A Professional Guide for Blonde & Lightened Hair
Purple shampoo can be a blonde hair lifesaver — but only when it’s used correctly.
One of the most common reasons blonde hair becomes dry, dull or brittle is overusing purple shampoo. Professionals see this all the time: hair that started bright and healthy slowly becomes flat, grey-toned or straw-like.
In this guide, we’ll explain how often you should really use purple shampoo, how professionals use it in salons, and how to keep blonde hair bright without damaging it.
What Does Purple Shampoo Actually Do?
Purple shampoo works by using violet pigments to neutralise unwanted yellow and brassy tones in blonde, grey or highlighted hair.
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Purple cancels out yellow
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Blue cancels out orange
While this corrects tone, purple shampoo is not a conditioning or repair product. Used too often, it can dry the hair and affect condition.
How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?
The Professional Rule of Thumb:
1–2 times per week is usually enough.
For most blondes, using purple shampoo more frequently can cause:
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Dryness
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Dull or grey-looking colour
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Increased breakage
Professionals always balance toning with nourishing care.
When You Might Need Purple Shampoo More Often
You may need to use purple shampoo up to twice a week if:
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Your blonde is very light or platinum
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You notice yellow tones returning quickly
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You’re exposed to heat, sun or hard water
Even then, professionals recommend alternating with gentle blonde-specific or colour-safe shampoos.
When You Should Use Purple Shampoo Less Often
You should reduce use if:
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Hair feels dry or brittle
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Blonde looks flat or ashy
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Hair snaps easily
In these cases, switch to strengthening and hydrating products to restore balance.
How Professionals Use Purple Shampoo (The Right Way)
Professionals don’t rely on purple shampoo alone. They use it as part of a controlled blonde routine.
Step-by-step professional approach:
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Use purple shampoo once per week
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Leave on for 1–3 minutes (not longer unless advised)
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Always follow with a conditioner or treatment
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Alternate with blonde-specific strengthening products
Professional Purple Shampoo Recommendations
System Professional Luxe Blonde
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System Professional Luxe Blonde Shampoo (LB1)
Neutralises yellow tones while maintaining hair strength -
System Professional Luxe Blonde Mask (LB3)
Conditions and tones without excessive dryness
These are ideal for controlled toning.
Davines Heart of Glass (A Gentler Alternative)
For blondes that want brightness without harsh toning:
This range gradually neutralises warmth while strengthening blonde hair.
Don’t Forget Bond Repair for Blonde Hair
Lightened hair is more fragile. Professionals support toning with bond repair to prevent breakage.
Salon-trusted repair:
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Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector – weekly
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Olaplex No.4 & No.5 – maintenance
This keeps blonde hair resilient and healthy.
Heat Protection Matters More Than You Think
Heat styling accelerates brassiness and dryness.
Professional rule:
Always use heat protection.
This helps preserve blonde tone and hair condition.
The Ideal Professional Blonde Routine (Including Purple Shampoo)
A balanced routine looks like this:
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Blonde-specific or colour-safe shampoo (2–3 times weekly)
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Purple shampoo (1–2 times weekly)
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Conditioner every wash
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Weekly blonde or repair treatment
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Heat protection every time you style
👉 Shop the Blonde Hair Professional Routine
Common Purple Shampoo Mistakes Professionals See
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Using purple shampoo every wash
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Leaving it on too long
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Skipping conditioner
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Using it on dry, damaged hair without repair support
Correcting these habits often transforms blonde hair quickly.
Final Professional Advice
Purple shampoo is a tool, not a daily solution.
When used correctly — and balanced with strengthening, conditioning and protection — it helps blonde hair stay bright, healthy and salon-fresh between appointments.
👉 Want to build the right routine?
Read our Blonde Hair Routine Guide or visit our Start Here: Professional Haircare Hub.
Heart of Glass vs Luxe Blonde: Professional FAQ
Q: Is Heart of Glass basically a purple shampoo?
A: Not quite. Heart of Glass is a complete blonde care range that helps maintain tone, enhance shine and strengthen blonde hair. It’s designed to support blonde hair health while keeping warmth under control, rather than just depositing pigment.
Q: What does Luxe Blonde do differently?
A: Luxe Blonde is more direct in toning yellow tones and is brilliant when blonde is turning warm quickly. It’s best used as a targeted toning step rather than an everyday shampoo for most people.
Q: Which is better for highlights, balayage or platinum blonde?
A: Both can work — it depends on what your hair needs. If your blonde is light and warming up quickly, Luxe Blonde helps refresh tone. If your blonde is feeling dry, dull or fragile, Heart of Glass helps keep it bright while improving hair condition.
Q: Why does my hair feel dry after toning products?
A: Many toning shampoos can be drying if used too often or left on too long. Professionals always pair toning with conditioning and strengthening treatments to keep blonde hair healthy.
Q: What’s the best way to use them together (professional routine)?
A: Use Heart of Glass as your main blonde routine (cleanse + condition). Then use Luxe Blonde once weekly (or as needed) to neutralise warmth. Finish with a nourishing treatment and always use heat protection if styling.
Q: Do I still need repair products if I’m using Heart of Glass or Luxe Blonde?
A: If your hair is lightened, repair is usually beneficial. Blonde hair is more fragile, so a weekly bond-repair step (like Olaplex No.3) can reduce breakage and improve overall hair strength.
Q: What if I’m not sure which one I need?
A: Start with Heart of Glass if your priority is healthy, glossy blonde and gentle toning. Choose Luxe Blonde if your priority is correcting yellow tones quickly. Many clients get the best results using both in balance.
