We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
8 best purple shampoos for tackling brassy tones, tried and tested
Get your blonde popping for the holiday pictures – and beyond
Tested by Nora MerikFormer Beauty and Grooming Tester
Life and summer in particular can be particularly harsh on dyed hair – all the chlorine, salt water, UV rays and heat can leave behind an unwanted orange tinge. This is where the best purple shampoos can step in, working to counteract yellow or orange hues.
However, with so many on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is best for you. That's why the Good Housekeeping Institute has been busy testing a range of market-leading anti-brass shampoos with the help of our reader panel.
Here are their top picks in a handy list, but read on for our detailed reviews, and to learn more about this haircare saviour, from how often to use it to .
Best purple shampoos 2026
How we test purple shampoos
With the help of over 200 panel members, the Good Housekeeping Institute put a range of purple shampoos to the test. We asked panellists to assess each shampoo for ease of use, packaging design and, of course, performance. They also submitted images of their hair before and after use for our in-house experts to assess any improvements (or not). You'll find our winners marked with the GHI Approved logo below.
Our beauty editors, many of whom are no stranger to the best blonde hair dyes or a balayage or two, have also shared their favourite buys, to bring you the buzziest new releases and offer options for every budget.
Amika Bust Your Brass Toning
Amika Bust Your Brass Toning
Pros
- Brightens highlights after just one wash
- Nice scent
- Deeply cleans hair
Cons
- Runny consistency
Score: 79/100
Amika's Bust your Brass shampoo helps correct any yellow tones and replaces them with cool platinum hues instead, prolonging that fresh post-salon look. And it came out on top with our panel for brightening after just one wash, as well as offering a deep clean.
Key ingredients include the brand’s “bond cure technology”, which works to reduce breakage by 55%, and three plant butters – shea, mango and borage oil – that are rich in vitamins and omegas to help strengthen and repair hair.
Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Shampoo
Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Shampoo
Pros
- Neutralises brassiness in grey hair
- Adds shine
- Doesn't leave hair feeling dry
Cons
- Screw-top lid is slightly inconvenient
- Can dye your nails
Score: 78/100
Ideal for dyed and natural blonde or grey hair, Kérastase's Blond Absolu works to neutralise any unwanted undertones, enhancing brightness and luminosity. It contains violet tones to counter any orange or yellow that sit on the opposite side of the colour wheel.
Not only does this shampoo make your hair look good on the outside, but it also nourishes for a softer, healthier feel. It contains hyaluronic acid to help strengthen and repair strands, as well as edelweiss flower, an antioxidant proven to protect against daily damage.
One tester said their hair felt “soft, shiny and manageable” after use. Another noticed visible results from the first wash and told us their hair was “definitely less brassy”.
John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo
Pros
- Good value for money
- Adds brightness
- Foams well
Cons
- Runny consistency
Score: 78/100
If you’re looking to lift your blonde or enhance those beautiful grey tones, this effective option from John Frieda could be the one for you. Most of our panel found it took a few washes to take full effect, but once it had, their hair was left with a “noticeable” difference in colour and condition.
One tester told us it delivered a “freshly dyed blonde”, while another praised how it left their hair “less brassy” and said it looked and felt healthier – for that, we can thank the nourishing formula, which has been designed to replenish moisture and restore suppleness in bleached hair. What more could you ask for?
Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo, 200ml
Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo, 200ml
Pros
- Nourishing
- Reduces brassiness after one wash
Cons
- Can leave uneven patches if you don't take care with application and rinsing
Score: 77/100
Moroccanoil’s products are iconic when it comes to nourishing dry strands. Using rich argan oil, this shampoo looks to nourish hair from the inside out, making it ideal for dyed blondes.
Most of our testers said their hair was left healthy and hydrated, telling us it was easy to use and didn’t leave hands stained (which is a common grievance with many purple shampoos). However, take care when applying and rinsing to avoid any uneven patches.
While some of the shampoos on this list need a few washes to take full effect, most of our testers said they noticed an instant reduction in yellow undertones when using this shampoo. So, if last minute plans take you and your brassy lengths by surprise, fear not.
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Anti-Brassiness Purple Shampoo
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Anti-Brassiness Purple Shampoo
Pros
- Reduced yellow tones without leaving any purple residue
- Feels rich
- Lathers up and rinses out well
Cons
- Some testers said their hair felt coarse after washing
- Shouldn't be used on dry scalps
Score 77/100
This affordable and effective L’Oreal anti-brass shampoo aims to prolong that fresh-from-the-salon look at home (so, minus the fresh-from-the-salon bill).
