Do you love your highlights but hate how they can turn brassy and dull over time? That beautiful, expensive color deserves to look fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. Finding the right hair care is key to maintaining that salon-fresh look long after you’ve left the chair. So, what’s the secret to keeping your color bright and your hair feeling healthy?
The challenge is that not all conditioners are created equal. Many regular conditioners can actually strip color or contain harsh sulfates that accelerate fading. On top of that, blonde, silver, and highlighted hair is especially prone to yellow and orange tones, which can make your hair look washed out and unhealthy. You need a product that not only moisturizes but also actively protects your color investment and fights off brassiness.
Don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you. We’ve researched and compiled a list of the top-performing conditioners specifically for highlighted hair. This guide will break down the pros and cons of each, helping you quickly find the perfect match to keep your color brilliant and your hair feeling its absolute best.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
L’Oreal EverPure Brass Toning Conditioner | Toning Brass Away | Prices |
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Clairol Shimmer Lights Purple Conditioner | Strong Toning Power | Prices |
 |
L’Oreal EverPure Large Bottle | Best Value Size | Prices |
 |
Pureology Hydrate Conditioner | Intense Moisture Boost | Prices |
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Olaplex No. 5 Conditioner | Repairing Damaged Hair | Prices |
L’Oreal EverPure Brass Toning Conditioner
If you have blonde, silver, or highlighted hair that’s prone to brassy yellow or orange tones, this purple conditioner is your new best friend.
Its key feature is the purple pigment that works like magic. When you massage it in, it neutralizes the unwanted warm tones on the spot. For example, if your blonde highlights are looking a bit dull and yellow, using this a few times a week brings back a cooler, brighter, salon-fresh look.
I also love that it’s sulfate-free and made with UV filters. This means it gently cleanses your color-treated hair while also protecting it from the sun, which can cause fading. It leaves your hair feeling soft and manageable without weighing it down.
Pros:
- Effectively neutralizes brassiness for cooler tones
- Sulfate-free formula is gentle on color-treated hair
- Includes UV filters to protect against sun fading
- Leaves hair feeling soft and hydrated
- Pleasant, lightweight lavender scent
Cons:
- Can tint very light hair if left on too long
- Might not be moisturizing enough for very dry or thick hair on its own
- The purple color can stain towels and shower surfaces
My Honest Opinion:
For anyone fighting brassiness between salon appointments, this is a fantastic and affordable at-home solution that truly delivers on its promise.
Clairol Shimmer Lights Purple Conditioner
If you have blonde, silver, or highlighted hair and struggle with brassiness, this purple conditioner is your new best friend.
Its deep violet pigment works like magic to neutralize unwanted yellow and orange tones. Think of it as a color corrector for your hair. For example, after a few uses, you’ll notice your highlights look cooler and brighter, not dull and brassy.
Beyond toning, it’s also a highly effective, protein-rich conditioner. It leaves your hair feeling incredibly soft, smooth, and manageable without weighing it down. This two-in-one action makes it a standout choice for maintaining that perfect, salon-fresh color at home.
Pros:
- Effectively neutralizes yellow and brassy tones
- Leaves hair feeling soft and conditioned
- Helps extend time between salon appointments
- Affordable compared to many salon brands
- A little product goes a long way
Cons:
- Can tint hair purple if left on too long
- The classic floral scent is strong for some
- May not be moisturizing enough for very dry hair
My Honest Opinion:
For anyone with blonde or highlighted hair, this is a must-have for fighting brassiness. It’s absolutely worth the money for the professional-level results you get from a bottle you can buy at the drugstore.
L’Oreal EverPure Large Bottle
If you have color-treated hair and want to keep it vibrant without weighing it down, the L’Oreal EverPure Large Bottle is the perfect daily conditioner for you.
Its sulfate-free formula is a game-changer. It gently cleanses your hair without stripping away the precious color you paid for. You will notice your highlights stay brighter and more true-to-tone for much longer between salon visits. Plus, it’s infused with rosemary, which leaves your hair smelling wonderfully fresh and feeling incredibly soft.
The large bottle is a fantastic value, lasting for months with regular use. It’s a reliable, no-fuss product that delivers exactly what it promises. You get salon-quality care without the hefty price tag, making it a staple you can always count on.
Pros:
- Sulfate-free formula protects hair color
- Leaves hair feeling soft and manageable
- Pleasant, fresh rosemary scent
- Excellent value in a large size
- Great for daily use
Cons:
- May not be moisturizing enough for very dry or damaged hair
- The scent, while pleasant, might be strong for some
My Honest Opinion:
This is a top-tier, budget-friendly pick for anyone with color-treated hair looking for a reliable daily conditioner. It’s absolutely worth the money for maintaining vibrant, soft highlights.
Pureology Hydrate Conditioner
If you have color-treated hair that feels like straw, this conditioner is your new best friend.
Its signature feature is AntiFadeComplex, which is a fancy way of saying it actively protects your color. It creates a shield around each hair strand to lock in your vibrant highlights and prevent them from washing down the drain. You’ll notice your color stays brighter for much longer between salon appointments.
