Colorado Barbering and Cosmetology Practice Exam

Purple shampoo or toner is often used to neutralize unwanted yellow tones in blonde hair because of the color wheel principles. Yellow is located opposite purple on the color wheel, meaning that purple shades can cancel out or neutralize yellow hues.

When blonde hair develops unwanted yellow tones—often due to environmental factors, heat styling, or chemical treatments—using a purple shampoo or toner can help restore a more neutral or cool blonde appearance. The purple pigments deposit onto the hair, toning down the warm yellow shades and bringing a more balanced look to the hair color.

In contrast, blue products primarily target orange tones and may not address yellow hues effectively. Red products are commonly utilized for cancelling out green tones on hair, while green products work against red tones but are not relevant in correcting yellow for blonde hair. This specific function of purple toners makes them the go-to choice for maintaining a clean, vibrant blonde.