Purple Horse Shampoo UK Guide 2026 | Grey & White Horses

Have you noticed your grey or white horse developing yellow and/or muddy stains on their coat?

It's frustrating when you spend hours grooming, only to have your horse look dingy instead of dazzling. This is where purple horse shampoo UK becomes a game-changer; it is a great horse shampoo for stains.

Purple shampoo works by neutralizing yellow tones in light-coloured coats, just like purple shampoo does for blonde human hair. But not all purple shampoos are created equal – and using the wrong one can actually damage your horse's coat.

In this complete guide, you'll discover:

• How purple horse shampoo actually works
• How to use it correctly for best results
• The difference between horse-specific and human purple shampoo
• Tips for grey, white, palomino, and dapple grey horses
• Common mistakes to avoid

By the end, you'll know exactly how to keep your horse looking show-ready, whether you're preparing for competition or just want your horse to look their best.

Browse our complete range of natural equine care products for all your horse grooming needs.

Let's dive in!

What is Purple Horse Shampoo and Why Do Horses Need It?

Purple shampoo bars for horses is a specialized grooming product designed specifically for grey, white, and light-coloured horses. It contains purple pigments that counteract yellow tones in the coat, leaving your horse looking bright and clean.

How Purple Shampoo Works.

The science is simple but effective: purple and yellow are opposite colours on the colour wheel. When you apply purple pigments to a yellowish coat, they cancel each other out, resulting in a clean, bright white or silver-grey appearance.

Think of it like colour correction:

• Yellow stains + Purple pigments = Neutral bright coat
• Grass stains + Purple shampoo = Removed green tints
• Sweat marks + Purple formula = Fresh, clean appearance

Difference from Regular Horse Shampoo.

Regular horse shampoos simply clean the coat by removing dirt and oils. Purple horse shampoo does this PLUS adds colour-correcting pigments. This makes it particularly effective for:

• - Removing urine stains on white legs
• - Brightening yellowed areas
• - Maintaining pristine appearance between shows
• - Correcting grass stains
• - Neutralizing sweat marks

For general horse bathing tips, check out our Guide to Deep Cleaning Horse Shampoo.

Why Choose Purple Horse Shampoo (Not Human Shampoo)?

Many horse owners wonder: "Can I just use my own purple shampoo on my horse?"

The short answer is: "No, don't do it!"

And here's why: pH Balance Differences!

Human skin has a pH of around 5.5, while horse skin has a pH of 7.0-7.5. Learn more about our natural ingredients and why pH balance matters. Human shampoos are formulated for human pH levels and can disrupt the natural pH balance of your horse's skin, leading to:

• Dryness and irritation
• Stripped natural oils
• Increased sensitivity
• Potential skin reactions

Concentration Levels.

Human purple shampoos are designed for human hair (which is much finer than horse hair) and may be:

• Too concentrated for equine coats
• Too harsh for sensitive horse skin
• Not effective at removing the types of stains horses get

Additional Ingredients.

Horse-specific purple shampoos often include:

• Natural fly deterrents (Our formula includes natural fly repellent ingredients like lemon eucalyptus and neem oil)
• Equine-safe conditioning agents
• pH-balanced formulas for horses
• Deodorizing properties for that "wet horse" smell

Our Purple Horse Shampoo is specifically formulated for horses, with:

• ✓ pH-balanced for equine skin (7.0-7.5)
• ✓ Natural fly repellent ingredients
• ✓ Deep cleaning and deodorizing
• ✓ Safe for regular use
• ✓ Won't dry out coat

Learn more about some of our natural horse care ingredients.

How to Use Purple Horse Shampoo (Step-by-Step).

Using purple horse shampoo UK correctly is key to getting great results without over-toning your horse's coat. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare Your Horse.

Before you even touch the shampoo bar, take a few minutes to properly prepare your horse. Start by giving them a thorough grooming with a curry comb and body brush to remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris from the coat. Check out our equine grooming accessories for the best tools.

This might seem like an unnecessary step, but trust me – if you try to wash a horse with dried mud caked on, you'll just end up with muddy purple lather everywhere!

Pay particular attention to areas that tend to collect the most grime: the legs, belly, and anywhere your horse might have rolled.

