14 Best Purple Shampoos for Highlights to Banish Brass

Maintaining the perfect cool-toned highlights requires a strategic approach to hair care, and the right purple shampoo is the cornerstone of that routine. Unwanted brassiness, caused by hard water, UV rays, and environmental factors, can turn fresh blonde highlights, platinum balayage, or even brunette hair with highlights into a dull, orange-toned disappointment. This analysis details 14 of the best purple shampoo for highlights options and supporting hair care products designed to neutralize yellow tones, enhance hair health, and preserve the vibrancy of color-treated hair.

Explore the full best purple shampoo for highlights range.

Best for Promoting Scalp Health: OBIA Naturals Neem Tea Tree Shampoo Bar

While not a traditional purple toning shampoo, maintaining healthy hair starts at the scalp. The OBIA Naturals Neem Tea Tree Shampoo Bar is a standout for creating an optimal foundation for highlighted hair. Its solid formula is packed with Neem and Tea Tree oils, both revered for their natural antiseptic and clarifying properties. This shampoo bar effectively removes product buildup and impurities that can dull blonde tones, without the harsh stripping agents found in some liquid shampoos. It promotes a balanced scalp environment, which is crucial for healthy hair growth and maintaining the integrity of fragile, chemically-treated strands. This is an excellent choice for those who prefer sustainable options or need a deep yet gentle cleanse to prep hair for toning treatments like a purple hair mask.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Neem Oil, Tea Tree Oil
Texture	Solid Bar
Best For	Oily or flaky scalp, removing buildup on highlighted hair
Scent	Light, herbal

What We Like

• Neem and Tea Tree oil work together to clarify the scalp and follicles.
• Sulfate-free formula is gentle on color-treated and keratin-treated hair.
• Eco-friendly solid bar format reduces plastic waste and is great for travel.

What to Keep in Mind

• Requires a separate toning product to neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair.
• Solid bar format may require an adjustment period for new users.

Best for Soothing and Toning: KESMEDIK Tea Tree Purple Shampoo & Conditioner

The KESMEDIK Tea Tree Purple Shampoo & Conditioner set offers a dual-action approach for those with highlighted hair and sensitive scalps. The formula combines the brass-fighting power of a violet pigment with the soothing benefits of tea tree oil. This makes it one of the best purple shampoo for highlights options for individuals who experience scalp irritation or dryness after color treatments. The deep purple shampoo works to neutralize unwanted yellow tones in blonde, platinum, and silver hair, while the tea tree oil provides a calming, antiseptic effect on the scalp. The accompanying purple conditioner helps to detangle and infuse moisture, leaving the hair shaft smooth and the hair color looking vibrant and cool.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Violet Pigments, Tea Tree Oil
Texture	Creamy Lotion
Best For	Highlighted hair with a sensitive or oily scalp, good for silver hair
Scent	Light, Minty

What We Like

• Combines toning and scalp care in one system for complete hair health.
• Tea tree oil helps to balance the scalp's natural oils.
• Provides noticeable toning results to combat brassiness in blonde balayage.

What to Keep in Mind

• The conditioner is essential to restore moisture after the toning shampoo.
• May be too potent for daily use; alternate with a regular color-safe shampoo.

Best for Strengthening Fragile Highlights: HAIRtamin Biotin & Botanicals Shampoo

Highlighting and bleaching can compromise the structural integrity of hair, leading to breakage and damage. The HAIRtamin Biotin & Botanicals Shampoo focuses on strengthening the hair from within. Infused with Biotin, a key vitamin for hair health, along with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and cucumber, this shampoo helps to fortify weakened strands. While it does not contain purple pigments, it plays a vital supportive role by improving the resilience of color-processed hair. Using a strengthening shampoo like this in rotation with a purple shampoo for blonde hair can prevent breakage, enhance shine, and ensure that highlighted hair remains healthy and strong. It’s an ideal choice for anyone with fine hair concerned with thinning or damage post-color service.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Biotin, Aloe Vera, Cucumber Extract
Texture	Gel
Best For	Fine, weak, or damaged highlighted hair
Scent	Fresh, botanical

What We Like

• Biotin-rich formula supports hair strength and reduces breakage.
• Botanical extracts provide lightweight hydration without weighing down fine hair.
• Free of sulfates and parabens, making it safe for color-treated hair.

What to Keep in Mind

• This is a strengthening shampoo, not a toning shampoo for highlights.
• Best results are seen with consistent, long-term use alongside a toning regimen.

