If you’re a blonde or have grey hair, Kérastase Blonde Absolu Ultra-Violet Purple Shampoo is your new best friend.
This luxurious shampoo banishes brassy tones, leaving your hair vibrant, shiny, and soft.
Enriched with violet pigments and nourishing ingredients, it’s a salon-quality game-changer that protects against pollution and oxidation.
Yes, it’s a splurge, but your hair deserves it. Grab a bottle and keep your blonde or silver locks looking fresh and fabulous!
My Journey with Kérastase Purple Shampoo
I’ve been rocking platinum blonde hair for years, and let me tell you, maintaining that cool, icy tone is no easy feat.
My hair loves to turn brassy, with yellow and orange hues creeping in just weeks after a salon visit. I’d tried a couple of drugstore purple shampoos, but they either left my hair dry as straw or barely touched the brassiness.
Then, a stylist friend recommended Kérastase Blonde Absolu Ultra-Violet Purple Shampoo, promising it would keep my color vibrant without sacrificing softness. I was skeptical about the price but desperate for a fix, so I gave it a shot.
The first time I used it, I was blown away. I wet my hair, applied a small amount (it’s concentrated, so you don’t need much), and worked it into a creamy lather.
The rich purple hue looked intense, but the scent—delicate, floral, and salon-like—made it feel like a treat. I left it on for about three minutes, as suggested, then rinsed. When I dried my hair, I couldn’t stop staring.
The brassiness was gone, replaced by a cool, silvery tone that looked like I’d just left the salon. My hair felt soft, smooth, and hydrated, not stripped or tangled like with other purple shampoos.
Now, I use it weekly, and my blonde has never looked better. It’s become my secret weapon for keeping my color fresh and my hair healthy.
Breaking Down the Ingredients
Kérastase’s formula is what sets it apart. It’s packed with blue and violet pigments to neutralize yellow and orange undertones, keeping blonde and grey hair cool-toned.
Hyaluronic acid hydrates and strengthens, repairing damage from bleaching or coloring. Edelweiss flower extract protects against oxidation and pollution, preserving shine.
The creamy texture comes from gentle surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate, which cleanse without stripping.
Free of harsh chemicals, it’s a nourishing blend that not only tones but also cares for your hair, making it ideal for color-treated or damaged strands.
Maintenance Tips for Using Kérastase Purple Shampoo
To get the best results, you need to use this shampoo right. Here’s how I keep my blonde looking flawless.
- Use Weekly for Optimal Toning: I use it once a week to keep brassiness at bay. Overusing can lead to a purple tint, so I alternate with a gentle, color-safe shampoo like Kérastase’s Bain Lumière for daily washes.
- Apply to Wet Hair and Time It: Wet your hair thoroughly, apply a small amount, and lather well. I leave it on for 2-3 minutes for subtle toning or up to 5 for intense results, then rinse thoroughly to avoid buildup.
- Protect Your Hands and Shower: The pigments can stain, so I wear gloves if I’m leaving it on longer or rinse my hands immediately. I also wipe down my shower after use to prevent purple streaks.
- Follow with a Conditioner: Purple shampoo can be slightly drying, even this nourishing one. I follow with a hydrating conditioner, like Kérastase’s Cicaflash, to lock in moisture and keep my hair soft.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep the bottle away from heat or humidity to preserve the formula. I store mine in a bathroom cabinet, and it stays fresh and effective.
- Test on a Small Section First: If you’re new to purple shampoo, test it on a small strand to gauge timing. My hair takes 3 minutes for perfect toning, but yours might need less or more depending on porosity.
Styling Tips to Maximize Results
This shampoo sets the stage for gorgeous hair, but styling can take it up a notch.
- Pair with a Shine Spray: After washing, I spritz a shine spray to amplify the glossy finish. It makes my blonde pop and keeps it looking vibrant all day.
- Blow-Dry for Volume: I blow-dry with a round brush to add lift at the roots. The shampoo’s smoothing effect makes styling easier, giving me a polished, salon-like look.
- Refresh with Dry Shampoo: Between washes, I use a dry shampoo to keep my roots fresh. It extends the life of my Kérastase-toned color without dulling the shine.
- Protect from Heat Damage: If I’m using hot tools, I apply a heat protectant first. The shampoo strengthens my hair, but extra protection keeps it healthy through styling.
Real-Life Scenarios: Who Should Use This?
This shampoo is a lifesaver for specific hair types and lifestyles. Here’s who it’s perfect for.
- The Platinum Blonde Devotee: If you’re like me, with bleached blonde hair, this shampoo keeps your color icy and vibrant. It’s a must for maintaining that salon-fresh look without constant touch-ups.
- The Grey Hair Enthusiast: For those rocking natural grey or silver hair, it banishes yellow tones, keeping your color crisp and shiny. My mom uses it and loves the radiant results.
- The Busy Professional: If you don’t have time for frequent salon visits, this shampoo extends your color’s life. I use it weekly to keep my blonde perfect between appointments.
- The Damaged Hair Warrior: If bleaching or coloring has left your hair fragile, the nourishing ingredients help repair and strengthen. I’ve noticed less breakage since using it.
Why Kérastase Purple Shampoo Stands Out?
