Blondes, listen up! If you’re battling brassy tones or craving that salon-fresh, cool blonde vibe, John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo is your new best friend. I’ve tried countless purple shampoos, and this one stands out for its punchy pigment and hair-loving formula.
It’s affordable, effective, and smells like a dream. Whether you’re rocking natural blonde, bleached locks, or silver strands, this shampoo promises to neutralize yellow and orange hues in just one wash.
Trust me, you’ll want to grab a bottle and see the magic for yourself!
My Journey With John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo
Let me paint you a picture: I’m a 30-something with fine, color-treated blonde hair that’s prone to turning brassy faster than you can say “salon appointment.”
My highlights, once icy and vibrant, often fade into a dull, yellowish mess thanks to hard water and sun exposure.
I’ve been on a quest to find a purple shampoo that doesn’t just tone but also feels like a treat for my hair.
Enter John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
The first time I used it, I was skeptical.
I’d been burned by other purple shampoos that either left my hair dry as straw or barely touched the brassiness.
But when I popped open the bottle, the rich, violet hue and creamy texture had me intrigued.
The scent?
Fresh and floral, not overpowering like some other toning products. I massaged it into my wet hair, and it lathered up beautifully—none of that thin, watery foam I’d dealt with before. I left it on for about two minutes, rinsed, and followed with my usual conditioner (though I later upgraded to the Violet Crush Conditioner for extra oomph).
The result?
My hair looked like I’d just stepped out of the salon. The yellow tinges were gone, replaced by a crisp, cool blonde that caught the light in all the right ways. My fine hair felt soft, not stripped, and the shine was unreal. I’ve been using it once or twice a week for a couple of months now, and it’s become a staple.
Even my stylist noticed the difference, asking what I’d been using to keep my color so vibrant between visits. The only hiccup? The bottle leaked a bit during shipping, but a quick wipe-down solved that. If you’re a blonde or silver-haired babe, this shampoo is worth every penny.
Pros of John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo
- Potent Pigmentation for Instant Results
This shampoo doesn’t mess around when it comes to toning.
The crushed violet and blue pigments are like a one-two punch against brassy yellow and orange tones.
I’ve noticed a difference after just one wash, which is a big deal for someone like me who’s impatient for results.
Whether you’re dealing with stubborn brass from bleaching or subtle yellowing in natural blonde hair, this formula delivers a cooler, brighter shade that screams “freshly colored.”
It’s like having a toner in your shower, minus the hassle.
- Hair-Feels-Loved Formula
Unlike other purple shampoos that leave your hair feeling like it’s been through a desert, John Frieda’s version is surprisingly moisturizing. The creamy texture and rich lather make it feel like a luxury shampoo, not just a toning treatment.
My fine, dry hair doesn’t end up crunchy or tangled after using it, which is a miracle. It’s formulated without peroxide or ammonia, so it’s gentle enough for regular use without wreaking havoc on your strands. Pair it with the Violet Crush Conditioner, and your hair will thank you with softness and shine.
- Pleasant Scent and Easy Application
Let’s talk about the sensory experience. The fragrance is light, floral, and just plain pleasant—none of that chemical-y stench some toning products have. It’s a small thing, but it makes my shower routine feel like a treat.
The shampoo’s consistency is spot-on: not too thick, not too runny, so it spreads evenly through your hair. I’ve never had issues with staining my hands or shower, as long as I rinse thoroughly. For a drugstore product, it feels high-end and user-friendly.
- Budget-Friendly and Accessible
At around $9-$12 for an 8.3-ounce bottle (or cheaper if you snag the larger size on Amazon), this shampoo is a steal. You don’t need to drop salon-level cash to keep your blonde looking pristine.
It’s widely available at places like Target, Walmart, and Superdrug, so you can grab it during your regular shopping run. Compared to pricier brands, it holds its own and then some, making it a no-brainer for budget-conscious blondes.
- Versatile for All Blonde Types
Whether you’ve got natural blonde, bleached platinum, silver, or even lightened brunette hair, this shampoo works across the board. I’ve used it on my highlighted hair, but friends with gray and silver locks swear by it for brightening their strands.
It’s safe for color-treated hair and doesn’t fade your dye job, which is a huge plus. If you’re rocking a balayage or full-on bleach, you can count on it to keep your color cool and vibrant.
Cons of John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo
- Potential for Over-Toning
Here’s the deal: this shampoo is potent, which is great, but it can be a bit too enthusiastic if you’re not careful.
If you leave it on too long or use it too often, you might end up with a slight purple tint, especially if your hair is super light or porous.
I learned this the hard way when I got distracted and left it on for 10 minutes—my ends looked a tad lavender.
It washed out after a couple of shampoos, but it’s something to watch out for.
- Contains Sulfates
If you’re a sulfate-free purist, you might raise an eyebrow at the ingredient list. Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are in there, which can be drying for some hair types.
My fine hair doesn’t mind, but if you’ve got thick, curly, or already damaged locks, you might need to follow up with a heavy-duty conditioner or mask to keep things hydrated. It’s not a dealbreaker for me, but it’s worth noting if you’re sensitive to sulfates.
- Shipping Woes
I’ve ordered this shampoo online a few times, and the packaging could use some work. Every bottle I’ve received has leaked a bit—nothing major, maybe a teaspoon’s worth, but it’s annoying to open a box and find purple goo on the cap.
If you’re buying online, order it solo to avoid messing up other items, and check the bottle as soon as it arrives. In-store purchases dodge this issue entirely.
- Gradual Results for Some
While I saw instant results, some users report that it takes a few washes to notice a difference, especially if your brassiness is mild or your hair is less porous.
If you’re expecting a dramatic transformation right away, you might need to temper your expectations or leave it on longer (within reason). It’s not a con for everyone, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re impatient like me.
