How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?

Purple shampoo can help keep blonde hair looking cool and bright between salon appointments, but figuring out how often to use it isn't always straightforward.

Some people use purple shampoo once a week, while others only need it every few washes. The right frequency depends on your hair color, how quickly your hair becomes brassy, and how pigmented the specific shampoo is.

And just like how leaving purple shampoo on for too long can make your hair look flat, using it too often doesn't necessarily give you better results. Overusing purple shampoo can also leave blonde hair looking dull, gray, overly cool, or even slightly purple.

Below, I explain exactly how often you should use purple shampoo, how to tell when your hair actually needs it, and how to avoid over-toning your blonde.

how often should you use purple shampoo?

For most people, once a week or every few washes is a good starting point.

Even though I love to plan and follow a routine, there isn't one schedule that works for everyone.

Depending on your hair type, porosity, and tone, you may need purple shampoo once a week, every few washes, every other week, or just when you notice yellow tones returning.

The most important thing is to pay attention to your hair rather than automatically using purple shampoo every time you wash it, or because it’s a Monday.

my general recommendation

Start with less frequent use, then adjust based on your results. Even though the dreaded purple tint is temporary, you do not want to deal with dull, blah color! Start with once a week (or every other week). If your blonde still looks yellow or brassy, you can use purple shampoo more often. If your hair starts looking gray, dull, or overly cool, reduce how frequently you're using it.

why purple shampoo frequency varies

Several factors affect how often you need purple shampoo:

your starting hair color

Very light blonde hair may show yellow tones more quickly, but it can also absorb purple pigment more easily, making it easier to end up with a purple tint. Darker blonde or highlighted hair may need less frequent toning, especially if only certain sections (like highlights) are prone to brassiness.

how quickly your hair becomes brassy

Some people's blonde naturally starts looking warm again relatively quickly, while others can go much longer between toning.

how pigmented your shampoo is

This is a key factor. Some purple shampoos provide subtle toning and can be used more regularly; think more pastel purple shampoos like Olaplex or Verb. Others are intensely pigmented and may only need to be used occasionally. If your purple shampoo is strong enough to stain your hands, you don’t need to use it every other day.

your hair's condition and porosity

Very porous or damaged hair may absorb more pigment, which means you may need to use purple shampoo less frequently.

how often you wash your hair

Someone who washes their hair daily will likely have a very different purple shampoo routine than someone who only washes their hair twice a week. You also want to think about what products you are using (like dry shampoo), as they can cause more build-up and have a stronger impact on your hair’s tone.

how often should you use purple shampoo for blonde hair?

For blonde hair, my stylists recommend once a week. From there, you can adjust based on how your hair looks.

Use it more frequently if:

• Your blonde is becoming noticeably yellow

• You have unwanted warm tones

• Your current purple shampoo is relatively gentle (like Olaplex or Verb)

Scale back if:

• Your hair looks gray

• Your blonde is becoming dull

• Your hair has a purple or lavender tint

• Your hair looks overly ashy

The goal isn't to make your hair as purple as possible; it's to neutralize just enough yellow to create a balanced blonde.

how often should you use purple shampoo for bleached hair?

Bleached hair can be particularly tricky because it often becomes brassy, but it can also be more porous and prone to absorbing pigment. If you have very light bleached hair, start conservatively with once a week.

If your hair is significantly damaged or porous, pay close attention to how the ends respond. They may absorb more pigment than healthier sections of your hair, so you’d want to apply the shampoo closer to the root through mid-length versus the ends.

how often should you use purple shampoo for highlights?

You may not need purple shampoo as frequently if you only have highlights. Instead of toning your entire head of hair with an emphasis on getting it all even, you're focusing on maintaining the lighter sections.

You really only need to use purple shampoo when your highlights start looking noticeably warm or yellow. As someone with highlights, every other week is the sweet spot for me. Because my darker hair is naturally warm, I do not look good with cool-toned hair, and it’s better to go a little longer in between shampoos versus over-toning and having cool highlights with a warm base.

how often should you use purple shampoo for grey hair?

Purple shampoo can also help neutralize yellow tones in grey, white, and silver hair. However, very light grey or white hair can sometimes absorb violet pigment easily.

Start with occasional use and see how your hair responds. If your hair begins looking lavender or overly cool, reduce your frequency.

A little reference point: my mom has salt-and-pepper grey hair (true grey, no white). She used to use a purple shampoo every other week; now she has switched to Oribe Silverati as that is specifically formulated for grey hair. She uses it once a week now.

how do you know when to use purple shampoo?

