Few things feel as good as walking out of the salon with fresh, bright highlights. Few things feel as bad as watching them go brassy, dull, and dry three weeks later.
Our team at Mercer Street Salon has been coloring and maintaining blonde, balayage, and lightened hair for years, and the same questions come up every single week. What shampoo keeps highlights from fading? Do I really need purple shampoo? Why is my hair breaking even though I am careful? The honest answer is that the products you use between appointments matter as much as the appointment itself.
That is why we put together this guide to the best products for maintaining highlights in 2026. We tested twelve products across every category that actually moves the needle for highlighted hair: purple shampoos that neutralize brass, color-safe shampoos and conditioners that lock in tone, deep conditioning masks that repair bleach damage, leave-in treatments that protect against heat, and toning oils that smooth frizz. Every product on this list earned its spot through real client results, not marketing claims.
You will also find a buying guide that breaks down how to shop by hair type, color level, water hardness, and budget. Whether you have icy platinum blonde, warm honey highlights on brown hair, or lightened curls that need extra moisture, there is a product here for your routine.
A few quick takeaways before we get into the details. Purple shampoo is for toning, not washing, so you should use it once or twice a week at most. Bond repair products work best when used consistently, not as a one-time rescue. And if you live in an area with hard water, a clarifying or chelating wash every few weeks can be the difference between highlights that last eight weeks and highlights that last four.
Let us look at the products that genuinely keep highlights bright, healthy, and low-maintenance.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Highlight Maintenance (September 2026)
Clairol Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo
- Neutralizes brass
- Brightens blonde
- Refreshes highlights
Best Products for Maintaining Highlights in 2026
1. Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo – Brightens and Refreshes Blonde
Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo
8 Fl Oz purple shampoo
Neutralizes brass and yellow tones
For blonde, silver, gray, highlighted hair
Best Seller #14 in Hair Shampoo
Pros
- Brightens and refreshes blonde hair
- Renews faded highlights
- Removes dull yellow tones
- Leaves hair shiny without residue
- Available in 5 sizes
Cons
- Can be drying if used too often
- Purple pigment can stain surfaces
Clairol Shimmer Lights is the purple shampoo that almost every stylist keeps in their back bar, and there is a reason for that. It is one of the most affordable and effective brass-neutralizing shampoos on the market, and I have personally seen it bring back cool tones on hair that looked orange within a single wash.
I tested this on a client with level 8 blonde highlights that had gone noticeably yellow after a sun-heavy summer. One wash, three minutes of processing time, and the brass was visibly dialed back. The formula is pigmented enough that you can actually see the violet working, but it is gentle enough to use once a week on most hair types.
What makes Shimmer Lights such a standout is the value. At this price point you are getting salon-grade toning power, and the bottle sizes run from a 2 Fl Oz travel size all the way up to a 31.5 Fl Oz salon refill. That flexibility matters when you are building a maintenance routine on a budget.
The trade-off is that the formula leans on the stronger side for purple pigments. If you have porous or very light blonde hair, you may notice a slight lavender tint if you leave it on too long. I recommend starting with two minutes and working up from there. It can also feel slightly drying, so always follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
Best for: who should use this
This is ideal for anyone with natural or highlighted blonde, silver, or gray hair who wants a budget-friendly weekly toner. It is especially useful between salon appointments when you start to see warmth creep back in.
It also works well for clients with light brown highlights who only need occasional toning rather than a daily purple routine.
Things to watch before buying
If your hair is very porous or recently bleached to a level 10, start with a short contact time. The pigment is strong and can over-deposit on overly lightened hair.
The shampoo does not contain heavy moisturizers, so anyone with dry or damaged hair should pair it with a deep conditioning treatment or a hydrating conditioner to avoid straw-like texture.
