Blonde is a highly complex hair colour. The getting there (especially if you’re far from it on the natural colour spectrum) is tough, and the staying there can be equally as difficult.
Why? Because even the most expertly applied creamy blonde colour can soon slip into dreaded dull (or worse, brassy) territory if not carefully tended to between appointments.
As for what you can do to avoid getting there, we suggest stocking your shower shelf strategically, particularly with a quality purple shampoo.
Designed to counteract their colour wheel opposite (yellow), purple pigments encompass the ability to brighten, refresh and tone your blonde, restoring it to (or getting it at least far closer to) its former salon-fresh glory.
However, success lies in which specific shampoo you select, and so we have rounded up seven of the most reliable blonde refreshing rinses on the market…
Olaplex No.4-P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
A long-awaited offering from the brand that practically gifted blondes the ability to have healthy hair once more (and is in fact enriched with their signature bond-building system), it offers customisable blonde maintenance that hinges on how long you leave it on for. It’s a lot of responsibility in your hands, sure, but allows for results ranging from a quick creaminess refresh (1-3 minutes) to an all-out iciness top-up (around 5 minutes) dependent on need.
$42.58 at Revolve
John Frieda Violet Crush Shampoo
An option beloved for its low price, ready availability and impressive efficacy, this brassiness-banisher is formulated with crushed violet pigments that brighten blonde tones without leaving you living in fear of over-toning (AKA actually exiting the shower with a hair colour homage to Dame Edna). In fact, it’s even been cleared for thrice weekly use if your colour calls for it; just lather and leave for 2-3 minutes, then rinse.
$10.69 at Chemist Warehouse
Evo Fabuloso Platinum Blonde Toning Shampoo
It’s long been said that washing is in fact a notable enemy when it comes to keeping colour fresh; luckily, this potent platinum-specific purple shampoo is specifically designed to cleanse lighter blonde locks without stripping colour. The only thing it will be subtracting from your hair is any unwanted yellow tones. It’s recommended to be used once weekly and involves a classic ‘apply, leave for 1-3 minutes, rinse’ method.
$37.95 at Adore Beauty
NAK Blonde Shampoo
Blonde tends to lack the covetable shine that lucky brunettes and redheads boast, but the need for gloss often falls second in line compared to colour control. There’s no need to choose with this formula, though; the pear extract and added proteins within it help to add a pearlescent shine (a clear indicator of improved strength and hydration) while still managing to set things straight (or rather cool and creamy) in the brassy tones department. As for application, simply rinse after 5 minutes and repeat weekly.
$29.95 at Oz Hair & Beauty
Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo
Another option that concentrates on hair health as well as toning, Moroccanoil’s clever purple shampoo is devoted to enhancing your blonde’s depth and dimension, reviving highlights and providing sheen as it goes. It’s a beautifully fragranced hybrid of violet pigments and antioxidant-rich argan oil that counteracts orange and yellow tones as well as dryness and damage. Wash wise, a 3-5 minute wait should do the trick.
$48 at Sephora
Bumble and bumble Blonde Shampoo
If you’re ever worried about keeping your blonde controlled while on the move, this travel-friendly toning shampoo is as compact as it is powerful. With glycerin incorporated into the mix for added hydration (always welcome, especially if you’re a bottle blonde), it seals frizz, neutralises brassiness and leaves your blonde’s nuances illuminated with every application. It only takes 2 minutes per week, too.
$19 at MECCA
Ogx Purple Toning Shampoo
Suitable for blonde, silver or pre-lightened hair, this powerful blend from OGX works to extend the life of coloured hair, while offering a boost of hydrating and reducing those dreaded brassy tones. With keratin proteins helping to minimise frizz and straighten your locks, it’s a multi-purpose product that’ll have you tackling multiple hair woes in one go.
$22 at Woolworths
Hask Blonde Care Purple Shampoo
This vegan formula is best for natural or dyed shades of blonde to help brighten and neutralise brassy tones. Made with elderberry oil and vitamin c to help enhance shine and restore moisture, the blend is free from sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, gluten and drying alcohol. Enjoy a fresh, cooler shade of blonde by the end of your wash.
$14.49 at Chemist Warehouse
Main image credit: @jodiemcomer
