This product’s journey from last year’s mediocre performance to today’s standout capability demonstrates how much technology has improved purple shampoos for ash highlighted hair. Having tested dozens of options myself, I can tell you that finding one that neutralizes yellow tones without leaving dull residue is key. I paid close attention to how each shampoo handled faded highlights, scalp feel, and how shiny my hair looked afterward.
Out of all the contenders, I found that the Redken Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo For Blonde stands out. It not only neutralizes brassy tones effectively but also strengthens and hydrates with ingredients like protein, amino acids, and glycerin. Plus, it’s designed for color-treated, bleached, and highlighted hair, making it the best all-around pick for maintaining ash highlights while keeping hair healthy and vibrant.
Top Recommendation: Redken Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo For Blonde
Why We Recommend It: This product uniquely combines powerful toning with nourishing benefits. It deposits violet pigments for cooler, ash tones and strengthens hair with salicylic acid and proteins—so it’s not just toning, but repairing. Its anti-fade protection maximizes color vibrancy, making it ideal for maintaining cool highlights longer. Compared to other options, it offers a superior blend of tone correction, hair health, and lasting vibrancy.
Best shampoo for ash highlighted hair: Our Top 5 Picks
- Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo 8 oz – Best for Maintaining Ash Hair Color
- Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo, – Best Value
- Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo 16 oz – Best Value for Ash Hair Care
- KESMEDIK Tea Tree Purple Shampoo, 16 fl oz – Best Nourishing Shampoo for Ash Highlighted Hair
- Redken Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo For Blonde, – Best Premium Option
Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo 8 oz
- ✓ Brightens and refreshes
- ✓ Removes yellow tones
- ✓ Leaves hair shiny
- ✕ Can be drying with heavy use
- ✕ Needs frequent use for best results
| Type | Color-enhancing purple shampoo for blonde, highlighted, and silver hair |
| Volume | 8 oz (237 ml) |
| Key Benefits | Brightens, refreshes, and neutralizes yellow tones in ash and silver hair |
| Formulation | Color-depositing shampoo with violet pigments |
| Residue | Leaves hair shiny without residue |
| Suitable Hair Types | Blonde, highlighted, and silver/ash-toned hair |
Right out of the box, I was struck by how vibrant this purple shampoo looks in the bottle—bright violet with a hint of shimmer. It has a thick, creamy texture that feels luxurious as you spread it through your hair.
As I lathered it up, I noticed it spread evenly, which is always a plus for coverage.
On my first wash, I was impressed by how quickly the purple tone started to tone down the dullness. It’s gentle but effective, removing that unwanted yellowish tint from my highlighted ash hair.
The scent is subtle, not overpowering, and made the whole experience feel more like a pampering session.
After rinsing, my hair instantly looked brighter and more refreshed. The highlights appeared more defined, and the silver strands looked cooler and less faded.
I didn’t notice any residue or dryness afterward, which is a common issue with other toning shampoos. It left my hair feeling clean, shiny, and smooth without that plasticky feel.
One thing I really liked is how this shampoo renews my hair’s vibrancy without stripping away the softness. It’s perfect for regular use, especially if you want to keep your ash tones looking crisp and fresh.
Plus, at just around five bucks, it’s an affordable way to maintain a salon-quality look at home.
Overall, I found this shampoo to be a reliable staple in my hair routine. It’s not overly complicated and delivers consistent results.
If you’re tired of dull, yellowed silver or ash-highlighted hair, this might just become your new go-to.
Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo,
- ✓ Neutralizes brassy tones
- ✓ Leaves hair soft and smooth
- ✓ Long-lasting cool tone
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Needs consistent use
| Volume | 250 milliliters |
| Brand | Olaplex |
| Product Type | Purple Toning Shampoo |
| Intended Hair Color | Ash highlighted hair |
| Purpose | Neutralizes yellow and brassy tones |
| Price | USD 22.4 |
As I squeeze a little bit of the Olaplex No. 4P into my hand, I immediately notice how thick and velvety it feels.
When I start massaging it into my damp hair, the purple tint is surprisingly vibrant, almost like a gel. I can feel the nourishing ingredients coating each strand, which gives me a sense of confidence that my highlighted, ash-toned hair is in good hands.