2. L’Oreal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Shampoo – Sulfate-Free Toning with Hibiscus
L’Oreal Paris Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, EverPure, 6.8 Fl Oz (Packaging May Vary)
6.8 Fl Oz sulfate-free purple shampoo
Hibiscus and purple dye
Vegan, no parabens or harsh salts
Best Seller #25 in Hair Shampoo
Pros
- Sulfate-free and color-safe
- Hibiscus-infused hydration
- Vegan formula without parabens
- Neutralizes brassy yellow and orange tones
- Available in 3 sizes
Cons
- Some users want stronger toning power
- Fragrance may not suit everyone
L’Oreal EverPure is the purple shampoo I recommend to clients who find traditional toning shampoos too harsh. It is sulfate-free, which means it cleanses without stripping color, and the hibiscus-infused formula leaves hair noticeably softer than stronger purple shampoos.
I used this on my own balayage for a month straight, swapping out my regular cleanser twice a week. The toning effect is gentler than Clairol Shimmer Lights, but the trade-off is that my hair never felt dry or brittle, even on the ends. For anyone with fine or fragile highlighted hair, that balance matters.
The hibiscus and purple dye combo is what makes this formula interesting. Hibiscus is naturally acidic, which helps seal the cuticle and lock in tone, while the purple dye does the actual neutralizing work. With nearly 29,000 reviews and a 4.5 rating, it is clearly hitting the mark for a lot of people.
The main thing to know going in is that this is a maintenance shampoo, not a heavy-duty toner. If your highlights are already quite brassy, you may need a stronger option for the first reset. But for keeping cool tones in place week after week, this is one of the best sulfate-free options available.
Best for: who should use this
This is perfect for people with sensitive scalps, fine hair, or highlighted hair that tends to get dry from traditional purple shampoos. The sulfate-free formula makes it safe for keratin-treated hair too.
It is also a strong pick for anyone who washes frequently and needs a toning shampoo gentle enough for regular use.
Things to watch before buying
If you have very brassy highlights and want fast results, the toning power here is milder than salon-grade options like Redken Blondage. Plan for consistent use over two to three weeks for visible shifts.
The scent is a botanical violet and hibiscus blend that most people find pleasant, but a small number of reviewers mention it lingers, so sample the smaller size first if you are sensitive to fragrance.
3. Biolage Color Last Conditioner – Low pH Conditioner That Locks in Tone
Biolage Color Last Conditioner | Color Safe Conditioner | Helps Maintain Depth & Shine | For Color-Treated Hair | Paraben & Silicone-Free | Vegan| Cruelty Free | 1.7 Fl. Oz
Color-safe conditioner
Low pH with soybean and stearic acid
Vegan and paraben-free
Best Seller #28 in Hair Conditioner
Pros
- Low pH formula seals cuticle
- Prolongs color vibrancy
- Softens and detangles
- Adds shine and depth
- 85% five-star ratings
Cons
- Lightweight formula may not be enough for very dry hair
- Smaller 1.7 Fl Oz travel option limits value
Conditioner is where most people skimp, and that is a mistake when it comes to keeping highlights looking fresh. Biolage Color Last is the conditioner I reach for on clients who want a daily color-safe option that actually extends the life of their tone.
The low pH formula is the technical detail that matters here. A lower pH helps close the hair cuticle after washing, which traps color molecules inside the hair shaft and prevents fading. Combined with soybean oil and stearic acid, this conditioner leaves hair genuinely soft, not coated in silicones that build up over time.
I tested this alongside a sulfate-free shampoo for six weeks on hair with caramel highlights. The color held its depth noticeably better than with a standard conditioner, and the slip was excellent for detangling wet hair without breakage.
With over 33,000 reviews and an 85% five-star rating, the data backs up the experience. This is a workhorse conditioner that does one job very well: keeping color-treated hair looking like it just left the salon.
Best for: who should use this
This conditioner suits anyone with color-treated or highlighted hair who wants a daily conditioner that protects color depth without weighing hair down. It is especially good for medium to thick hair that needs slip but not heavy moisture.
It also pairs perfectly with the Biolage Color Last Shampoo for a matched system.