Once you've brushed away the surface dirt, gather your supplies: the purple shampoo bar, a large sponge or wash mitt if you prefer (though many people find rubbing the bar directly works brilliantly), and several buckets of lukewarm water.

Temperature matters here – water that's too cold won't activate the shampoo properly, and water that's too hot can be uncomfortable for your horse and may cause the purple pigments to work too aggressively.

Step 2: Apply the Shampoo.

Now comes the fun part! Thoroughly wet your horse's coat with lukewarm water, making sure you're saturating all the way down to the skin – the coat should be completely drenched, not just damp on the surface.

Start with one section at a time rather than trying to do the whole horse at once; I usually begin with the neck and work my way back. Take your purple shampoo bar and rub it directly onto the wet coat in gentle circular motions.

You'll notice it creates a rich, purple-tinted lather almost immediately. Don't be alarmed by how purple the lather looks – this is completely normal and exactly what you want to see!

For horses with really stubborn stains (I'm looking at you, horses who love rolling in mud right after being bathed), you might need to make a couple of passes with the bar to build up enough lather.

The key is to work the shampoo into the coat thoroughly, using your fingers or a sponge to massage it right down to the skin level. This ensures you're not just coating the surface hairs but actually cleaning and treating the entire coat structure.

Step 3: Let It Work.

Here's where patience pays off, and it's also where many people go wrong.

Once you've created that lovely purple lather all over your horse, resist the urge to rinse it straight off. Instead, let the shampoo sit on the coat for 2-3 minutes – set a timer on your phone if you need to, because it's easy to underestimate how long this is when you're standing there with a soapy horse!

This waiting period is absolutely crucial for the purple pigments to work their magic. During these few minutes, the purple tones are actively neutralizing those yellow and green tints in the coat.

Think of it like leaving hair toner on for the right amount of time – too short and it won't work properly, too long and you might get an overly purple tint (though this is rare with horse shampoo and washes out easily).

While you're waiting, you can use this time to gently massage the lather into any particularly stained areas – white socks, facial markings, or that bit on the chest that always seems to yellow. Just keep the lather wet and active; if it starts to dry, add a splash more water.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly.

This step is just as important as the application, and it's where you absolutely cannot cut corners.

Start rinsing from the top of the horse and work your way down, using plenty of fresh, clean water. You want to rinse until the water running off your horse runs completely clear with no hint of purple tint remaining.

This usually takes longer than you'd expect – I typically go through at least two full buckets just for rinsing. Pay special attention to areas where shampoo tends to hide: behind the elbows, under the belly, in the tail, and around the mane. Any residual shampoo left in the coat can attract dirt or, in rare cases, cause slight skin irritation.

The rinse water should be cool to lukewarm rather than cold; this helps close the hair cuticles and locks in the brightening effect while giving the coat a beautiful shine. If you've got access to a hose with decent water pressure, even better – the pressure helps ensure you're getting every last bit of shampoo out.

Step 5: Repeat If Needed.

For most horses having a regular maintenance wash, one application is plenty. However, if you're dealing with a horse who's been living out 24/7 and has developed some serious staining, or if you're preparing for a big show, don't hesitate to do a second application.

The beauty of natural, pH-balanced purple shampoo is that it's gentle enough for this double-wash approach. Just repeat the entire process: apply the bar, work up a lather, wait 2-3 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. 

You'll often notice that the second application creates even more dramatic results because you've already removed the surface dirt and the purple pigments can work more effectively on the actual hair shaft.

Some people like to do a double wash as their standard pre-show routine – first wash to clean, second wash to brighten – and I've seen the results speak for themselves at the ringside!

Step 6: Store Properly.

Once you've finished bathing your horse, it's time to think about your shampoo bar. Don't just toss it back in your grooming box while it's still wet and covered in lather – this is a quick way to end up with a mushy mess. Instead, rinse the bar under clean water to remove any dirt or hair that might have stuck to it during use, then give it a gentle shake to remove excess water.

Store it either in the tin it came with (leaving the lid slightly ajar so air can circulate) or place it on a well-draining soap dish where it can dry out properly between uses. A dry shampoo bar will last significantly longer than one that's constantly sitting in moisture.

 Some people like to keep their show-prep products in their tack room, while others prefer to store them at home where they can control the temperature better – either works fine as long as the bar can dry out.

