Blue Vs Purple Shampoo: What’s The Difference And Which One Is Right For Your Hair?
Toning shampoos have become a must-have for anyone with color-treated hair. Whether you’re blonde, brunette, highlighted, or balayaged, unwanted brassiness can appear over time due to sun exposure, heat styling, minerals in water, or fading dye. That’s where blue and purple shampoos come in — but many people are unsure which one they actually need.
This guide breaks down the differences between blue vs purple shampoo, how each one works, and how to choose the right formula for your hair color.
What Is Blue Shampoo?
Blue shampoo contains blue pigments designed to neutralize orange and copper tones in brown hair. This follows basic color theory: blue cancels orange.
Who Should Use Blue Shampoo?
- Brunettes (natural or dyed)
- Dark-blonde hair with caramel or orange brass
- Brown balayage or ombré
- Highlighted brunettes whose blonde pieces turn warm
- Anyone experiencing deep orange brassiness
Why Use Blue Shampoo?
Because darker hair naturally lifts to orange during coloring or highlighting, blue shampoo helps restore cooler, richer tones and prevents hair from appearing too warm or brassy.
What Is Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo contains purple (violet) pigments that cancel out yellow tones. Since purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel, it’s extremely effective at restoring cool shades in lighter hair.
Who Should Use Purple Shampoo?
- Platinum blondes
- Ash blondes
- Silver or gray hair
- Highlighted blondes
- Those with pale or light brassy yellow tones
Why Use Purple Shampoo?
Light hair tends to fade to yellow, especially with heat and sun exposure. Purple shampoo helps maintain brightness, neutralize gold, and keep blonde tones cool.
Blue vs Purple Shampoo: Key Differences
Here’s a simple breakdown of how they differ:
| Feature | Blue Shampoo | Purple Shampoo |
| Pigment | Blue | Purple (Violet) |
| Neutralizes | Orange / copper tones | Yellow / pale gold tones |
| Best for | Brunettes, dark blondes, brown balayage | Blondes, silvers, grays, platinum |
| Main purpose | Reduce deep brassiness | Brighten and cool lighter hair |
| Overtone risk | Hair may turn slightly ashy | Hair may become slightly lavender if overused |
How to Know Which One You Need
Choose blue shampoo if:
- Your hair is brown, dark blonde, or brunette balayage.
- You see orange, copper, or rusty
- Your highlights turn warm or bronze.
- You want richer, cooler brunette results.
Choose purple shampoo if:
- Your hair is blonde, gray, or platinum.
- Your brassiness looks yellow, not orange.
- Your blonde feels dull or overly golden.
- You want icy or ash-toned results.
Tip:
If your hair has both yellow and orange tones (common in balayage), you may need both products for different sections or different wash days.
How to Use Blue and Purple Shampoos Properly
To get the best results:
1. Start Slowly
Use once or twice per week — toning shampoos are more powerful than regular shampoo.
2. Leave It On for the Right Amount of Time
Most formulas work best when left for 2–5 minutes, but always check the label.
3. Follow With Hydrating Conditioner
Toning shampoos can be drying; a good conditioner or mask restores moisture.
4. Alternate With a Regular Shampoo
Too much toning can cause dullness or color buildup.
5. Don’t Apply to Very Dry Hair Unless Directed
Dry hair absorbs pigment quickly and may over-tone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using purple shampoo on orange brass – it won’t cancel deep tones.
- Using blue shampoo on blonde hair – can lead to muddy or greenish hues.
- Applying too often – can cause flat or grayish tones.
- Skipping conditioner – leads to dryness and rough texture.
- Expecting instant fixes – sometimes it takes 2–3 washes to see full improvement.
Best Practices for Long-Lasting Color Maintenance
Regardless of your hair color:
- Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner
- Reduce heat styling
- Use heat protectant every time
- Install a shower filter to reduce minerals
- Limit UV exposure with hats or UV sprays
- Deep condition weekly
Good maintenance reduces the need for frequent toning.
Final Comparison: Blue vs Purple Shampoo
If your brassiness is orange, reach for blue shampoo.
If your brassiness is yellow, choose purple shampoo.
Each product works based on basic color theory, making toning shampoos some of the most effective at-home tools for maintaining salon-fresh color.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between blue vs purple shampoo makes it much easier to choose the right product for your hair goals. Whether you're a brunette fighting orange brassiness or a blonde looking to keep your tone icy and bright, the right toning shampoo can help you maintain beautiful, vibrant color between salon visits.
