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Blue vs. Purple Shampoo: A Colourist’s Guide to Toning Like a Pro

As hair professionals, we know that achieving the perfect colour in the chair is only half the story. Maintaining it is what keeps clients coming back. That’s where the power of blue and purple shampoos comes in. These aren’t just retail add-ons; they’re essential toning tools rooted in colour theory, helping us extend the life of a client’s colour and protect the integrity of our work.

So let’s break it down: What’s the difference between blue and purple shampoo and how do you know which one to recommend?

Purple Or Blue Shampoo?

Understanding the Colour Wheel

At the core of toning is colour theory. The colour wheel doesn’t lie and if you’ve mastered it, you know:

  • Purple is opposite yellow
  • Blue is opposite orange

This means:

  • Purple cancels out yellow tones
  • Blue cancels out orange tones

We use this same theory in the salon when we mix toners, these shampoos just make it accessible for at-home use between appointments.

Knock Out Orange TonesPurple Shampoo: The Blonde Essential

Best for:

  • Pre-lightened blondes
  • Platinum tones
  • Grey/silver hair

Purple shampoo is loaded with violet pigment to neutralise yellow undertones that can creep in due to heat styling, sun exposure, and product build-up. It's a must-have for keeping blondes bright, icy, and fresh between salon visits.

Pro Tip: Recommend purple shampoo after any lightening or toning service to help prolong results. Just remind clients not to overuse it. Once or twice a week is usually plenty, depending on porosity.

Knock Out Yellow Tones

Blue Shampoo: A Game-Changer for Brunettes

Best for:

  • Lightened brunettes (balayage, ombré)
  • Brondes
  • Naturally darker clients who lift warm

When brunettes lift, they don’t expose a yellow undercoat, they expose an orange or sometime red undercoat. That’s where blue shampoo steps in. It deposits blue pigment to counteract those warm undertones, helping to maintain cool, ashier tones in balayage, highlights, or even root smudges.

Pro Tip: Blue shampoo is a great upsell for brunettes who’ve gone lighter, especially if you’ve used cool toners in the salon that tend to fade warm. It helps extend the tone and reduce the need for frequent refresh appointments.

How to Use Toning Shampoo Effectively

  • Use 1–2 times per week, or as needed based on visible brassiness.
  • Leave in for 3–5 minutes for subtle toning; longer for stronger correction (but watch for over-toning).
  • Always follow with a moisturising or protein-rich conditioner, especially on pre-lightened hair.

Blue and purple shampoos are more than just retail, they’re part of a professional maintenance strategy. When we educate clients on why they’re seeing brassiness (thanks, colour wheel!) and guide them to the right solution, we position ourselves as true colour experts.

Want to protect your colour work, reduce unnecessary toning appointments, and keep your clients happy longer? Put the right toning shampoo in their hands and show them how to use it like a pro. Shop blue and purple pigmented products from Capital Hair & Beauty now.

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