Beauty Olaplex Purple Guide: The Full Toning System - Top Picks Re
An educational guide from the Beauty AMZ research team. No hard sell, just what you need to know.
What the Olaplex purple range is
The Olaplex purple range is a two product toning system comprising No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo and No. 5P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Conditioner. Both contain violet pigments that neutralize brassy yellow tones on blonde, lightened and gray hair, and both include Olaplex's bond building technology that repairs broken disulfide bonds. No. 4P is the concentrated corrective step, while No. 5P is the hydrating maintenance step with shea butter. Together they promise what no other purple line does, cooler blonde that gets stronger instead of drier with every use. Reassess your routine seasonally as your hair needs change.
How the system tones and repairs
Violet pigment in both products optically cancels yellow tones, with the shampoo delivering the stronger corrective dose and the conditioner a gentler maintaining dose. Layering pigment across two steps produces more even and longer lasting coolness than a single toning product. Meanwhile, the Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate in both formulas relinks broken bonds inside the hair shaft during every use. Shea butter in No. 5P replenishes the moisture that toning processes typically strip. The net effect is a purple routine that treats blonde hair better with each wash instead of gradually drying it out like conventional toning systems. If irritation occurs, stop use and rinse thoroughly.
How to use the full system
Once weekly, or as needed, shampoo with No. 4P, using a small amount distributed evenly and leaving it one to three minutes, up to five for stronger correction. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Follow immediately with No. 5P conditioner, working it through the mid lengths and ends and leaving it for two to three minutes to maximize both toning and hydration. Rinse cool. On non toning wash days, use No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Conditioner to continue repair without adding pigment. This rhythm keeps blonde consistently cool without over depositing violet. Ask your stylist if you are unsure about compatibility.
Tips for the best system results
Clarify monthly so buildup never blocks the even pigment deposit the system is designed for. Start with conservative timing on both products until you learn how your hair takes the violet. Protect blonde from the sun and chlorine that create new brass between toning sessions. Deep condition monthly even though the system is reparative, because blonde thrives on extra moisture. Take a photo in natural light before starting so you can objectively judge the improvement. If hair ever looks over toned, skip a week and wash with a regular shampoo to let the violet fade naturally. Results improve with steady, consistent use over several weeks.
Common mistakes to avoid
Doubling up on timing for both products at once is the fastest path to lavender over toning, so respect the recommended minutes. Using the system daily treats it like regular shampoo, which wastes money and over deposits pigment. Expecting No. 5P alone to fix severe brass ignores that it is the maintenance half, not the corrective half. Buying from questionable sellers risks counterfeits that can seriously damage hair, so verify authenticity. Finally, forgetting that purple corrects yellow, not orange, means some users tone endlessly without results when they actually need blue based correction for orange tones. Consistency matters more than using a large amount.
Recommended Products
These are the products our research team rates highest in this category.
Best for: Completing the Olaplex purple routine with toning moisture.
Olaplex No. 5P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Conditioner, 8.5 oz
- Highly concentrated purple conditioner
- Neutralizes brassy and yellow tones
- Shea butter hydrates, smooths and detangles
- Strengthens while toning, no weighing down
Pros
- Tones without drying like shampoo
- 91% agreed hair was less brassy
- Pairs perfectly with No. 4P
Cons
- Needs No. 4P for maximum toning
- Premium conditioner price
Best for: Salon size value for committed Olaplex purple users.
Olaplex No. 5P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Conditioner, 1 Liter
- Liter size No. 5P toning conditioner
- Violet toning agents plus shea butter
- Hydrates, smooths and adds shine
- 52% less breakage with the system
Pros
- Bulk savings for regular users
- Long lasting supply
- Same concentrated formula
Cons
- Expensive upfront
- Bulky bottle
Best for: New Olaplex purple users starting the complete system.
Olaplex No. 4P Purple Toning Shampoo and No. 5P Toning Conditioner Set, 8.5 oz
- Matching No. 4P shampoo and No. 5P conditioner
- Complete blonde enhancing toning system
- Repairs, hydrates and brightens
- For blonde, lightened and gray hair
Pros
- Full system in one purchase
- Maximum toning and repair together
- Easier than buying separately
Cons
- Highest total cost option
- Both bottles need shower space
Ready to Choose?
See our top product picks for olaplex purple, or jump straight to the head-to-head comparison of the two most popular options.