Best for Intense Toning on a Budget: One 'N Only Shiny Silver Purple Shampoo

For those seeking powerful toning without a premium price tag, the One 'N Only Shiny Silver Purple Shampoo is a classic choice. This product is formulated with a high concentration of violet pigments designed to quickly and effectively neutralize stubborn yellow and brassy tones. It is particularly effective on lightened hair, including blonde highlights, platinum blonde, and gray or white hair. The formula helps to brighten and enhance cool, ashy tones, restoring a fresh-from-the-salon look. Because of its potency, it is recommended to start by leaving it on for a shorter duration to avoid over-toning. This affordable yet effective purple shampoo is a staple for maintaining vibrant, cool-toned hair color between appointments and is considered a top drugstore purple shampoo.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Violet 2
Texture	Rich Liquid
Best For	Intense brass neutralization on very light hair, including platinum and gray hair
Scent	Light, clean

What We Like

• Highly pigmented for fast and noticeable anti-brass results.
• Effectively brightens silver, gray, and platinum blonde hair.
• Accessible price point makes it a great value for powerful toning.

What to Keep in Mind

• Can be drying; a deep conditioning mask is recommended after use.
• The strong pigment can stain hands or porous surfaces if not rinsed promptly.

Best for Hydration On-the-Go: Masami Mekabu Hydrating Travel Shampoo & Conditioner

Color-treated hair, especially hair with highlights, is prone to dryness and requires consistent moisture to stay healthy and shiny. The Masami Mekabu Hydrating Travel Shampoo & Conditioner set is perfect for nourishing hair, whether at home or while traveling. The star ingredient is Mekabu, a nutrient-rich Japanese ocean botanical that delivers intense hydration. This formula helps to replenish moisture lost during the chemical coloring process, leaving hair soft and manageable. This hydrating shampoo does not tone but is a crucial part of a complete hair care routine for highlights. By keeping the hair cuticle smooth and hydrated, it helps to reflect light better, making hair appear shinier and the color more vibrant. The convenient travel size ensures hair stays nourished no matter the location.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Mekabu, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E
Texture	Creamy
Best For	Dry, coarse, or color-treated hair, including thick hair with highlights
Scent	Fresh, clean ocean scent

What We Like

• Mekabu provides weightless, powerful hydration for thirsty strands.
• Free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.
• Leaves hair feeling exceptionally soft and smooth, enhancing shine.

What to Keep in Mind

• Does not offer toning benefits for brassiness; use with a purple shampoo.
• The luxury price point reflects its high-quality botanical ingredients.

Best for Removing Product Buildup: Whipi Co Scrub- Sea Salt Shampoo

Over time, styling products, hard water minerals, and even other hair treatments can build up on the hair, causing highlights to look dull and lackluster. The Whipi Co Scrub- Sea Salt Shampoo provides a necessary detox. This unique formula uses natural sea salt to gently exfoliate the scalp and hair strands, lifting away impurities and buildup without stripping color. A clarified base allows toning products, like a good purple conditioner or hair mask, to penetrate more effectively. For those with highlighted hair, using a clarifying scrub once a week can revitalize hair color, boost volume at the root, and restore a brilliant shine. It's an essential step for a truly clean canvas, ensuring your hair reaps the full benefits of its conditioning and toning treatments.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Sea Salt
Texture	Thick Scrub/Paste
Best For	All hair types, especially oily hair or heavy product users
Scent	Fresh, oceanic

What We Like

• Sea salt provides physical exfoliation to remove stubborn buildup.
• Adds significant volume and texture to the hair, especially fine hair.
• Leaves the scalp feeling refreshed and deeply cleansed.

What to Keep in Mind

• Should be followed by a hydrating conditioner or hair mask to restore moisture.
• The texture can be unusual for those accustomed to liquid shampoos.

Best for Nourishing Natural Textures: NaturAll Wash & Go: Sea Moss and Chebe Shampoo

For those with curly, coily, or kinky hair types, highlights require special care to prevent dryness and maintain curl definition. The NaturAll Wash & Go: Sea Moss and Chebe Shampoo is expertly formulated to cleanse gently while infusing hair with potent, natural nutrients. Sea moss is rich in minerals and vitamins that hydrate and strengthen the hair, while Chebe powder, a traditional African hair care secret, helps to retain moisture and reduce breakage. This moisturizing shampoo is perfect for textured hair with highlights, as it cleanses without stripping the natural oils essential for curl health. It ensures that both the hair's natural texture and its delicate color are preserved and nourished, making it a great companion to a purple shampoo for curly hair.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Sea Moss, Chebe Powder
Texture	Lightweight Liquid
Best For	Curly, coily, and natural hair textures with highlights
Scent	Light, natural

What We Like

• Specifically designed to meet the needs of textured and curly hair.
• Natural ingredients like sea moss provide deep nourishment and hydration.
• Sulfate-free formula protects both color and curl pattern.

