What Does Purple Shampoo Do To Red Hair?

If you spend time in the online beauty community, you’ll often see purple shampoo being used to maintain blonde hair by removing brassiness. It’s highly effective for blondes, but what actually happens when a redhead uses purple shampoo?

Using Purple Shampoo on Red Hair: What to Expect

Before trying purple shampoo on red hair, it’s important to understand how it might affect your color. You might think purple shampoo could cause red hair to fade, but the results vary depending on whether your hair is naturally red or dyed red.

Purple Shampoo on Natural Red Hair

  • Little to No Effect: If you’re a natural redhead with no dye in your hair, purple shampoo will likely have little to no effect on your color.
  • Highlight Considerations: If your natural red hair has highlights or lighter red, orange, or blonde tones, purple shampoo may help to reduce yellow hues, making your hair appear redder and less bronzy.
  • Limited Change: Overall, don’t expect a significant change in your hair color, as purple shampoo is not designed for red hair.

Purple Shampoo on Dyed Red Hair: What You Need to Know

If you’ve chosen to dye your hair red, purple shampoo can be a useful tool for maintaining your color. Here’s how it works:

  • Extend Color Vibrancy: Purple shampoo can help prolong the life of your dyed red hair by toning down any yellow or overly orange areas, ensuring your red stays rich and vibrant.
  • Caution with Natural Ginger Tones: If you’re aiming for a natural gingery look, be careful with purple shampoo. It can reduce the orange undertones that give ginger hair its warm, natural hue, so it might not be ideal if you want to maintain that specific shade.

Tips for Using Purple Shampoo on Red Hair

Consider Alternatives: If your goal is to tone down brassiness without losing the warmth of your red, you might want to consider using a blue shampoo instead.

Proceed with Caution: Always test a small section of your hair first to see how the purple shampoo interacts with your dyed red color before applying it to your entire head.


Is it okay to use purple shampoo on red hair?

Yes, you can use purple shampoo on red hair! It’s safe and won’t fade your color. Instead, it helps tone your hair, reducing brassiness without affecting the red shade. It’s especially beneficial for maintaining the vibrancy of chemically dyed red hair.

What color cancels out red hair?

Green is the most effective color for neutralizing red tones in hair. For warm orange-red shades, a blue dye works best, while true red tones require a green dye. To darken warm tones, use brunette dye; to lighten, try blonde dye.

Can I use purple shampoo on red hair?

Yes, purple shampoo can be used on red hair, particularly for those with dyed red hair. While it won’t fade the red, it can help tone down bronzy or brassy hues, enhancing the overall color. Natural redheads may notice minimal effects.

Why is red hair so hard to get rid of?

Red hair is tough to remove because red pigment molecules are large, making them stubborn to fade. To neutralize red tones effectively, stylists need to use green tones rather than blues or violets, which may not fully counteract the red.


Using purple shampoo on red hair might seem unconventional, but it’s all about how you use it. Whether you’re aiming to tone down brassiness or just maintain your vibrant color, purple shampoo can be a handy tool. And if you’re looking for high-quality options, check out the Parrotfish Purple Shampoo Bars. They’re designed to keep your hair looking fresh and healthy, no matter your shade!

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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.

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Customer Reviews

Based on 86 reviews
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Chandler M.
Best. Duo. EVER.

My family and I are obsessed with the smell, texture, and softness that it leaves our hair after washing. As a blonde, I had to wash my hair once/day or once/two days due to my hair appearing oily after using liquid products, which would then aggravate my scalp; now, I wash my hair once every 3-4 days because my hair maintains shine and softness. For blondies and gray/silver-headed beauties, do yourself a favor and try this pairing.

j
jane d.
Best shampoo and conditioner ever

I came back for more because I
love how it makes my hair feel. It controls frizz and also makes it feel soft. I was afraid if I didn’t stock up a little I would run out .

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!

P
Patricia I.

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.