Purple Shampoo and Brown Hair: The Secret to Cooler, Richer Tones

Understanding the relationship between purple shampoo and brown hair is essential if you’re looking to maintain a cool-toned brunette mane. Yes, purple shampoo and brown hair go well together, but it depends on your specific hair type and undertones. This toning method works best on lightened brunettes, including those with highlights, balayage, or ombré effects. While these products are highly effective at neutralizing brassiness, they will not lighten your brown hair.

You may have thought purple-colored products were only reserved for your friends with silver and blonde tresses, but using purple shampoo on brown hair can also be a game-changer. While the best color shampoo for brunettes typically leans more blue, purple shampoo can help neutralize brassiness, brighten your mane, and ensure your hair color looks its best.

Below you will find everything you need to know about purple shampoo and brown hair, including how to use it in your hair care routine to keep your color looking salon-fresh.

What Does Purple Shampoo Do for Brown Hair?

To understand what purple shampoo does to brown hair, you have to look at color theory. Purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel, making it effective at neutralizing unwanted yellow tones in lightened hair. Purple shampoo on brown hair works best on strands that have been lifted to a lighter level, such as caramel highlights or a mushroom brown color, as these are the areas prone to turning yellow.

It may not work on very dark, non-lightened hair because those shades typically reveal orange or red undertones when they turn brassy, not yellow. Results will also vary by hair porosity; more porous hair will absorb the purple pigment more readily. If you find your brunette hair pulls more orange, a blue shampoo will be a more effective choice for toning.

Does purple shampoo lighten brown hair?

No, this is a common misconception. Purple shampoo is a toning product, not a lightener. It works by depositing a sheer violet pigment onto the hair to cancel out yellow tones, which can make your hair color appear cooler and brighter, but it will not lift or lighten the actual shade of your hair.

How To Use Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair

If you are dealing with unwanted yellow tones and have decided a purple shampoo is right for you, using one is very straightforward. You just need to swap it into your routine as needed to keep brassiness at bay.

How to choose the right purple shampoo

You should start by choosing a formula that is deep in color to ensure it can effectively correct brassiness. We suggest opting for a color-depositing formula with intense purple pigments that also addresses hair concerns like damage or dullness.

L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Toning Shampoo is a sulfate-free option designed specifically for bleached and lightened hair. This shampoo cleanses while neutralizing yellow and orange tones, and you should massage it into wet hair before rinsing. To maximize benefits, always pair it with a purple conditioner to ensure moisture balance and prevent over-toning dryness. L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Toning Conditioner adds essential hydration and further neutralizes brass. This creamy conditioner should be applied from mid-lengths to ends and left on for a few minutes before rinsing.

For a more intensive treatment, the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Toning Mask Treatment can be used once a week. This concentrated mask deeply nourishes strands while providing strong toning in just five minutes.

Another excellent option is the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Purple Shampoo. The shampoo removes brass from color-treated hair for a cooler, more vibrant finish. Apply the shampoo to wet hair once a week for the best results.

On days when you are not toning, you can boost shine with the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss Shine Boosting Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss Shine Boosting Conditioner. This system removes impurities and uses a pH-balanced formula to smooth the hair for maximum light reflection. The shampoo provides a gentle cleanse while the conditioner works to laminate the hair for a silk-like feel. Complete the routine with the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss High Shine Leave-in Serum to add a high-shine finish and control frizz. This serum can be applied to damp or dry hair to provide a mirror-like glow and lasting smoothness.

How to apply purple shampoo to brown hair

Maintaining purple shampoo and brown hair requires a specific technique for even results.

1. Saturate your hair: Hop in the shower and get your hair completely wet.
2. Apply shampoo: Lather the purple shampoo, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where brassiness and highlights are most prominent. You can wear gloves to prevent any temporary staining on your nails.
3. Let it sit: Leave the shampoo on for the recommended time on the package, typically between 3-5 minutes. You can use a wide-tooth comb to ensure even distribution.
4. Rinse and condition: Rinse thoroughly and follow up with a coordinating purple conditioner to replenish moisture.

How long should you leave purple shampoo on brown hair?

Most purple shampoos are designed to be left on for 3-5 minutes. For fine or highly porous hair, you may want to start with a shorter time to avoid over-toning. Thicker or more resistant hair can often tolerate the full five minutes. Leaving it on for too long can risk giving your hair an ashy or patchy purple tint.

How often should brunettes use purple shampoo?

Generally, about once a week or as needed is a good rule of thumb. If you have heavily lightened hair or a full head of blonde balayage, you might use it more often. For subtle highlights, you may only need it every few weeks. Alternate with a regular or glossing shampoo to maintain your hair’s health and shine.

What happens if you use purple shampoo on dark brown hair?

If you are wondering about the purple shampoo on dark brown hair before and after effect, the answer is: not much. On very dark, virgin brown hair, the purple pigments will not have any noticeable effect because there are no yellow tones to neutralize. It may impart a very subtle cool shift in certain lighting, but it will not dramatically change or tone the color.

Is Blue or Purple Shampoo Better for Brunettes?

The question of blue vs. purple shampoo and brown hair comes down to the specific undertones you want to correct.

Blue shampoo is the equivalent of purple shampoo for brunettes with darker strands because blue sits across from orange on the color wheel. It is a great option if your hair has developed orange tones due to natural color fade or heat exposure. On the other hand, purple shampoo and brown hair are perfect for lighter highlights or balayage that have turned yellow. Depending on your needs, you might find yourself switching between the two to maintain an ashy look.

In short:

• If your hair looks yellow, choose purple shampoo.
• If your hair looks orange or red, choose blue shampoo.

Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair Precautions

If you have brunette hair, you can use purple shampoos, conditioners, and masks, but it’s important to use them correctly. Overuse can lead to dullness or product buildup, making your hair look heavy. It is also important to ensure you are not using it on the wrong undertones, as purple will not fix red brassiness.

Always consider your hair porosity to ensure your hair stays vibrant and hydrated throughout the toning process.

Other Ways To Care for Brown Hair and Prevent Brassiness

Beyond purple shampoo and brown hair maintenance, you should establish a comprehensive routine to keep your color looking salon-fresh. While toning addresses brass, other steps prevent environmental damage and boost shine. Below you will find the best ways to care for your brunette strands.

• Gloss treatments: The L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss Shine Boosting Shampoo, L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss Shine Boosting Conditioner, and L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss High Shine Leave-in Serum provide a tone-enhancing support routine that boosts shine and smoothness between toning days. The shampoo and conditioner work to laminate the hair cuticle, while the serum adds a mirror-like glow to finished styles.

• UV and heat protection: L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave-In is a lightweight spray that protects strands from heat damage up to 450 degrees while reducing frizz. You should spray it evenly through damp hair before blow-drying or heat styling to maintain smooth, healthy strands and prevent natural color fade.
• Sulfate-free maintenance: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair+ Shampoo uses citric acid to penetrate the hair fiber and strengthen weak bonds while preserving color integrity. Apply it to wet hair and massage gently to repair color-treated hair while keeping your hair maintenance routine on track.
• Hydration masks: L'Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm is an intensive rinse-out mask that repairs signs of damage like split ends and dryness in just one use. After shampooing, apply it to your hair and leave it on for a few minutes to deeply hydrate and restore softness, making it one of the best treatments for color-treated hair.

Next Up: The Best Brunette Hair Shade For Your Skin Tone

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris