What does purple shampoo do to brown hair with highlights?

Author: Trey Heathcote DVM  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Purple shampoo keeps your lightened hair vibrant longer by neutralizing brassiness. And it works on both blonde and brown hair. Brassiness refers to those unwanted yellow tones that emerge in hair that's been lightened.

Can you use purple shampoo on brown hair with highlights?

You may have thought purple-colored products were only reserved for your friends with silver and blonde tresses, but we're here to tell you that using purple shampoo on brown hair can also be a game-changer—especially if you have balayage or highlights.

What happens if you use purple shampoo on highlighted hair?

purple shampoo won't have any effect on dye or bleach that you use over it.

Does purple shampoo make highlights lighter or darker?

The purple shampoo canceled out the yellow and orange tones, whereas the blue shampoo canceled out the deeper orange and red tones. The purple shampoo result looks lighter because it toned my highlights. The blue shampoo toned the base of my hair, which is naturally dark brown.

What is the downside of purple shampoo?

One downside of purple shampoo is that overuse can lead to a purple or violet tint, especially if left on for too long. It's important to follow usage instructions to avoid this issue and to ensure the best results for your hair.

Will purple shampoo lighten brown hair with highlights?

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.

What shampoo is good for brown hair with blonde highlights?

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.

Why does my hair look darker after using purple shampoo?

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.

How long do you leave purple shampoo on highlights?

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.

Should I use toner or purple shampoo?

Convenience and Quick Fixes: On the other hand, if you're looking for an easy way to combat brassiness between salon visits, purple shampoo is your go-to product. Combo Strategy: Some people use both toners and purple shampoo. Toners help you achieve the initial colour, while purple shampoo helps you maintain it.

How to maintain highlights in brown hair?

Follow these tips to maintain your highlights for dark hairs:
  1. Use a color-safe shampoo.
  2. Invest in a deep conditioner treatment.
  3. Protect your hair from heat.
  4. Apply hair screen.
  5. Follow regular touch-up.

Should you put purple shampoo on wet or dry hair?

Visually, this will make your hair look darker, and if you just went through the trouble of getting it colored blonder, this is probably something you are going to want to avoid. 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.

Is blue or purple shampoo better for brunettes?

While you should stick with purple or blue shampoo most of the time, you do have the option to use both if you have multiple undertones. But a good rule of thumb is that a blue shampoo is best for dark hair and brunettes; and purple shampoo is better for blondes, silver or gray hair.

How to make brown hair lighter?

How to Lighten Hair Dyed Too Dark with a DIY Approach
  1. Use a paste of Baking Soda and Lemon Juice.
  2. Wash your Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar.
  3. Take some Vitamin C Tablets.
  4. Wash Hair With Clarifying Shampoo.
  5. Use Purple or Blue Shampoo for Brassy Tones.
  6. Do a Bleach Bath.
  7. Bleed the Color Out.
  8. Use Hair Lightener or Toner.

Can you do purple highlights on brown hair?

Can you do purple highlights on brown hair? Yes, purple highlights look great on all shades of brown hair. Lighter shades will stand out against a dark base, while deeper colors can blend in seamlessly for the perfect balayage.

How to remove brassy tones from brown hair?

Just as a purple shampoo neutralises brassy tones on blondes, using a blue shampoo on brown hair neutralises orange and red tones for brunettes.

What will purple shampoo do to brown highlights?

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 happens if you use purple shampoo on highlights?

There are many factors that can contribute to changes in your hair color and the emergence of brass over time, like sun exposure and hard water. To combat brassiness, use our Purple Shampoo which enhances cool tones and neutralizes yellow hues in lightened hair, especially for those with blonde and silver highlights.

Do you use conditioner after purple shampoo?

Step 5: Follow Up With Conditioner

We've said it before and we'll say it again: you should always apply conditioner after shampooing your tresses. It not only locks in hydration, strengthens and repairs, but it further tones the hair too. We recommend using our Everyday Clean Blonde Damage Rewind Conditioner.

What not to do with purple shampoo?

Don't Overuse Purple Shampoo

You only need to use purple shampoo once a week to see a difference. Overuse can make the blonde seem darker and make the lightening process more difficult for future hair appointments. Overuse can also make the hair look dull and over toned.

Why do you need a toner after highlights?

What Does Hair Toner Do to Bleached Hair? Hair toner will equally enhances bleached hair by: Eliminate unwanted undertones: Toner helps eliminate brassy or yellow tones that can appear after bleaching. Enhances colour: Toner can add depth and dimension to your bleached hair, creating a more natural and balanced look.

What happens if I leave purple shampoo in too long?

If you leave purple shampoo on for too long, you may find yourself with a little lilac hue. This color is not permanent and is more likely to happen if you have very light blonde hair or if your hair is dry and damaged. To remove the purple hue, switch to regular shampoo for your next few washes.

What color highlights should I get if I have brown hair?

To make it blend with ease, pick a highlight shade with the same undertones as your base color: ashy blondes look great on those with cool brown hair (like mushroom brown), while warmer hues, like gold and amber, are ideal for those with warm brown hair.

What happens if you put silver toner on brown hair?

Silver toner for brown hair? Why not. You could use a silver toner on brown hair to remove any yellow tones, or to refresh the cool tones (for example on ash brown or cool cocoa shades). Dark silver hair toner should be used on dark shades, not light blondes.

What is brown with blonde highlights called?

"Bronde is essentially a perfect balance of blonde and brunette, creating a great mixture of colors," explains master colorist Tiffanie Richards. The blend of colors can add depth to straight hair, dimension to curls, and shine a spotlight on your favorite facial features.

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