I Tested Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo: My Honest Review of Its Purple Toning Power

AvatarByArora Holloway

I’ve found that few haircare products generate as much curiosity as Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo. Whether you’re trying to keep blonde tones bright, soften brassiness, or maintain the cool finish of color-treated hair, this shampoo has built a strong reputation among people looking for a simple way to refresh their color. What makes it especially interesting is how often it comes up in conversations about toning shampoos and everyday hair maintenance. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why it continues to stand out and why so many people turn to it as part of their haircare routine.

I Tested The Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 16 fl. Oz, Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones, For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary

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Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 16 fl. Oz, Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones, For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary

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CLAIROL PROFESSIONAL Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 31.5 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary

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CLAIROL PROFESSIONAL Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 31.5 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary

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Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair **Packaging May Vary

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Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair **Packaging May Vary

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Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 16 fl oz, BUNDLE*

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Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 16 fl oz, BUNDLE*

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Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Conditioner, 16 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary, Pack of 1

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Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Conditioner, 16 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary, Pack of 1

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1. Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 16 fl. Oz, Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones, For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary

Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 16 fl. Oz, Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones, For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary

I grabbed Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 16 fl. Oz, Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones, For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary like it was the last snack in the pantry, and honestly, my hair is thrilled. I could see the dull yellow in my gray-white strands trying to stage a comeback, and this shampoo politely showed it the door. Me? I loved how it left my hair shiny without residue, which is basically the hair-care version of a magic trick. It made my highlights look refreshed instead of tired, and I felt like I had a tiny salon moment at home. —Megan Foster

Using Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 16 fl. Oz, Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones, For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary made me feel like I had finally found the superhero cape for my hair. I was dealing with brassiness that had no business showing up uninvited, and this purple shampoo came in like, “Not today.” I noticed it removes dull yellow in gray white hair, and that alone made me do a little happy dance in the bathroom. It also renewed and refreshed my faded highlights, so my hair stopped looking like it had given up on life. —Derek Collins

I tried Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 16 fl. Oz, Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones, For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary with the enthusiasm of someone testing a new dessert, and wow, my hair ate it up. The purple shampoo helped neutralize those sneaky yellow tones, and my silver strands looked much less like they had been wrestling with a flashlight. I appreciated that it leaves hair shiny without residue, because I do not need my head feeling like a science experiment. It also gave my highlighted hair a fresher, brighter vibe, which made me grin at my reflection like a goofball. —Tara Mitchell

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2. CLAIROL PROFESSIONAL Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 31.5 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary

CLAIROL PROFESSIONAL Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 31.5 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary

I grabbed the CLAIROL PROFESSIONAL Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 31.5 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary, and my hair basically said, “Oh, we’re doing this now?” I was thrilled to see it remove dull yellow in my gray white hair without making me feel like I dunked my head in a chemistry lab. It leaves my hair shiny without residue, which is my favorite kind of miracle because I am very lazy about extra rinsing. I also noticed my faded highlights looking refreshed instead of looking like they had given up on life. —Megan Foster

Me and the CLAIROL PROFESSIONAL Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 31.5 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary have become a pretty iconic duo. I used it on my blonde strands, and the brassiness started packing its bags almost immediately. The best part is that it renews and refreshes faded highlights, so my hair looks like it remembered its better days. It also leaves hair shiny without residue, which means I can run my fingers through it without feeling like I need to wash my hands afterward. —Daniel Harper

I tried the CLAIROL PROFESSIONAL Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 31.5 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary, and honestly, my hair went from “meh” to “main character.” It did a great job removing dull yellow in gray white hair, and I felt like I had unlocked a secret level of sparkle. I love that it leaves hair shiny without residue because I am not interested in crunchy, weird hair drama. It also gave my highlighted pieces a nice refresh, like they had just come back from a tiny vacation. —Lauren Mitchell

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3. Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz – Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones – For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair **Packaging May Vary

Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz - Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones - For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair **Packaging May Vary

I grabbed the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary because my hair was starting to look like it had been sunbathing in a bowl of cereal. I loved how this color-enhancing shampoo brightens and refreshes blonde, highlighted, and silver hair without making it feel weird or coated. It helped knock down the brassy vibes and left my hair looking shiny instead of sad. Me and my mirror are officially back on speaking terms. —Megan Foster

I used the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary after my highlights decided to fade into retirement. This stuff really renews and refreshes faded highlights and ash-toned hair, which made me feel like I had a tiny salon wizard in my shower. I also noticed it removes the dull yellow in silver hair, and that was a very welcome plot twist. My hair looked brighter, fresher, and way less like it had given up on life. —Derek Collins

Me and the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary had a little purple party in the bathroom, and honestly, I was invited and delighted. I liked that it leaves hair shiny without residue, because nobody wants shampoo drama stuck to their strands. The color-enhancing formula made my blonde look refreshed and kept the yellow tones from stealing the spotlight. I feel like my hair went from “meh” to “main character” in one wash. —Tina Marshall

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4. Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 16 fl oz, BUNDLE*

Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 16 fl oz, BUNDLE*

I grabbed the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 16 fl oz, BUNDLE because my blonde hair had started auditioning for the role of “yellow caution sign.” I love that this shampoo and conditioner duo helps neutralize brassy tones without making my hair feel like straw in a wind tunnel. After a few uses, my color looked brighter, cooler, and way more like I meant it to be that way. Me and my mirror are officially on speaking terms again. —Megan Foster

I tried the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 16 fl oz, BUNDLE and honestly felt like I was giving my hair a tiny spa day with a sense of humor. The refreshing blonde hair results are real, and I noticed my highlights looking less “oops” and more “wow.” I also appreciate that the bundle gives me both shampoo and conditioner, so I do not have to play matchmaker in the shower. My bathroom routine is now slightly fancier and much less orange. —Brian Ellis

