6 Outstanding Drugstore Purple Shampoos That Will Save You Tons of Money

Updated on 7/30/2021 at 9:05 PM

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I'm a natural brunette, and I bleach my hair platinum blond about once every three months. I love everything about the process — even the itchy scalp (it reminds me that good things are yet to come).

Well . . . almost everything. The thing about going blond is that it's all fun and games up until that pesky little moment when, after you spend half your rent on a double process, you realize you've got to spend even more cash on maintaining the look with a purple shampoo.

"One of the biggest struggles for blondes is keeping your shade from turning too yellow or brassy, which is where blue or purple shampoos enter," hairstylist Michelle Cleveland told POPSUGAR. "In the universal law of color, purple neutralizes yellow, and blue neutralizes orange so when you wash blonde hair with these tinted shampoos you're essentially adding just enough pigmentation to 'wash away' the unwanted yellows or oranges that can show through over time."

So yes, a good purple shampoo is a must-have when keeping up your blond hair, though the only drawback is that some of the best products out there tend to be on the pricier side (depending on your budget, of course). The good news for anyone who's trying to look bougie on a budget is that there are plenty of affordable drugstore options that really work. Read ahead to check out some under-$15 favorites from myself and a couple of trusted hairstylists.

OGX Hydrate & Tone Reviving & Lavender Luminescent Platinum Shampoo

I'll go so far to say that the OGX Hydrate & Tone Reviving & Lavender Luminescent Platinum Shampoo ($9) is the best six bucks I've ever spent — and yes, I've had a chalupa supreme. It smells like a glam grandmother's dream (lavender and chamomile: yes, please), plus it's made with sun filters to protect your hair and keep things shiny.

OGX Hydrate & Tone Reviving & Lavender Luminescent Platinum Shampoo

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Kristen Ess The One Purple Shampoo

Celebrity hairstylist Kristen Ess isn't wrong: this shampoo is The One ($12). Sometimes I'll purposefully wash my hair a lot with it to get a cool faded, pastel look. If I want to keep things more vibrant, I'll go five days before washing again. However I use it, the final effect is always purposeful, and never brassy.

Hairstylist Cory Aaron Scott agrees: "This product is chic, affordable and smells beautiful," he told POPSUGAR. "Great for all hair types and isn't too pigmented, meaning it won't turn your hair purple and there's no need to dilute it."

Kristen Ess The One Purple Shampoo

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$12

Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Blonde & Silver Shampoo

I stole a bottle of this Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Blonde & Silver Shampoo ($13) from a dude I was dating who was going gray — he swore it helped bring out brighter tones. I've found it also works to dim the appearance of super-dark roots. (Though that's a look, too.)

Even better, it's also a hit among professionals. "This is an industry standard," Scott said. "It's been around longer than me and probably will be long after I'm gone." Since according to Scott, this one can be a little intense, he recommends diluting it with your regular shampoo and limiting your use of it to once or twice a week.

Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Blonde & Silver Shampoo

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$13

L'Oréal Paris Ever Pure Blonde Shampoo

If you've been slacking on using a purple shampoo (been there), and begin developing some brassiness, call in the big guns. This L'Oréal Paris Ever Pure Blonde Shampoo ($7) will do its best to neutralize the dullness, STAT.

L'Oréal Paris Ever Pure Blonde Shampoo

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Sun Bum Purple Blonde Shampoo

The Sun Bum Purple Blonde Shampoo ($10) is one of Cleveland's drugstore favorites, as it manages to "get the job done while using better than average ingredients."

Sun Bum Purple Blonde Shampoo

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$10

OGX Blonde Enhanced + Purple Toning Shampoo

According to Scott, the OGX Blonde Enhanced + Purple Toning Shampoo ($7) is as easy to use as it is affordable. "I love the smell and it's a great product for anyone hesitant about using a toning shampoo," he said. "It's user friendly and isn't too strong. It's gentle while getting the job done."

OGX Blonde Enhanced + Purple Toning Shampoo

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