Head to Head
Kerastase Bain Ultra-Violet vs Fanola No Yellow
Kerastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet and Fanola No Yellow compared on pigment strength, formula behind the pigment, published timing and which blonde each one suits.
Kerastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Purple Shampoo
The prestige purple bain, with hyaluronic acid behind the pigment.
Fanola No Yellow Purple Shampoo
The salon staple with the strongest violet hand in this set.
Where They Differ
Pigment: blend versus concentration
Kerastase publishes blue and violet pigments together, which broadens its reach across yellow and the lightest orange warmth in pale blonde. Fanola publishes a single extra violet pigment at intensive strength, narrower in aim and stronger in effect on pure yellow brass. On straightforward yellowed blonde, the Fanola tones faster; on borderline warmth in very light hair, the Kerastase blend is the more versatile tool.
The formula around the colour
Behind its pigment, the Kerastase carries hyaluronic acid, edelweiss flower and vitamins C and E, and the wash feels like a treatment shampoo. Behind its pigment, the Fanola carries wine extract and hydrolyzed silk in a lean professional base at a printed pH of 5.0 to 5.2, and the wash feels like a tool. Dry or fragile hair feels the difference immediately, and it is the main reason to pay the Kerastase tier.
Timing and margin for error
Both publish a 5 minute ceiling, but they frame it differently. Kerastase sets a floor as well, at least 2 minutes, inside a directed weekly rhythm, which keeps results even and predictable. Fanola opens the full 1 to 5 minute range and leaves the judgement to the user, which is freedom for an experienced toner and the source of most lilac cast stories for a beginner. The Kerastase is harder to misuse; the Fanola is harder to outgrow.
The Specification, Side by Side
| Measure | Kerastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Purple Shampoo | Fanola No Yellow Purple Shampoo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 8.45 fl oz (250 ml) bottle | 11.83 fl oz (350 ml) bottle |
| Pigment | Blue and violet pigments (ultra-violet neutralizers), with Acid Violet 43 in the ingredient list | Extra violet pigment, Acid Violet 43 |
| Hair types | Lightened, cool blonde or grey hair, as printed on the bottle | Bleached, blonde, streaked and grey hair |
| Leave-on time | At least 2 minutes and a maximum of 5 minutes, as published; weekly use directed | 1 to 5 minutes, as published; once a week or when yellow becomes visible |
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid and edelweiss flower, with vitamins C and E on the bottle | Not published |
| Formula notes | Not published | pH 5.0 to 5.2 printed on the bottle; vegan mark on the bottle; made in Italy |
Choose Kerastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Purple Shampoo if
- Your blonde or grey hair is dry, fragile or heavily lightened and needs care inside the toning wash
- You want published minimum and maximum times and a set weekly rhythm
- Your warmth is mixed, yellow with a hint of orange at the palest sections
Choose Fanola No Yellow Purple Shampoo if
- Your yellow brass is strong and gentler purples have barely moved it
- You will use gloves and a timer without exception
- You want the larger 350 ml bottle and a purely functional salon tool
Questions, Answered
Which one is safer for a first purple shampoo?
The Kerastase. Its 2 minute floor and 5 minute ceiling inside a weekly directed rhythm leaves less room for a first time mistake, and its care formula forgives hair that is already stressed. Learn your hair's porosity there, then graduate to the Fanola if brass ever outruns it.
Can I alternate the two?
Yes, and many salon routines do exactly this in spirit: the Kerastase as the standing weekly toner, the Fanola held back for the weeks when brass has built up beyond the gentle formula's reach. Keep the total toning frequency at the same weekly slot rather than adding a second toning wash.
Keep Researching
Every page in the Purple and Blue Shampoos edit.
- 01Purple and Blue Shampoos: the hubHub
- 02Best Purple and Blue Shampoos 2027Best of
- 03Purple vs Blue Shampoo: Which Hair Colours Each One Is ForGuide
- 04How Often to Use Toning Shampoo, and How Long to Leave It OnGuide
- 05Toning Shampoo Mistakes: Brassiness Returning, Lilac Casts and DrynessGuide
- 06Kerastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Purple Shampoo ReviewReview
- 07Fanola No Yellow Purple Shampoo ReviewReview
- 08Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo ReviewReview
- 09Matrix Brass Off vs Fanola Wonder No OrangeComparison
- 10Purple and Blue Shampoos Buying GuideBuying guide
- 11Toning Shampoo Care and Keeping: Fixes for Lilac Casts, Dryness and Tone That Will Not HoldCare
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