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While redheads have to worry about their color fading from its brilliant and light-reflecting status, blondes and even those with lighter highlights living in brunette tresses have their fair share of hair color woes, too. The battle of warding off brassiness presents some concerns, especially in the summer, because so many things are working against your favor, including the sun, swimming pool, not to mention minerals already present in the water coming from your shower. If you’ve ever been around anyone who’s trying to protect the integrity of their hair, you’ve probably heard the question “Does my hair look brassy?”
Those with super platinum blonde locks have the potential to take on a hint of yellow instead of the icy cool hair color they originally intended. The pigments in purple or violet shampoo counteract brassiness or that faded orangey hue, leaving you with brighter and lighter hair color. These products work to tone your hair color back to what you intended it to be and are meant to be used sparingly as a method of treatment and not regular cleansing—that’s what your other shampoo is for. And if your hair type can get away with it, you should try to cut back on the regular lathering up as it is. To give you an idea of what types of violet or purple shampoos are out there, made with the purpose of color protection, we rounded up the below.
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1. Joico Color Balance Violet Shampoo
Amazon.
This violet-infused shampoo is no joke when it comes to brass-busting superpowers. I’ve personally used this shampoo for almost a decade, and I won’t be without it. Even when I was rocking my natural hair color several years back (mousy, dishwater light brown) it brightens up the tone and gives it a faux shine. And, it’s also able to take a dulled-down baby blonde shade to practically platinum. The one caveat is that it is so concentrated with a purple dye that it will stain your shower.
2. Fanola No Yellow Shampoo
Amazon.
This ultra-pigmented purple shampoo is no joke. I’ve spotted this in several hair salons and witnessed a few colorists using this shampoo in lieu of an actual toner — yes, it’s that good. The best part? It also just so happens to be super affordable.
3. John Frieda Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo
Amazon.
If you’re not looking to combat brass or maintain an ashy or silvery tone, this gradual brightening shampoo is a great alternative to maintain golden and warmer blonde hues. It’s also a great option for those with highlights or naturally blonde locks that want to go a shade or two lighter without using bleach or hydrogen peroxide to do the trick.