Key Features and Benefits Toning Meets Strengthening

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo is designed to solve the two biggest problems blondes face: brassiness and breakage. Here is a detailed look at the features that make this product a must-have for lightened hair.

Deep Violet Toning

The most visible benefit is its color-correcting ability. The shampoo is saturated with deep purple pigments.

• Neutralizes Brass: Following color theory, purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel. These pigments instantly cancel out unwanted yellow and warm tones that develop over time due to oxidation and minerals in water.
• Brightens Blonde: It restores the cool, crisp brightness of your original salon color, whether you are a platinum blonde or have cool-toned highlights.

Fortifying Repair

Unlike many purple shampoos that can be drying, this formula is built on the Strength Cure platform. It includes the Asta-Repair™ complex to heal damaged hair.

• Rebuilds Bonds: It strengthens the hair fiber from the inside out, addressing the damage caused by lifting agents and bleach.
• Prevents Breakage: By reinforcing the hair structure, it reduces snapping and split ends, allowing your hair to grow longer and stronger.

ZeroSulfate® Technology

Harsh sulfates are the enemy of color-treated hair. Pureology’s signature ZeroSulfate® formula uses mild cleansing agents derived from coconut, corn, and sugar.

• Gentle Cleansing: It effectively removes impurities without stripping away natural oils or fading your color.
• Rich Lather: Despite being sulfate-free, it produces a luxurious, creamy foam that feels indulgent.

100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free

Pureology is a pioneer in ethical beauty. This shampoo is 100% vegan, meaning it contains no animal products or by-products. The brand is also cruelty-free, ensuring no animal testing at any stage.

Aromatherapy Experience

The sensory experience is elevated with a sophisticated scent. A blend of Pear, Rose, and Sandalwood creates a soft, floral, and fruity aroma that makes your shower feel like a spa treatment.

Feature	Benefit
Violet Pigments	Instantly neutralizes brassy yellow tones for a cooler blonde.
Asta-Repair™ Complex	Strengthens damaged hair and heals micro-scars on the cuticle.
ZeroSulfate® Formula	Cleanses gently without stripping color or essential moisture.
AntiFade Complex®	Protects color vibrancy from UV rays and environmental oxidation.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free	Ethical, sustainable care with no animal-derived ingredients.

How It Works The Science of Purple Power

To understand why this shampoo is so effective, we need to look at the dual mechanism of action: color correction and structural repair.

Color Theory in Action

Brassiness occurs when the cool toner applied at the salon fades, revealing the natural underlying warmth (yellow/orange) of the hair. Pureology Strength Cure Blonde uses direct dyes—specifically CI 60730 (Acid Violet 43). When you apply the purple shampoo, these pigments deposit onto the hair shaft. Because purple and yellow are complementary colors, the purple pigment optically neutralizes the yellow, resulting in a neutral or cool tone that the eye perceives as “clean” blonde.

Repairing the “Swiss Cheese” Effect

Bleaching hair involves opening the cuticle and breaking down melanin, which can leave gaps or holes in the hair structure—often described as the “Swiss cheese” effect. This makes hair porous, weak, and prone to breakage. The Strength Cure Blonde formula contains Keravis, a vegetable-based protein complex. This protein penetrates the cortex (the inner layer of the hair) to fill in these gaps, essentially patching the holes. Simultaneously, Astaxanthin (a powerful antioxidant) helps to smooth the surface, healing micro-scars on the cuticle.

Environmental Shielding

Blonde hair is particularly susceptible to environmental damage. UV rays can oxidize hair, turning it yellow and brittle. The shampoo’s AntiFade Complex® includes a UV filter that acts as a sunscreen for your hair. It absorbs harmful rays before they can degrade the hair protein or color molecules.

Ingredients A Synergy of Toning and Healing

Pureology selects ingredients that serve a dual purpose: correcting color while respecting hair health.

