Can You Use Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair?

When you hear about purple shampoo, your mind might automatically go to platinum blondes and icy silver shades. But if you have brown hair, you can also indulge in this haircare staple. Read on as Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf shares how purple shampoo is set to transform your brunette locks.

What is purple shampoo and is it just for blondes?

Purple shampoo is a toning hair product that uses a violet pigment. This purple pigment works to neutralise brassy, yellow tones in the hair, keeping your locks looking salon-fresh. You might have heard that purple shampoo can only be used on blonde, silver or white hair - but this is a myth! It can be used on brown hair to maintain richness, enhance cool tones, or keep lightened pieces from turning dull and brassy - and it can even be applied to red hair to keep orange at bay.

What does purple shampoo do to brown hair?

Purple shampoo can refine the cool tones in brunette hair, preventing tresses from appearing overly warm, orange or brassy. It won’t lighten your hair, but it will gently refine the tone to bring back that salon fresh finish. Purple shampoo tends to work best on light brunettes, brown hair with highlights, balayage, or natural brunettes with unwanted warmth.

How do you use purple shampoo on brown hair?

Purple shampoo should be applied after rinsing your brown hair in hot water to open the cuticles. When applying, make sure that you massage from root to tip, leave to stand for a couple of minutes, then rinse and repeat. We would also advise following the below tips:

1. Use a high quality formula

Choose a shampoo that looks after your hair whilst it tones, keeping your locks looking and feeling healthy and nourished. Our BLONDE Purple Brightening Shampoo is ideal, designed to enhance colour whilst infusing the hair with moisture and shine. It offers colour protection, whilst safely neutralising any brassy tones.

2. Use it wisely

Start by using purple shampoo once a week, then build up from there if you need to. When applying to your hair, you only need to leave on for a couple of minutes for it to get to work!

3. Compliment with other products

Violet pigment isn’t just for shampoo! It can be found in conditioners, heat sprays and other hair products. Massage our BLONDE Purple Brightening Conditioner after applying your purple shampoo to brighten your locks. When using heat styling tools, you could also use our MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist which reduces drying time by up to 50%, as well as using violet pigments to refresh tones.

4. Maintain your overall hair health

It’s not all about making your hair look good - it should feel good too! Purple shampoo should nurture your haircare routine, so be sure to use it alongside strong staples like deep conditioners and hair masks. We’d recommend using our HYDRATE Moisture Mask for an intensely conditioning treatment that can transform dry and dehydrated locks. 

5. Don’t expect miracles

Don’t expect your brunette hair to turn blonde after using purple shampoo! It won’t lighten brown hair, it will just tone and neutralise brassy tones. If you want to have your hair lightened, visit a hair salon to discuss colouring options. Wondering more about purple shampoo? Read our blog: Purple Shampoo - Your Questions Answered

You can absolutely use purple shampoo on brown hair, but just be sure to choose a formula that delivers on tone and treatment. For our selection of purple shampoo, conditioner and products, view our range: BLONDE Haircare