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Question: What to Use instead of purple shampoo?
Answer: What to use instead of purple shampoo depends on your goal. For toning, try blue shampoo or a toning hair gloss. For cleansing, any gentle, sulfate-free shampoo will work.
Alternatives to Purple Shampoo for Brassy Hair
Purple shampoo helps neutralize yellow tones in blonde, gray, and lightened hair. However, it isn’t always the best solution. This article explores effective alternatives for managing brassiness and maintaining vibrant hair color.

Best Purple Shampoo
Purple Shampoo
From gentle toning to intense color correction, these purple shampoos offer targeted solutions for blonde and highlighted hair...
Toning Glosses: A Gentle Approach
Toning glosses offer a gentler approach than purple shampoo. They deposit color pigments onto the hair, neutralizing brassiness and enhancing shine. Glosses provide longer-lasting results than shampoos and often improve hair health. You can apply glosses at home or request them at a salon.
Several gloss types address different hair concerns. Clear glosses add shine and condition without depositing color. Color-depositing glosses refresh faded color or neutralize unwanted tones. Toning glosses specifically target brassiness with purple or blue pigments. Choose a gloss to match your hair goals and existing color.
Related Article: How Soon After Dyeing Hair Can I Use Purple Shampoo?
Related Article: How to Use Purple Shampoo Correctly?
Color-Depositing Conditioners: Maintaining Vibrancy
Color-depositing conditioners provide a convenient way to maintain hair color between salon visits. These conditioners deposit small amounts of pigment to refresh color and neutralize brassiness. They offer a lighter touch than permanent dyes and do not lighten the hair.
Like glosses, color-depositing conditioners come in various shades. Choose one that complements your current hair color and targets unwanted tones. Consider a purple-toned conditioner to neutralize yellow brassiness in blonde or gray hair. Blue-toned conditioners address orange brassiness common in brunette hair after lightening.
Blue Shampoos: Targeting Orange Tones
While purple shampoo counteracts yellow tones, blue shampoo tackles orange brassiness. Orange tones often appear in lightened brunette hair. Blue shampoo contains blue pigments that neutralize orange, restoring a cooler tone. Use blue shampoo sparingly to avoid over-toning, which can create a dull or ashy appearance.
Blue shampoos are readily available in beauty supply stores and online. Choose a formula designed for color-treated hair to minimize damage. Apply blue shampoo similarly to purple shampoo, lathering it throughout the hair and letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
Natural Remedies: A Subtle Solution
Certain natural remedies offer subtle brassiness reduction. These options work best for mild brassiness or as maintenance between professional treatments. While not as powerful as commercial products, natural solutions provide a gentle and chemical-free alternative.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse:
Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and apply it to your hair after shampooing. The acidity helps balance the hair’s pH and can reduce brassiness. Rinse thoroughly after a few minutes.
Lemon Juice Rinse:
Similar to apple cider vinegar, lemon juice’s acidity can reduce brassiness. Dilute lemon juice with water and apply it to your hair after shampooing, then rinse thoroughly.
Baking Soda Paste:
Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to brassy areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Baking soda can gently lift and neutralize unwanted tones.
DIY Hair Masks: Nourishing and Toning
DIY hair masks combine natural ingredients to nourish and tone hair. These masks offer a cost-effective and customizable solution for addressing brassiness. You can tailor the ingredients to address specific hair concerns and preferences.
Purple Cabbage Mask:
Boiling purple cabbage and using the cooled water as a rinse can reduce yellow tones. The natural pigments in purple cabbage act similarly to purple shampoo.
Coconut Oil and Honey Mask:
Combine coconut oil and honey for a hydrating and nourishing mask. While not directly addressing brassiness, this mask improves hair health, making it more resistant to discoloration.
Professional Color Correction: Expert Solutions
For significant brassiness or complex color corrections, consult a professional stylist. They possess the expertise and tools to achieve desired results safely and effectively. Stylists can perform services like color removal, toning treatments, or highlights to address brassiness and create a balanced color.
Salon treatments provide more intensive and longer-lasting results than at-home remedies. Stylists can assess your hair’s condition and tailor a solution to your specific needs. Professional color correction may involve multiple steps and specialized products not available for at-home use.
Conclusion
Several effective alternatives exist for managing brassy hair beyond purple shampoo. Choose a solution that aligns with your hair type, color goals, and desired level of maintenance. From toning glosses and color-depositing conditioners to natural remedies and professional treatments, options exist to help you achieve and maintain vibrant, healthy-looking hair.