Kérastase isn’t just a purple shampoo—it’s a luxury treatment. The concentrated pigments deliver instant toning, while hyaluronic acid and edelweiss nourish and protect.
I’ve tried cheaper options, but none match the softness, shine, and vibrancy this gives my blonde hair.
It’s a splurge, but the results—cool, glossy, healthy-looking hair—make it worth every penny. Plus, the salon-like experience, from the scent to the creamy lather, makes every wash feel indulgent.
Pros and Cons of Kérastase Purple Shampoo
Pros:
This shampoo has earned its spot in my shower, and here’s why it’s a standout.
- Banishes Brassiness in One Wash: The violet pigments are super concentrated, neutralizing yellow and orange tones in a single use. My platinum hair stays cool and silvery, even weeks after a salon visit, saving me from frequent touch-ups.
- Nourishes Without Drying: Unlike most purple shampoos that leave hair parched, this one’s packed with hyaluronic acid for hydration. My bleached hair feels soft and smooth, not like it’s been through a chemical war.
- Enhances Shine and Vibrancy: It restores that salon-fresh shine, making my hair look healthy and radiant. The edelweiss extract protects against pollution, keeping my blonde vibrant even in the city.
- Creamy Texture for Easy Application: The thick, creamy formula lathers beautifully and spreads evenly. I only need a small amount, so the bottle lasts longer than you’d expect for a premium product.
- Luxurious Scent: The delicate, floral fragrance is a treat every time I wash. It’s subtle but lingers just enough to make my hair smell clean and expensive.
- Strengthens Damaged Hair: The hyaluronic acid and edelweiss work together to repair bleach-damaged strands. I’ve noticed less breakage and fewer split ends since incorporating this into my routine.
Cons:
As much as I love it, there are a few drawbacks to consider.
- Pricey Investment: At around $40 for 8.5 ounces, it’s a splurge. I wince a bit every time I repurchase, but the results make it hard to go back to cheaper options that don’t perform as well.
- Can Stain Hands or Surfaces: The rich purple pigments can leave a tint on your hands or shower if you’re not careful. I rinse my hands quickly and clean my shower right after to avoid any lingering stains.
- Not for Daily Use: It’s meant for weekly use, not daily, to avoid over-toning. If you’re someone who washes every day, you’ll need a regular shampoo to alternate, which adds to your routine.
- May Over-Tone if Left Too Long: If you leave it on longer than 5 minutes, it can make your hair look slightly purple, especially on very light blonde or grey hair. I learned to set a timer to avoid this.
- Less Effective on Non-Blonde Hair: It’s designed for blonde, grey, or highlighted hair, so if you have darker tones, it won’t do much. My brunette friend tried it and saw no difference in her color.
- Small Bottle Size: The 8.5-ounce bottle feels tiny for the price. I wish Kérastase offered a larger size or a more budget-friendly option for those of us who use it regularly.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Suave Keratin Infusion Shampoo
Kérastase Purple Shampoo Vs. Other Brands
How does Kérastase stack up against other purple shampoos? I’ve tried a few, and here’s the breakdown.
- Fanola No Yellow Shampoo
Fanola is a budget-friendly option with strong violet pigments that banish brassiness fast. But it’s drying, leaving my hair tangled. Kérastase’s nourishing formula keeps my hair soft and is worth the extra cost for daily comfort.
- Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo
Joico’s purple shampoo tones well and protects color, but it’s less hydrating than Kérastase. I found Kérastase’s creamy texture and shine-enhancing ingredients gave my hair a more luxurious feel.
- Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo
Redken’s shampoo is effective at toning and affordable, but it can feel stripping over time. Kérastase’s hyaluronic acid and edelweiss make it gentler and better for damaged, bleached hair.
- Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo
Amika’s shampoo smells amazing and tones decently, but it’s not as concentrated as Kérastase. I needed more product and longer leave-in time, whereas Kérastase works faster and feels richer.
- Matrix So Silver Shampoo
Matrix is a drugstore staple that tones well for the price, but it left my hair feeling slightly dry and less shiny. Kérastase’s premium formula delivers better hydration and a glossier finish.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Plant Bubble Hair Dye Shampoo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Use it once a week to maintain cool tones without over-toning. I alternate with a regular shampoo for daily washes to keep my hair hydrated and balanced.
Kérastase Blonde Absolu Ultra-Violet is my top pick for its toning power, hydration, and shine. It outperforms Fanola and Redken, especially for damaged blonde hair.
It neutralizes brassy tones, hydrates with hyaluronic acid, protects against pollution, and boosts shine. My blonde hair stays vibrant, soft, and strong with weekly use.
It can dry hair if overused or stain surfaces if not rinsed properly. Kérastase is gentler than most, but I stick to weekly use and rinse thoroughly to avoid issues.
Final Thoughts
This shampoo is a blonde’s best friend, banishing brassiness and delivering soft, shiny, salon-worthy hair. Its nourishing formula and luxurious feel make it worth the splurge for anyone with blonde or grey locks.
From toning to strengthening, it’s a game-changer that keeps your color vibrant. Don’t settle for less—grab Kérastase Blonde Absolu Ultra-Violet and love your hair every day!
