When it comes to maintaining vibrant, salon-fresh color, toning shampoos are a game-changer. If your once-gorgeous blonde, balayage, or brunette hair has started looking brassy or dull, you’ve probably been told to try either a purple shampoo or a blue shampoo. But which one is right for your hair?
Let’s break it down — from how they work, to the difference between purple and blue pigments, to the best products you can try.
Understanding the Color Wheel: Purple vs. Blue Toning
Hair toning works on the principle of color theory — opposite colors on the color wheel neutralize each other.
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Purple pigments sit opposite yellow on the color wheel. That means purple shampoo cancels out yellow tones, perfect for blonde, platinum, silver, or lightened hair that has started to look warm or golden.
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Blue pigments sit opposite orange on the color wheel. Blue shampoo neutralizes orange or copper tones, making it ideal for brunettes with highlights, balayage, or lightened ends, as well as for darker blondes that turn brassy.
When to Use Purple Shampoo
If your hair color is blonde, silver, platinum, or light brown and tends to develop yellow tones over time, purple shampoo is your go-to. It helps keep your color cool-toned, fresh, and bright between salon visits.
Purple Toning Product Recommendations
 Img Source: Olaplex |
1. Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo 250mlHighly concentrated, sulfate-free formula that strengthens, hydrates, and tones blonde hair without drying it out. |
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2. L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Color Spectrum Purple Shampoo 300mlNeutralizes unwanted yellow tones while protecting hair fiber for soft, shiny, and vibrant results. Ideal for blonde, bleached, or highlighted hair. |
 Img Source: Kerastase |
3. Kérastase Blond Absolu Purple Masque 200mlDeeply nourishing hair mask infused with purple pigments to neutralize brassiness while restoring moisture. |
Img Source: Davines
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4. Davines Alchemic Silver Shampoo & Conditioner Duo 250mlPlant-based formula enriched with jojoba oil and hydrolyzed milk proteins to soften hair while enhancing cool tones. |
Img Source: Revlon Pro
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5. Revlon Professional ReStart Color Anti-Brassiness Purple Drops 50mlCustomizable purple pigment drops you can mix into your shampoo or conditioner for targeted toning. |
➡️ Browse full Purple Toning Products Collection
When to Use Blue Shampoo
If your hair is darker blonde or brunette with highlights, balayage, or color-treated ends and develops orange or copper tones, blue shampoo is what you need. It works to keep your hair color rich, deep, and salon-fresh.
Blue Toning Product Recommendations
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1. L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Color Spectrum Blue Shampoo 300ml Neutralizes copper and orange tones while gently cleansing and protecting color-treated hair. |
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2. Davines Heart of Glass Silkening Blue Shampoo 250ml Plant-based formula enriched with baobab extract and blue pigments from jagua fruit to balance warm tones in blonde and lightened hair. |
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3. L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Conditioner 200ml Conditions hair while toning both unwanted yellow and orange tones — also effective for naturally grey hair. |
➡️ Browse full Blue Toning Products Collection
How Often Should You Use Toning Shampoo?
- 1–2 times a week is usually enough to maintain your desired tone without over-depositing pigment.
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Always follow with a nourishing conditioner or mask to keep hair hydrated.
Pro Tip: Expert Help is Available
Not sure whether your hair needs purple or blue toning?
- Get a Free Online Hair Consultation with our professional team for personalized product recommendations.
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Or book a session at HairMNL Studio and let our expert stylists refresh your color in person.
📦 All products are available at HairMNL.com with store pick-up available in NCR.
Purple Shampoo vs. Blue Shampoo
- Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones — best for blonde, silver, and platinum hair.
- Blue shampoo neutralizes orange tones — best for brunettes and darker blondes.
- Choose based on your hair color and the undertones you want to cancel.
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Use 1–2 times a week and follow with a conditioner for the best results.
