Brassy tones can creep in after bleaching or highlighting, leaving hair with orange or yellow hues. The following selection focuses on purple or blue-toned shampoos that neutralise brassiness, protect colour, and keep hair looking cool and vibrant. This UK-focused guide reviews five stand-out products, summarises their strengths, and offers practical buying tips to help you choose the right formula for your hair type and colouring routine.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Matrix Brass Off Blue Toning Shampoo | Matrix | Neutralises copper/golden undertones |
| OLAPLEX Nº. 4P Purple Toning Shampoo | OLAPLEX | Neutralises brassiness; strengthens and hydrates |
| Fanola Wonder No Orange Shampoo | FANOLA | Immediate orange/bronze neutralisation |
| PROVOKE Touch Of Silver Purple Shampoo | PROVOKE | Violet/blue pigments reduce yellow/orange tones |
| Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo | PUREOLOGY | Neutralises brassiness; repairs and strengthens |
Matrix Brass Off Blue Toning Shampoo
Matrix Brass Off is a blue toning shampoo designed to correct orange undertones in lightened hair while refreshing the overall colour. It helps define cool tones and neutralise copper reflections, making it suitable for blondes seeking a cooler, more neutral shade. Regular use can help extend colour vibrancy between salon visits while maintaining a balanced cool tone. For best results, use as directed with your usual wash routine and follow with a conditioner suitable for colour-treated hair.
OLAPLEX Nº. 4P Purple Toning Shampoo
OLAPLEX Nº. 4P Purple Toning Shampoo neutralises brassiness while delivering conditioning benefits. It is formulated to strengthen and hydrate, making it a versatile choice for damaged or chemically treated hair. Suitable for a range of textures, including curly, straight, and wavy hair, this product emphasises bond maintenance and softness alongside tone correction. Regular use supports a healthier-feeling strand with a cooler blonde appearance.
Aussie SOS Purple Shampoo (Chosen Example)
Note: This product is highlighted as a strong purple formula in many haircare rounds. However, for this five-product selection focused on brassy correction, the primary choices emphasize the most widely used and positively reviewed treatments for brass neutralisation and conditioning among UK consumers. Aussie SOS provides a hydration-focused purple option that suits bleached, highlighted, and grey hair.
Fanola Wonder No Orange Shampoo
Fanola Wonder No Orange Shampoo is a robust neutraliser designed to counteract orange highlights in blonde and light brown hair. It’s suitable for use on platinum bleached hair to enhance icy reflections. The formula is vegan and SLS/SLES-free, enriched with AlgaPur for hair fibre protection and strength. Regular use can help maintain a cool tone while supporting hair integrity during colour maintenance.
Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo
Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo is formulated to tone brassy blonde shades while nourishing and strengthening damaged hair. The purple toning helps neutralise yellow and orange undertones, and the shampoo is vegan and sulphate-free for a gentle cleanse. It pairs well with Pureology’s conditioner range to deliver a cohesive colour-care system that restores softness and resilience in colour-treated hair.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Hair type and damage: If your hair is highly processed or dry, choose formulations with added conditioning ingredients to avoid over-drying. Bond-building options can help alongside toning.
- Tone goals: Purple shampoos target yellow/brass tones, while blue-toning formulas are stronger for orange undertones. Consider your base colour and desired coolness when selecting a formula.
- Colour maintenance routine: Some products are designed for weekly use; others are gentle enough for more frequent use. Balance toning with a hydrating conditioner tailored to your hair needs.
- Ingredients and sensitivities: Look for vegan, silicone-free, or SLS/SLES-free options if you have sensitivities or prefer a more natural formula. AlgaPur and similar actives can offer additional strength.
- Brand compatibility: If you already use a bonded or strengthening system (like OLAPLEX), pairing with its purple-toning counterpart can maximise benefits without compromising bond integrity.
- Shade longevity: Regular maintenance, lightening level, and washing frequency influence how long the cool tone lasts. Use color-safe conditioners to extend results between washes.