Purple shampoo has become a staple in the hair care routine of many people, especially those with blonde, silver, or highlighted hair. Whether you’re aiming to maintain your cool blonde tones, banish brassiness, or enhance your natural gray hair, purple shampoo is the go-to product. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into what purple shampoo is, how it works, its benefits, the right way to use it, and much more.
What is Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is a specially formulated shampoo with a violet pigment that helps to neutralize brassy or yellow tones in blonde, silver, or gray hair. The purple hue is designed to counteract the yellow undertones that can develop over time due to various factors like sun exposure, heat styling, pollution, or even the minerals in water.
The science behind purple shampoo is simple: purple is directly opposite yellow on the color wheel, meaning it effectively cancels out yellow tones when applied to hair. It’s a quick, easy, and effective way to maintain cooler, more ashy tones in your hair, without needing to go back to the salon for frequent toning treatments.
How Does Purple Shampoo Work?
To understand how purple shampoo works, it’s important to first understand why hair becomes brassy or yellow. Hair, especially when bleached, lightened, or highlighted, tends to develop warm undertones over time. This can happen because the hair’s natural pigments begin to resurface or due to external factors like UV exposure or chemical reactions from hair products.
Purple shampoo works by depositing small amounts of violet pigment into the hair. These pigments counteract the yellow tones in the hair, effectively neutralizing any brassy or overly warm shades. Over time, using purple shampoo helps to maintain the desired cool tone of blonde, silver, or gray hair.
Who Should Use Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is primarily targeted at people with light-colored hair, whether it’s naturally light or dyed. Here’s a breakdown of who can benefit from using purple shampoo:
1. Blonde Hair
Whether you have platinum, icy blonde, or golden highlights, blonde hair is the most susceptible to brassiness. Purple shampoo is a must-have for blondes to maintain the cool tones and avoid that unwanted yellowing effect.
2. Silver or Gray Hair
Natural or dyed silver hair can easily pick up yellow or brassy tones due to environmental factors. Purple shampoo helps silver-haired individuals keep their hair looking fresh, shiny, and free from unwanted yellow shades.
3. Highlighted or Balayage Hair
Even if your hair is darker but has blonde highlights, purple shampoo can help tone the lighter strands, preventing them from becoming brassy over time.
4. Lightened Brunettes
Brunettes with highlights or balayage can also use purple shampoo. While their hair may not turn as yellow as blonde hair, lightened brunettes may develop unwanted warmth in their highlights, which purple shampoo can help to cool down.
The Benefits of Purple Shampoo
There are several reasons why purple shampoo has become a go-to product for many people with lighter hair tones. Here are some of the key benefits of using it regularly:
1. Neutralizes Brassiness
The primary benefit of purple shampoo is its ability to counteract brassy tones in blonde, gray, or highlighted hair. If your hair starts to look too yellow or warm, purple shampoo can restore it to a cooler, more balanced tone.
2. Maintains Salon-Quality Color
Regularly using purple shampoo helps maintain the color between salon visits. It keeps your blonde or silver hair looking vibrant and fresh for longer, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups or toning treatments.
3. Enhances Natural Shine
Many purple shampoos are formulated with nourishing ingredients that can help boost your hair’s shine. As brassiness fades, your hair can look shinier, healthier, and more radiant.
4. Prolongs Hair Color
For those who dye their hair blonde or silver, purple shampoo can help extend the life of the color. By keeping brassiness at bay, your hair color remains true to its original tone for a longer period.
5. Cost-Effective
It is an affordable and effective solution compared to salon treatments for maintaining hair color. Regular use can minimize the need for expensive toning services, making it a cost-effective part of your hair care routine.
How to Use it Correctly
While purple shampoo is an excellent tool for maintaining cool tones, using it incorrectly can lead to less-than-desirable results, such as over-toning or dullness. Here’s how to get the most out of your it routine:
1. Start with Clean, Wet Hair
Purple shampoo works best on wet hair, so begin by thoroughly wetting your hair in the shower. If your hair is particularly dirty or has product buildup, consider using a clarifying shampoo before applying the it.
2. Apply the Shampoo Evenly
Apply it evenly, focusing on the areas where brassiness is most prominent, typically near the roots and the front sections of the hair. Make sure to massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair for even coverage.
3. Leave It On for the Right Amount of Time
The key to using purple shampoo is not leaving it on for too long, as over-toning can result in a purple tint to your hair. For first-time users, it’s recommended to leave the shampoo on for 1-3 minutes. If your hair is more brassy, you can gradually increase the time to 5-7 minutes, depending on how much toning your hair needs.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
After the shampoo has been left on for the desired time, rinse it out thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water. Make sure all the product is washed out to avoid any purple residue.
5. Follow Up with Conditioner
It can sometimes be a bit drying, so follow it up with a good conditioner, preferably one formulated for color-treated or blonde hair. This helps to keep your hair moisturized and smooth.
6. Frequency of Use
Purple shampoo should not replace your regular shampoo entirely. It’s best used once or twice a week, depending on how quickly your hair becomes brassy. Using it too often may result in over-toning, where your hair could take on a slightly purple or grayish hue.
Common Mistakes When Using Purple Shampoo
While purple shampoo is relatively easy to use, there are some common mistakes that can affect the results. Here are a few things to avoid:
1. Leaving it On for Too Long
As mentioned earlier, leaving it on your hair for too long can lead to a purple or ashy tint. This is especially true for those with very light blonde hair. Always start with a shorter duration and gradually increase the time if necessary.
2. Using Too Frequently
Overuse of it can lead to dull or dry hair, as the product can be slightly drying over time. To avoid this, stick to using it once or twice a week and alternate with your regular shampoo.
3. Not Using Conditioner
Skipping conditioner after using purple shampoo can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. Always follow up with a nourishing conditioner to keep your hair soft and manageable.
4. Applying to Dirty Hair
It works best on clean, wet hair. If your hair has a lot of product buildup or is excessively oily, the shampoo may not penetrate the hair shaft effectively, leading to uneven toning results.
Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo for Your Hair Type
Not all purple shampoos are created equal. Depending on your hair type and specific needs, you’ll want to choose a formula that works best for you. Here are a few factors to consider:
1. Intensity of Pigment
Some purple shampoos have stronger violet pigments than others. If you have very light blonde or platinum hair, opt for a formula with a gentler pigment to avoid over-toning. If your hair is more brassy, you might want a shampoo with a deeper, more intense purple hue.
2. Nourishing Ingredients
Look for purple shampoos that are infused with nourishing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or vitamins. These can help offset any potential dryness and keep your hair healthy and moisturized.
3. Sulfate-Free Formulas
Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip color-treated hair of its natural oils and moisture. Choosing a sulfate-free it is gentler on your hair and helps preserve both your hair color and its natural hydration levels.
4. Allergies and Sensitivities
If you have a sensitive scalp or allergies, be sure to read the ingredient list and look for hypoallergenic or dermatologically tested formulas. Purple shampoos with essential oils or strong fragrances might irritate sensitive skin.
Conclusion
It is a game-changer for anyone with blonde, silver, or highlighted hair looking to maintain their cool, ashy tones and eliminate unwanted brassiness. With the right product and proper usage, it can help you achieve salon-quality results at home. By neutralizing yellow tones, enhancing shine, and preserving hair color, this essential product keeps your hair looking fresh and vibrant for longer.
Whether you’re new to it or a seasoned user, incorporating this product into your routine will help keep your hair looking its best. Remember to use it in moderation, choose a formula suited to your hair type, and follow up with a good conditioner to keep your locks healthy and radiant.