What to Keep in Mind

• It is not a toning shampoo and must be paired with one for brass control.
• May not provide enough lather for those used to traditional shampoos.

Best for Gentle Toning for Daily Use: L'Oreal Paris Blonde Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Finding a purple toning shampoo that is gentle enough for frequent use can be a challenge. The L'Oreal Paris Blonde Sulfate-Free Shampoo strikes the perfect balance. Its sulfate-free formula cleanses without stripping essential moisture or fading color, making it an excellent choice for those who wash their hair more often. The purple pigments are effective at neutralizing brassiness but are balanced enough to prevent the hair from taking on a lavender hue with regular use. Infused with Hibiscus and Purple Fig extracts, it also helps to hydrate and care for processed hair. This drugstore purple shampoo is a reliable and accessible option for consistently maintaining cool, bright blonde hair without causing dryness or damage.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Purple Pigments, Hibiscus Extract
Texture	Creamy Liquid
Best For	Frequent washing, gentle toning for natural blonde hair
Scent	Light, pleasant floral

What We Like

• Sulfate-free purple shampoo formula is gentle on hair and preserves color.
• Provides subtle, consistent toning to prevent brassiness from returning.
• Affordable and widely available at drugstores.

What to Keep in Mind

• May not be strong enough for hair with very intense orange or yellow tones.
• Best results are achieved when used with the matching purple conditioner.

Best for Luxury Anti-Brass Treatment: KÉRASTASE Blond Absolu Ultra-Violet Shampoo

For a truly premium hair care regimen, the KÉRASTASE Blond Absolu Ultra-Violet Shampoo delivers exceptional performance. This luxurious professional purple shampoo is formulated with a powerful blend of neutralizing agents to instantly counteract brassy and yellow undertones. What sets it apart is the inclusion of high-end skincare ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Edelweiss Flower extract. Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates the hair fiber, filling in damage and creating a smooth surface, while Edelweiss Flower provides antioxidant protection against daily environmental aggressors. This potent combination not only perfects the tone of ash blonde and highlighted hair but also leaves it feeling incredibly soft, fortified, and luminous. It transforms the routine task of toning into a restorative treatment.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Hyaluronic Acid, Edelweiss Flower, Ultra-Violet Neutralizers
Texture	Rich Gel
Best For	All types of blonde hair, including ash blonde and balayage, seeking toning and repair
Scent	Signature luxury fragrance

What We Like

• Instantly neutralizes brassiness for a cooler, brighter blonde.
• Hyaluronic Acid provides intense, lasting hydration, making it a good purple shampoo for dry hair.
• Protects hair from oxidation and environmental damage.

What to Keep in Mind

• Represents a significant investment compared to other options.
• Highly pigmented, so usage should be limited to once or twice a week.

Best for Calming Dry, Processed Hair: Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo

The lightening process required for highlights can leave hair feeling dry and stressed. The Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo offers a spa-like, calming experience for parched strands. This hydrating formula is rich in moisture-binding conditioners and amino acids that help to replenish dry, unruly hair. While its primary function isn't toning, its role in a highlight care routine is to restore much-needed moisture and improve manageability. The natural extracts of lavender and mint provide a soothing sensation for the scalp and a relaxing aromatherapy benefit. Alternating a deeply moisturizing shampoo like this with a purple shampoo ensures that hair remains balanced, hydrated, and healthy, preventing the straw-like texture that can sometimes accompany color treatments.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Lavender, Mint, Tea Tree Oil
Texture	Creamy Gel
Best For	Dry, coarse, or moisture-deprived hair, including thick hair
Scent	Strong, calming lavender and mint

What We Like

• Deeply moisturizes and improves hair's elasticity and shine.
• Soothing lavender and mint extracts calm the scalp and senses.
• Safe for color-treated hair and helps to prevent moisture loss.

What to Keep in Mind

• Does not contain any toning pigments for brassiness.
• The distinct scent may be too strong for some users.

