6 best purple shampoos to brighten blonde hair in 2023
The supermodel made headlines when she dyed her hair blonde — before revealing the product she credits with making her hair “strong”.
There’s no better feeling than leaving the hairdresser with freshly tended-to hair.
But most mere mortals can’t afford to go to the hairdresser all the time (and if you can, what is your secret?) meaning that keeping our hair in tip-top shape between salon visits comes down to home maintenance.
Great ways to look after your hair in between hairdresser appointments include using a heat protector spray every time you straighten or blow dry your hair to prevent damage, as well as regular hair masks to retain moisture.
If you get your hair dyed blonde there’s another product you should be adding to your home maintenance routine: purple toning shampoo.
It’s something even celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski had to do when she dyed her hair blonde in 2020, with the supermodel swearing by Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Shampoo to keep her hair healthy.
“All blondes know that finding your perfect shade takes time, money, and a commitment to keeping the colour fresh between salon visits,” Jaye Edwards, EdwardsAndCo salon owner, founder and colourist told news.com.au.
“Almost as important as finding the right shade, is being able to maintain it from home, which is why it’s so important to get your purple toning products right.”
Here’s some of the best purple shampoos available out there.
KEVIN.MURPHY Blonde Angel Wash, $43.95
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This purple shampoo comes highly recommended by Mr Edwards, which is why its top of our list.
Suitable for both blonde and grey tones, this colour-enhancing shampoo contains lavender and is cruelty and sulfate free.
Fans of the KEVIN. MURPHY shampoo say it is “perfect for dry and frizzy” types and is “so hydrating” for dyed hair.
PAIR IT WITH: KEVIN. MURPHY Blonde Angel, $46.95
Morrocanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo, $51.50
Morrocanoil has got to be one of my favourite hair brands because as a blonde it’s one of the few ranges that can hydrate and nourish my hair without weighing it down. Suitable for blondes, greys and brunettes with highlights, this argan oil-enhanced shampoo will tone down any unwanted brassiness while adding shine.
PAIR IT WITH: Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Conditioner, $51.50
Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Shampoo, $51
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This top-rated toning shampoo contains hyaluronic acid, edelweiss and ultraviolet neutraliser to tone and nourish your hair. Blond Absolu is the range behind Emily Ratajkowski’s iconic hair change in 2020. The supermodel, who is a Kérastase ambassador, stunned fans when she revealed she had traded in her signature brunette shade for striking golden locks. In a YouTube video Ratajkowski credits the shampoo with keeping her coloured tresses “healthy” and giving her “super soft, strong blonde hair”.
“I was one of those people who thought that when you went blonde your hair was just fried and damaged and done,” she said.
“I am happy to report that if you have the right products that is just not true.”
91 per cent of Adore Beauty customers also recommend this shampoo, writing in five star reviews that it gives a “beautiful colour and soft hair” after use.
PAIR IT WITH: Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicaflash Fondant Conditioner, $51
ELEVEN Australia Keep My Colour Blonde Shampoo, $27.95
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This ELEVEN Australia shampoo contains hydrolysed soy and wheat proteins to strengthen hair and prevent damage, as well as silk amino acids and panthenol to soften tresses.
Suitable for blonde, white and grey hair this shampoo is recommended by 92 per cent of Adore Beauty shoppers who bought it.
It’s been praised for being a “life saver on summer days”, with one satisfied customer swearing they will be “using this as long as I have blonde hair”.
PAIR IT WITH: Eleven Australia Keep My Blonde Conditioner, $27.95
John Frieda Violet Crush Intense Purple Shampoo, $9 (down from $17.99)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Priced under $10, this purple shampoo is great value.
The John Frieda shampoo contains crushed violet pigments to help absorb UV light and give your hair a white-blue glow, helping to make your blonde tresses appear brighter.
The peroxide and ammonia-free formula is suitable for use on both natural and dyed blonde hair, as well as light brunette hair.
PAIR IT WITH:John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Conditioner for Brassy Blonde Hair, $9 (down from $16.35)
Fudge All Blonde Colour Boost Shampoo, $24.95
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This shampoo is designed to lift and revive dull blonde hair all while cleansing and removing any dirt or product build-up.
It uses Fudge’s Opti-PLEX™ technology to nourish hair while lemon extract helps to add shine and brighten colour.
The sulphate-free formula also comes in a bottle that’s 100 per cent recyclable.
PAIR IT WITH: Fudge Clean Blonde Violet Toning Conditioner, $19.15 (down from $23.95)
Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo, $44.50
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Pureology’s Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo contains their patented Antifade Complex to help protect your colour.
The shampoo also contains a UV filter, vitamin E and sunflower seed to protect against environmental damage, as well as an aromatherapy blend of sandalwood, pear and rose to leave your hair smelling great.
Fans of the shampoo say Pureology’s formula is concentrated and “so pigmented”, meaning a little goes a long way.
PAIR IT WITH: Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Conditioner, $44.50
Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo, $54
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Containing Olaplex’s famous bond-restoring formula, this shampoo helps to tone, strengthen and brighten hair. Ideal for blonde, grey, white or balayaged hair this powerful shampoo packs a punch, so wash hands thoroughly and quickly after applying!
PAIR IT WITH: Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, $54
Kristin Ess The One Purple Shampoo, $23.94
The namesake brand by celebrity hairdresser Kristin Ess has probably the most aesthetically pleasing packaging out there – but its purple shampoo has the added bonus of working a treat on blonde hair.
The sulfate-free formula tones both blonde and brunette shades. Fans of the Kristin Ess shampoo say it makes a noticeable difference after just one wash – but warn the product can feel somewhat “sticky” when you are applying it.
WHAT DOES PURPLE SHAMPOO DO?
Using purple toning products helps you to maintain that perfect shade of blonde and avoid your hair becoming too brassy.
“As the name suggests, purple toning products are products with purple pigment that help beat the brass,” Mr Edwards said.
“Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all approach, as usage depends on your desired shade of blonde, therefore its always best to get professional advice from your hairstylist.
HOW SHOULD I USE PURPLE SHAMPOO AND TONING PRODUCTS?
While it can be tempting to be diligent and use purple shampoo everyday, Mr Edwards says purple toning products should only be used occasionally.
“Purple products should not replace your regular shampoo, conditioner or mask, and should only be used once or twice a week, again depending on your desired result,” he said.
“The secret is to finding the right balance for you, that will neutralise yellow, without turning you grey.
“As a general rule, purple products should be applied to towel-dried hair from root to tip, lather by massaging into hair and leave in for 5-30 minutes, depending on the desired intensity.”
To make sure you get the best deal on every purchase, stop by news.com.au Coupons – there, you’ll find a huge range of discounts on top brands from Paula’s Choice to Chemist Warehouse.
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