A Warning About Purple Shampoo: How It Could Be Fading Your Fresh Color
What most people don’t know (until it’s too late)
You’ve just left the salon with your dream color—bright, dimensional, toned to perfection. So you do what you’ve heard is best: you reach for your trusty purple shampoo.
A few washes later… something feels off. The color’s gone dull. It’s not what it was. And suddenly, that magical purple shampoo might be the reason.
Let’s talk about when purple shampoo can actually do more harm than good—especially right after a color service. This is one of the most common mistakes I see, and it can lead to unnecessary fading, dullness, and frustration. The good news? It’s easy to avoid once you understand how it works.
Client Story: A Toner Faded Too Fast
One of my clients—we’ll call her Lisa—came in recently for a beautiful dimensional grey blending service. We softened her growout with a custom toner that blended her natural silver into the rest of her color. It looked amazing—soft, radiant, and effortless.
But just a few days later, Lisa washed her hair with a strong purple shampoo (trying to “keep the tone”), and it faded her toner fast. Her blend lost its softness, and her silver turned dull.
She came back in feeling disappointed—and needing another toner appointment to restore what we had just created.
The problem? She used purple shampoo too soon. Toner needs time to settle and anchor in the hair. Introducing pigment or harsh cleansing too early can shift or strip it.
Why This Happens
• Toners Are Fragile at First
Most salon toners are demi-permanent, and they need several days (and at least 2–3 washes) to fully settle into the cuticle. Using purple shampoo during this time can interrupt that process and cause fading.
• Some Purple Shampoos Are Harsh
Even sulfate-free versions can be mildly clarifying, which can strip moisture and fade fresh color—especially on lightened or porous hair.
• Purple Pigment Can Shift the Tone
These shampoos are designed to cancel yellow. But if your toner was warm, neutral, or custom-blended, adding violet pigment too soon can throw it off.
When Purple Shampoo can be Helpful
Used in the right way, purple shampoo absolutely has its place:
It neutralizes yellow tones in blonde or silver hair
It refreshes tone between salon visits
It brightens natural grey when it starts to look dull
It’s a convenient tool at home when not overused
But When It Backfires…
These are the most common issues I see:
Fades toner when used too soon after a color service
Dries out the hair, especially when used too often
Turns grey or silver hair lavender when overused
Dulls shine by coating the hair with pigment buildup
Doesn’t correct orange or copper brassiness
Can stain your shower, grout, or towels if not rinsed quickly
BRIGHT BALANCE
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BRIGHT BALANCE 〰️
What I Recommend Instead: Innersense Bright Balance
If you want a cleaner, more gentle alternative to traditional purple shampoo, I personally love the Bright Balance Hairbath and Conditioner by Innersense. It’s not just better for your hair—it’s more thoughtful for your tone, too.
Why It’s Different:
It’s not purple in color—it’s charcoal, so it won’t leave a purple cast behind
It’s non-staining, even on very porous or white hair
It’s moisturizing and clean, with no harsh sulfates
It’s pH-balanced and gentle, ideal for freshly toned or natural grey
It includes a toning conditioner, which adds softness and balance
You can shop it through my affiliate link here: INNERSENSE BRIGHT BALANCE
Final Thoughts
Purple shampoo isn’t bad—but it’s not always right. If you’ve just had your hair toned, the best thing you can do is wait before reaching for anything with pigment. Give your color time to settle, and when in doubt, ask your stylist for guidance.