Stored correctly, your purple shampoo bar should last through many, many washes, making it incredibly economical compared to buying bottles of liquid purple shampoo.

Want to see results like this? Get your purple horse shampoo bar here.

Tips for Different Horse Colours.

Light Grey Horses.

Light grey horses can be tricky because they're at that in-between stage where they're not quite white but not quite dark grey either, and they're absolutely magnets for staining.

If you've got a light grey, you've probably noticed how even one roll in the field can leave them looking decidedly beige around the shoulders and hindquarters. The good news is that purple shampoo works beautifully on light greys as it is also a grey horse shampoo – in fact, this is often where you'll see the most dramatic transformation. 

The key with light greys is not to overdo it. Because their base coat colour already has some natural grey tones, you want the purple shampoo to enhance rather than overwhelm.

How to use purple shampoo on grey horses? I'd recommend starting with just a 2-minute contact time rather than the full 3 minutes, especially for your first attempt. You can always do a second application if needed, but it's harder to reverse an overly-purple tint (though don't panic if this happens – it washes out after a day or two of regular grooming). 

Pay particular attention to how the purple shampoo interacts with any dappling your horse might have; on light greys, it can really make those dapples pop beautifully by creating more contrast.

For maintenance between shows, try using purple shampoo every other wash rather than every time – alternate with a regular deep-cleaning shampoo, start with our deep cleaning horse shampoo for heavily soiled coats, to keep the coat in top condition.

Dapple Grey Horses.

Dapple greys are absolutely stunning, and this purple shampoo for dapple grey horses can be your secret weapon for making those dapples really stand out. 

The dappling pattern on a grey horse is caused by variations in pigmentation across the coat, and this natural variation responds beautifully to the colour-correcting properties of purple shampoo.

What I've found works best is to apply the grey horse shampoo across the coat where required, as normal, but then spend a bit of extra time massaging it into the lighter areas where dapples typically appear – usually across the hindquarters, shoulders, and neck. This creates a more pronounced contrast between the darker dapple rings and the lighter centres. 

However, there's a fine art to this: you don't want to go too purple in the light areas, as this can actually make the dapples look less natural. The trick is to use the shampoo to neutralise any yellowing in the lighter areas while letting the natural grey tones in the darker areas provide the contrast.

If your dapple grey is starting to fade (as many do with age), purple shampoo can help maintain whatever dappling remains by keeping the lighter areas bright and clean-looking.

Some exhibitors swear by using purple shampoo bars for horses the week before a show, then switching to a regular shampoo for the final bath – this gives you the brightness without risking any purple tint on show day.

Pure White Horses.

If you're blessed (or cursed, depending on your perspective!) with a pure white horse, you already know that keeping them looking clean is basically a full-time job.

Every speck of dirt shows up, grass stains seem to appear out of nowhere, and don't even get me started on what happens if they roll in anything muddy.

Purple shampoo is genuinely life-changing for white horse owners as it is also a white horse shampoo so it will remove yellow stains from a white horse. On a pure white coat, you can be a bit more aggressive with this shampoo because there's no grey toning to worry about – you're purely working on stain removal and brightening. 

I'd recommend the full 3-minute contact time, and for really stubborn stains (particularly those yellowy-green grass stains on white socks), you can even spot-treat by rubbing the bar directly on the stain and letting it sit for up to 5 minutes.

The transformation is often quite dramatic – I've seen horses go from looking slightly cream-colored to absolutely dazzling white in a single wash.

For white horses that live out, consider using purple shampoo weekly during muddy season to stay on top of staining, rather than trying to rescue a badly stained coat right before a show. Prevention is definitely easier than cure! 

One word of caution: if your "white" horse is actually a maximum grey (which many are), you might notice they have some darker hairs mixed through their coat. Don't worry if these look slightly purple after washing – they'll return to normal within a day of regular grooming.

Palomino Horses.

Now, you might be wondering why we're talking about purple shampoo for palominos when they're golden, not white.

Here's the thing: many palominos have white or very light cream manes, tails, and leg markings that are just as prone to staining as any grey horse's coat.

Purple and white horse shampoo can be absolutely brilliant for these white areas while leaving the golden body coat alone. The technique here is targeted application rather than all-over washing.