Best for a Deep Cleansing Clay Wash: Naturalicious Step 1: Moroccan Rhassoul 5-in-1 Clay Treatment

For a truly unique approach to cleansing highlighted hair, the Naturalicious Moroccan Rhassoul 5-in-1 Clay Treatment is a game-changer. This innovative product uses Rhassoul clay to detoxify, cleanse, condition, detangle, and treat the hair all in one step. The clay naturally absorbs impurities, excess oil, and product buildup from the scalp and hair without the use of traditional surfactants. This gentle yet effective cleansing method is ideal for highlighted hair as it won't strip color. By removing buildup, it enhances the hair's natural shine and allows the cool tones of highlights to come through more clearly. It’s an excellent alternative to conventional shampoos, especially for those with curly hair or anyone looking to simplify their wash day routine while maintaining hair health.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Moroccan Rhassoul Clay, Olive Oil, Cacao
Texture	Rich Clay Paste
Best For	All hair types, especially curly textures with highlights seeking a gentle detox
Scent	Earthy, chocolate

What We Like

• Multi-functional formula simplifies the wash day process.
• Rhassoul clay provides a deep, non-stripping cleanse.
• Natural ingredients condition and detangle simultaneously.

What to Keep in Mind

• Application is different from a standard liquid shampoo.
• Must be paired with a toning product for anti-brass benefits.

Best for Repairing and Toning Damaged Hair: Marc Anthony Bond Repair Purple Shampoo

Bleaching and highlighting work by breaking the bonds within the hair, which can lead to significant damage. The Marc Anthony Bond Repair Purple Shampoo tackles two problems at once: it repairs this damage while also toning away brassiness. The formula is enriched with a bond-building complex that helps to restructure and strengthen the hair from the inside out, reducing breakage and improving elasticity. At the same time, its violet pigments work to neutralize yellow tones, ensuring highlights stay bright and cool. This multi-tasking purple shampoo for damaged hair is a fantastic, affordable option for those whose hair needs both structural repair and color correction, streamlining the path to healthier, better-toned blonde hair.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Bond Repair Complex, Violet Pigments
Texture	Lotion
Best For	Damaged, bleached, or over-processed highlighted hair, including fine hair
Scent	Light, clean fragrance

What We Like

• Combines bond repair technology with purple toning pigments.
• Helps to reduce split ends and breakage from chemical services.
• Sulfate-free formulation is gentle for regular use on fragile hair.

What to Keep in Mind

• Bond repair benefits accumulate with continued use.
• May require a separate deep conditioner for very dry hair types.

Best for Bond-Building and Toning: Olaplex Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo

Olaplex revolutionized hair care with its patented bond-building technology, and the Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo brings this reparative power to the world of toning. This highly concentrated shampoo not only deposits violet pigment to neutralize brassiness but also works at a molecular level to repair broken disulfide bonds in the hair. This makes it one of the absolute best professional purple shampoos for highlights on hair that is visibly damaged from bleaching. The sulfate-free purple shampoo formula offers customizable toning—the longer it sits on the hair, the more intense the effect. Using this shampoo helps to make highlighted hair stronger, healthier, and brighter with every wash, addressing both the cause (damage) and the symptom (brassiness) of lackluster blonde hair color.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Violet Pigments
Texture	Concentrated Liquid
Best For	Chemically treated and highlighted hair needing repair and toning
Scent	Light, fresh

What We Like

• Features patented Olaplex bond-building technology to repair hair structure.
• Highly concentrated formula means a little goes a long way.
• Provides significant toning to eliminate yellow and orange tones for an icy blonde finish.

What to Keep in Mind

• Premium price point reflects its advanced technology.
• Can be slightly drying if overused; follow with Olaplex No. 5 Conditioner.

Best for Classic, Reliable Brass Neutralizing: Clairol Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo

Often considered the original purple shampoo, Clairol Shimmer Lights has been a trusted choice for generations of blondes. Its protein-enriched formula delivers powerful, no-nonsense toning that effectively removes the dull yellow tones that plague highlighted and blonde hair. It is renowned for its ability to brighten and refresh color, bringing it back to a vibrant, cool state. While it can be drying for some hair types, its efficacy is undeniable, making it a cult classic for a reason. For those who need a reliable, strong toning shampoo for highlights to use once a week to keep brass at bay, Shimmer Lights remains an unbeatable and budget-friendly option. Always follow up with a quality moisturizing conditioner or hair treatment to replenish hydration.

