What Does Purple Shampoo Do To Grey Hair?

Whether your silver locks are naturally occurring or the result of a salon transformation, battling brassy tones can be a bit of a hassle. Just like blonde hair, gray hair is vulnerable to yellowing caused by factors like sun exposure and fading color treatments.

No need to stress—purple shampoo is your go-to solution! This handy product works wonders in neutralizing those unwanted yellow shades, giving your gray hair a stunning, cool-toned finish. In this article, we’ll explore how purple shampoo benefits gray hair and offer some tips on how to use it effectively.

Does Purple Shampoo Work on Gray Hair?

Absolutely, purple shampoo is a great choice for gray hair. Here’s why:

  • Neutralizes Brassiness: Gray hair is prone to yellowing due to environmental factors. Purple shampoo effectively neutralizes these unwanted tones, keeping your hair looking bright.
  • Prevents Yellowing: Gray hair can turn yellow more quickly than blonde hair. Purple shampoo helps prevent this discoloration, ensuring your hair stays cool-toned and fresh.
  • Maintains Vibrancy: Regular use of purple shampoo can help maintain the natural vibrancy of gray or silver hair, preventing it from looking dull or lackluster.
  • Perfect for Gray and Silver Hair: Though often marketed to blondes, purple shampoo is just as beneficial for gray and silver hair, making it an essential part of your hair care routine.

How to Get the Best Results Using Purple Shampoo on Gray Hair

When it comes to using purple shampoo on gray hair, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—it’s all about finding the routine that works for you. How often you use it depends on how bright and cool-toned you want your gray to be, with a bit of trial and error to figure out what suits your hair best. Since some hair types are more porous than others, it’s wise to start slow—once or twice a week is a good place to begin to avoid any unwanted purple tint.

To get the most out of your purple shampoo, let it sit on your hair for a few minutes rather than rinsing it out right away. Unlike regular shampoo, which you can wash in and out quickly, purple shampoo needs a little time to work its magic. Leaving it on for three to five minutes is usually enough to brighten your gray without drying it out. And to keep your hair hydrated and soft, it’s a good idea to follow up with a nourishing conditioner.

For an effective and eco-friendly option, try the Parrotfish Purple Shampoo, paired with the Parrotfish Purple Conditioner. These bars are specifically designed to keep your gray hair looking fresh and vibrant while providing the moisture your hair needs.

What happens if you put purple shampoo on gray hair?

Using purple shampoo on gray hair effectively removes brassy yellow tones, which can often dull your natural silver shade. By neutralizing these unwanted hues, purple shampoo enhances the cool, silver undertones in your hair, leaving it looking fresh, vibrant, and more polished.

Which is better for gray hair, blue or purple shampoo?

Purple shampoo is generally better for gray, silver, or blonde hair, as it neutralizes yellow tones. Blue shampoo is more effective for darker hair and brunettes, where it helps counteract orange or red undertones. For gray hair, stick with purple shampoo to maintain a cool, silver look.

Does purple shampoo make gray hair look better?

Yes, purple shampoo improves the appearance of gray hair by toning down brassy or yellowish hues. It enhances the cool, silver tones, making your gray hair look cleaner and more vibrant. This is why purple shampoo has been a go-to product for maintaining beautiful, cool-toned gray hair.


Maintaining the vibrancy of gray hair doesn’t have to be a challenge. Purple shampoo is an essential tool for keeping your silver locks bright, cool-toned, and free from any unwanted brassiness. Whether you're just starting to explore purple shampoo or you're looking to enhance your hair care routine, it’s a simple way to keep your gray hair looking its best.

For an eco-friendly option that delivers great results, consider trying the Parrotfish Purple Shampoo and Conditioner. These bars are designed to keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant while also being gentle on the environment. Give them a try and enjoy beautiful, well-maintained gray hair!

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Discover Key Ingredients

  • aloe extract

    Removes excess sebum and product residue without damaging hair strands. Unlike harsh chemicals, aloe vera is gentle, preserving hair integrity.

  • acai oil

    Rich in healthy fatty acids, acai oil tames frizzy, dry, and damaged hair, leaving curls smoother, shinier and moisturized. 

  • gentian violet

    Helps remove the yellow, brassy or dull tones and highlights from blonde or silver hair.

  • sodium coco sulfate

    Derived from coconuts, and milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, while still producing a sudsy lather. It is safe for colored hair and helps the transition period from liquid to bar seamless.

Read Press Coverage

  • "Parrotfish's Argan Shampoo Bar wins the spot for best shampoo bar due to its ability to hydrate and heal several hair types."

  • "Parrotfish's cocoa butter and coconut-based shampoo bars are rich with argan oil or peppermint to cleanse hair and feed it essential minerals to keep locks healthy."

  • "Parrotfish shampoo bars convinced me to ditch my plastic shampoo and conditioner, and I’m never looking back."

Customer Reviews

Based on 84 reviews
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N
Naomi H.
Actually Works!

This is the only purple Shampoo I have tried that’s actually able to lighten my hair! I have thick hair in a darker blonde color, and normally after using purple shampoo it looks the same as before. With this one, my hair stylist noticed my hair was lighter, and I didn’t even bring it up! And yes, I follow instructions!

M
Mary

argan oil shampoo and conditioner

S
Susan T.
Good product

I purchased the purple shampoo and conditioner bars & am very pleased with the results. It has definitely toned down the yellowing of my gray hair and does not dry my hair out. I will be ordering again for sure.

J
JENNIFER B.

purple shampoo and conditioner

D
Dorothy C.
Great product

I color my hair and have tried many products that deal with toning down the orange, but nothing has worked as well as the purple bars for shampoo and conditioner. My hair has never looked or felt better. I love this product.