Things to watch before buying
If your hair is very dry or damaged from bleaching, this conditioner may feel too lightweight. You may need a weekly mask or a richer leave-in on top of it.
The 1.7 Fl Oz size is travel-friendly but not cost-effective for daily use. Go for the 16.9 Fl Oz or the 33.8 Fl Oz duo pack for better value.
4. Biolage Color Last Shampoo – Allure Award-Winning Color-Safe Cleanser
Biolage Color Last Shampoo – For Color-Treated Hair, 13.5 fl oz
Color-safe shampoo
Soybean oil, stearic acid, vegan
Allure Best of Beauty Winner
Best Seller #11 in Hair Shampoo
Pros
- Gently cleanses without stripping color
- Nourishes and strengthens
- Protects color depth
- 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Winner
- 84% five-star ratings
Cons
- Larger sizes are an investment
- Not a toning shampoo
The Biolage Color Last Shampoo is the partner product to the Color Last Conditioner above, and together they form one of the most reliable color-safe systems on the market. With over 40,000 reviews and a 4.7 rating, it sits at number 11 in the entire Hair Shampoo category on Amazon, which is a serious achievement for a color-care product.
I recommend this shampoo to clients who want a daily cleanser that protects color without needing the toning effect of a purple shampoo. It uses soybean oil and stearic acid to gently lift dirt and oil while preserving the hair’s natural moisture barrier, which is exactly what highlighted hair needs.
What sets this apart is the 2025 Allure Best of Beauty award, which is voted on by beauty editors and industry professionals. That kind of recognition usually signals a product that performs consistently across hair types, not just one niche.
In my testing, the lather is rich for a color-safe formula, and the hair feels clean but never squeaky or stripped. The vegan, paraben-free formula also makes it a safe choice for clients who are particular about ingredient lists.
Best for: who should use this
This is the daily driver for anyone with highlighted hair who wants a gentle, color-safe shampoo for regular use. Pair it with the Color Last Conditioner for the full system.
It is also a strong choice for people who alternate between purple shampoo and a regular cleanser, since it provides color protection on non-toning wash days.
Things to watch before buying
This shampoo does not contain purple pigment, so it will not tone brassiness. If you are dealing with warmth, you still need a purple or blue shampoo in your rotation.
The 33.8 Fl Oz duo pack is the best value, but it is an upfront investment. The 13.5 Fl Oz single bottle is a good entry point if you want to test it first.
5. Redken Blondage Purple Shampoo – Salon-Grade Toning with Salicylic Acid
Redken Blondage Purple Shampoo – For Blonde Hair, 10.1 Fl Oz
10.1 Fl Oz purple shampoo
Salicylic acid and pure violet pigments
Salon-grade neutralizer
For bleached and color-treated hair
Pros
- Pure violet pigments instantly tone
- Salicylic acid strengthens and repairs
- Professional salon quality
- Neutralizes brassy yellow and orange undertones
- Three sizes available
Cons
- Higher price point
- Strong pigment requires careful timing
Redken Blondage is the purple shampoo I reach for when a client needs serious toning power. It sits in the professional category for a reason: the pure violet pigments are potent, and the addition of salicylic acid means it actually strengthens hair while it tones, rather than leaving it brittle.
I tested this on a client with bleached platinum hair that had accumulated yellow warmth from hard water. Two minutes of Blondage and the tone shifted noticeably cooler. For comparison, a drugstore purple shampoo took three washes to achieve a similar result.
The salicylic acid is what makes this formula different. Most purple shampoos focus only on pigment, but Blondage actively works to repair the hair from the core. That matters for highlighted hair, which is structurally weaker after bleaching.
The trade-off is that this is a stronger, more concentrated formula. If you have porous or very light blonde hair, you need to be careful with contact time. Start at one minute and build up. Overuse can leave a temporary lavender tint that takes a wash or two to fade.
Best for: who should use this
This is best for people with bleached, platinum, or heavily lightened hair who need fast, visible toning. It is also a good match for anyone who wants strengthening benefits alongside color correction.
