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Nov 05, 2024

The 13 Best Purple Shampoos of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Our top pick is Amika Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo Jessie Quinn is a Los

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Our top pick is Amika Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo

Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors.

In This Article

People / Kristin Kempa

Whether you’re a natural blonde, a bottle blonde, or have graying hair, brassiness always creeps in between color touch-ups. Even with the best hair care products and practices, keeping the yellow tinge at bay without some specialty product assistance is nearly impossible, which is why purple shampoos are a must-have for light and cool-tone hair colors.

“Purple shampoo provides a quick at-home solution to blonde hair that yellows and fades over time. No matter how icy and bright your blonde is when you leave the salon, the color inevitably fades due to everyday exposures that are impossible to prevent.” — Carly Zanoni, colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador

With so many purple shampoos to choose from, our PEOPLE Tested team took 26 formulas for a real-world spin to make the process easier for you. We tested them for their overall efficacy, ease of use, and how well they clean the hair in addition to toning the yellow tinge. After six weeks of testing, we narrowed our selections to the best purple shampoos.

Easy to work up an abundant lather

Immediate difference in tone after the first wash

Includes detailed/clear directions

We wish this came in different sizes

Our top pick for the best purple shampoo is the highly effective and versatile Amika Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo. Enriched with Amika’s bond cure technology, this product helps protect hair from breakage caused by environmental stresses. It features mango butter extract, borage oil, shea butter, and vegan proteins to nourish and strengthen strands while cleansing. With a high concentration of ultraviolet pigments, this shampoo is designed to neutralize brassiness and give all hair types a brighter, more refreshed look.

When testing this shampoo, we were most impressed by how quickly and effectively it worked. After just one rinse, our hair looked more refreshed and the brass was completely toned out. On top of that, the formula features a nice texture that makes an even all-over application a breeze. And, despite being highly pigmented, the color only sticks to strands, so you don’t have to worry about staining your skin, nails, or shower curtain.

This shampoo is formulated for all hair types, and the brand provides very specific application instructions for a variety of types, which makes it easy to achieve the desired results.

Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Amika bond cure technology, mango butter extract, borage oil, shea butter, vegan proteins, ultraviolet pigments | Best Suited For: All hair types

Since purple and yellow neutralize each other — the same reason purple toothpaste works for whitening teeth — Zanoni says purple shampoos are an effective way to get rid of brassy hair color and work particularly well on lighter blondes who want cooler, icier tones in their strands.

Hair looked salon-fresh after one use

Effective at cleansing

Provides a shiny finish

Can subscribe for a discounted price

We wish this formula came in a travel-sized option

We also loved dpHUE Cool Blonde Purple Shampoo, especially for anyone looking for an option designed to strengthen dry or damaged strands. Formulated with silk protein for supporting hair health along with highly concentrated violet pigments, this formula gave our brassy blonde strands an immediate refresh. After the first wash, we noticed that all of the brassiness neutralized and that our hair looked a lot brighter and fresher than before. The silky texture makes it easy to apply evenly all over the scalp and strands, too.

We were impressed by how well this formula lifts away excess oil from the scalp and removes dirt and debris without stripping hair. We also love how well the formula lathers, making it much easier to cleanse the hair, even after extending our wash schedule a little longer than usual.

Size: 8.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Violet pigments, silk protein | Best Suited For: All hair types

People / Grace Simpson

Effectively neutralized brassiness and brightened hair

Formula doesn't stain

Available in four sizes

You need to use a lot of product to get a good lather

Has a strong scent

After testing a few budget-friendly options, we were most impressed by how Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo neutralized brass and gave us an overall brighter effect. This formula is one of the OG purple shampoos, a testament to its efficacy. Formulated for all hair types, the purple shampoo uses quality violet pigments to cancel out dull, brassy hues. And, in just one rinse, you can see a difference. The drugstore purple shampoo also comes in four different sizes, including a travel-sized option.

During testing, we were also impressed by the formula's overall quality, considering it’s an inexpensive purple shampoo. It also doesn’t stain the skin, nails, or shower walls. While you do need to use a little extra formula to get a good lather going, the overall quality and value make this one of the best budget-friendly purple shampoos.

Size: 2, 8, 16, or 31.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Not listed | Best Suited For: All hair types

Hard water, air pollution, and sun exposure can all contribute to brassy tones, according to Zanoni.

Features nourishing ingredients to revitalize strands

Generously sized bottle

Packaging looks like a more luxe option

Less potent formula

Saltair Beach Blonde Shampoo is our runner-up for the best budget-friendly purple shampoo. This formula features a blend of violet pigments, violet flower extract, orchid flower extract, and kukui nut oil to effectively clean the scalp and hair while also nourishing and neutralizing.

The purple shampoo also smells incredible — it has a soft floral aroma — and is packaged in a bottle that rivals its luxe counterparts. And, of course, you can’t beat that price, especially since it gets you a whopping 14 ounces of formula. Our only complaint? It isn’t as pigmented as some of the other options on our list (including the Clairol purple shampoo) so we prefer this option as a preventive or maintenance formula instead.