Look at your hair before washing it. I always recommend facing a window or going outside so that you get natural light. Indoor lightbulbs (or even golden hour outside) tends to lean warm, so you aren’t getting the most accurate color reading. If it’s dark out, you can use your phone’s flashlight for a better gauge.

Your hair is ready for purple shampoo if it looks more yellow than usual or you notice:

• Brassiness

• Warm-looking highlights

• Dull blonde

• Your cool tone fading

That said, you probably don't need it if your hair already looks bright, neutral, cool, or balanced. Remember that most hair does have a little warmth to it, so if you see a few warmer strands, look at the big picture. For example, I will always have a few almost-orange pieces, but if the brightest highlights look neutral or cool, then my hair is at its proper tone.

what happens if you use purple shampoo too often?

Too much purple shampoo can lead to over-toning. Your hair may start looking grey, silver, dull, muddy, too ashy, lavender, or purple. This is especially common with highly pigmented formulas or very light, porous hair, as your hair is more likely to absorb the product.

Remember that more purple shampoo doesn't necessarily mean better blonde hair. Sometimes the best thing you can do is switch back to your regular shampoo and let your natural tone come through a little. If you don’t like your natural tone, though, you may want to schedule a salon visit for professional adjustment.

my recommended purple shampoo schedule

Instead of giving everyone one rule, I'd use this as a starting point:

if your hair is only slightly yellow

Use purple shampoo every 1–2 weeks or as needed. I personally stick to every other week.

if your blonde becomes brassy quickly

Try once a week.

if you have a gentle purple shampoo

You may be able to use it every few washes, though I still recommend once a week unless your hair is platinum or ultra-cool toned.

if you have a highly pigmented purple shampoo

Start with once a week; shift to every other week if you notice a purple tint or duller color.

if your hair is unintentionally grey, dull, or purple

Stop using purple shampoo temporarily and switch back to your regular shampoo.

purple shampoo frequency vs processing time

Even if you're following the recommended processing time, using a highly pigmented shampoo every wash could still leave your hair looking overly cool. Similarly, you could only use purple shampoo once a week but leave it on much longer than recommended. Both frequency and processing time matter, which is why I have a separate post on How Long You Should Leave Purple Shampoo In.

Even though I love to plan and schedule everything, I don’t recommend having a strict timeline for how often to use purple shampoo. Your hair's tone can change depending on:

• How long it's been since your color appointment

• Sun exposure

• Swimming

• Product build-up (especially with dry shampoo)

• How often you wash your hair

• Your current hair color

As such, instead of following a strict weekly routine, check your hair and use purple shampoo when you actually notice unwanted yellow tones.

Start with less frequent use (like once a week) and increase only if your hair needs more toning. And if you are still set on planning (I feel you), I personally tone my hair every other week. I could probably do it more often, but I prefer a neutral (not cool) tone on my hair and this ensures I never over-tone my hair.

frequently asked questions

can you use purple shampoo every day?

Most likely, no. Daily use can lead to over-toning, dullness, gray-looking hair, or a purple tint unless the specific product is designed for frequent use.

can i use purple shampoo every time i wash my hair?

It depends on the formula and your hair. Some gentle formulas may be suitable for frequent use, but most people don't need purple shampoo every wash. Use it based on your hair's needs and the product directions.

Instead of asking, "Can I use this every wash?" think of it as, “Does my hair actually need toning right now?” If your blonde still looks balanced and bright, you do not need purple shampoo during that wash.

how do i know if i'm using purple shampoo too often?

Your hair may start looking gray, dull, overly ashy, lavender, or purple. If that happens, take a break and use your regular shampoo.

should i use purple shampoo once a week?

Once a week is a good starting point, but it depends on your hair and the formula. Some people need it less frequently, while others may benefit from using it every few washes. I personally use purple shampoo every other week because I look best with neutral (not cool) blonde.

should i alternate purple shampoo with regular shampoo?

Yes. This allows you to maintain your tone. Over-doing it with purple shampoo means you are constantly depositing purple pigment, and your hair will look dull over time (not brighter).

do you use purple shampoo until your next salon appointment?

Not really. Use it when your hair needs toning rather than automatically using it on a schedule (or every shampoo) until your next appointment.

does using purple shampoo more often make hair lighter?

No. Purple shampoo doesn't chemically lighten hair; it neutralizes yellow tones with violet pigment, which can make blonde hair appear brighter or cooler. Using more won't make your hair actually lighter.

can purple shampoo dry out your hair?

Some purple shampoos can feel drying, especially if you use them frequently. Alternate your purple shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo; you may also want to use a hydrating conditioner or hair mask anytime you use purple shampoo.

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