Toner vs Purple Shampoo: Are They the Same Thing?

Toner and purple shampoo get mixed up all the time, and it's easy to see why: both are used to cancel out yellow or brassy tones in blonde hair. But they aren't the same thing. A toner like Wella Color Charm is a colour product you mix with developer. A purple shampoo is a shampoo that leaves violet pigment behind while you wash.

Is toner the same as purple shampoo?

No. Redken, which makes both salon toners and purple shampoo, describes purple shampoo as an at-home toner for the time between salon visits, while a stylist uses a professional toner in the salon. The table below shows how different the two products are, using one well-known example of each.

How a toner like Wella Color Charm works

Wella's three steps for its Color Charm Permanent Liquid Toners are: mix 1 part toner with 2 parts 10 or 20 volume developer, apply with a bottle or a bowl and brush and process for up to 30 minutes, then rinse, shampoo and condition. Wella says the toners neutralize brass and work on naturally blonde or pre-lightened hair.

How purple shampoo works

Redken explains it with the colour wheel: purple sits opposite yellow, so violet pigment cancels out yellow tones. Its Color Extend Blondage Shampoo is a violet-pigment shampoo for blonde and highlighted hair. Redken's directions are to wear gloves, apply to wet hair, lather and rinse, then repeat and leave the second lather on for 3 to 5 minutes for maximum benefit. The product FAQ says to use it 2 to 3 times a week. But Redken's own blog is a bit more cautious. It says once or twice a week is enough for most blondes, and warns that overdoing it can make blonde look darker or dull.

Should you use toner or purple shampoo?

They do different jobs. Toner is a mixed colour step (Wella's involves developer and up to 30 minutes of processing). Purple shampoo is something you use in the shower to keep brass down between those steps. Redken suggests people can start using purple shampoo about one to two weeks after a salon toning service, or once they first notice brassiness coming back. For blue and silver shades, see our guide to shampoo for blue hair.

Sources

• Wella Color Charm Permanent Liquid Toners (Wella Professional store, US) (checked 10 Nov 2026)
• Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo (redken.com) (checked 10 Nov 2026)
• Redken: Everything About Purple Shampoo for Brassy Blonde Hair (redken.com blog) (checked 10 Nov 2026)

How we wrote this: we haven't tested these products. This page only uses what the brands publish on their product pages and labels (descriptions, directions and ingredient lists), linked under Sources. Words in quotes are the brand's own claims. Formulas, sizes and prices change, so check the pack you buy. This is general information, not medical advice.