Size: 14 ounces | Key Ingredients: Violet pigments, violet flower extract, orchid flower extract, kukui nut oil | Best Suited For: All hair types, especially dry strands

Gentle enough for sensitive scalps

With regular use, helps decrease frizziness

Effectively removed brassy hues

Works best if you pre-wash hair

If you have gray hair that looks a little yellow, chances are you need a purple shampoo to neutralize the brassy tinge and reveal a cooler, fresher gray tone. But, don’t reach for just any purple shampoo. Get a purple shampoo for gray and white hair specifically, like Better Not Younger Silver Lining Purple Brightening Shampoo. This shampoo is enriched with biotin, bamboo, burdock, and hops and is designed to cleanse, nourish, and strengthen hair while toning out natural gray and white strands.

We tested this shampoo on hair that we thought was a light brassy yellow color but just needed a little purple pigment to cool things down and give our gray hair some extra oomph. In addition to its neutralizing power, we were also impressed by how it improved the appearance of our frizzy hair once it was dried and styled. It had a nice shine to it, too.

Size: 8.4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Biotin, bamboo, burdock, hops | Best Suited For: All hair types with gray and white strands

One of the best lathers of all we tested

Quick results

Can stain your shower

We were highly impressed by how effective IGK Blonde POP Purple Toning Shampoo was for neutralizing brassy tones on highlighted hair. This formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients, such as squalane to support moisture balance and purple rice for softening and strengthening strands. And, out of all the formulas we tried, it has the best lather, which makes an even application easier.

In addition to its efficacy, we also love that you don’t have to wait minutes for this shampoo to neutralize strands. Instead, you just apply the formula to your scalp and ends and then rinse just like you would with a traditional shampoo. The only downside to this purple shampoo is that it can stain your shower (and shower curtain) if you don’t immediately rinse it away. So, if you have light-colored tile, we recommend washing it off immediately to avoid this.

Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Purple rice, squalane | Best Suited For: All hair types

Effectively brightened bleached strands

Also works well on brown hair with blonde highlights

Might be too clarifying for damaged or dry hair

If you have brown hair with blonde highlights, we also recommend trying Kristin Ess The One Purple Shampoo. This shampoo is formulated for both blondes and brunettes and is a little less potent compared to some of its counterparts, so it effectively enhances brown hair while also neutralizing brassy blonde highlights.

You can find the purple shampoo at a variety of retailers for under $15, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice. And, despite the more affordable price point, the packaging still feels high-quality and looks great in your shower.

Size: 10 ounces | Key Ingredients: Not listed | Best Suited For: All hair types, especially oily

Visible difference in tone after the first wash

Nourishes hair without weighting it down

Heavy pigment can stain fingernails

If you have fine hair and want a purple shampoo that can neutralize brassiness without weighing down your strands, we recommend Morrocanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo. This shampoo is formulated with the brand’s ArganID to help repair and seal hair cuticles and provide overall deep nourishment.

We love this formula because it creates a rich lather that makes it easy to get an even application. And, even after just one rinse, all of the brassiness diminishes and you’re left with cool blonde tones. Additionally, this purple shampoo comes in several sizes, including a travel-size option. But we noticed that it can stain hands and nails, so rinse hands quickly or consider wearing gloves.

Size: 2.4, 6.8, or 33.8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Morrocanoil ArganID, violet pigments | Best Suited For: All hair types, especially fine hair

Features hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into strands

Don’t need a lot of product to get good coverage

Provided one of the best cleanses

May not be nourishing enough for damaged hair

For a hydrating purple shampoo that works well on dry and oily hair types, and color-treated blonde hair (that's dry from bleaching), consider Kérastase Bain Ultra-Violet Purple Shampoo. This purple shampoo is enriched with hyaluronic acid to draw moisture to the strands and provide plenty of hydration without weighing down hair. The formula also includes edelweiss flower, which is rich in antioxidants and can protect hair against environmental aggressors.

We tested this purple shampoo on long, thick hair and were overall very impressed. It effectively neutralized brassy tones, was easy to apply evenly from roots to ends, and didn't require a lot of extra formula when covering long hair. On top of that, this purple shampoo works well at cleansing and clarifying hair.

Size: 8.4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, edelweiss flower, ultraviolet neutralizers | Best Suited For: All hair types, especially dry strands

Lifted away product buildup, dirt, and debris

Helped strengthen strands, especially bleach-treated

Gentle enough to use every time you shampoo

We wish this formula came in a travel-size bottle

Keratin is a haircare ingredient that can make all the difference in hair health, especially if you have dry or damaged strands. Our top pick for this category is Nexxus Blonde Assure Purple Shampoo Color Care Shampoo because it not only includes keratin protein but also effectively neutralizes brassy tones while nourishing strands.

With just one wash, our hair looked much less brassy, even when we were long overdue for a highlight refresh. Additionally, the formula worked just as well as traditional shampoo at removing product buildup, dirt, and debris. Despite its deep cleaning formula, it didn't strip strands of natural oil. Since it provides plenty of lightweight nourishment, it’s a great option for regular use, even if you wash your hair several times per week.

