Purple Shampoo vs Blue Shampoo: Which One Does Your Hair Need?

Purple shampoo cancels yellow tones in blonde or silver hair while blue shampoo neutralises orange tones in brunette or balayage.

They're both toning hair care shampoos, but each targets different brassiness. Using the wrong one won't just be ineffective, it might worsen the colour.

Picture this, you’ve just spent a fortune at the salon, only to see that perfect ash tone fade into banana yellow or copper-orange within weeks. But you know what’s worse? Grabbing the wrong shampoo off the shelf at FairPrice.

This 2025 guide breaks down the real difference between purple and blue shampoo, who needs what, how often to use them, and which toning products actually work.

Purple vs Blue Shampoo Comparison

Feature	Purple Shampoo	Blue Shampoo
Best For	Blonde, platinum, silver hair	Brunette, light brown, balayage
Tones Down	Yellow, pale brass tones	Orange, copper tones
Pigment Colour	Violet pigment	Blue pigment
How Often to Use	1–2 times per week	1–2 times per week
Main Benefit	Brightens blonde, cancels yellow	Neutralises orange/brassy brown
Common Mistake	Using it on dark hair (ineffective)	Using it on blonde hair (can go green)

What Does Purple Shampoo Actually Do?

Purple shampoo tones down yellow and golden shades in blonde, silver, or grey hair.

If your hair starts to look brassy or too warm after bleaching, colouring, or even just exposure to sunlight, purple shampoo can help restore that cool-toned finish. It deposits violet pigment to balance out the yellow, without changing your actual hair colour.

Who It’s Best For:

Ash blonde or platinum blonde
Silver or grey hair
White-toned bleached styles
Naturally greying hair with yellowing ends

Example:

Let’s say you coloured your hair icy blonde two weeks ago, but now it’s leaning a little too yellow under office lighting. A single wash with purple shampoo can shift it back to a fresher, cleaner tone, no toner needed.

“For anyone who has lifted their hair past level 8 or 9, purple shampoo is a non-negotiable part of weekly care.” Senior Colourist, REDS hair salon JB

When Should You Use Blue Shampoo Instead?

Blue shampoo is designed to reduce orange or copper tones in brunette or highlighted hair.

When brown or balayage-treated hair fades, it often shifts into a reddish-orange hue. This is especially common after sun exposure or frequent washing. Blue shampoo helps correct this by rebalancing the warm tones with cool blue pigment.

Who It’s Best For:

Brunettes with highlights or balayage
Light brown or caramel shades
Ombre styles
Faded coloured hair that looks too orange

Example:

If your chocolate brown balayage starts to look a little too rusty by week three, blue shampoo can cool it down and help your original colour last longer.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Shampoo?

Using the wrong toning shampoo won’t fix brassiness, and might make things worse.

These shampoos work by colour correction, not cleansing. That means using purple shampoo on brown hair won’t cancel the orange. And using blue shampoo on blonde hair? You could end up with a greenish tint.

What Could Go Wrong:

On brown hair: Purple shampoo does nothing. You’re wasting time and product.
On blonde hair: Blue shampoo may deposit cool tones too aggressively, resulting in dull, muddy, or greenish hues.

Always Match Your Brassiness:

Brass Tone in Hair	Correct Shampoo
Yellow	Purple Shampoo
Orange/Copper	Blue Shampoo

If your hair has both yellow and orange tones (common in multi-toned dye jobs), it’s safe to alternate between purple and blue shampoo weekly, or better yet, ask your colourist which tone is more dominant.

How Often Should You Use Toning Shampoo?

We will be upfront here, toning shampoos are not made for everyday use. They contain more pigment and can be drying if overused, especially on bleached or processed hair.

Recommended Usage:

Start with once a week
If brassiness returns quickly, increase to twice weekly at most
Always monitor your hair’s texture and tone for signs of over-deposit

Why Overuse is a Problem:

Hair may become dry or brittle
Tones can become too ashy, dull, or flat
Coloured ends may pick up pigment unevenly

Pro Tip: Always follow up with a hydrating conditioner or hair mask. Toning shampoos correct colour but don’t replace moisture. This step keeps your hair soft and shiny while preventing over-processing.

Toning Products Are Worth Trying

1. Shiseido Fuente Forte Toning Shampoo

A gentle violet-pigment shampoo designed for blonde tones and sensitive scalps.

If your hair is platinum, ash, or silver, and your scalp reacts to harsh salon formulas, this toning shampoo is a safer, professional-grade option. It targets yellow tones without stripping moisture or irritating the scalp.

