Blonde, silver, or highlighted hair can look stunning. But sometimes, unwanted yellow or orange tones appear. This brassiness can make your beautiful color look dull. The solution is often a special hair product: purple shampoo. This guide will help you understand and choose the perfect purple shampoo for your hair color.
Picking the right product is key to keeping your hair bright and vibrant. Not all purple shampoos are the same. Using the wrong one can either do nothing or over-tone your hair, leaving it with a lavender tint. We will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best choice. You will learn how it works, what to look for, and how to use it correctly.
What Is Purple Shampoo and How Does It Work?
Purple shampoo is a cleansing product with a purple or violet pigment. It is made to cancel out yellow and brassy tones in light colored hair. To understand how it works, we need to look at a color wheel. Purple is directly opposite yellow on the color wheel. This means they are complementary colors. When you mix them, they neutralize each other.
Think of it like a hair color corrector. When you wash your hair with purple shampoo, it deposits a small amount of purple pigment. This pigment counteracts the yellow tones. The result is a cooler, brighter, and more neutral shade. Your blonde or silver hair looks fresh from the salon again. It is a simple science that makes a significant visual impact.
Who Should Use a Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is not for everyone. It is specifically designed for people with light colored hair that tends to get brassy. If you have one of the following hair colors, this product could be a great addition to your hair care routine.
- Bleached or Platinum Blonde Hair: This hair is very light and prone to turning yellow. Purple shampoo keeps it looking icy and cool.
- Ash Blonde or Gray Hair: Natural gray or ash blonde hair can also develop yellow tints. A purple shampoo will enhance the silver and gray tones.
- Highlighted or Balayage Hair: If you have blonde highlights, a purple shampoo will keep them bright and prevent them from looking orange or brassy.
- Brunettes with Highlights: Even brunettes with caramel or blonde highlights can benefit. It helps keep the lighter pieces of hair from turning brassy over time.
It is important to note that if you have dark hair with no lightened sections, a purple shampoo will not have any effect.
How to Choose the Right Purple Shampoo
Choosing the right purple shampoo involves looking at a few key factors. Consider your hair’s current color, its condition, and your desired result.
1. Check the Intensity of the Pigment
The color of the shampoo itself tells you a lot. The darker and more opaque the purple, the more pigment it contains.
- Deep Violet or Indigo: These shampoos are highly pigmented. They are best for very brassy, yellow, or even orange tones. People with platinum, silver, or very light blonde hair often need this strength. Use these carefully, as they can leave a purple tint if left on too long.
- Lighter Lavender or Lilac: These shampoos have less pigment. They are great for maintaining your color and preventing brassiness before it starts. If you have subtle yellow tones or just want to keep your blonde bright, a lighter purple shampoo is a good choice.
2. Consider Your Hair Type and Condition
Your hair’s health matters. Lightened hair is often more porous and fragile. Porous hair absorbs color more quickly, which increases the risk of getting a purple tint.
- For Damaged or Dry Hair: Look for a purple shampoo with moisturizing ingredients. Ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter can help nourish and tone your hair. Sulfate-free formulas are also gentler and less stripping for dry, processed hair.
- For Oily Hair: If your hair gets oily quickly, a clarifying purple shampoo might work well. However, be mindful that these can be more drying. You should pair it with a good conditioner.
- For Fine Hair: A lightweight formula is best. Heavy, ultra-moisturizing shampoos can weigh down fine hair.
3. Read the Ingredients List
Knowing what is in the bottle is essential. Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils.
- Sulfates: Many shampoos use sulfates, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), to create a rich lather. However, sulfates can be harsh on color-treated hair, causing color to fade faster and hair to become dry. A sulfate-free purple shampoo is often a better option for preserving both your color and your hair health.
- Nourishing Additives: Look for beneficial ingredients. Proteins help strengthen processed hair. Natural oils and butters provide moisture. UV filters can protect your hair from the sun, which can also cause color to fade and turn brassy.
How to Use Purple Shampoo Correctly
Using purple shampoo is not like using your regular shampoo. The timing and frequency are crucial for getting the best results without over-toning.
First, wet your hair thoroughly. Apply a small amount of the purple shampoo, lathering it up in your hands before applying it to your hair. Focus on the most brassy areas.
The most crucial step is how long you leave it in. The package will give you instructions, but here is a general guide:
- For subtle toning: Leave it on for 1 to 3 minutes.
- For more intense toning, leave it on for up to 5 minutes.
- For major brassiness: Some people leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, but do this with caution. It is best to start with a shorter time and see how your hair reacts.
After the time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly. Always follow up with a hydrating conditioner. Purple shampoos can be drying, so a good conditioner will restore moisture and keep your hair soft.
How Often Should You Use It?
Do not replace your regular shampoo with a purple one. Overuse can lead to a buildup of purple pigment, giving your hair a dull, lilac look.
The correct frequency depends on your hair. A good starting point is once a week. If your hair is still brassy, you can increase it to twice a week; if you notice a purple tint, cut back. You can alternate between your regular shampoo and your purple shampoo to maintain a perfect balance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can purple shampoo damage my hair?
Purple shampoo itself does not damage hair, but some formulas can be drying. Always use a hydrating conditioner afterward and avoid overuse to keep your hair healthy.
2. What happens if I leave purple shampoo on for too long?
Leaving it on too long can cause your hair to absorb too much pigment, resulting in a temporary purple or lavender tint, especially on very light or porous hair.
3. Will purple shampoo work on orange tones?
Purple shampoo works best on yellow tones. For orange tones, a blue shampoo is more effective because blue neutralizes orange on the color wheel.
4. Can I use purple shampoo on natural, uncolored hair?
You can, but it will only have a visible effect on naturally blonde, gray, or silver hair. It will not do anything for dark brown or black hair.
5. How quickly will I see results?
You should see a noticeable difference after just one wash. The brassy tones will be visibly reduced, and your hair color will appear cooler and brighter.