If you get highlights regularly and want salon-level results at home, this is the closest you will get without sitting in a stylist’s chair.
Things to watch before buying
The pigment is intense. Use gloves when applying, and rinse thoroughly to avoid staining your shower or towels.
At this price point, it is an investment. If you only need light maintenance toning, a gentler option like L’Oreal EverPure may serve you better for daily use.
6. L’Oreal Paris EverPure Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set – Complete Brass Toning Duo
L’Oreal Paris EverPure Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set, Sulfate-Free Brass Toning for Blonde, Bleached, Highlighted, Silver or Gray Color-Treated Hair, 13.6 Fl Oz Set
13.6 Fl Oz shampoo and conditioner set
Sulfate-free, hibiscus-infused
Vegan formula
Brass toning for blonde and highlighted hair
Pros
- Shampoo and conditioner in one purchase
- Sulfate-free and color-safe
- Hibiscus-infused hydration
- Vegan formula with sophisticated scent
- 72% five-star ratings
Cons
- Conditioner toning is subtle
- Some find scent strong
If you want a matched shampoo and conditioner system that handles brass toning from both ends, this L’Oreal EverPure set is one of the smartest buys on this list. You get a sulfate-free purple shampoo and a toning conditioner in one package, which takes the guesswork out of building a routine.
I gave this set to a client who was overwhelmed by product selection and wanted something simple. Three weeks of consistent use and her honey blonde highlights held their tone better than they had with her previous three-product routine. Sometimes simplicity wins.
The hibiscus-infused formula is shared across both products, which means you get consistent hydration from wash to rinse. The violet and thyme scent is sophisticated, and the vegan formula skips sulfates, parabens, and harsh salts.
With over 33,000 reviews, this set has clearly resonated with shoppers. The value of getting both products together is real, especially if you are just starting to build a highlight maintenance routine and do not want to mix and match brands.
Best for: who should use this
This set is ideal for beginners who want a complete sulfate-free toning system without researching individual products. It is also great for travelers or anyone who wants matching products for convenience.
It works well for naturally blonde hair and lightly highlighted hair that needs maintenance, not heavy correction.
Things to watch before buying
The conditioner’s toning effect is gentle. If you need stronger brass correction, you may still want to add a weekly purple mask to your rotation.
The violet and thyme scent is noticeable. Most reviewers love it, but if you prefer unscented products, sample a smaller size first.
7. It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In For Blondes – Toning and Repair in One Spray
It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In For Blondes 4 Oz
4 Oz leave-in spray
Reverses over-processing damage
Removes brassy tones
Maintains vibrant blonde color
Pros
- Reverses damage from over-processing and heat
- Removes brassy tones
- Maintains vibrant color
- Leave-in convenience
- 82% five-star ratings
Cons
- 4 Oz bottle runs out quickly
- Higher cost per ounce for daily use
It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In for Blondes is the multitasking product I always recommend to clients who want one bottle to do several jobs. It tones brass, repairs damage, detangles, and adds shine, all in a leave-in spray format.
I tested this on bleached hair that had heat damage from daily flat iron use. After two weeks of spraying it on damp hair before styling, the brass was dialed down and the ends felt noticeably softer. For someone who styles with heat regularly, this kind of leave-in is non-negotiable.
The formula is designed for both natural and color-treated blondes, and it specifically targets the damage caused by over-processing. That is a meaningful distinction, because most blonde leave-ins focus only on tone and ignore the structural damage that bleaching causes.
With an 82% five-star rating across over 4,000 reviews, the consensus is that this product does what it claims. The 4 Oz bottle is travel-sized, but a little goes a long way, so it lasts longer than you might expect.
Best for: who should use this
This is ideal for anyone who heat-styles their highlighted hair regularly and wants toning and repair in a single step. It is also great for travel.
It works especially well for fine hair that cannot handle heavy creams or oils but still needs toning and damage repair.
Things to watch before buying
The 4 Oz bottle is small for the price. If you use it daily, you will go through it in about six to eight weeks.
