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Hair Care
Updated July 11, 2025
Purple shampoo on brown hair
Purple shampoo neutralizes brassy tones in brown hair, keeping it cool and fresh. It’s like a color corrector for unwanted warmth.
Category
Hair Care
Use Case
Used to neutralize brassy tones in brown hair with warm or highlighted undertones.
Variants
Sulfate-free, for dark hair, with added conditioning
Key Features
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Neutralizes brassy yellow tones
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Enhances cool brown undertones
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Maintains vibrant color balance
In Simple Terms
What it is
Purple shampoo is a special hair product with a light purple color. Think of it like a gentle toner for your hair—it helps neutralize unwanted warm or brassy tones, especially in light-colored hair. While it’s often used by blondes, it can also work on brown hair, depending on the shade and your goals.
Why people use it
People with brown hair use purple shampoo to cool down reddish or orange tones that can appear over time. Sun exposure, washing, or chemical treatments (like dyeing) can make brown hair look warmer or dull. Purple shampoo acts like a color corrector—similar to how a purple-tinted makeup primer cancels out yellow tones on skin.
Basic examples
If your brown hair has highlights or a caramel tint, purple shampoo can keep the color fresh and prevent it from turning too orange.
For dark brown hair with subtle red tones, it can mute the warmth, making hair look more neutral or ashy.
If you’ve lightened your hair and notice brassiness, purple shampoo can help maintain a cooler, smoother color between salon visits.
How to use it
Use it once a week (or less) to avoid over-toning, which can make hair look slightly gray or dull.
Leave it on for 1-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly—like a quick color refresh.
Follow with conditioner, as purple shampoo can be slightly drying.
Who it’s best for
Light to medium brown hair with warm undertones.
Brunettes with highlights or balayage.
Those who want low-maintenance color care without frequent salon trips.
What to avoid
Don’t use it daily—it’s strong, like a concentrated treatment.
Avoid if your hair is already very cool or ashy—it might add unwanted purple tones.
Patch-test first if your hair is sensitive to products.
Purple shampoo is a special hair product with a light purple color. Think of it like a gentle toner for your hair—it helps neutralize unwanted warm or brassy tones, especially in light-colored hair. While it’s often used by blondes, it can also work on brown hair, depending on the shade and your goals.
Why people use it
People with brown hair use purple shampoo to cool down reddish or orange tones that can appear over time. Sun exposure, washing, or chemical treatments (like dyeing) can make brown hair look warmer or dull. Purple shampoo acts like a color corrector—similar to how a purple-tinted makeup primer cancels out yellow tones on skin.
Basic examples
How to use it
Who it’s best for
What to avoid
Technical Details
What It Is
Purple shampoo is a specialized haircare product designed to neutralize unwanted warm or brassy tones in hair, particularly for blonde, gray, or lightened hair. However, it can also be used on brown hair with highlights or balayage to achieve a cooler, ashier tone. It falls under the category of toning shampoos, which leverage color theory to correct hair discoloration.
How It Works
Purple shampoo works through color correction principles, specifically the concept of complementary colors. Purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel, meaning it cancels out yellow and orange tones in hair. The shampoo deposits microscopic purple pigments onto the hair shaft during washing, counteracting brassiness.
The technology relies on semi-permanent dyes or pigments suspended in a gentle cleansing base. These pigments adhere to the hair cuticle without penetrating deeply, making the effect temporary and requiring regular use for maintenance.