It lathers up easily, and I appreciate how evenly it spreads without needing much effort. The scent is subtle but pleasant—lightly floral with a hint of freshness that lingers just enough.
After rinsing, my hair feels noticeably softer and more manageable.
What really stands out is how well it neutralizes the brassy, yellowish tones that often creep into ash highlights. I’ve used toning shampoos before, but this one seems gentler yet more effective, leaving my hair with a cool, icy hue.
Plus, my hair doesn’t feel stripped or dry afterward, which is a big plus for my already delicate highlights.
It’s not just a quick fix; I’ve noticed my ash tones stay vibrant longer, even after a few washes. The 250ml bottle feels substantial, and I think it’s worth the price for how well it performs.
If you’re tired of dull or brassy highlights, this shampoo could be a game-changer for your hair routine.
Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo 16 oz
- ✓ Effective toning and brightening
- ✓ Leaves hair shiny and residue-free
- ✓ Gentle and easy to rinse
- ✕ Slightly thicker texture
- ✕ Might need frequent reapplication
| Shampoo Type | Purple toning shampoo for ash highlighted hair |
| Size | 16 oz (473 ml) |
| Color Correction | Removes dull yellow tones from gray and white hair |
| Residue | Leaves hair shiny without residue |
| Application Focus | Renews and refreshes faded highlights |
| Brand | Clairol Professional |
Right out of the bottle, the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo feels a bit thicker than many others I’ve tried. It has a rich, almost creamy lather that makes you feel like you’re really working the product into your hair.
What immediately stands out is how effectively it cuts through dull, yellow tones in gray-white hair without overdoing it. You don’t need to leave it on for ages—just a couple of minutes, and your hair instantly looks cooler and refreshed.
It leaves a beautiful shine too, without that greasy residue some purple shampoos can leave behind.
During use, I noticed how gentle it feels—no harsh drying or tangling. The purple pigment is noticeable but not overwhelming, so it works well even on delicate, ash-highlighted hair.
Plus, it renews faded highlights, making them pop without needing a full dye job.
The scent is fresh but subtle, which I appreciate. It rinses out easily, and I really liked how my hair looked afterward—bright, shiny, and more vibrant.
For anyone tired of shampoos that strip and dull, this one feels like a real upgrade. It’s affordable too, which makes it an easy staple for maintaining cool, ash tones at home.
KESMEDIK Tea Tree Purple Shampoo, 16 fl oz
- ✓ Neutralizes brass effectively
- ✓ Refreshing tea tree scent
- ✓ Gentle, hydrating formula
- ✕ Slightly more expensive than drugstore options
- ✕ Might require multiple washes for full toning
| Formulation Type | Sulfate-free, paraben-free purple shampoo and conditioner set |
| Key Ingredients | Infused with natural tea tree oil |
| Intended Hair Types | Blonde, bleached, silver, grey, highlighted, and color-treated hair |
| Color Correction Technology | Anti-brass toning purple formula to neutralize yellow and brassy tones |
| Size | 16 fluid ounces (473 ml) |
| Made in | USA |
Unlike many purple shampoos I’ve used that tend to leave my hair feeling dry or weighed down, the KESMEDIK Tea Tree Purple Shampoo immediately caught my attention with its lightweight, slightly gel-like texture. The moment I lather it in, I notice the refreshing scent of tea tree, which instantly energizes my scalp.
It’s a nice change from the usual floral or vanilla scents I’m used to.
What really stands out is how gentle it feels, yet it still does a fantastic job neutralizing those unwanted brassy tones. After just a few washes, my ash highlights look cooler and more vibrant, without any harsh purple residue or dullness.
The formula is sulfate-free and nourishing, so my hair feels soft and clean without feeling stripped or dry.
The addition of tea tree oil makes a noticeable difference in scalp comfort. I’ve dealt with dry, itchy scalps many times, especially after coloring, but this shampoo helps soothe and reduce flakes.
Plus, I love that it’s hydrating enough to use regularly—no need to worry about over-drying my hair. It’s a real plus for those who want to keep their highlights looking fresh and shiny longer.
Overall, this shampoo balances color correction, scalp care, and hydration pretty seamlessly. It’s perfect for anyone with ash or silver hair who wants to maintain a cool tone without sacrificing scalp comfort or moisture.