Tips For Using John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo
- Use It Sparingly to Avoid Over-Toning
You don’t need to use this shampoo every day—trust me, your hair doesn’t need that much purple power.
I stick to once or twice a week, depending on how brassy my hair looks.
If you’re new to purple shampoo, start with once a week and see how your hair responds.
For maintenance, alternate with your regular shampoo to keep your color balanced without veering into purple territory.
If you do accidentally over-tone, a clarifying shampoo can help strip out the excess pigment.
- Time It Right for Best Results
Timing is everything with this shampoo. For most hair types, one to three minutes is plenty to neutralize brassiness without overdoing it. If your hair is super brassy or platinum, you can stretch it to five minutes, but set a timer to avoid distractions (guilty!).
I like to apply it at the start of my shower, let it sit while I wash my body, then rinse. Always follow with a conditioner to lock in moisture and keep your hair soft.
- Pair with the Right Conditioner
To get the full salon-fresh effect, use the Violet Crush Purple Conditioner after the shampoo. It’s formulated to complement the toning pigments and adds an extra layer of hydration.
If you’re using a different conditioner, make sure it’s nourishing to counteract any potential dryness from the sulfates. I’ve also found that a weekly hair mask keeps my fine hair from feeling stressed, especially if I’m using the shampoo regularly.
- Protect Your Hair Between Washes
Brassiness doesn’t just come from your hair’s natural fading—it’s also from external culprits like UV rays, chlorine, and hard water. I’ve started wearing a hat or using a UV-protectant spray when I’m out in the sun, and it makes a huge difference.
If you swim, rinse your hair immediately after to get rid of chlorine. A shower filter can also help if your water is mineral-heavy. These little habits extend the life of your cool blonde tones.
- Store It Properly to Avoid Mess
That leaky bottle issue?
You can minimize it by storing the shampoo upright and making sure the cap is tightly closed. If you’re traveling, pop it in a plastic bag to avoid purple disasters in your suitcase. I’ve also started decanting a small amount into a travel-sized bottle for trips—it’s easier to manage and keeps my main bottle safe at home.
Comparison of John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo With Other Brands
Let’s get real: the purple shampoo market is crowded, and not all bottles are created equal. I’ve pitted John Frieda Violet Crush against some heavy hitters—Fudge Clean Blonde, Olaplex No.4P, L’Oréal EverPure, and Clairol Shimmer Lights—to see how it stacks up.
Spoiler: it holds its own, but each brand has its quirks.
Fudge Clean Blonde is a beast for toning. It’s thicker and more pigmented than John Frieda, so it’s my go-to when my hair is screaming brass. But it’s harsh—my hair feels like it’s been stripped after one use, and it doesn’t lather well.
You only need a tiny amount, and it’s pricier at $14 for a 250ml bottle. John Frieda wins for daily use because it’s gentler and smells better.
Olaplex No.4P is the darling of the salon world, and for good reason. It tones while repairing damaged hair, which is a godsend for over-bleached locks. But at $30 a pop, it’s a splurge, and the toning isn’t as dramatic as John Frieda’s in one wash.
If your hair is fried and you’ve got cash to burn, Olaplex is worth it; otherwise, John Frieda gives you more bang for your buck.
L’Oréal EverPure is sulfate-free, which is a plus for curly or sensitive hair. It’s milder than John Frieda, so it’s less likely to over-tone, but it also takes longer to see results. I found it too light for my brassy highlights, and the scent is forgettable.
At a similar price point, John Frieda outperforms it for instant toning and overall hair feel.
Clairol Shimmer Lights is the OG purple shampoo, and it’s dirt cheap. It gets the job done for toning, but it’s drying as heck and smells like a chemistry lab. John Frieda feels like a modern upgrade—better formula, better scent, and no parched hair. If you’re on a super tight budget, Shimmer Lights is fine, but John Frieda’s worth the extra few bucks.
What sets John Frieda apart is its balance: potent toning, moisturizing formula, and drugstore price. It’s not perfect—Fudge might edge it out for extreme brass, and Olaplex is better for repair—but for most blondes, it’s a reliable, everyday hero.
You get salon-quality results without the salon price tag, and that’s a win in my book.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For most hair types, one to three minutes is ideal to neutralize brassy tones without over-toning. If your hair is very brassy or platinum, you can leave it on for up to five minutes, but don’t go longer unless you want a purple tint. Always set a timer and rinse thoroughly.
Yes, it’s great for maintaining cool blonde, silver, or gray hair. The formula is moisturizing compared to other purple shampoos, leaving hair soft and shiny. However, it contains sulfates, which might dry out some hair types, so pair it with a nourishing conditioner. It’s safe for color-treated hair and doesn’t cause damage with proper use.
Purple shampoo can over-tone if used too often or left on too long, leading to a purple or grayish tint, especially on porous hair. Some formulas, including John Frieda’s, contain sulfates, which may dry out certain hair types. It’s also not a one-size-fits-all fix—results vary based on your hair’s condition and starting color.
Absolutely! John Frieda Violet Crush is one of the best purple shampoos I’ve tried. It tones effectively, smells amazing, and keeps hair soft without breaking the bank. It’s versatile for all blonde types and outperforms many pricier brands. Just watch for over-toning and potential shipping issues when buying online.
Conclusion: Your Blonde Deserves John Frieda Violet Crush
If you’re chasing that perfect, cool-toned blonde or silvery shine, John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo is a must-have. It’s affordable, easy to use, and delivers salon-worthy results without the hefty price tag.
From its potent pigments to its moisturizing formula, it’s a standout in a sea of purple shampoos. Don’t let brassy tones dull your sparkle—grab a bottle, follow my tips, and watch your hair transform.
Your blonde will thank you, and so will your wallet!