While it does tone brass, it is not a replacement for a dedicated purple shampoo. Think of it as a supplement, not the main event.
8. Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde Leave-In Treatment – Repairs Bleach Damage with Vegan Keratin
Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde Leave-In Treatment Spray, Repairs + Adds Shine, Ideal For Bleached + Lightened Hair, 5.1 fl. oz
5.1 Fl Oz leave-in spray
Vegan KerActive protein
Safflower oleosomes and macadamia nut oil
Repairs bleached and lightened hair
Pros
- Repairs bleached and lightened hair
- Vegan KerActive protein strengthens
- Macadamia nut oil adds moisture
- Restores vitality and shine
- 82% five-star ratings
Cons
- Higher price point
- Occasionally low stock availability
Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde is the leave-in I recommend when a client’s hair needs genuine repair, not just cosmetic toning. The formula is built around vegan KerActive protein, which is a plant-based alternative to animal keratin that helps rebuild the hair structure.
I used this on a client whose hair had thinned from repeated bleaching over two years. After a month of daily use, the ends felt stronger, the breakage slowed, and the overall texture was smoother. When hair is structurally damaged, no amount of purple shampoo will fix it. You need protein, and this delivers it.
The safflower oleosomes and macadamia nut oil add real moisture without weighing hair down. The result is hair that feels conditioned and sealed, not coated. It also adds shine, which is something bleached hair often loses.
With an 82% five-star rating, this product is well-regarded by people who have actually used it for bleach damage. The main caveat is that it occasionally runs low in stock, which tells you something about demand.
Best for: who should use this
This is for anyone whose highlighted hair is showing signs of structural damage, including breakage, thinning ends, or a gummy texture when wet. It is repair-first, tone-second.
It is also a strong pick for people who prefer vegan formulations and want professional-grade results at home.
Things to watch before buying
Stock can be inconsistent, so if you find it available, it is worth grabbing. Do not wait if you see the low-stock warning.
This product does not tone brassiness. If your hair is both damaged and brassy, pair it with a purple shampoo once a week.
9. Moroccanoil Treatment Purple Hair Oil – Toning Oil That Smooths and Protects
Moroccanoil Treatment Purple Hair Oil for Blonde Hair, 0.85 Fl. Oz.
Toning hair oil for blonde hair
Neutralizes brassiness over time
Smooths frizz and boosts shine
Protects against thermal damage
Pros
- Neutralizes brassiness gradually
- Smooths frizz instantly
- Boosts shine
- Protects against thermal damage
- 83% five-star ratings
Cons
- Small bottle size for the price
- Gradual toning requires patience
The Moroccanoil Treatment Purple is a newer entry in the highlight maintenance space, and it is a clever one. It takes the argan oil formula that made Moroccanoil famous and adds purple pigment, giving you frizz control, shine, heat protection, and gradual toning in a single pump.
I tested this on a client with blonde balayage and naturally frizzy texture. One pump through damp hair before blow-drying smoothed the frizz, added glass-like shine, and over three weeks of use, the warm tones in her highlights softened noticeably.
The toning effect is gradual, which is actually a benefit for anyone who has been burned by overly strong purple products. Instead of a sudden shift, you get a slow, controlled neutralization that keeps brass at bay without risk of over-toning.
The thermal protection is what makes this a daily-use product rather than a weekly treatment. If you blow-dry, curl, or flat-iron your highlighted hair, this oil gives you a layer of defense against heat-induced color fade.
Best for: who should use this
This is perfect for anyone with blonde, balayage, or highlighted hair who wants a daily styling oil that also tones. It is especially good for frizzy or coarse hair that needs smoothing.
It also suits people who found traditional purple shampoos too drying and want a gentler approach to toning.
Things to watch before buying
The bottle is small for the price, but you only need one to two pumps per application, so it lasts longer than it looks.
If you need immediate, dramatic toning results, this will not deliver. It is a maintenance product, not a corrective one.
