Does purple shampoo work on natural hair?

Author: Tianna Bailey  |  Last update: Monday, August 25, 2025

Yes! Even natural blondes have underlying brassy hues. Excessive heat styling, too much sun exposure, and even the hard minerals in your water can bring these undertones out, leaving your blonde looking dull and discolored. Purple shampoo works on natural blonde hair like it does on dyed or bleached blonde hair.

What happens if you use purple shampoo on natural hair?

Sure! Purple shampoo won't harm non-color treated hair, it's just like any other shampoo. The purpose of the slight purple pigment is to add a cool tone shine to contrast brassy tones that come out of color treated blondes and keep them looking healthy, but it will add cool tone shine to any color hair.

Is purple shampoo good for undyed hair?

Even if you do not have dyed hair, it will still keep your natural hair color fresh and prevent your hair from becoming too yellow,” Taylor explains. Now, I try to use purple shampoo one or two times a month. I definitely don't need it as often as someone who color treats their hair so I like to use it sparingly.

What happens if you put purple shampoo on natural brown hair?

No. A purple shampoo is used to eliminate orange/yellow/brassy undertones that show up in dyed blonde hair after sometime. It will have no effect on brown hair.

How long to leave purple shampoo on natural hair?

Unless you have white hair or gray hair, you shouldn't leave the purple shampoo on for longer than 15 minutes at a time. If you're already leaving the shampoo on for less than 15 minutes and you're noticing a purple tone, then try leaving the product on for even less time.

Professional Guide to Purple Shampoo

When should you not use purple shampoo?

"You want to stop using it two weeks before any lightening service. The purple shampoo can cause build up making the hair look dull and darker if overused." This makes the lightening process more difficult to create a seamless blend.

What happens if you tone natural blonde hair?

Easy to use at home, these contain ultraviolet pigments that neutralize brassiness which form over time in blonde hair. While the results are on the subtle side, they can result in ashy, dusty or platinum shades and will often leave your hair brighter following your treatment.

Does purple shampoo make your natural hair darker?

Because it does not contain an ingredient that will chemically change the color of your hair, purple shampoo cannot truly lighten hair. If anything, purple shampoo may make your hair temporarily slightly darker.

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.

How to lighten brown hair without bleach?

The easiest way to lighten hair is to use a clarifying shampoo or a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice. These methods are gentle and can gradually lighten the hair over a few washes. For more immediate results, a professional toner or hair lightener can be used.

Do you put purple shampoo on wet or dry hair?

Purple shampoo should be applied in the shower or during a hair wash. While your hair is wet, apply the shampoo and lather it onto your hair. The amount of shampoo that you use will vary depending on your choice of product and how brassy your hair is looking.

Can natural hair be brassy?

HOW TO GET RID OF BRASSY HAIR. Unwanted brassy tones can appear in any hair color, affecting those with both color-treated and natural hair. To fix brassy hair, you need to understand what it is your hair needs. The simplest way is to picture the color wheel.

Does lightening shampoo work on natural hair?

Use Hair Lightening Products

There are a lot of lightening hair products that can help you achieve that lighter shade. Try opting for blonde lightening shampoo, conditioner, and spray. This trio is safe to use on natural and color-treated hair, that can take your blonde up to 2 shades lighter.

Will purple shampoo lighten undyed hair?

Purple shampoo cannot lighten or darken your hair color. However, if you leave your purple shampoo on for too long, you may notice that your hair has a slight violet tone. This is more common with those that have silver and white hair colors rather than warm blondes and slightly darker hues.

What does brassy hair look like?

Brass usually shows up as yellow or orange tones in blonde hair and orange or red tones in brunette hair. Brassy hair is caused by an overabundance of warm pigments in your hair, usually caused by bleaching and the hair coloring process.

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 you overdo purple shampoo?

And there's no need to panic if you overdo it. Think of it as a temporary stain – a good clarifying shampoo should re-balance over-toned hair. We've already mentioned how overusing purple shampoo can result in a dull finish, which is why you'll need alternative in-shower products for your non-purple wash days.

What is level 9 hair color?

Level 2–3 is extremely dark brown, as level 1 is black. Level 9–10 is very pale blonde. Color does not lift color; only bleach can make your hair lighter.

What does purple shampoo do to brown hair?

Purple shampoo works the same way to eliminate brassiness on brown hair as it does on blonde. It helps to prevent color fade, while emphasizing shine, keeping brown hair vibrant and rich. Using purple shampoo on brown hair regularly will take out any unwanted warm tones in your strands.

What does purple shampoo do to natural 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.

Why does my brown hair turn copper?

When brown hair is lightened - for example, if you have balayage or ombré hair - the melanin which gives your hair its natural brunette hue is stripped, which leads to these unwanted warm tones becoming more visible.

Can I use purple shampoo instead of toner?

Purple shampoo acts as a toner to get rid of brassy tones and return your hair to a cooler, salon-fresh blonde. Using purple shampoo is a key step in helping dyed blonde hair look vibrant and fresh. Purple shampoo acts as a toner to get rid of brassy tones and return your hair to a cooler, salon-fresh blonde.

What happens if I use purple shampoo on natural hair?

Purple shampoo works on natural blonde hair like it does on dyed or bleached blonde hair. Incorporating it into your blonde hair care routine will help protect your natural color and reverse any discoloration caused by chemicals, UV rays, and heat damage.

What is the best drugstore purple shampoo?

Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Ever-Pure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo and Conditioner. If you're shopping for a fantastic purple shampoo and conditioner with a drugstore price point, look no further than this highly rated duo from L'Oréal.

How do I naturally make my hair lighter?

6 Easy Ways to Lighten Your Hair at Home Naturally
  1. Use lemon juice to lighten strands.
  2. Make a lightening hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste.
  3. Swipe on peroxide for highlights.
  4. Create a honey-infused concoction.
  5. Douse hair in apple cider vinegar.
  6. Use at-home hair lightening products.

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