Quick Specs

Key Active	Violet 2, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Texture	Thin Liquid
Best For	Powerful weekly toning to remove stubborn brassiness from blonde or silver hair
Scent	Distinct floral scent

What We Like

• Time-honored formula with a reputation for strong toning results.
• Excellent for brightening gray, white, and platinum hair.
• Very affordable and widely available, a top drugstore purple shampoo.

What to Keep in Mind

• Can be drying on fine or damaged hair; a good conditioner is non-negotiable.
• The fragrance is strong and very recognizable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does purple shampoo for highlights work?

Purple shampoo works based on color wheel theory. Purple is directly opposite yellow on the color wheel, which means the two colors cancel each other out. When hair is lightened for highlights or balayage, the underlying warm, yellow pigments are exposed. The violet pigments in a purple shampoo are deposited onto the hair shaft, neutralizing these unwanted yellow and orange tones. This process results in a cooler, brighter, more neutral shade like an ash blonde or icy blonde, effectively refreshing the look of highlighted hair.

How often should you use purple shampoo on highlighted hair?

The frequency of use depends on the potency of the shampoo and the needs of your hair. For highly pigmented shampoos, using it once a week is typically sufficient to maintain cool tones. For more gentle, sulfate-free options, it may be used two to three times a week. It is important to observe how your hair responds; hair porosity can affect how much pigment is absorbed. If a purple or lilac tint appears, reduce the frequency or leave-in time. It's often best to alternate a purple shampoo with a moisturizing or color-safe shampoo to maintain overall hair health.

Can purple shampoo damage my hair?

Purple shampoo itself doesn't cause chemical damage like bleach does. However, many toning shampoos can be drying because their primary function is to deposit color, not to provide intense moisture. Overuse can lead to dry, brittle-feeling hair, especially on fine hair. To counteract this, it is crucial to always follow a purple shampoo with a high-quality, hydrating conditioner or a deep conditioning purple hair mask. Additionally, choosing a formula with added benefits, such as the bond-repairing qualities of Olaplex or Marc Anthony, can help mitigate potential dryness and improve hair health.

What key ingredients are beneficial for highlighted hair?

Beyond violet pigments for toning, look for ingredients that support the health of chemically-treated hair. Hydrators like Hyaluronic Acid, glycerin, and natural oils (like argan oil or coconut oil) replenish moisture, making them ideal for dry hair. Proteins such as keratin, silk amino acids, or vegetable protein help to fortify the weakened hair shaft and reduce breakage. Bond-building technologies, found in brands like Olaplex, are excellent for repairing structural damage from the inside out. Antioxidants, like those from Edelweiss Flower or green tea extract, help protect hair from UV rays and environmental stressors that can cause color to fade and turn brassy.

Will purple shampoo work on brunette hair with highlights?

Yes, purple shampoo is very effective for brunettes with highlights, balayage, or ombre. The toning shampoo will specifically target the lightened sections of the hair, neutralizing any yellow or brassy tones that have developed in the blonde, caramel, or light brown pieces. It will not have a noticeable effect on the darker, natural brunette hair color, making it the perfect tool for selectively toning the highlighted portions and keeping them looking fresh and cool-toned without affecting your base color.

Can I leave purple shampoo in my hair longer for better results?

Leaving purple shampoo on for a longer duration, typically between 3 to 5 minutes, can result in more intense toning. This is a good technique for hair that is particularly brassy. However, it's wise to be cautious. Leaving a highly pigmented shampoo on for too long, especially on very porous, platinum blonde hair, can deposit too much violet pigment and leave a noticeable lilac or lavender tint. It is best to start with the recommended time on the product label (usually 1-3 minutes) and gradually increase it if more toning is needed.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best purple shampoo for highlights depends on balancing toning needs with hair health priorities. Whether the goal is intense repair for damaged hair, gentle maintenance for fine hair, or deep hydration for dry hair, there is a formula designed to keep highlighted hair vibrant and free of brass.

Category	Winner	Why
Best Value	Clairol Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo	Offers powerful, classic toning at an unbeatable drugstore price point.
Best Splurge	KÉRASTASE Blond Absolu Ultra-Violet Shampoo	Combines potent toning with luxury ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid for superior hydration and repair.
Best for Gentle Use	L'Oreal Paris Blonde Sulfate-Free Shampoo	Its sulfate-free formula provides effective toning without stripping hair, ideal for frequent washing.
Editor's Pick	Olaplex Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo	Uniquely pairs intense toning with patented bond-building technology to repair damaged hair from the inside out.