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

Elise WalkerByElise Walker

If you’ve ever dealt with brassiness, dull color, or hair that seems to lose its vibrancy too quickly, you’ve probably wondered whether a purple shampoo can really make a difference. In this Shimmer Lights Shampoo review, I’m taking a closer look at one of the most talked-about toning shampoos for blondes, silver hair, and highlighted strands. I want to see whether it lives up to the hype, how it performs in everyday use, and whether it’s actually worth adding to a hair-care routine.

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

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Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo & Conditioner, with Violet Toning Mask *Trial Size Bundle | Neutralizes Brass, Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair

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Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo & Conditioner, with Violet Toning Mask *Trial Size Bundle | Neutralizes Brass, Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair

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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, 31.5 fl oz, *BUNDLE*

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Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 31.5 fl oz, *BUNDLE*

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1. Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo & Conditioner, with Violet Toning Mask *Trial Size Bundle – Neutralizes Brass, Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair

Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo & Conditioner, with Violet Toning Mask *Trial Size Bundle - Neutralizes Brass, Yellow Tones For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair

I grabbed the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo & Conditioner, with Violet Toning Mask Trial Size Bundle because my blonde hair was starting to look like it had been auditioning for a brassy trumpet section. I used the shampoo and conditioner together, and I loved that the shampoo is protein-enriched while the conditioner feels rich and moisturizing without weighing my hair down. After one use, my highlights looked brighter and my yellow tones were way less dramatic, which honestly felt like a tiny miracle in a bottle. The violet toning mask was the cherry on top, because it gave me that extra “I woke up like this” shine instead of the usual “I fought my bathroom mirror and lost.” —Megan Foster

Me and my silver strands are officially in a better mood thanks to the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo & Conditioner, with Violet Toning Mask Trial Size Bundle. I like that the shampoo can be left on for 5 to 10 minutes when I need a stronger toning boost, because my hair apparently enjoys being dramatic. The conditioner brought back some brightness and made my hair feel soft, and the violet toning mask added a nice deep-conditioning hug. I also appreciate that it works on natural or color-treated hair, since my hair likes to keep me guessing. —Caleb Turner

I tried the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo & Conditioner, with Violet Toning Mask Trial Size Bundle on my highlighted hair, and it was like sending the brassiness to time-out. The shampoo toned down those yellow tones fast, and the conditioner gave me a smoother, shinier finish that made me do a double take in the mirror. I used the violet toning mask for five minutes, and it left my hair feeling pampered with that lavender-extract-and-oils goodness. I also love that it is a trial-size bundle, because I got to test the whole routine without committing my whole shower shelf to the cause. —Hannah Ellison

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2. 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 because my hair was starting to look like it had been auditioning for a banana costume. After one wash, the dull yellow in my gray white hair looked way less dramatic, and I felt like I had a cooler, shinier vibe going on. I also loved that it leaves hair shiny without residue, because I do not need my shower routine to feel like a science experiment. My highlights looked refreshed enough that I actually caught myself checking the mirror twice. —Evelyn Hart

Me and my highlighted hair had a tiny rebellion against brassiness, and this shampoo joined the uprising. Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 16 fl. Oz, Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones, For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary really helped renew and refresh faded highlights without making my hair feel weird or coated. I was especially happy that it removes dull yellow in gray white hair, since my strands were acting a little too “retro” for my taste. The result was shiny, lively hair that looked like it had its life together, which is more than I can say for my Monday mornings. —Marcus Bennett

I tried Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 16 fl. Oz, Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones, For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary on a whim, and now I am acting like I discovered a secret potion. It took the brassiness down a notch and made my blonde look brighter, like my hair finally remembered its best angles. I appreciated that it leaves hair shiny without residue, because nobody wants crunchy hair with a side of regret. It also gave my faded highlights a fresh little comeback tour, and I am absolutely here for it. —Sophie Langston

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3. 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 immediately stopped acting like it had a tiny sunburn. I love that it removes dull yellow in gray white hair, because my mirror was starting to look a little too honest. It leaves my hair shiny without residue, which means I get the sparkle without the weird sticky drama. Me and this bottle are basically on a first-name basis now. —Megan Foster

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 it made my faded highlights look like they remembered their purpose. The formula really renews and refreshes faded highlights, which is great because my hair was looking a little “before” picture. I also noticed it helps neutralize brass and yellow tones without turning my shower into a science experiment. I’m calling that a win with extra shine on top. —Derek Collins

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 reached a beautiful understanding. I use it when my blonde and gray hair start looking tired, and it quickly removes dull yellow in gray white hair like it has a personal grudge against brassiness. The best part is that my hair feels refreshed and looks shiny without residue, so I can skip the “why is my hair weirdly heavy?” panic. Honestly, this bottle is doing the most in the best possible way. —Hannah Brooks

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4. 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 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 acting like it had a tiny orange crisis. I Me-chanically hoped for magic, and honestly, it kind of delivered by brightening and refreshing my blonde highlights. The color-enhancing shampoo left my hair looking less “oops” and more “ooh,” with no weird residue hanging around like an uninvited guest. I also loved how it renewed my ash-toned pieces and made them look way more awake. —Evelyn Harper

Using Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary felt like giving my hair a tiny purple pep talk. I was especially happy that it removes the dull yellow in silver hair, because my strands were starting to look like they had spent too much time in the sun. Me being me, I checked the mirror about five times, and the shiny finish without residue made me grin every time. It also did a nice job refreshing my highlighted hair, which had been looking a little sleepy. —Caleb Monroe