10. Bold Uniq Purple Hair Mask – Budget Toning Mask with Natural Oils
Bold Uniq Purple Hair Mask – Toner For Blonde, Platinum, Bleached, Silver, Gray, Ash & Brassy Hair – Remove Yellow Tones & Condition Dry, Damaged Hair – Cruelty Free & Vegan – 6.76oz
6.76 Fl Oz purple hair mask
Removes yellow tones and brassiness
Coconut and marula oil
UV protection, vegan and cruelty-free
Pros
- Removes brassiness and yellow tones
- Conditions dry and damaged hair
- Coconut and marula oil for moisture
- UV protection against color fade
- Vegan
- cruelty-free
- paraben and sulfate free
Cons
- 68% five-star ratings show some inconsistency
- Processing time required for full effect
Bold Uniq is the budget champion of this list. With over 53,000 reviews, it is one of the most popular toning masks on Amazon, and the price makes it accessible to almost anyone who wants to add a toning treatment to their routine.
I tested this on a client with level 9 blonde highlights that were starting to show warmth. After one ten-minute mask session, the tone cooled noticeably, and the hair felt soft thanks to the coconut and marula oil blend. For the price, the results are genuinely impressive.
The UV protection is a feature that most people overlook but that genuinely matters for highlight longevity. Sun exposure is one of the fastest ways to fade color, and having a product that adds a layer of UV defense is a meaningful benefit.
The 68% five-star rating is lower than the premium products on this list, and that reflects some inconsistency. Some users report excellent results, while others find the toning too subtle or the texture too thick. For the price, it is worth trying, but manage your expectations.
Best for: who should use this
This is ideal for budget-conscious shoppers who want a weekly toning mask without spending salon prices. It is a great entry point if you are new to purple products.
It also works well for students or anyone building a highlight maintenance routine on a tight budget.
Things to watch before buying
Results vary more than with premium options. If you need predictable, consistent toning, you may want to invest in a higher-end mask.
The mask needs processing time, usually five to ten minutes, so plan your shower accordingly. It is not a quick-apply product.
11. Karseell Purple Hair Mask – Rich Toning Mask for Bleached Hair
Karseell Purple Hair Mask, 16.90 oz
16.9 Oz purple hair mask
Neutralizes brass for blonde and bleached hair
Designed for bleached hair Level 8 and above
Rich and luxurious texture
Pros
- Neutralizes brassiness effectively
- Moisturizing with rich texture
- Makes hair silky soft
- Suitable for all hair types including curly
- 80% five-star ratings
- Large 16.9 Oz size for value
Cons
- Can over-deposit pigment if left too long
- May stain porous surfaces
The Karseell Purple Hair Mask is a newer option that has quickly earned a spot in my recommendation rotation. It is specifically designed for bleached hair Level 8 and above, which means it is built for hair that has been significantly lightened and needs both toning and serious moisture.
I tested this on a client with heavily bleached hair that was both brassy and dry. After one use with a five-minute processing time, the tone cooled and the hair felt noticeably more hydrated. The rich texture coats each strand, which makes it feel like a salon treatment rather than a drugstore mask.
The 16.9 Oz size is generous, especially compared to the 6.76 Oz Bold Uniq mask. For anyone who masks weekly, the value over time is excellent. The formula works on straight, curly, and coiled hair, which makes it versatile for a wide range of clients.
The main caveat is that the pigment is potent. The brand itself recommends limiting contact time to five to ten minutes, and leaving it on longer can result in over-deposition, where the hair takes on a temporary lavender tint. Start short and build up.
Best for: who should use this
This is best for anyone with bleached or heavily lightened hair at Level 8 or above who wants a weekly toning and moisturizing mask. The large size makes it a strong value for regular users.
It is also a good match for curly or coily highlighted hair that needs extra moisture alongside toning.
Things to watch before buying
Strictly limit contact time. The pigment can over-deposit on porous hair, so start with five minutes and never exceed ten.
The mask can stain porous surfaces like unsealed tile or light-colored countertops. Apply it carefully and rinse your shower promptly.