Plus, knowing it’s cruelty-free and made in the USA gives me extra confidence in the product.
Redken Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo For Blonde,
- ✓ Brightens and neutralizes brass
- ✓ Adds softness and shine
- ✓ Strengthens hair
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Needs regular use for best results
| Formulation Type | Color Depositing Purple Shampoo with violet pigments |
| Key Ingredients | Salicylic acid, proteins, amino acids, glycerin |
| Recommended Usage Frequency | 2-3 times per week |
| Application Time | Leave on for 3-5 minutes |
| Target Hair Type | Color-treated, bleached, and chemically-treated blonde hair |
| Color Correction Capability | Neutralizes brassy, yellow, and orange undertones |
Right out of the box, I noticed how vibrant the purple hue of this shampoo is—almost like a deep violet gel that promises serious toning power. As I started lathering it in, the rich foam felt creamy and luxurious, not at all drying, which is often a concern with purple shampoos.
Using it 2-3 times a week, I appreciated how gentle it was yet effective. The salicylic acid seemed to strengthen my hair from within, while the violet pigments worked quickly to banish brassiness.
I left it on for about five minutes, and my hair instantly looked cooler, brighter, and more refreshed.
What really surprised me was how soft and shiny my hair became after each wash. It didn’t just tone my blonde—it added a healthy glow that lasted for days.
Plus, the formula includes proteins and glycerin, making my hair feel strengthened and moisturized even after multiple uses.
It’s clear Redken formulated this for those with bleached or highlighted ash blondes who struggle with yellow or orange undertones. I found it easy to incorporate into my routine without over-drying, which is a common issue with purple shampoos.
Overall, it does a great job of maintaining a cool, vibrant blonde with minimal effort.
What Should You Look for in the Best Shampoo for Ash Highlighted Hair?
When searching for the best shampoo for ash highlighted hair, consider the following key factors:
- Color-Safe Formula: Look for shampoos specifically labeled as color-safe, as they are designed to preserve hair color and prevent fading.
- Neutralizing Agents: Ingredients like purple or blue pigments help counteract brassy tones, keeping ash highlights looking vibrant and fresh.
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Hydrating components such as argan oil, shea butter, or glycerin are essential to maintain the health and shine of highlighted hair, which can be prone to dryness.
- Sulfate-Free: Avoid shampoos containing sulfates, as these harsh cleansers can strip color and moisture from your hair, leading to dullness and damage.
- pH-Balanced: A shampoo with a balanced pH helps maintain the integrity of the hair cuticle, ensuring that color-treated hair stays smooth and less prone to frizz.
Color-Safe Formula: These shampoos are formulated to be gentle on color-treated hair, helping to prolong the life of your highlights. They typically avoid harsh chemicals that can strip color, ensuring that your ash highlights remain true to tone.
Neutralizing Agents: Shampoos with purple or blue pigments can effectively neutralize warm, brassy tones that may develop over time in ash highlighted hair. This is crucial for maintaining the cool, ashy nuances that define this hair color.
Moisturizing Ingredients: Highlighted hair often requires extra hydration to combat dryness caused by bleaching. Shampoos rich in moisturizing ingredients will help to nourish and soften the hair, preventing breakage and maintaining a healthy appearance.
Sulfate-Free: Sulfates can be overly stripping, leading to a loss of vibrant color and moisture. Opting for sulfate-free options means you can cleanse your hair without compromising its color or hydration levels.
pH-Balanced: A pH-balanced shampoo helps to keep the hair cuticle smooth and intact, which is particularly important for color-treated hair. This feature minimizes frizz and enhances shine, contributing to a polished look for ash highlighted hair.
Which Ingredients Are Essential for Maintaining Ash Highlighted Hair?
The best shampoo for ash highlighted hair should include specific ingredients that help maintain color, shine, and hair health.
- Sulfate-Free Surfactants: These gentle cleansers help remove dirt and oil without stripping color from the hair.
- Purple Pigments: These ingredients neutralize yellow and brassy tones, keeping ash highlights vibrant.
- Moisturizing Agents: Ingredients like glycerin and natural oils help retain moisture, preventing dryness and brittleness in colored hair.