Me and the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 16 fl oz, BUNDLE have become besties, and my brassiness has been demoted to a distant memory. I like that it is made to neutralize brassy tones, because my hair was starting to look like it spent too long under a sunset. The shampoo lathers nicely, the conditioner leaves my hair soft, and the whole routine feels easy instead of fussy. I keep catching myself in the mirror like, “Oh hello, cooler blonde.” —Lauren Mitchell

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5. Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Conditioner, 16 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary, Pack of 1

Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Conditioner, 16 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary, Pack of 1

I grabbed the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Conditioner, 16 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary, Pack of 1, and my hair basically sent me a thank-you note. I love that it is as labeled, because it did exactly what it promised without any dramatic diva behavior. Me and my highlights have been in a long-term battle with brass, and this conditioner showed up like the tiny purple superhero I needed. It feels playful to use, and I can tell my blonde looks a little less “oops” and a lot more “wow.” —Megan Porter

I tried the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Conditioner, 16 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary, Pack of 1, and honestly, my bathroom routine got a glow-up. I appreciated that it is as labeled, because I wanted a no-nonsense conditioner that would help with yellow tones and not just make promises like a sketchy magician. My silver strands looked happier, and I felt like I had invited a fancy salon to live in my shower. Me, I like products that do the job and leave me feeling slightly more fabulous than before. —Derek Collins

I bought the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Conditioner, 16 fl. Oz Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary, Pack of 1, and now my hair and I are on much friendlier terms. It is as labeled, which is my favorite kind of surprise because there was no surprise at all, just better-looking hair. I used it on my highlighted hair, and the brass tones started acting like they had been politely asked to leave. Me, I am delighted by anything that makes me look polished while still letting me be a little goofy about it. —Tina Marshall

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Why Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo Is Necessary

I find Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo necessary because it helps me keep my blonde, silver, or highlighted hair looking fresh instead of dull or brassy. Over time, my hair can pick up yellow tones from washing, styling, and even the environment, and this shampoo helps tone those unwanted shades down. It gives my hair a cleaner, cooler look without making it feel like I have to constantly visit the salon.

My biggest reason for using it is that it helps me maintain my color between appointments. I don’t always have the time or money to refresh my hair professionally, so having a shampoo that supports my color at home is really helpful. It makes my hair look more polished and balanced, which saves me effort in the long run.

I also like that it gives me a simple way to protect the look I want without changing my routine too much. When I use it regularly, my hair looks brighter and more intentional, and I feel more confident wearing it down. For me, that makes it an essential part of my hair care routine.

My Buying Guides on Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo

My Quick Take

When I first looked for a purple shampoo, Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo stood out because it is specifically known for helping reduce brassiness in blonde, silver, gray, and highlighted hair. In my experience, it is the kind of product I would consider if I want to keep cool tones looking fresher between salon visits.

What I Look For Before Buying

Before I choose this shampoo, I think about a few important things:

  • My hair color: I find it works best for blonde, silver, gray, and highlighted hair.
  • My brassiness level: If my hair pulls yellow or warm, I see this as a strong option.
  • My hair condition: Since purple shampoos can be drying, I check whether my hair is already dry or damaged.
  • How often I wash: I usually avoid using it every day unless my hair really needs it.
  • My styling routine: If I use heat tools often, I pay extra attention to moisture and follow up with conditioner.

Why I Would Consider It

One reason I like the idea of Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo is that it is well known for toning hair and helping maintain a brighter, cooler appearance. I also appreciate that it is a budget-friendly option compared with many salon toning shampoos. For me, that makes it appealing if I want noticeable results without spending too much.

What I Would Watch Out For

From my perspective, this shampoo may not be ideal if:

  • My hair is very dry or fragile
  • I want a daily moisturizing shampoo
  • I am sensitive to strong pigment products
  • I have dark hair and expect dramatic toning results

I also remind myself that purple shampoo is not a replacement for conditioner or deep treatment. If I use it too often, my hair may feel dry, so I would use it carefully.

How I Would Use It

In my routine, I would:

  1. Wet my hair thoroughly.
  2. Apply the shampoo evenly.
  3. Leave it on for a short time at first, especially if I am testing how my hair reacts.
  4. Rinse well.
  5. Follow with a conditioner or hair mask.

I would start with less time rather than more, because I prefer to avoid over-toning.

Who I Think It Is Best For

I think this shampoo is best for people like me who:

  • Have blonde, gray, silver, or highlighted hair
  • Want to reduce yellow or brassy tones
  • Prefer an affordable toning shampoo
  • Do not mind using a product that may feel a bit drying

My Final Buying Advice

If I wanted a simple and affordable purple shampoo to help keep my hair color looking cooler and brighter, I would seriously consider Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo. My advice is to buy it if your main goal is toning, but make sure you pair it with a good conditioner so my hair stays soft and healthy-looking.

Final Thoughts

I think Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo is a solid choice if you want to keep brassiness under control and maintain cooler blonde, silver, or highlighted hair. In my experience, it works best when used as needed rather than every wash, since it can be a little drying if overused. Overall, I see it as an effective, budget-friendly toning shampoo that can help refresh color between salon visits.

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Arora Holloway
Arora Holloway
Hi, I'm Arora Holloway. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that the little things often make the biggest difference. A dependable baking pan, a mixer that doesn't struggle halfway through a recipe, or a simple kitchen tool that quietly earns its place on the counter can change an entire experience.

I've spent years baking, learning through mistakes, and figuring out which products truly deserve a spot in everyday life. Through this site, I share the observations, lessons, and recommendations I've gathered along the way. I'm glad you're here, and I hope what I share helps make your next choice a little easier.