For a palomino with a white blaze, white socks, or a flaxen mane and tail, apply your regular shampoo to the body and use the purple shampoo specifically on the white areas. You'll need to be quite careful with the mane and tail if they're that lovely champagne-flaxen colour that some palominos have – test a small section first to make sure the purple isn't pulling any of the warmth out of the colour.

For true white markings on a palomino, though, you can be as liberal with the purple shampoo as you would on a grey horse. The contrast between a gleaming white blaze and a rich golden coat is absolutely showstopping, and purple shampoo is the easiest way to achieve it.

Some palomino owners also like to use very diluted purple shampoo on slightly darker, more cream-colored manes to brighten them up a shade or two, though this requires a light touch and careful monitoring.

Common Mistakes to Avoid.

Even the best purple horse shampoo won't deliver results if you're not using it correctly.

Over the years, I've seen horse owners make the same mistakes again and again – and while none of them are disastrous, they can definitely affect how brilliant your horse looks.

The good news is that these mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to watch out for. Whether you're new to purple shampoo or you've been using it for ages but feel like you're not getting the results you expected, understanding these common pitfalls will help you get the most out of every wash.

Let's look at the most frequent errors and, more importantly, how to avoid them so your horse can look absolutely stunning every time.

Mistake 1: Using Too Much.

One of the most common mistakes people make is thinking that more purple shampoo equals better results – but this couldn't be further from the truth. When you use too much product, you're not only wasting your shampoo bar (and your money), but you're also risking an overly purple tint that can actually make your horse look worse rather than better.

The purple pigments in the shampoo are quite concentrated, and they're designed to work effectively in moderate amounts. If you pile on too much, particularly in one area, you can end up with patches of purple-tinged coat that takes several washes to correct.

This is especially problematic on pure white horses, where any excess purple really shows up. Instead, use a light touch – remember, you can always do a second application if needed, but you can't undo an over-application.

Work the bar over the coat in gentle, even strokes to create a consistent lather, and resist the urge to scrub too vigorously or repeatedly go over the same area.

A little goes a long way, and with purple shampoo, restraint is definitely your friend.

Mistake 2: Not Rinsing Enough.

If there's one step where people consistently cut corners, it's the rinsing stage – and this is where things can go quite wrong. Any purple shampoo left in the coat will continue to deposit pigment even after you think you've finished bathing, which can lead to an uneven purple cast that develops over the next day or two.

Beyond the aesthetic issue, residual shampoo in the coat can also attract dirt like a magnet (because it's still slightly sticky), meaning your beautifully clean horse gets grubby again much faster than they should. In worst-case scenarios, leftover shampoo can cause mild skin irritation or make the coat feel tacky and uncomfortable.

The solution is simple but requires patience: rinse, rinse, and then rinse some more. Use cool to lukewarm water and keep going until the water running off your horse is completely clear with absolutely no hint of purple suds. Pay special attention to areas where water naturally pools or where shampoo tends to hide – behind the elbows, under the belly, in thick manes and tails, and between the hind legs.

Yes, it takes longer than you'd like, and yes, you'll probably use more water than seems necessary, but thorough rinsing is absolutely non-negotiable for professional-looking results.

Mistake 3: Using on Dry Coat.

Some people try to save time by applying purple shampoo to a dry coat, thinking they can wet it down afterwards – but this approach simply doesn't work and can actually cause more problems than it solves.

When you apply any shampoo to dry hair, the product sits on the surface rather than penetrating properly, which means you're not getting any real cleaning action and the purple pigments can't work evenly across the coat. You'll end up with splotchy, uneven results with some patches looking bright and others still yellow.

Additionally, trying to work shampoo through a dry coat is much harder work for you and more uncomfortable for your horse – nobody enjoys having a bar of soap dragged through their dry hair!

The fix is straightforward: always, always thoroughly wet your horse's entire coat before you even think about reaching for the shampoo bar. The coat should be completely saturated, right down to the skin, not just damp on the surface.

This might mean spending a good five minutes with the hose or working through several buckets of water, but it's time well spent. A properly wetted coat will lather up beautifully with minimal effort, distribute the purple pigments evenly, and give you much better results with less product.

Mistake 4: Expecting Instant Miracles.

