 30 years than any other type of hair product, I’m sharing 11 of the very best formulas below. Keep scrolling!

The Best Purple Shampoos and Conditioners, Listed

Best Overall: Dae Violet Hour Purple Shampoo and Signature Conditioner
Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Ever-Pure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo and Conditioner
Best for Silver and Gray Hair: Davines Alchemic Silver Shampoo and Conditioner
Best for Dry Hair: BondiBoost Blonde Baby Hydrating Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner
Best for Damaged Hair: Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancing Toning Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Best for Highlights: Kevin Murphy Blonde.Angel.Wash and Blonde.Angel
Amika Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo and Conditioner
R+Co Bleu Blonded Brightening Shampoo and Masque
Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo and Conditioner
Redken Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo and Conditioner
Kérastase Blond Absolu Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo and Strengthening Conditioner

How to Use Purple Shampoo and Conditioner

The tone and health of your hair can influence the best practices when it comes to purple shampoo. If you use it too often—especially if you have platinum or silver to white hair—you can run the risk of turning your hair too ashy or even purple. Therefore, you’ll probably only want to lather up with purple shampoo every few washes, and using a purple shampoo and conditioner within one shower session might be overkill. I usually choose one or the other depending on how my hair is doing.

If your blonde is on the darker or warmer side, however, you can get away with using your purple shampoo and/or conditioner more frequently. The best thing to do is consult your colorist or hairstylist, and they can prescribe you the optimal protocol. Also, make sure to read the directions on your purple shampoo and conditioner. Some formulas are more saturated than others, and usually, it will only need to marinate on your strands for one to three minutes maximum. There’s definitely some trial and error involved, and unfortunately, it’s not a one-size-fits-all type of product.

What to Consider When Buying Purple Shampoo

According to the experts at one of our favorite haircare brands Living Proof, darker purple shampoo is normally made for platinum, gray, or silver-colored hair. Brighter shades of purple are better suited to a true blonde shade. Like I mentioned above, you should always consult your colorist on the right purple shampoo for your particular shade—some hues may require a specific shade of purple so the longevity of your color lasts as long as possible.