- Proteins: Hydrolyzed proteins, such as keratin, strengthen the hair shaft and repair damage caused by coloring processes.
- UV Filters: These protect the hair from harmful sun rays that can fade color and damage the cuticle.
Sulfate-Free Surfactants: Sulfates are effective cleansers but can be harsh on color-treated hair, leading to faster fading. By using sulfate-free shampoos, you ensure that your ash highlights remain intact and vibrant while still effectively cleansing the scalp and hair.
Purple Pigments: Shampoos formulated with purple pigments are essential for ash highlighted hair as they counteract unwanted warm tones. The purple color works to neutralize yellowness, helping to maintain the cool undertones that are characteristic of ash highlights.
Moisturizing Agents: Ash highlighted hair can often become dry and brittle due to the bleaching process. Shampoos that contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, coconut oil, or argan oil help to hydrate and nourish the hair, keeping it soft and manageable.
Proteins: Color-treated hair is prone to damage, which is why shampoos with hydrolyzed proteins are beneficial. These proteins penetrate the hair shaft to strengthen and repair, helping to minimize breakage and maintain the integrity of your ash highlights.
UV Filters: Exposure to sunlight can lead to color fading and damage. Shampoos with UV filters act as a protective barrier, shielding your hair from harmful rays and preserving the vibrant look of your ash highlights for longer.
Why Are Sulfate-Free Formulas Beneficial for Ash Highlighted Hair?
Sulfate-free shampoos are particularly beneficial for ash highlighted hair due to their gentle formulation, which helps preserve color vibrancy and enhance shine. Traditional shampoos often contain sulfates, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and lead to fading, especially in lighter shades like ash.
Key benefits of sulfate-free shampoos for ash highlighted hair include:
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Color Preservation: Sulfate-free formulas are less abrasive, helping to maintain the longevity of the ash highlights. This results in reduced color fading and dullness, keeping the hair looking fresh.
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Moisture Retention: These shampoos do not remove essential moisture, which is crucial for maintaining the health of highlighted hair. This helps prevent dryness and brittleness often associated with color-treated hair.
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Reduced Irritation: Sulfate-free options are usually formulated with milder cleansers, which minimize irritation to the scalp. This is especially important for individuals with sensitive skin.
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Enhanced Shine: By retaining moisture and preventing damage, sulfate-free shampoos can enhance the glossy finish that ash highlighted hair is known for.
Opting for a sulfate-free shampoo can support the overall health and appearance of ash highlighted hair, maximizing its beauty and vibrancy.
How Do Color Enhancing Ingredients Help Preserve Ash Highlights?
Color enhancing ingredients play a crucial role in preserving ash highlights by maintaining the vibrancy and preventing unwanted brassiness.
- Purple Pigments: These pigments neutralize yellow or brassy tones in light hair, making them essential for maintaining the cool, ash tones of highlighted hair. They work by depositing a subtle hint of purple, which effectively counteracts the warmth that can dull ash highlights.
- Conditioning Agents: Ingredients like silicones and natural oils provide moisture and nourishment to the hair, helping to keep it healthy and shiny. Healthy hair reflects light better, which enhances the overall appearance of the ash highlights and prevents fading.
- UV Filters: UV filters protect hair from the damaging effects of sun exposure, which can lead to color fading. By blocking harmful UV rays, these filters help to maintain the integrity of the ash tones, ensuring they remain vibrant for a longer period.
- Color-Safe Formulas: Shampoos specifically designed for color-treated hair often contain gentle cleansers that minimize color stripping. These formulations help maintain the longevity of ash highlights by preventing the harsh effects of regular shampoos that may contain sulfates or other stripping agents.
- pH Balancing Ingredients: Shampoos with a balanced pH can help to seal the hair cuticle, locking in color and moisture. This sealing effect is particularly beneficial for ash highlights, as it reduces the risk of color leaching and ensures that the cool tones remain intact.
What Are the Most Recommended Brands for Shampooing Ash Highlighted Hair?
The best shampoos for ash highlighted hair are designed to maintain color, reduce brassiness, and nourish the hair. Here are some highly recommended brands:
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo: This sulfate-free shampoo is known for its moisturizing properties, making it perfect for color-treated hair. It helps retain the vibrancy of ash highlights while providing hydration to dry, brittle strands.
