Can you tone brassy hair with purple shampoo?

Author: Jamil Daniel Sr.  |  Last update: Saturday, April 19, 2025

In sum, whether you have lightened dark hair or blonde hair, purple shampoo is an easy way to eliminate brass. Make it a part of your regular hair care routine so your hair color stays fresh and cool-toned.

What happens if you use purple shampoo on brassy hair?

Yes, using purple shampoo can help tone down unwanted orange or brassy tones in hair, especially if your hair is blonde or light brown. Purple shampoo works by depositing purple pigments that neutralize yellow and orange hues, creating a more balanced, cooler tone.

Can I use purple shampoo instead of toner?

It depends on the type of purple shampoo and the color of the dyed hair. Commonly, washing with purple shampoo will not remove the color from hair that has been dyed. Purple shampoo is not a bleach or a dye, but a toner that can help neutralize unwanted brassiness or yellow tones in your hair.

How long does it take purple shampoo to remove brassiness?

You can go up to 15 minutes next time if you notice little to no difference after drying your hair. If you have platinum, gray, or silver hair, you can leave the purple shampoo on for up to 30 minutes, depending on how brassy or discolored your hair is.

When should you not use purple shampoo?

stylist here. you dont want to use purple shampoo until you start seeing noticeable fade in your toner - usually about 3 weeks in depending on your wash schedule.

How to Tone Brassy Hair with Purple Shampoo

What happens if I leave purple shampoo in my hair for 30 minutes?

If you leave purple shampoo in your hair for 30 minutes, the risk of over-toning increases significantly. While purple shampoo is designed to neutralize brassy or yellow tones, leaving it on for an extended period can lead to overly cool or even purple-tinted hair, especially for those with light or porous hair.

Is it better to put purple shampoo on wet or dry hair?

If you want to use a purple shampoo, Maine recommends “soaking your hair with water and even adding a little conditioner on your ends” beforehand, to prevent the porous tips from absorbing too much pigment.

What happens if you use too much purple shampoo?

Over-toning: Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow or brassy tones in blonde or gray hair. Using it excessively can result in over-toning, leaving your hair with a dull, ashy, or even slightly purple tint.

What is the best purple shampoo for brassy hair?

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.

How to tone brassy hair with purple shampoo?

How to Use Purple Shampoo
  1. Wet hair.
  2. Lather the purple shampoo on your hair.
  3. Depending on your hair's level of brassiness, leave the purple shampoo on for two to three minutes.
  4. Rinse the shampoo out.
  5. Apply a purple conditioner to nourish your hair and prevent breakage.

Can I use regular conditioner after purple shampoo?

Purple shampoo can be drying, so be sure to follow up with a purple conditioner and/or your favorite color-protecting hair mask to restore lost moisture.

Why isn't purple shampoo working?

If you are not blonde enough, your purple shampoo will not tone correctly. 2. Purple shampoos are different in their color make up. Some are more blue, some are more violet, some are lighter, and some are darker.

Can I use purple shampoo 2 days in a row?

Unless the shampoo is specifically designed to be used as a daily toner, applying purple shampoo every time you wash your hair is typically discouraged because it can begin to eliminate too much yellow from your hair.

What is the best toner for orange hair?

What color neutralizes orange hair? Blue toning formulas can help counteract orange tones in the hair. The reasoning goes back to basic color theory: Shades positioned opposite on the color wheel are complementary and effectively cancel each other out when combined.

What are the cons of purple shampoo?

As mentioned above, purple shampoos are highly pigmented and, when overused, purple shampoo can lead to a huge amount of buildup in your hair. This can lead to the appearance of unwanted tones, such as blues or purples or even a muddy tint.

Can purple shampoo be used as a toner?

Is purple shampoo a toner? Any product that dispenses pigment to adjust hair tone can be considered a toner, and that includes purple shampoo. Its pigments work to neutralize brass.

Why is brassy hair bad?

Many people see brassy hair as a problem because it causes undesired tones that change the look of your hair. This occurs because your natural hair undertones return and mix with the dye. For example, someone who is originally brunette but has gone platinum may find that their hair will turn orange.

How do you get rid of brassy hair asap?

Tone it up with blue or purple shampoo

You'll either need a blue or purple toning shampoo that helps neutralize brassiness to reveal the lighter hair color you're aiming for. The key trick here is figuring out which hair toner to use.

How long to leave purple shampoo on brassy hair?

Let the shampoo sit for two to five minutes depending on how brassy your hair is and how ashy you like your color, then rinse thoroughly. The difference between two minutes and four minutes with purple shampoo is a big one so keep an eye out. It may be helpful to set a timer so you don't go over.

How do hairdressers fix brassy hair?

How to Get Rid of Brassy Hair in the Salon
  1. Use a Hair Toner for Brassiness. For clients who want their color touched up or their freshly-lightened locks beautifully balanced, a toner is your go-to. ...
  2. Carry Out a Glossing Service.

Do you rub in purple shampoo?

Ready to use your purple shampoo? Dispense into your palms, then rub your hands together before applying onto the hair. Massage in from root to tip, lathering the shampoo as you go. Focus on the areas that are particularly brassy to knock out those unwanted yellow tones.

Can I buy a toner for my hair?

Palladino adds that toners aren't one specific product, and you can't go out and just buy a “toner.” Demi-permanent colors, glosses, tinted shampoos, and conditioners can all be considered toners because they all contain pigments that adjust the tone of your hair.

What does purple shampoo do to grey hair?

Purple shampoo has been used for decades by hairdressers, mostly to help tone and neutralize blonde and gray hair, getting rid of brassy or yellow tones for an overall more cool-toned look.

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