The truth about purple shampoo

If your blonde’s looking a little brassy or your grey hair has picked up a yellow tinge after summer, here’s what purple shampoo can – and can’t – do.

A summer of sunshine, chlorine, sea water and even hard water while you’re away can all change the tone of lighter hair. Add in summer dryness and it’s no surprise that blonde, silver and grey shades start to look yellow and dull.

“It doesn’t mean your colour has suddenly gone wrong,” says Mel. “Most of the time, your hair just needs a little help getting back to its best.”

Why blonde and grey hair changes over summer

Lighter hair shows the effects of summer far more than darker shades.

The sun can warm up blonde tones, chlorine can leave hair looking dull or brassy, and minerals in hard water may leave a yellow tinge behind. And even if you’ve avoided the pool, hot weather can leave hair drier than usual, making it look less shiny. It’s usually a combination of all these things rather than one single cause.

Does purple shampoo really help?

It certainly can, but it’s not a magic fix. It helps neutralise unwanted yellow tones, making blonde, silver and grey hair look fresher.  What it won’t do is lighten your hair or repair dryness, so it’s best used as part of a wider haircare routine rather than the only solution.

“If you’re using a purple shampoo, it’s worth making sure you’re using the right one for your hair,” says Mel. If you’re unsure, ask your stylist who will also advise how often to use it. Some clients only need it once a week, while others may need it even less often. It depends on your hair colour, its condition and how quickly unwanted warmth appears.

Getting the best results

One mistake we see quite often is people reaching for purple shampoo every time they wash their hair. Alternating it with a nourishing shampoo usually gives much better results, keeping unwanted yellow tones under control while helping your hair stay soft and healthy.

If your hair is feeling dry after weeks in the sun, your stylist may also suggest a moisturising conditioner or treatment such as an intense conditioning mask. Healthy, hydrated hair reflects the light far better than dry hair, so it naturally looks brighter too.

Small changes to your routine are often all that’s needed to bring back that brighter, fresher look.

When it’s worth booking a salon visit

If your blonde still looks brassy or your grey has lost its brightness, a salon toner or glossing service can make a noticeable difference in just one appointment. Adding a conditioning treatment at the same appointment can also restore softness and shine.

“Every blonde is different, and so is every shade of grey,” explains Mel. “That’s why we always recommend choosing products and treatments that suit your hair rather than following general advice online.” If your hair isn’t looking quite as bright as you’d like after the summer, we’d be happy to help. Whether it’s recommending the right homecare products, refreshing your colour with a toner or simply giving your hair a moisture boost, we’ll recommend the right treatments and products for your hair.