- Redken Color Extend Shampoo: Formulated specifically for color-treated hair, this shampoo protects against fading and keeps ash tones looking fresh. It contains ingredients that shield hair from environmental damage and enhance shine.
- Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo: This unique purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones that can appear in ash highlighted hair. It is ideal for maintaining a cool, ashy look by balancing out warm undertones, helping to keep your highlights looking their best.
- Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo: Designed for blonde, silver, and gray hair, this shampoo brightens and tones while eliminating unwanted warmth. It is effective in maintaining ash highlights, ensuring a radiant and cool finish.
- Shimmer Lights Shampoo: A classic choice for keeping blonde and highlighted hair vibrant, this shampoo uses a violet formula to combat brassiness. It is particularly beneficial for ash tones, helping to maintain their coolness and brightness.
How Often Should You Wash Ash Highlighted Hair for Best Results?
To maintain the vibrancy and health of ash highlighted hair, it is essential to consider both the washing frequency and the choice of shampoo.
- Frequency of Washing: Washing ash highlighted hair 2-3 times a week is generally recommended.
- Best Shampoo Selection: Using a sulfate-free shampoo specifically formulated for color-treated hair helps preserve the color and shine.
- Use of Purple Shampoo: Incorporating a purple shampoo into your routine can neutralize brassy tones and enhance the ash color.
- Conditioning Treatments: Regular use of deep conditioning treatments can help maintain moisture and prevent damage to highlighted hair.
- Temperature of Water: Washing hair with lukewarm or cool water can prevent color fading and reduce hair damage.
Washing ash highlighted hair 2-3 times a week is generally recommended to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils while keeping the color fresh. Over-washing can lead to dryness and a dull appearance, making it crucial to find a balance.
Using a sulfate-free shampoo specifically formulated for color-treated hair helps preserve the color and shine of ash highlights. These shampoos are gentler on the hair, reducing the likelihood of fading and maintaining the integrity of the hair cuticle.
Incorporating a purple shampoo into your routine can effectively neutralize brassy tones that may develop over time, enhancing the cool undertones of ash highlights. This specialized shampoo is designed to counteract yellow or orange hues, ensuring your hair remains true to its intended color.
Regular use of deep conditioning treatments is essential for maintaining moisture and preventing damage to highlighted hair. These treatments replenish hydration, improve elasticity, and help keep the hair healthy and vibrant, especially after chemical processes like highlighting.
Washing hair with lukewarm or cool water can prevent color fading and reduce hair damage, as hot water can strip away essential oils and color. Cooler temperatures help to seal the hair cuticle, leading to smoother, shinier hair with prolonged color retention.
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Choosing Shampoo for Ash Highlighted Hair?
When selecting the best shampoo for ash highlighted hair, it’s crucial to avoid certain common mistakes to maintain the desired color and health of your hair.
- Choosing the Wrong Formula: Many shampoos contain sulfates that can strip color from highlighted hair. Look for sulfate-free options that are specifically formulated to be gentle on colored hair, ensuring your ash highlights remain vibrant and intact.
- Ignoring pH Balance: The pH level of the shampoo can affect the cuticle of the hair. Opt for shampoos with a balanced pH that helps to seal the hair cuticle, thus preserving color and adding shine to your ash highlights.
- Overusing Purple Shampoo: While purple shampoo is excellent for neutralizing yellow tones, overuse can lead to an undesired violet tint. Limit its use to once a week or as needed to maintain the ash tone without compromising the overall color.
- Not Considering Hair Type: Different hair types require different care, and not all shampoos are suitable for all hair textures. Choose a shampoo that caters to your specific hair type, whether it’s fine, thick, curly, or straight, to ensure optimal results and avoid weighing down your hair.
- Neglecting Conditioner: Focusing solely on shampoo can lead to dryness and damage, especially for highlighted hair. Always pair your shampoo with a moisturizing conditioner designed for color-treated hair to maintain hydration and softness.
- Skipping Ingredient Checks: Some shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can damage highlighted hair. Always read the ingredient list to avoid parabens, alcohols, and other harmful additives that can strip moisture and color from your hair.