Key Active Ingredients

• Deep Violet Pigments: High-quality, direct dyes that provide immediate toning results. They are balanced to be effective without staining the hair purple (unless left on too long).
• Astaxanthin: Derived from micro-algae, this is one of nature’s most potent antioxidants. It protects the hair from oxidative stress and helps to heal the cuticle surface.
• Keravis (Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein): A strengthening protein that reinforces the hair shaft. It increases the tensile strength of the hair, making it resistant to snapping during styling.
• Arginine: An amino acid that supports hair strength and scalp health. It helps to improve circulation to the follicle and serves as a building block for healthy hair growth.
• Sunflower Seed Extract: A key component of the AntiFade Complex®, rich in Vitamin E. It provides natural UV protection to prevent color fade.
• Coconut, Corn, and Sugar Cleansers: These gentle surfactants replace harsh sulfates like SLS. They cleanse the hair without stripping the lipid barrier, ensuring the hair remains soft and hydrated.

What Is Excluded?

• Sulfates: No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
• Animal Products: Certified Vegan.
• Parabens: Free from common synthetic preservatives.
• Mineral Oil: No heavy, pore-clogging oils.

Who Should Use Pureology Strength Cure Blonde?

While the name says “Blonde,” the application is slightly broader. Identifying if this product fits your hair profile is key to getting the best results.

The Ideal Candidate

1. Lightened or Bleached Hair: If you have platinum, ash, or cool blonde hair achieved through bleach, this is your primary maintenance tool.
2. Highlighted or Balayaged Hair: Even if you have a brunette base, if you have blonde pieces (highlights, ombré, balayage) that turn yellow, this shampoo will target those lighter sections.
3. Naturally Gray or White Hair: Natural gray hair can often take on a dull, yellow cast due to environmental pollutants or water minerals. This purple shampoo brightens gray hair, giving it a stunning silver finish.
4. Damaged or Fragile Hair: If your blonde process has left your hair feeling dry, brittle, or straw-like, you need the reparative properties of this specific formula rather than a standard drying purple shampoo.
5. Brass-Prone Hair: Anyone who finds their hair turning “warm” or “gold” a few weeks after a salon visit.

Who Should Skip It?

• Dark Hair with No Highlights: Purple shampoo will not lighten dark hair. It only neutralizes tones on level 8 (light blonde) and above.
• Warm/Golden Blondes: If you intentionally have a honey, golden, or strawberry blonde shade, using this shampoo will dull your desired warmth and make the color look muddy.
• Healthy, Non-Brassy Hair: If your hair is not brassy, you don’t need to use a toning shampoo. Overusing it can lead to a dull, violet tint.

How to Use Mastering the Toning Routine

Purple shampoo is a tool, not just a cleanser. Using it correctly is essential to avoid over-toning (turning purple) or under-toning (staying yellow).

Step 1: Frequency Matters

Do not replace your regular shampoo entirely. Use Strength Cure Blonde once or twice a week, or whenever you start to see brassiness appear. Alternate it with the regular Strength Cure Shampoo or Hydrate Shampoo.

Step 2: Apply to Wet Hair

Ensure hair is thoroughly wet. Dispense a quarter-sized amount (more for long hair) and emulsify in your palms. Wearing gloves is optional but recommended if you have very dry hands or manicured nails to prevent temporary staining.

Step 3: Even Distribution

Apply to the scalp and lengths. Massage it in to create a rich lather. Ensure the purple foam is covering all the brassy areas.

Step 4: The Waiting Game

This is the most critical step. Leave the shampoo on for 1 to 5 minutes.

• 1-2 Minutes: For mild toning or maintenance.
• 3-5 Minutes: For neutralizing strong brassiness or for cool platinum results.
• Caution: Leaving it on too long can deposit a violet hue, especially on very porous ends. Watch your hair closely the first time you use it.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with cool or lukewarm water until the water runs clear.

Step 6: Follow with Strength Cure Blonde Conditioner

Always follow with the matching conditioner. The shampoo opens the cuticle to deposit pigment; the conditioner seals the cuticle to lock in the color and repair ingredients.

Why Choose Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Over Competitors?

The market is flooded with purple shampoos. Why does Pureology command a premium price and a cult following?

Non-Drying Formula

The biggest complaint about purple shampoos is that they are incredibly drying. Most brands focus solely on pigment and use harsh surfactants to drive the color in. Pureology Strength Cure Blonde is unique because it is a repair shampoo first, and a toner second. It leaves hair feeling softer and stronger, not like straw.