Beyond color care, it’s intensely hydrating without weighing your hair down. The creamy formula is infused with jojoba oil and a vegan protein complex. It detangles instantly and leaves hair feeling silky and looking glossy, not greasy. It truly delivers on its promise of serious moisture for parched hair.
Pros:
- Extends the life of hair color
- Provides intense hydration for dry hair
- Lightweight formula doesn’t cause buildup
- Vegan and free of sulfates and parabens
- Leaves hair soft, shiny, and easy to detangle
Cons:
- It’s more expensive than drugstore conditioners
- The scent is strong and may not be for everyone
- The thick consistency can be hard to squeeze from the bottle
My Honest Opinion:
While it’s an investment, it’s absolutely worth the price for anyone with highlighted or color-treated hair. You’ll save money in the long run by keeping your color vibrant and your hair healthy.
Olaplex No. 5 Conditioner
If you have highlighted hair that feels dry, brittle, or damaged, Olaplex No. 5 is the conditioner designed specifically for you.
Its star feature is the patented bond-building technology. This goes beyond simple moisturizing to actively seek out and repair broken disulfide bonds in your hair’s structure. Think of it like fixing the foundation of a house instead of just painting the walls. For highlighted hair, which is chemically weakened, this means you’re not just smoothing the surface but rebuilding strength from within, leading to less breakage.
Despite its intensive repair power, the formula is surprisingly lightweight. It rinses clean without leaving a heavy residue that can weigh down fine hair or dull your expensive highlights. You’re left with hair that feels incredibly soft, looks shiny, and is much more manageable without any greasy feel.
Pros:
- Patented bond-building technology repairs internal hair damage
- Restores strength and drastically reduces breakage
- Leaves hair incredibly soft, shiny, and manageable
- Lightweight formula doesn’t weigh down fine hair or dull color
Cons:
- It is significantly more expensive than drugstore conditioners
- The small bottle runs out quickly with daily use
My Honest Opinion:
This is a worthwhile investment for anyone with chemically treated hair that needs serious rehabilitation. While the price is high, the results in strength and shine are truly noticeable and justify the cost for those struggling with damage.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
1. Toning Power vs. Daily Hydration
Not all conditioners for highlighted hair are the same. If your main concern is combating yellow or brassy tones, you need a dedicated purple or blue toner like L’Oreal EverPure Brass Toning or Clairol Shimmer Lights. For daily maintenance and hydration without color adjustment, choose a nourishing formula like Pureology Hydrate or Olaplex No. 5.
2. Ingredient Quality and Repair Level
Look for bond-building technology (like Olaplex) or sulfate-free, color-safe formulas to protect your investment. High-quality ingredients prevent further damage and lock in color. If your hair feels weak or damaged from the highlighting process, prioritize reparative conditioners over simple moisturizing ones.
3. Price vs. Performance
Your budget matters. Professional-grade options like Pureology and Olaplex offer superior performance but come at a premium. For outstanding results on a budget, L’Oreal EverPure provides a salon-quality, sulfate-free formula that is much more accessible. The large bottle option offers even better value for frequent use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often should I use a purple conditioner on my highlighted hair?
A1: Start by using a purple conditioner once or twice a week. Use it more frequently if brassiness is prominent, and less often (like once every two weeks) for maintenance. Overuse can lead to a slight violet tint, so adjust based on your hair’s needs.
Q2: Can I use a regular conditioner instead of one for color-treated hair?
A2: It’s not recommended. Regular conditioners often contain sulfates and harsh cleansers that strip color. Conditioners for highlighted hair are specifically formulated to be gentle, hydrate deeply, and protect your color from fading.
Q3: What’s the difference between a toner and a conditioning treatment?
A3: A toner (like those in purple conditioners) neutralizes unwanted warm tones. A conditioning treatment focuses on repairing damage and adding moisture. Some products, like Olaplex No. 5, combine both by strengthening hair while also helping to maintain color vibrancy.
Q4: Will a conditioner for highlighted hair help with damage?
A4: Yes, but to varying degrees. All will provide basic moisture, but for significant repair of broken bonds from chemical processing, you need a specialized product like Olaplex No. 5. For general dryness, Pureology Hydrate is an excellent hydrating option.
Q5: Is it worth investing in a high-end conditioner?
A5: If you’ve spent a lot on your highlights, a high-end conditioner is a worthwhile investment to protect that color and repair damage. Brands like Pureology and Olaplex use concentrated, high-quality ingredients that can extend the life of your color and improve hair health more effectively than some drugstore brands.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Our top pick for most users is the L’Oreal EverPure Brass Toning Conditioner for its effective, affordable fight against brassiness. If your primary concern is serious damage repair, invest in Olaplex No. 5. For those seeking intense daily hydration without toning, Pureology Hydrate Conditioner is unbeatable. Budget-conscious users should choose the L’Oreal EverPure Large Bottle for its outstanding value, while Clairol Shimmer Lights Purple Conditioner remains the go-to for strong, quick toning on a very tight budget.
