As someone with naturally dark hair, brassy tones are unavoidable. I get my hair highlighted every few months (click here to see exactly what I ask my stylist for), but rely on purple toners to extend the time I can go between visits. Purple shampoos and conditioners are known primarily for helping icy blondes stay cool-toned, but they’re also important for neutral blondes and those with balayages and partial highlights, too.

When it comes to finding the right purple toner, the priority is a product that will tone your hair without leaving a purple residue or grey tint. It’s also important that these products add hydration, as purple toners are notoriously drying, which also eliminates shine and signs of hair health. Keep reading for a list of my favorite purple toners, as well as tips on how often to use them and the difference between purple shampoos, conditioners, and masks.

purple toner before and after

the best purple shampoos and conditioners for bronde hair

Davines Heart of Glass Rich Conditioner - The best purple toner on the market, I really love this conditioner. It almost feels like a mask with how hydrating it is as it leaves your hair feeling so soft and sleek without weighing it down. It really is foolproof in that it tones your hair perfectly, no matter how long (or little) you leave it on for. The scent isn’t my favorite, but it doesn’t last long and isn’t overpowering. Davines also makes a Heart of Glass Shampoo and Intense Treatment, but I think you get the best results for the best price with the Rich Conditioner.

UNITE Hair BLONDA Purple Shampoo - This is a stronger formula that really pulls all yellow and brassy tones out. Meant to be used weekly, I like that you get dramatic results without having to put a lot of effort it. It’s color safe, sulfate and paraben free, and doesn’t leave any residue. I like to pair this with their 7SECONDS Detangler Leave-in Conditioner for added shine, protection, and hydration; it also doubles as a heat protectant, too.

REF Stockholm Sweden Cool Silver Shampoo - This is shampoo noticeably tones my hair without leaving a purple tint, which is key when you’re applying a product directly to your scalp. It’s a thinner consistency that leaves your hair feeling very clean buy not too dry, and the scent reminds me of blueberries. It suds really well, and my hair responds really well to it. I get this shampoo directly from my stylist, so I recommend inquiring with yours rather than buying from a beauty outlet store online, which aren’t always trustworthy.

UNITE Hair Daily Blonda Conditioner - Another option that’s gentle enough to be used a few times a week, this conditioner is hydrating yet lightweight and adds tons of shine. The scent is a little strong, but it really does eliminate all brassiness without drying your hair out.

Kevin Murphy Cool Angel Treatment - This feels like a conditioner, but is marketed as a treatment. I like that it feels really hydrating yet lightweight, and makes my hair feel so insanely soft. I’m not too crazy about the scent, which is a little powdery to me, but it doesn’t last long or overpower your senses. The brand also makes a Blonde Angel Treatment, which is a little stronger of a formula if you have a lot of product buildup or have spent extra time in the sun lately.

the best budget-friendly purple toner for bronde hair

Kristin Ess One Purple Conditioner - One of Target’s most popular haircare brands, I like that you can buy a big size for less than $25, which will last you a long time. I recommend toning conditioner over shampoo because it’s more gentle and less drying, but this brand also sells a purple toning shampoo, if you prefer it. If you’re on the fence and just want to try, the travel size is a great option and less than $5.

FAQs about purple shampoo, conditioner, and toners

what does purple shampoo do?

Purple shampoo neutralizes brassy (yellow or sometimes orange) undertones in your hair. It brightens your hair, adds shine, extends the time you can go between salon visits, and makes your hair color pop. Brassy tones can occur naturally, which is why your hair stylist custom-creates your color to combat this. As the weeks pass between appointments, environmental factors, heat damage, pollution, hard water, and product buildup can dull the color so adding a purple shampoo or conditioner to your regimen helps bring your hair back to life.

what’s the difference between purple shampoo vs conditioner?

Both shampoo and conditioner will provide you with great results, but I find that purple shampoo is a little harsher and more likely to stain your scalp. If you have fine, dry, or damaged hair, I would stick with a purple conditioner as it’ll tone your hair while also hydrating it.

how often should you use purple shampoo or conditioner?

I’ve been told by stylists to use a purple toner about once a week for cool-toned hair, or every other week if you prefer a more neutral-toned look. As someone who washes her hair daily, I prefer to use a purple conditioner because it’s gentler on my hair, and use it every 10 days or so. Once a month, I’ll use a purple shampoo to make sure I’ve fully canceled out all brassiness, especially if it’s been a while since I last got my hair colored.

can you use purple shampoo and conditioner together?

You can, but it might over-tone or tint your hair unless you have icy blonde or platinum hair. I’ve done this in the past, and it has made my highlights look purple, as opposed to whiter, since purple toners do not lighten your hair.

what happens if you use too much purple shampoo?

If you use purple shampoo or conditioner too frequently, you run the risk of damaging your hair or accidentally leaving a purple tint. This is reversible, but it’s important to remember that overtoning your hair doesn’t lighten it; purple shampoo is only meant to brighten, so if you want lighter strands, it’s better to make an appointment to refresh your color.