Dual Action: Repair + Tone

Competitors often force you to mix products—a repair mask one day, a purple shampoo the next. Pureology combines these steps. You get the Asta-Repair™ technology of their best-selling Strength Cure line infused with high-quality violet dyes.

Superior Color Retention

Many purple shampoos strip out your actual toner while depositing purple dye. Pureology’s ZeroSulfate® formula cleanses gently, preserving the work your colorist did while only neutralizing the unwanted oxidation.

Concentrated Value

Like all Pureology products, this is highly concentrated. You need a fraction of the amount compared to drugstore brands. A bottle lasts significantly longer, making the cost-per-wash very competitive.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	Pureology Strength Cure Blonde	Drugstore Purple Shampoo	Luxury “Blonde” Shampoo
Primary Action	Tone + Repair Damage	Tone Only	Tone + Hydrate
Drying Effect	Low ( Moisturizing)	High (Often stripping)	Moderate
Sulfate-Free?	Yes (ZeroSulfate®)	Rarely (Contains SLS)	Varies
Vegan?	Yes	Rarely	Varies
Repair Technology	Astaxanthin + Keravis	None	Basic Keratin
Formula Density	High Concentrate	Watery/Runny	Moderate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will this turn my hair purple?
It can if left on too long, especially if your hair is very porous (highly damaged) or very light (platinum/white). We recommend starting with 1-2 minutes and adjusting based on the results. If you do get a purple tint, it will wash out with one or two regular shampoos.

2. Can I use this every day?
Technically yes, as it is sulfate-free and gentle. However, for color purposes, daily use is usually unnecessary and can lead to over-toning (making hair look dull or gray). We recommend using it once a week or every other wash.

3. Is this suitable for brown hair with highlights?
Yes. It will not affect the brown base but will effectively tone the blonde highlighted sections, keeping them from turning orange or brassy.

4. What is the difference between Strength Cure (Blue) and Strength Cure Blonde (Purple)?

• Strength Cure (Blue): A repair system for all damaged, color-treated hair. It has no color pigment.
• Strength Cure Blonde (Purple): The same repair base but with added violet pigments specifically to tone blonde/lightened hair.

5. Does it stain the shower?
The pigment is strong, so if globs of shampoo fall on porous grout or shower curtains, it could stain if left to dry. Rinse away any splashes immediately.

6. Is it safe for keratin-treated hair?
Yes. The sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free formula is safe for use with keratin treatments and Brazilian blowouts.

7. Does it smell like chemicals?
No. Pureology is famous for its aromatherapy. This shampoo has a pleasant scent of Pear, Rose, and Sandalwood, avoiding the harsh chemical smell of some toning products.

Buying Guide Ensuring Authenticity and Value

To ensure you receive the genuine, high-performance product, knowing where and how to buy is crucial.

Where to Purchase

• Authorized Salons: Buying from a salon guarantees the product is authentic and has been stored correctly.
• Pureology.com: The official brand site is the safest online option.
• Authorized Retailers: Ulta Beauty, Sephora, and other major beauty retailers are trusted sources.
• Avoid: Unauthorized third-party sellers on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay. These are common channels for counterfeit, expired, or diluted products.

Available Sizes

• Travel Size (1.7 oz / 50 mL): Perfect for testing the toning strength or for travel.
• Standard Size (9 oz / 266 mL): The standard bottle for home use.
• Liter Size (33.8 oz / 1 L): The most economical option. If you are a committed blonde, the liter size offers significant savings and reduces plastic waste.

Identifying Authenticity

• Color: The liquid should be a deep, opaque, metallic violet.
• Packaging: Look for a pearlescent purple bottle with crisp text and a batch code printed on the back.
• Consistency: It should be thick and creamy, not runny.

Conclusion The Secret to Salon-Fresh Blonde

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo is the ultimate multitasker for anyone with lightened hair. It eliminates the compromise between having a cool, beautiful tone and having healthy, strong hair. By combining professional-strength violet pigments with the healing power of Astaxanthin and plant proteins, it delivers salon-worthy results right in your shower.

Say goodbye to brassy yellow tones and brittle, snapping ends. With Strength Cure Blonde, you can keep your blonde bright, your structure strong, and your conscience clear with its vegan, sulfate-free formula.

Ready to banish brass for good? Shop Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo today and reclaim your best blonde.