One tester praised how the product “took away the yellow completely” and left their blonde looking “cool and ashy” after use. L’Oreal recommends massaging it into hair and leaving for 1-3 minutes before rinsing out for best results, making it a quick and easy anti-brass option. All this for under £6? We can’t argue with value for money like that.
Noughty Purple Reign Tone Correcting Shampoo
Noughty Purple Reign Tone Correcting Shampoo
Pros
- A little product goes a long way
- Made hair more manageable
- Enhances white, grey and blonde hair
Cons
- Some purple staining on scalps
- The scent isn't very strong
Score: 76/100
Noughty believes in the importance of fuss-free, naturally derived, plant-powered ingredients to help nourish and gently cleanse hair. Its Purple Reign Tone Correcting Shampoo uses blueberry and blackcurrant extracts to hydrate and replenish lost moisture, as well as glycerine to help retain it.
When put to the panel, results showed it worked best on oily hair, as not only did it brighten and tone, but also provided a thorough deep clean. It enhanced hair with a glossy sheen that “wasn’t overly purple”, and, instead, left a “lovely silvery hue”. Did we mention it’s cruelty-free and vegan, too?
Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo
Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo
Pros
- Only a small amount is needed
- Premium packaging
Cons
- Doesn’t lather as well as other shampoos
Score: 75/100
Celebrity hairstylist Oribe Canales has worked with Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Lopez, so knows what goes into maintaining A-list locks. And now thanks to his Oribe haircare range, us mere mortals can achieve superstar-worthy hair from our own bathrooms.
The rich formula of this brightening blonde shampoo creates an even-toned blonde that even golden girl Kate Moss would envy. It’s made with pure violet and reflective pearl pigments to illuminate blonde tones and eliminate brassiness. The silky shampoo is also formulated with Oribe’s signature complex: a combination of watermelon, lychee and Edelweiss, which work together to combat dryness and defend from yellowing oxidative stress. Unsurprisingly, it smells amazing.
The sulphate-free formula was praised by testers for how gentle it was on the scalp too, making it great for everyday use. Though not as instant as some other shampoos on the market, most testers noticed an improvement in the tone of their hair after the trial period.
The Cornish Seaweed Bath. Co Super Nutrient Purple Shampoo
The Cornish Seaweed Bath. Co Super Nutrient Purple Shampoo
Pros
- Nice fragrance
- Quality aluminium packaging
Cons
- May need to use more product to get an effective lather
Score: 74/100
Seaweed is (surprise!) the core ingredient of all Cornish Seaweed Bath Co. cosmetics. This natural humectant draws in and holds moisture in the hair, working alongside a botanical infusion that delivers a further dose of nourishing nutrients. The blend of plant-based pigments helps to counter brassiness without the chemicals too. It doesn’t contain any unnecessary fillers or parabens either, although this does mean it may not lather as well as some other shampoos, which some testers knocked points off for.
Many testers with fine and greying hair loved this one for its hydrating and colour-enhancing abilities. One said, “it retained body and wasn’t weighted down,” which is always a plus for those with finer hair.
Editors' picks
Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
Pros
- Formulated with their patented bond building formula that strengthens hair
- Customisable brightness based on treatment time
Cons
- Thick consistency, which takes longer to lather
Featuring Olaplex's iconic, patented bond-building technology, this rich and creamy purple shampoo banishes brass while delivering nourishment from the inside out, and we couldn't leave it off our list.
The texture is on the thicker side, so needs to be thoroughly worked into the scalp to get a good lather and even tone. But trust us, that extra effort is so worth it.
It's a 10 Haircare Miracle Brightening Shampoo For Blondes
Pros
- Contains hair-strengthening vitamin B5
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Relatively pricey
As a female-founded brand, this was made by women, for women. It's gentle enough to be used everyday and potent enough to be work on a variety of blondes, alone or in tandem with the rest of the brand's haircare range. We also love its Miracle Leave-In treatment and the Miracle Clay Hair Mask for leaving our hair looking, well, 10 out of 10 of course!
Pros
- Nice packaging
- Nourishing ingredients
Cons
- Can be a little tricky to dispense the product
As a celebrity hairstylist working on shoots and fashion shows, Kevin Murphy's brand was born out of dissatisfaction with the then-current products on the market, many of which he found underwhelming and drying.
So, each of his products features a delicious blend of nourishing butters and oils that aim to not only match your hair's natural moisture, but boost it. This shampoo is no different; it simply has the addition of lavender to help deliver your perfect blonde.
