Purple Shampoo vs Silver Shampoo: What's the Difference?
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If you have blonde, grey, silver or highlighted hair, you've probably seen both "purple shampoo" and "silver shampoo" on salon shelves. Are they different products — and which one do you need? Here's a clear, simple explanation.
Quick answer: Purple and silver shampoos are both toning shampoos. They contain violet or blue-violet pigment that neutralises unwanted yellow tones in light hair. "Silver shampoo" is usually the name used for formulas aimed at grey, white and platinum hair, while "purple shampoo" is often used for blondes — but they work the same way. What matters is the strength of the pigment, how long you leave it on and how often you use it.
How Toning Shampoo Works
On the colour wheel, violet sits opposite yellow. When a small amount of violet pigment is deposited on light hair, it visually cancels out yellow, so hair looks cooler, brighter and more silvery. Toning shampoos don't lighten hair and don't remove colour — they correct the tone.
Purple Shampoo vs Silver Shampoo: The Differences
- Name and positioning: "purple" is often marketed for blonde and highlighted hair; "silver" for grey, white, silver and platinum hair.
- Pigment: formulas vary from pure violet to deeper blue-violet. Stronger pigment gives more toning — and more risk of a lilac cast if overused.
- Result: both aim for a cooler, brighter, less yellow finish.
In practice, choose a well-formulated toning shampoo made for your shade rather than worrying about the name.
Who Should Use a Toning Shampoo?
- Natural or coloured blondes
- Platinum and bleached hair
- Natural grey, white and silver hair
- Blonde highlights and balayage on darker hair
Biotop Professional 19 Pro Silver
19 Pro Silver Shampoo is a toning shampoo for pre-lightened, grey and blonde hair. It neutralises unwanted yellow and brassy tones while moisturising hair and controlling frizz, helping restore radiant silvers, whites and platinum blondes.
How to use it
- Apply a generous amount to wet hair and lather at the scalp.
- Massage through the lengths.
- Leave on for 5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly. Wearing gloves helps avoid any tint on your hands.
Complete the routine with the 19 Pro Silver Hair Mask for deep hydration and tone correction, and 19 Pro Silver Serum to keep tones from yellowing between washes.
How Often Should You Use Purple or Silver Shampoo?
Once or twice a week is enough for most people. Use it more often if yellow tones return quickly, and less if hair starts to look dull, grey or slightly lilac. On other wash days, use a moisturising shampoo such as 911 Quinoa Shampoo.
Common Mistakes
- Using toning shampoo every wash
- Leaving it on much longer than directed
- Applying unevenly, which can leave patchy tone
- Skipping conditioner — toning shampoos are still cleansers
- Expecting it to lighten hair or fix orange tones on dark hair
Which Should You Choose?
| Your hair | Better fit |
|---|---|
| Golden or yellow blonde you want cooler | Purple or violet toning shampoo |
| Grey, white or silver that looks yellow or dull | Silver toning shampoo |
| Platinum or icy blonde | Either; start with short contact times |
| Highlights or balayage | Apply to the lightened sections only |
Biotop's 19 Pro Silver Shampoo is designed for pre-lightened, grey and blonde hair, to neutralise yellow and brassy tones while moisturising and controlling frizz. Explore the full 19 Pro Silver range.
Building a Toning Routine
- Use your toning shampoo once or twice a week, in place of your usual shampoo.
- Follow with a conditioner or the 19 Pro Silver Hair Mask, which tones and hydrates in one step.
- Use 19 Pro Silver Serum on the ends between washes to help neutralise yellow.
- Protect light hair from sun, smoke, chlorine and hard water.
For a full blonde and silver routine, see How to Maintain Blonde and Silver Hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use purple shampoo on brown hair?
It can help cool blonde highlights on brown hair. For orange or brassy tones on darker bases, blue-based toning is usually more effective — ask your stylist.
Will silver shampoo turn my hair purple?
Used as directed, it shouldn't. Very light or porous hair can pick up a faint lilac tint if the shampoo is left on too long; a regular shampoo usually removes it.
Can I use it on natural grey hair?
Yes. Toning shampoo helps keep natural grey and white hair bright and free from yellowing caused by sun, pollution and minerals.
Do I still need conditioner?
Yes. Follow with conditioner or a mask to keep light hair soft and manageable.
Can I mix purple shampoo with my regular shampoo?
Some people do this to soften the effect on very light hair. It is easier to control by simply leaving the toning shampoo on for a shorter time.
Why does my hair look darker after toning shampoo?
Too much pigment can make light hair look greyer or flatter. Use it less often or for a shorter time.
Find Your 19 Pro Silver Routine
Shop the complete 19 Pro Silver range — shampoo, mask, serum and oil for blonde, platinum, grey and silver hair.
Related Guides
- How to Maintain Blonde and Silver Hair
- How to Repair Bleached Hair
- How to Make Hair Colour Last Longer
- How to Care for Coloured Hair
Shop: 19 Pro Silver Shampoo · 19 Pro Silver Hair Mask · 19 Pro Silver Serum