Perhaps the most common disappointment comes from unrealistic expectations about what this best purple shampoo for horses UK can achieve, especially on the first wash.

If your grey or white horse has been living out in muddy fields for weeks and has developed serious staining, one application of purple shampoo isn't going to transform them into a pristine show horse instantly, even though it is a brilliant horse shampoo for stains – and that's okay.

Purple shampoo is brilliant at what it does, but it works best as part of a regular grooming routine rather than as a last-minute rescue product. The pigments are designed to neutralise yellow and green tones, not to bleach out deep-set stains or remove ingrained dirt from months of neglect.

For the best results, think of purple shampoo as maintenance rather than magic. Start using it regularly before staining becomes severe, and you'll find it much easier to keep your horse looking bright. If you are dealing with heavy staining, be prepared to do multiple washes over several days, possibly alternating with a deep-cleaning shampoo first to remove the worst of the dirt, then following up with purple shampoo to address the colour.

Give the process time to work, and don't judge the results until your horse's coat is completely dry – wet coat always looks different.

With consistent use and realistic expectations, you'll be amazed at the transformation, but remember that even the best purple shampoo needs patience and proper technique to deliver those stunning results.

Best Purple Horse Shampoo UK: What to Look For.

When shopping for purple horse shampoo, look for these features:

• ✓ **pH-Balanced for Horses** - Should be around 7.0-7.5 pH
• ✓ **Natural Ingredients** - Avoid harsh chemicals
• ✓ **Fly Deterrent Properties** - Bonus benefit!
• ✓ **Solid Bar Format** - More economical than liquid
• ✓ **UK Made** - Supporting local, quality control
• ✓ **Vegan & Cruelty-Free** - Ethical choice

Our Purple Horse Shampoo ticks all these boxes and more:

From our best purple horse shampoo UK reviews it has earned an impressive 4.9 out of 5-star rating from equestrians across the UK, and for very good reason.

Formulated specifically for horses with a pH-balanced formula of 7.0-7.5, it contains natural purple pigments that effectively neutralise yellow and green tones without any harsh chemicals that could irritate sensitive equine skin.

What sets our shampoo apart is the inclusion of lemon eucalyptus and neem oil, which not only help cleanse and condition the coat but also naturally deter flies – giving you two benefits in one product.

The solid bar format is incredibly economical, lasting for 8-12 washes (equivalent to 3-4 bottles of liquid shampoo), making it both budget-friendly and eco-conscious with zero plastic waste.

Frequently Asked Questions.

How often can I use purple horse shampoo?

You can use purple horse shampoo as often as needed – it's safe for regular use thanks to its gentle, pH-balanced formula designed specifically for equine skin.

Many horse owners use it weekly during muddy season to stay on top of staining, while others alternate it with regular shampoo every other wash for general maintenance.

For show preparation, it's perfectly fine to use it more frequently in the days leading up to an event without worrying about damaging your horse's coat or skin.

Will it stain my dark horse purple?

No, it won't stain darker coats

Can I use it on my horse's mane and tail?

Yes, perfect for brightening white manes and tails. Don't forget to use our fabulous Mane and Tail Detangler Bar for even better results.

How long does one bar last?

 8-12 washes, equivalent to 3-4 bottles

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, made with gentle natural ingredients but, if in doubt, we always recommend doing a patch test on a small area first.

Can I use it before a show?

Yes, best used 1-2 days before for optimal results.

Browse our full range of equine care products.

Conclusion.

Purple horse shampoo is a game-changer for owners of grey, white, and light-coloured horses. By neutralizing yellow tones and brightening the coat, it helps your horse look their absolute best whether you're competing or just enjoying time together.

Key takeaways:

• Purple shampoo uses colour theory to neutralize yellow tones
• Always use horse-specific formulas (not human shampoo!)
• Follow the step-by-step process for best results
• Safe for regular use on all light-coloured horses
• Look for pH-balanced, natural ingredient formulas

Ready to see the difference purple shampoo can make?

Our Purple Horse Shampoo is rated 4.9/5 stars by equestrians across the UK. Made with natural ingredients, infused with fly-deterring lemon eucalyptus and neem, and gentle enough for regular use.

Have questions about purple horse shampoo? Drop them in the comments below!