Average Price: $42
Ideal For: Ash blonde, silver, and platinum hair
Key Features: Anti-yellow formula, sulphate-free, scalp-soothing ingredients

Unlike many purple shampoo that feel drying or over-perfumed, Shiseido’s Fuente Forte balances pigment with scalp care. It’s especially useful for those who bleach frequently or have post-colour sensitivity.

2. Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo

A high-performance purple shampoo that tones and repairs bleached hair at the same time.

This is more than just a toner, it’s part of Olaplex’s bond-building range. That means it doesn’t just fight brass, it also strengthens fragile hair fibres weakened by bleach or heat.

Average Price: $58
Ideal For: Processed, bleached, or porous blonde hair
Key Features: Dual-action toner + bond repair, high pigment load

It’s best used once weekly if you’ve gone beyond level 9 blonde or have highlights that fade quickly. Many colourists recommend it post-salon to extend your toner’s lifespan between visits.

3. Fanola No Orange Shampoo

A blue shampoo with intense pigment to combat copper tones in brunette and balayage hair.

If your light brown balayage or highlighted brunette starts to look too orange, this Italian-made formula helps cool it down fast. It’s one of the few blue shampoos that works even on darker levels without drying.

Average Price: $39
Ideal For: Brassy brunettes, ombré, and balayage hair
Key Features: Anti-copper control, silicone-free, professional pigment strength

Stylists recommend this to clients who want to delay a salon refresh while keeping their colour clean and rich. It can also be diluted with conditioner for a softer result on fine hair.

Best Hair Care Routine After Using a Toning Shampoo

Toning shampoo is only one part of a complete colour-care system. To keep your colour vibrant and your hair healthy, what you do after toning matters just as much as the shampoo itself.

Step-by-Step Post-Toning Routine:

Rinse thoroughly with cool to lukewarm water to seal the cuticle and lock in tone.
Follow with a nourishing conditioner. this restores moisture lost during the toning process.
Apply a leave-in treatment or heat protectant if styling. This shields the hair from UV and thermal damage, both of which can reintroduce brassiness.

Recommended Products to Pair:

Moisturising Hair Mask: Use once a week for deep hydration, especially if your hair feels dry or porous.
Bond Builder or Leave-In Repair Spray: Perfect for bleached or chemically processed strands that need ongoing strength support.

We recommend spacing out toning days with moisture-focused days. For example, tone on Sunday, deep condition on Wednesday. This rotation keeps your hair balanced, not dry, not dull.

What to Avoid Right After Toning:

Clarifying shampoos or strong surfactants: These strip pigment and undo your toning work.
Skipping conditioner: Toning formulas tend to be slightly drying, so neglecting hydration weakens results.

With the right post-toning care, your colour lasts longer, feels softer, and keeps that fresh-from-the-salon look between appointments.

Still Not Sure Which One to Use?

Let your hair’s undertone decide, not the shampoo colour.

If unsure, snap a photo in natural light and compare your brassiness.

Yellow? Go purple.

Orange? Go blue.

Or, speak with a salon stylist to confirm your current undertone and get matched to a recommended routine.

Conclusion: Purple or Blue Shampoo, What’s Right for You?

The right choice isn’t about the colour on the bottle, it’s really about the undertone in your hair.

At Top Secret, we believe smarter haircare starts with understanding what your hair actually needs. Whether you’re fighting yellow in platinum blonde or calming orange in balayage, the right toning shampoo helps you maintain your salon-fresh look for longer, with less guesswork, and no damage.

Our purple shampoo stock is currently on sale, up to 40% off too! So if you recently coloured or dyed your hair, why not check our hair product collection out?

Let your undertone guide you and we’ll handle the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Purple vs Blue Shampoo

What’s The Main Difference Between Purple And Blue Shampoo?

Purple shampoo targets yellow tones in blonde hair. Blue shampoo cancels orange tones in brunette or balayage hair.

How Do I Know Which Toner Shampoo To Use?

Check your hair under natural light. If it's turning yellow, use purple shampoo. If it looks orange, use blue shampoo.

Can I Use Both Purple And Blue Shampoo?

Yes, if your hair has both yellow and orange tones. Alternate them weekly or ask your stylist which tone to prioritise.

How Long Should I Leave Purple Or Blue Shampoo On?

Start with 3–5 minutes. For stronger toning, you can leave it up to 10 minutes depending on product instructions.

What If My Hair Turns Purple Or Blue?

Don’t worry, it usually washes out in 1–2 rinses. Avoid leaving the shampoo on too long.

Do I Need Conditioner After Toning Shampoo?

Yes. These shampoos can be drying. Always use a hydrating conditioner or mask afterwards.