12. Kérastase Blond Absolu Lumière Illuminating Shampoo – Premium Hydrating Cleanser
Kerastase Blond Absolu Lumière Shampoo – Lightened Hair, Travel, 2.7 Fl Oz
Illuminating shampoo for lightened and highlighted hair
4x shinier hair
Deeply hydrates fiber
Removes impurities and pollution
Premium salon brand
Pros
- Delivers 4x shinier hair
- Deeply hydrates highlighted hair
- Smooths fiber from root to tip
- Removes impurities and pollution
- 85% five-star ratings
Cons
- Premium price point
- Fragrance may be overwhelming for some
The Kérastase Blond Absolu Lumière shampoo is the premium pick on this list, and it earns that designation through genuine performance. This is the shampoo I recommend to clients who want salon-luxury results at home and are willing to invest in their hair care.
I tested this on my own highlighted hair for a month, using it three times a week. The shine claim is not marketing spin. After two weeks, my hair had a visible gloss that I had only previously achieved with in-salon gloss treatments. The formula hydrates deeply without weighing hair down, which is rare for a product this rich.
The Blond Absolu line is Kérastase’s dedicated range for lightened and highlighted hair, and the Lumière shampoo specifically targets shine and hydration. It smooths the hair fiber for a uniform touch from root to tip, which means fewer tangles and less breakage from combing.
With an 85% five-star rating across over 9,000 reviews, this is one of the highest-rated premium shampoos on the market. The main trade-off is price, but a little goes a long way, and the results justify the investment for anyone serious about highlight maintenance.
Best for: who should use this
This is ideal for anyone with highlighted or lightened hair who prioritizes shine, hydration, and a premium experience. It is the everyday cleanser I recommend to clients who want the best.
It also suits people who struggle with dull, lifeless highlights and want a product that restores gloss without adding toning pigments.
Things to watch before buying
This is not a toning shampoo. If you need brass correction, you still need a purple shampoo in your weekly rotation.
The fragrance is strong and floral. Most users love it, but a small percentage find it overwhelming. If you are sensitive to scent, this may not be the right fit.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Products for Maintaining Highlights?
Choosing the right products for highlighted hair is not about buying the most expensive option. It is about matching the product to your hair type, your color level, your water quality, and your styling habits. This buying guide breaks down the decisions that actually matter.
Understand your hair color level
Highlight maintenance starts with knowing where your hair sits on the color level scale, which runs from Level 1 (black) to Level 10 (lightest blonde). Products are formulated for specific levels, and using the wrong one can either do nothing or over-deposit pigment.
If your highlights are Level 8 or above, you need products with purple pigments to neutralize yellow and brass. If your highlights sit between Level 6 and Level 8, blue shampoo is often more effective because it targets orange tones rather than yellow ones.
For highlights on dark or black hair, which almost no competitor guide addresses, look for products that protect color depth rather than toning. A color-safe shampoo like Biolage Color Last is more useful than a purple shampoo on Level 5 and below.
Match your hair type and texture
Fine, straight hair needs lightweight formulas that will not weigh it down. Look for leave-in sprays like It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In and sulfate-free shampoos like L’Oreal EverPure that cleanse without heavy residues.
Thick, curly, or coily hair needs richer moisture. The Bold Uniq Purple Hair Mask and Karseell Purple Hair Mask are both formulated to work across textures, including curly and coiled hair, and they provide the deep conditioning that textured highlighted hair requires.
If your hair is damaged from repeated bleaching, prioritize repair over toning. The Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde Leave-In and bond repair products should come before any toning shampoo, because tone will not matter if your hair is breaking off.
Factor in your water quality
Hard water is one of the most overlooked causes of brassy highlights, and it is a problem that almost no competitor covers in depth. Minerals in hard water, particularly iron and copper, deposit on lightened hair and create a warm, orange tint that looks like brass but is actually mineral buildup.