Size: 8.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Keratin protein, violet pigments | Best Suited For: All hair types, especially bleach-treated and gray strands

Tones hair between salon appointments

Since it's used infrequently, the bottle will last

Can create a purple tinge if left on too long

For a purple shampoo that can give you salon-worthy hair between visits, look no further than Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Purple Shampoo. This formula is enriched with the brand’s bond-building technology and is designed to strengthen and protect strands while also toning out brassy hues.

In our experience, we found that you only need to use this formula as a touch-up product because regular use (or leaving it on for too long) can cause your hair to turn a light shade of purple — that’s how effective it is at depositing the brass-busting color. And, since you only need to use it sparingly, the 8.5-ounce bottle lasts a long time.

Size: 8.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology | Best Suited For: All hair types, especially dry or damaged hair

Has a fresh scent that lingers

Lathers well for excellent coverage

Provides light color correction

Sensitive scalps can still reap the benefits of purple shampoo, thanks to Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo. This purple shampoo is formulated with nourishing ingredients, including keravis for strengthening strands, astaxanthin (a powerful antioxidant) for repairing damage, and purple orchid for violet toning.

When testing on sensitive scalps, we never experienced irritation or tingling and our scalp felt more nourished and refreshed after each cleanse. This shampoo also has an excellent lather that helps make the entire application process easier and ensures you get good coverage. Plus, it has an amazing fresh scent that lingers once hair is dried and styled. With that said, the shampoo formula only provides light color correction, so it’s not ideal if you have ultra-brassy tones, and might be a better option for maintenance or as a preventive care.

Size: 1.7, 9, or 33.8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Keravis, astaxanthin, purple orchid | Best Suited For: All hair types, especially damaged or dry strands

Works on all blonde shades

Hair felt much more nourished and held onto moisture better

We wish it lathered up a little more

Verb Purple Shampoo helps maintain your cool blonde color by subtly neutralizing brassy tones. Although the effect is not as drastic as some of the other options on our list, we love that you can use this formula regularly to not only keep brass at bay but also support overall hair health since it's so nourishing. With regular use, we noticed our hair texture improved, and over time, strands felt softer, and our hair held onto moisture better, too.

If you're looking for a shampoo for curly textures, this formula is nourishing and helps restore some of the dimension while also preventing excess frizz and protecting against breakage. The formula also works well on golden blonde and dirty blonde colors, in addition to cool platinum.

Size: 12 or 32 ounces | Key Ingredients: Violet pigments, açai extract | Best Suited For: All hair types

Adding a purple shampoo to your shower shelf? You may like one of these other PEOPLE-Tested haircare picks, selected by editors and independent testers based on extensive testing.

People / Grace Kelly

According to Zanoni, the best purple shampoos will have excellent pigmentation and, therefore, are usually on the darker side.

"Light lavender shampoos will not be as effective at controlling the yellow tones,” Zanoni explains. With that said, the lighter pigmentation might work as a maintenance option and allow you to keep your cool blonde fresher for longer.

Our top pick for the best purple shampoo is Amika Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo. This shampoo features a deep and vibrant purple tone that effectively tones brassiness with just one wash. For another highly pigmented option, we also love Morrocanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo. If you want something that works well for maintenance, we love Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo and Verb Purple Shampoo.

While it’s not always the case, blonde hair is usually achieved through bleaching, which can leave hair feeling dry and more prone to breakage. If you have bleached strands, Zanoni says to look for hydrating and nourishing purple shampoos that don’t leave hair feeling dry or brittle after rinsing. In addition to hydration, Sam Stahl, a colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador, says to look for formulas with bonding technology if you’re concerned about breakage and damage. “This will help rebuild the inner structure of the hair, making for shinier, healthier hair.”

Our top pick for the best hydrating purple shampoo is Kérastase Bain Ultra-Violet Purple Shampoo. We also love Verb Purple Shampoo for its nourishing effect from roots to ends. For a formula with bonding technology, consider Amika Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo or Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Purple Shampoo.

To find the best purple shampoos, our PEOPLE Tested team researched and reviewed dozens of formulas before narrowing them down to 26 top picks. From there, they conducted real-world testing on each purple shampoo and, over six weeks, they incorporated each formula into their shower routines to get a better idea of overall performance with regular use.

“Purple shampoo works best to eliminate yellow, which is the unwanted tone that tends to pop up over time on bright blondes,” says Zanoni. While blue shampoo can still benefit hair, she adds that it’s best used on brunettes who wish to eliminate orange tones.

Purple shampoo use can vary depending on hair color and the formula. Some shampoos, such as Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo provide a lighter toning effect and, therefore, are great for maintenance. Others, such as Amika Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo and dpHUE Cool Blonde Purple Shampoo, are deeper in color and need to be used less frequently.

“Depending on how often you shampoo, I recommend using purple shampoo every third shampoo,” says Stahl. “Overusing purple shampoo can result in a dingy, darker blonde,” she adds.

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best purple shampoos, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to get an idea of their overall experience with each formula. Additionally, Jessie connected with hair color experts Sam Stahl and Carly Zanoni to learn about what to look for in the best purple shampoo formulas. As a result, she curated this list of the best purple shampoos, plus some honorable mentions that we couldn’t leave out.

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