How to Tone Blonde Hair with Purple Shampoo
One of the best ways to prolong time between hair appointments is by keeping your hair toned at home. Dark hair typically has warm undertones, and when hair is highlighted, it can sometimes pull yellow, orange, or red if not properly toned. Much easier to do than it sounds, toning your hair is key to keeping your hair color vibrant and avoiding brassiness while also adding shine and dimension.
Learning how to tone my hair at home - and how to not overtone it - has helped me save money and allow me to go up to 16-20 weeks between hair appointments (although I personally prefer to go every 12 weeks or so). At-home toning products are cost-effective, easy to find, and easy to use.
how to tone hair with purple shampoo
The easiest way to tone your hair at home is with purple shampoo or conditioner. I personally prefer conditioner because it’s hydrating, less likely to stain your hands, scalp, hair, or shower walls, and a little goes a long way. Purple shampoos have a tendency to dry out your hair a little, so if your hair is very color-treated or more prone to breakage, I recommend mixing it with a hydrating shampoo or following-up with a deep conditioning mask - this mask is my favorite, but I also love this one for a cost-effective option that costs less than $10.
You can use purple shampoo or conditioner just as you would a normal shampoo or conditioner.
Make sure your hair is thoroughly wet before applying the product.
You may think that you want to apply purple shampoo to your ends if they are color-treated or highlighted, but I still recommend focusing on your scalp, and allowing the product to wash through your ends. This will help tone your ends without drying them out.
Whether I use shampoo or conditioner, I like to leave it in for a minute or two to allow the product to fully work into my hair.
When I tone my hair, I make a point to rinse the product out with cold water because it helps seal the hair follicle, adds shine, and reduces the risk of breakage or split ends.
I then like to finish with a leave-in conditioner to add hydration back into my hair; this one also doubles as a heat protectant, too.
before and after using purple shampoo to tone hair at home
best purple shampoo for blonde hair and highlights
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.
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.
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 prefer purple conditioner over shampoo because it’s more gentle and less drying, but this brand also sells a purple toning shampoo.
how often should you tone your hair with purple shampoo?
Most stylists I talk to say that you should use a purple toner about once a week for cool-toned hair, or every other week if you prefer a more neutral-toned look.
I wash my hair daily, and I use a purple toner every 10 days or so. Because I wash my hair so often, I prefer to use a purple conditioner because it’s gentler on my hair. Once a month, I’ll use a purple shampoo to make sure I’ve fully canceled out any lingering, stubborn brassiness, especially if it’s been a while since I last got my hair colored.
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.