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Life as a blonde can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster, especially when you're a true brunette trying to cover up the secret you’ve been hiding since you were 12. (You know that summer when you bought your first bottle of Sun-In to recreate Ginger Spice's chunky highlights? Ouch.) Most of us living as faux blondes will do anything to look like we were, well, born with it.
Unfortunately, the colouring cycle is viciously endless — the breakage, the treatments, not to mention the money spent during the process — which makes the idea of throwing in the dye-stained towel and continuing life with your native mousy brown seem so tempting. And, for those of us who like to hold off on salon appointments until the brass becomes unbearable, there's a good friend in purple shampoos.
Whether you're a beach-babe golden blonde, a striking shade of ice white, or a stylish lady of a certain age who prefers a hint of blue with her gray, there's a tried-and-true product for you. We've talked to some pros to find out the technology behind the magic of purple shampoos — and exactly how to choose the best one for your hair.
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Finding an affordable shampoo that you love can be tough — let alone an affordable one that tones, too. John Frieda has us covered with this formula, however — an effective option for anyone who wants to rid their strands of brassy tones.
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Tone Restoring Shampoo, £5.99, available at Superdrug
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Lush's adorable Daddy-O shampoo will make dull strands brighter while nourishing them with a blend of seaweed and coconut oil.
Lush Daddy-O Shampoo, £6.25 available at Lush.
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This powerful natural shampoo neutralizes brassy tones in blonds and adds cool silver tones to gray hair with the help of lemon, eucalyptus, and ylang ylang. Oh, and it smells like heaven.
Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo, £36, available at Aveda.
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Alex Brownsell, editorial stylist and cofounder of Bleach London, divulges a tip she uses on herself and clients: "If you're looking for an ethereal silver shade, leave the purple shampoo in for a little longer than usual. Pour a generous amount onto dry hair, massage in, and leave for 10 minutes. Wash again with silver shampoo and treat with a silver conditioner."
I tried this in my shower at home, and after just two washes, I really noticed the difference in my colour. Plus, it's a pretty approachable price point.
Bleach London Silver Shampoo, £6.50. Available at Boots.
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Session and runway stylist James Pecis insists that you need to understand what level and tone your colour is before selecting a shampoo. "Are you trying to neutralise the yellow, or are you enhancing your platinum? I have a friend who leaves it on as long as possible to purposefully turn her hair a light shade of violet."
Almost resembling ink — it could very well be the darkest shade on the market — this shampoo is best for beefing up icy platinums. If left on for enough time, it will dramatically enhance your shade — even if you're way overdue for that touchup.
L'oreal Silver Professional, £11.83. Available at Amazon.
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