Purple Shampoo and Purple Conditioner Explained
Blonde, lightened, and gray hair can sometimes develop unwanted yellow or brassy tones. Purple haircare products are designed to help balance those tones and keep the hair looking brighter, cooler, and fresher. OLAPLEX Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer™ Toning Shampoo and OLAPLEX Nº.5P Blonde Enhancer™ Toning Conditioner both help reduce brassiness, but they serve different purposes in the haircare routine.
What Is OLAPLEX Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer™ Toning Shampoo?
OLAPLEX Nº.4P is a purple shampoo made to gently cleanse while helping tone blonde, lightened, and gray hair. It contains violet toning pigments that help neutralize yellow or brassy tones, leaving the hair looking brighter and more balanced. Since it is a shampoo, its main role is to cleanse the hair while supporting a cooler blonde or silver tone.
What Is OLAPLEX Nº.5P Blonde Enhancer™ Toning Conditioner?
OLAPLEX Nº.5P is a purple conditioner designed to hydrate, smooth, and soften the hair while also helping reduce brassiness. Like Nº.4P, it contains violet toning pigments, but its main purpose is conditioning. It helps detangle the hair, add moisture, improve smoothness, and enhance shine after shampooing.
The Main Difference Between Nº.4P and Nº.5P
The key difference is simple: Nº.4P cleanses and tones, while Nº.5P conditions and tones. Nº.4P works as the first step to remove buildup and help neutralize brassiness, while Nº.5P follows with hydration, softness, and extra toning support. Both products are made for blonde, lightened, and gray hair, but each plays a different role.
Should You Use Nº.4P and Nº.5P Together?
For best results, OLAPLEX Nº.4P and Nº.5P can be used together as a system. Using both helps tone the hair from shampoo to conditioner, giving a more complete routine for reducing brassiness and maintaining brighter-looking blonde or gray hair. Nº.4P helps cleanse and tone, while Nº.5P helps smooth, hydrate, and add shine.
How to Use Nº.4P and Nº.5P
Use Nº.4P first, just like a regular shampoo. Apply it to wet hair, lather, and leave it on for 1 to 3 minutes. For stronger toning, it can be left on for up to 5 minutes before rinsing. After shampooing, apply Nº.5P from roots to ends and leave it on for 1 to 3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
How Often Should You Use Them?
OLAPLEX Nº.4P and Nº.5P can be used 1 to 2 times per week or whenever your blonde, lightened, or gray hair needs toning. The frequency depends on your hair color, level of brassiness, and desired result.
Final Thoughts
OLAPLEX Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer™ Toning Shampoo and OLAPLEX Nº.5P Blonde Enhancer™ Toning Conditioner are both designed to help reduce brassiness and brighten blonde, lightened, and gray hair. Nº.4P is best for cleansing and toning, while Nº.5P is best for hydrating, smoothing, and adding shine. Used together, they create a complete purple haircare routine for cooler, brighter-looking hair.
Source inspiration: This article was summarized and adapted from “Nº.5 vs. Nº.5P: What’s the Difference?” by OLAPLEX, April 1, 2026.
