Blonde hair? You need a purple shampoo.
Blonde is a highly complex hair colour. The getting there (especially if you’re far from it on the natural colour spectrum) is tough, and the staying there can be equally as difficult.
Why? Because even the most expertly applied creamy blonde colour can soon slip into dreaded dull (or worse, brassy) territory if not carefully tended to between appointments.
As for what you can do to avoid getting there, we suggest stocking your shower shelf strategically, particularly with a quality purple shampoo.
Designed to counteract their colour wheel opposite (yellow), purple pigments encompass the ability to brighten, refresh and tone your blonde, restoring it to (or getting it at least far closer to) its former salon-fresh glory.
However, success lies in which specific shampoo you select, and so we have rounded up seven of the most reliable blonde refreshing rinses on the market…
The Best Purple Shampoos To Buy In 2024
Olaplex No.4-P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
From $50.36 at Revolve
A long-awaited offering from the brand that practically gifted blondes the ability to have healthy hair once more (and is in fact enriched with their signature bond-building system), it offers customisable blonde maintenance that hinges on how long you leave it on for.
It’s a lot of responsibility in your hands, sure, but allows for results ranging from a quick creaminess refresh (1-3 minutes) to an all-out iciness top-up (around 5 minutes) dependent on need.
Key features:
- Suitable for blonde, lightened, and grey hair
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Free of Parabens, Phosphates, Phthalates, Sulfates, Gluten, DEA, Aldehydes, Formaldehyde, and Nuts
Available at:
John Frieda Violet Crush Shampoo
From $17.99 at Chemist Warehouse
An option beloved for its low price, ready availability and impressive efficacy, this brassiness-banisher is formulated with crushed violet pigments that brighten blonde tones without leaving you living in fear of over-toning (AKA actually exiting the shower with a hair colour homage to Dame Edna).
In fact, it’s even been cleared for thrice weekly use if your colour calls for it; just lather and leave for 2-3 minutes, then rinse.
Key features:
- Peroxide-free and ammonia-free formula
- Safe for natural and colour-treated blonde
- Crushed violet pigment
Available at:
- $10.50 from Woolworths
- $10.50 from Amazon
Evo Fabuloso Platinum Blonde Toning Shampoo
From $44.75 at Adore Beauty
It’s long been said that washing is in fact a notable enemy when it comes to keeping colour fresh; luckily, this potent platinum-specific purple shampoo is specifically designed to cleanse lighter blonde locks without stripping colour.
The only thing it will be subtracting from your hair is any unwanted yellow tones. It’s recommended to be used once weekly and involves a classic ‘apply, leave for 1-3 minutes, rinse’ method.
Key features:
- Eliminates brassy tones from blonde or grey hair
- Sulphate-free and gentle on the hair
- Prevents colour-fading
Available at:
NAK Blonde Shampoo
From $29.95 at Oz Hair & Beauty
Blonde tends to lack the covetable shine that lucky brunettes and redheads boast, but the need for gloss often falls second in line compared to colour control.
There’s no need to choose with this formula, though; the pear extract and added proteins within it help to add a pearlescent shine (a clear indicator of improved strength and hydration) while still managing to set things straight (or rather cool and creamy) in the brassy tones department.
As for application, simply rinse after 5 minutes and repeat weekly.
Key features:
- Tone factor 4
- Vegan, sulphate-free, and paraben-free.
- Balances moisture levels.
Available at:
- $33.95 from Adore Beauty
- $27.95 from Amazon
Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo
From $52 at Sephora
Another option that concentrates on hair health as well as toning, Moroccanoil’s clever purple shampoo is devoted to enhancing your blonde’s depth and dimension, reviving highlights and providing sheen as it goes.
It’s a beautifully fragranced hybrid of violet pigments and antioxidant-rich argan oil that counteracts orange and yellow tones as well as dryness and damage. Wash wise, a 3-5 minute wait should do the trick.
Key features:
- Sulphate-free
- Fragranced with the Moroccanoil signature scent
- Arganid™ Technology
Available at:
- $49.95 from Adore Beauty
- $19.95 from Oz Hair and Beauty
Bumble and bumble Blonde Shampoo
From $27.00 at Mecca
If you’re ever worried about keeping your blonde controlled while on the move, this travel-friendly toning shampoo is as compact as it is powerful.
With glycerin incorporated into the mix for added hydration (always welcome, especially if you’re a bottle blonde), it seals frizz, neutralises brassiness and leaves your blonde’s nuances illuminated with every application. It only takes 2 minutes per week, too.
Key features:
- Sulphate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Anti-frizz
Ogx Purple Toning Shampoo
From $22 at Woolworths
Suitable for blonde, silver or pre-lightened hair, this powerful blend from OGX works to extend the life of coloured hair, while offering a boost of hydrating and reducing those dreaded brassy tones.
With keratin proteins helping to minimise frizz and straighten your locks, it’s a multi-purpose product that’ll have you tackling multiple hair woes in one go.
Key features:
- Infused with keratin, purple dig and iris
- Blonde enhancing
- Personalised toning
Available at:
- $11.50 from Chemist Warehouse
Hask Blonde Care Purple Shampoo
$14.49 at Chemist Warehouse
This vegan formula is best for natural or dyed shades of blonde to help brighten and neutralise brassy tones.
Made with elderberry oil and vitamin C to help enhance shine and restore moisture, the blend is free from sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, gluten and drying alcohol.
Enjoy a fresh, cooler shade of blonde by the end of your wash.
Key features:
- Infused with keratin, purple dig and iris
- Blonde enhancing
- Personalised toning
Available at:
- $11.50 from Chemist Warehouse
Looking to save money on purple shampoo\? Check out our coupon codes for Sephora, Oz Hair and Beauty and more.