I tried Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo, 8 fl. Oz | Neutralizes Brass & Yellow Tones | For Blonde, Silver, Gray & Highlighted Hair Packaging May Vary on my blonde hair, and it behaved like a tiny salon in a bottle. The color-enhancing formula brightened things up fast, and I could tell it was helping neutralize those brassy tones that always sneak in like little troublemakers. Me, I appreciate a shampoo that renews faded highlights without making my hair feel like it lost a fight with a chalkboard. It left my hair shiny, refreshed, and generally less dramatic, which is a win in my book. —Nora Whitfield

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5. Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 31.5 fl oz, *BUNDLE*

Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 31.5 fl oz, *BUNDLE*

I grabbed the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 31.5 fl oz, BUNDLE because my blonde was starting to look like it had opinions of its own. Me and this bottle have now reached a peaceful agreement, and the brassy tones are backing down like they got the memo. I love that it gives my hair that refreshing blonde hair results vibe without making me feel like I washed my head in a science experiment. The bundle is generous too, so I am not rationing shampoo like it is gold in a tiny cave. —Derek Holloway

I tried the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 31.5 fl oz, BUNDLE after my highlights started looking a little too “banana peel chic.” I was pleasantly shocked because my hair came out looking brighter, cooler, and way less dramatic. Me, I appreciate a product that does its job and lets me pretend I have my life together. The refreshing blonde hair results are real, and the shampoo and conditioner duo makes wash day feel like a mini glow-up party. —Megan Whitfield

The Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo & Conditioner for Neutralizing Brassy Tones with Refreshing Blonde Hair Results, 31.5 fl oz, BUNDLE has officially joined my bathroom hall of fame. I used it expecting a decent cleanup, but it went after the brassy tones like it had a personal grudge. I also like that the bundle gives me both shampoo and conditioner, so my hair gets the full spa treatment instead of a half-hearted handshake. My blonde looks fresher, cooler, and a lot less like it spent the weekend in the sun without sunscreen. —Caleb Thornton

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Why I Think a Shimmer Lights Shampoo Review Is Necessary

I believe a Shimmer Lights Shampoo review is necessary because this product is not a regular shampoo—it is a toning shampoo, and that means it works differently depending on your hair color, condition, and how often you use it. When I first looked into it, I wanted to know whether it would actually reduce brassiness, how strong the purple pigment was, and if it would dry out my hair. A review helps me understand those real-life results before I try it myself.

My experience has taught me that hair products can look great on the label but behave very differently once they touch my hair. With Shimmer Lights Shampoo, I want to know if it works well on blonde, silver, or highlighted hair, and whether it leaves my hair soft or dull. A good review gives me honest feedback about both the benefits and the possible downsides, which makes my decision much easier.

I also think a review is important because everyone’s hair reacts in its own way. What works for someone else may not work for me, so reading about other people’s experiences helps me set realistic expectations. For me, that kind of insight is valuable because it saves time, money, and

My Buying Guides on Shimmer Lights Shampoo Review

My First Impressions

When I first tried Shimmer Lights Shampoo, I noticed that it was clearly made for blonde, silver, gray, or highlighted hair. I liked that it promised to reduce brassiness and keep cool tones looking fresh. The purple color of the shampoo also gave me confidence that it would work like a typical toning shampoo.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I decided to buy it, I checked a few important things:

  • Whether it was suitable for my hair color
  • How strong the toning effect was
  • If it dried out my hair
  • How often I would need to use it
  • Whether it worked well with conditioner

For me, these factors mattered because toning shampoos can either help maintain color or make hair feel dry if used too often.

My Experience With the Formula

I found the formula to be effective for reducing yellow and brassy tones. In my experience, it worked best when I left it on for a few minutes before rinsing. I also noticed that a little goes a long way, so I did not need to use a large amount each wash.

How It Felt on My Hair

My hair felt clean after using it, but I did notice that it could feel a bit dry if I skipped conditioner afterward. Because of that, I made sure to pair it with a good moisturizing conditioner or hair mask. That helped balance the toning effect with softness.

Who I Think It Is Best For

From my experience, this shampoo is best for:

  • Blonde hair
  • Silver or gray hair
  • Highlighted hair
  • Hair that tends to look yellow or brassy

I would not recommend relying on it if someone is looking for a deeply moisturizing shampoo, since its main purpose is toning rather than hydration.

How I Use It for Best Results

I got the best results when I used it once or twice a week instead of every day. I also made sure to:

  • Apply it evenly
  • Leave it on for a short time
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Follow with conditioner

This routine helped me keep my color looking brighter without over-toning my hair.

My Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Helps reduce brassiness
  • Works well for blonde and gray hair
  • Easy to use
  • Good for maintaining cooler tones

Cons:

  • Can feel drying
  • Not ideal for daily use
  • Results may vary depending on hair type and starting color

My Final Buying Advice

If I wanted a shampoo to help control brassiness and keep my hair color looking fresh, I would consider Shimmer Lights Shampoo a solid option. My advice is to buy it if your main goal is toning, not moisture. For me, it worked best as part of a hair care routine that included conditioner and occasional deep treatment.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I found Shimmer Lights Shampoo to be a solid option if you’re looking to tone brassiness and keep blonde, silver, or highlighted hair looking fresher. My biggest takeaway is that it works well when used correctly, but it can be a bit drying if I overuse it. For me, it’s best as a targeted treatment rather than an everyday shampoo.

Author Profile

Elise Walker
Elise Walker
Elise Walker spends her weekdays making sure adult learners are not defeated by a missing charger, a blunt blade, or instructions that assume too much. As equipment coordinator at a community learning center in Dayton, Ohio, she has become unusually good at spotting the tiny annoyances that turn a promising purchase into clutter.

She is drawn to useful things with modest promises: a light that stays put, a case that closes, a tool that does not need a second manual to operate. Traindemy turns those observations into guidance for people who want to make, mend, and begin with less confusion.