Virtue ColorKick De-Brassing Shampoo
Pros
- UV and pollution protection
- Contains strengthening keratin
Cons
- Expensive
Known for its ground-breaking use of keratin protein to transform hair health, this tones hair using plant power from an all-natural blend of purple flower and plant extracts – perfect for strengthening bleached hair, while achieving your dream tone. Plus, with the incorporated UV protection, your blonde stays protected for longer.
Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo
Pros
- Contains PH balancing and strengthening amino acids
- Nice packaging
Cons
- Only suitable for dyed grey or blonde hair
From one of the most popular salon brands in the US, this shampoo really packs a punch. The intense deep purple colour is a result of the high concentration of violet pigment, which aims to help eliminate any yellowness in just five minutes.
It looks after your hair health too, with wheat proteins, amino acids and glycerin boosting moisture and hair strength.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing products for over 100 years – from the best mattresses to the best hair dryers – so we know what goes into reviewing products against their claims.
Our beauty tester Nora Merik has a master’s degree in cosmetic science, where she studied product formulations, product development, market research and more. For this test, as well as developing the protocols to review each shampoo against, she assessed all the before and after pictures submitted by our 200 panellists, to check how well each one toned and reduced brassiness.
Madeleine Evans, our lifestyle writer, then transformed the test results into easy-to-follow reviews. As someone who regularly switches between blonde and brunette, she knows what to look for in a good purple shampoo.
What is purple shampoo?
Remember learning the colour wheel at school? Well, purple shampoo works on the same principle of contrasting colours. “Purple is the opposite of yellow on the colour wheel, so it counteracts yellowing or brassy tones in the hair,” explains Wes Sharpton, lead educator at Hairstory.
The result? It makes yellow-blonde hair appear ashier and give you a cleaner-looking hue. The same concept can be applied to brunette hair, but rather than a purple tint, blue is used to target orange undertones.
How often should you use purple shampoo?
“Some purple shampoo for highlighted can be damaging because they contain bleaching agents that dry out the hair,” explains Bobbi Jo Byford, senior colourist at Gielly Green Salon. “So, always have a look at the ingredient list before purchasing."
It’s best to opt for paraben- and sulphate-free options where possible, avoiding harsh sulphate ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES).
Purple shampoo isn’t meant to be used every day. Once a week should suffice. If it’s used too often, the product can build up and make your blonde look dull and flat, which is the opposite of what it’s intended for. And if your hair is damaged, the strands can also suck the pigment up, so it should be used less often.
"All hair is different, and you know your own hair best, so as a rule of thumb, stop when you’re happy with the tone and only use it when the brassiness starts to reappear," says Byford.
Are they suitable for all hair types?
The type of anti-brass shampoo you use depends on your hair colour. A lot of purple shampoos are marketed just for blondes, but as Byford explains, “using purple shampoo is equally effective on grey hair, as it really freshens the colour and adds more of a silver tone."
It’s important to note, however, that natural grey hair is a lot stronger than coloured blonde locks, so absorption of the product will be different. Be sure to keep this in mind when deciding how often to use the product.
If you want to avoid heavy deposit or a ‘purple glow’ from over-use, try mixing your purple shampoo with your everyday shampoo for a lighter finish.
What causes brassy hair?
“When we lighten our locks, it reveals our hair’s undercoat, which is warm yellow/orange tones,” says Aimee McDonnel, Co-Owner and Stylist at Blue Tit Salon. “This is neutralised in salon using toner. However, over time, this will fade and reveal the ‘brassy’ tones again. There are a few factors that will speed up this process too – the main culprits are sun exposure, hard water and heat styling.”
What’s the difference between toner and a purple shampoo?
“Toner is an in-salon treatment with more precise, longer lasting results,” says Aimee. “The stylist will formulate a tone mixed bespoke for your exact desired shade of blonde.
“Purple shampoo is part of your home care routine. It cleanses the hair at the same time as neutralising yellow tones gradually. It helps to maintain your blonde tone in between salon visits.”
Is purple shampoo actually good for your hair?
“Purple shampoo is generally good for the hair when you opt for good quality brands,” says Aimee.
However, a purple shampoo shouldn’t be your primary everyday hair-wash shampoo, as over-use can dry and dull the hair. It’s best usedonce a week to extend the life of your in-salon toner.
The verdict on purple shampoos
Our panellists crowned Amika's Bust your Brass Cool Blonde Repair Shampoo for helping to beat brassiness and strengthen hair at the same time.
If you need to fix any brassy mishaps fast, the nourishing Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo performed best for instant results.
Looking for a brighter blonde on a budget? Try the more affordable L’Oreal Paris Purple Shampoo.
