Now anyone that has dyed, bleached, or highlighted their dark hair blonde knows that there is a lot of upkeep in it. And I’m not just talking about trips to the salon every (in my case) 5-6 weeks. There is a lot of maintenance, even when you’re between salon trips. Because the sad thing about being an unnatural blonde is that the tone will eventually fade, and it typically fades to a brassy yellow-orangey color. Yuck!
I’ve been coloring my hair for so long I’m not even sure what my natural color hair is anymore. But for the last six years, I’ve been different shades of blonde- highlighted blonde, ombre blonde and now, bleached blonde-blonde. Throughout the years, I have waged war on brassy tones, and I’m here to share what helped me win that battle.
Two words: purple shampoo.
At least one to two times a week, I use a purple shampoo, and it immediately brightens my hair back up. It works so well for me that I always get asked on “wash” day if I just got my hair colored! The secret is to wet your hair, and then when you add the shampoo, rub your hair between your hands to lather it. After you have rubbed it into all your hair, leave it on for 3-5 minutes. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner. You do not need to use a purple conditioner. I repeat YOU. DO. NOT. NEED. TO. USE. A. PURPLE. CONDITIONER.
Ladies, if you’re naturally a brunette and you have highlighted or colored your hair blonde, you need to have a good purple shampoo to keep the brassiness away. This is the key. Trust me.
I’ve put together a list of a few violet shampoos that I have tried over the years and my honest review of each one.
Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Review:
This purple shampoo works very well, almost too well! I have this habit of tucking my hair behind my ears when washing, and after using this for a month, I noticed that those areas of my hair were turning purple! Other than that, this works very well for silvery, ashy blondes. It counteracts the brassiness exceptionally well and keeps the blonde bright. This is my go-to if I have waited too long between colors because I know it will get the orange-yellow tones out after one wash. It’s like having your own toner at home. My only complaint is that it does include sulfates in the ingredients which are not great for your hair, but it does make this shampoo lather up, making it easier to apply. I stopped using this regularly when I moved from Hawaii to Arizona. Using sulfates on dry desert hair is a huge no for me.
Best for: Silvery or ashy blondes.
Pros: cost and works amazingly
Cons: contains sulfates
If you want to try it out, Ulta has an 8 oz. size that is only $9.99!
Pureology Strength Cure Best Blonde Purple Shampoo Review:
I like Pureology Best Blonde shampoo because it doesn’t contain sulfates, which can strip essential oils from the scalp. I live in the desert, so my hair gets pretty dry on its own; I don’t need a shampoo that. The main reason that shampoos contain sulfates is so that it lathers easier. So since this shampoo doesn’t contain sulfates, it doesn’t foam up as easy. I still recommend rubbing your hair between your hands with the shampoo. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner. This shampoo works to neutralize the brassy tones and keep your blonde looking bright and beautiful. Unlike the Clairol Shimmer Lights, pulls out the brassiness without leaving your hair super ashy. So if you want a less dramatic, less ashy tone, this would work well for you.
Best for: highlighted or blonde treated hair
Pros: strengthens, sulfate-free, brightens
Cons: cost, harder to lather, not so great for platinum, ashy tones.
An 8.5 bottle is $29.50 at Ulta.
Monat Perfectly Platinum Shampoo Review:
I’m currently using Monat’s Perfectly Platinum shampoo 1-2 times a week as needed. I say as needed because if your hair isn’t dull or brassy, you can use your normal Monat shampoo. Right after you get a touch-up, you shouldn’t need to use this two times a week. If you do, that is a whole different issue that you should take up with your stylist! What do I love about the Perfectly Platinum shampoo? It works perfectly (see what I did there?) for platinum and ashy tones. It pulls out all the brassiness and leaves me feeling like I just got my hair toned at the salon. Unlike the Shimmer Lights, it will not leave that violet undertone if left on too long. And it’s sulfate-free!
Best for: Platinum, white, silver, ashy, highlights, and those that have gone from dark to light.
Pros: brightens, reduces unwanted brassiness, sulfate-free
Cons: harder to lather, cost (but, lower prices are available!)
An 8oz bottle is $32.00. VIP Price: $27.00 MP price: $22.00.
So let’s wrap this up. If you’re like me and love having your hair bright blonde, get a good purple shampoo. Remember, sulfate-free will be harder to lather, but don’t let that stop you from beautiful “between salon trip” hair. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner. Don’t let your blonde dry and crack off.
If you have any questions or are interested in Monat’s Perfectly Platinum Shampoo, send me a message on Instagram or an email to hello@xomerilee.com.
Let me know in the comments if you have tried any of these purple shampoos or if there is something else I should try and review.
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