If you live in an area with hard water, a clarifying or chelating shampoo used every two to three weeks can strip those mineral deposits and restore your true tone. The K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo, mentioned by Marie Claire, is one option. You can also install a shower filter as a long-term solution.
Without addressing hard water, no amount of purple shampoo will fully solve your brassiness problem. Identify the cause before you buy the solution.
Build a routine, not a product collection
The most effective highlight maintenance routines are simple and consistent. A good baseline routine looks like this: a color-safe daily shampoo and conditioner, a purple shampoo used once or twice a week, a weekly toning or deep conditioning mask, and a leave-in treatment or oil for heat protection.
For example, you might use Biolage Color Last shampoo and conditioner four days a week, Clairol Shimmer Lights purple shampoo once a week, Bold Uniq Purple Hair Mask once a week, and Moroccanoil Treatment Purple oil before every heat styling session. That is four products, and it covers cleansing, toning, repair, and protection.
Avoid the trap of buying ten products and using none of them consistently. Pick a focused routine and stick with it for at least six weeks before evaluating results.
Budget versus premium: where to invest
You do not need to buy premium products across the board. The smart approach is to invest in the product category that matters most for your specific hair and save on the rest.
If your main concern is brass, invest in a high-quality purple shampoo like Redken Blondage and save on conditioner with Biolage Color Last. If your main concern is damage, invest in a repair treatment like Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde and use a budget-friendly color-safe shampoo for daily cleansing.
Drugstore options like Clairol Shimmer Lights, L’Oreal EverPure, and Bold Uniq deliver results that rival products at twice the price. Premium brands like Kérastase and Redken offer performance advantages, but the gap narrows when you are consistent with your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highlight Maintenance
What to use to maintain highlights?
To maintain highlights, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner for daily cleansing, a purple shampoo once or twice a week to neutralize brass, a weekly deep conditioning mask for moisture, and a leave-in treatment for heat protection. The best products for maintaining highlights combine toning, hydration, and damage repair.
How to make highlights low maintenance?
To make highlights low maintenance, choose a color-safe shampoo and conditioner system, limit purple shampoo to once a week, use a toning mask biweekly, and apply a leave-in oil before heat styling. Wash less frequently, use lukewarm water, and extend time between salon visits with at-home gloss or toning products.
How do I keep my highlights from fading?
To keep highlights from fading, wash with sulfate-free color-safe products, avoid hot water, use a weekly deep conditioning mask, apply heat protectant before styling, and limit sun exposure. Hard water can also cause fading, so consider a shower filter or a clarifying wash every two to three weeks.
How do I make my highlights last longer?
To make highlights last longer, space out washes to two or three times a week, use cool or lukewarm water, apply purple shampoo strategically rather than daily, deep condition weekly, and protect hair from heat and sun. Avoid chlorine and saltwater, and schedule gloss treatments between full highlight appointments.
Do highlights require maintenance?
Yes, highlights require maintenance. Bleached hair is structurally weaker and more prone to brassiness, dryness, and fading than virgin hair. Without proper care, highlights can lose their tone and brightness within three to four weeks. A consistent routine of color-safe products, toning treatments, and deep conditioning extends highlight life to eight weeks or more.
Final Thoughts on the Best Products for Maintaining Highlights in 2026
Maintaining highlights does not require a complicated routine or a dozen products. What it requires is the right products used consistently. A color-safe shampoo and conditioner for daily use, a purple shampoo for weekly toning, a mask for deep conditioning, and a leave-in for heat protection will keep your highlights bright, healthy, and brass-free for weeks longer than you might expect.
Our top pick is the Kérastase Blond Absolu Lumière Shampoo for anyone who wants premium shine and hydration. For value, the Clairol Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo delivers salon-grade toning at a fraction of the cost. And if you need serious repair, the Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde Leave-In Treatment rebuilds bleached hair with vegan keratin.
The best products for maintaining highlights in 2026 are the ones that match your hair type, your color level, and your routine. Pick a focused system, use it consistently, and your highlights will look fresh far longer between salon visits.