Bleaching can go completely wrong, or completely right. No matter what, there’s a risk of developing orange undertones in your hair. That’s something you have to accept when it comes to bleaching.
But you can do something about it. This is where blue shampoo comes in. It is designed to deal with that exact issue.
And not only that, but you can expect many other benefits as well (such as your new hair color lasting longer).
But you can’t just swap your regular shampoo for blue shampoo. You need to know how to use it.
So here’s how to use blue shampoo on bleached hair to get the best results.
What Is Blue Shampoo?
Blue shampoo is a shampoo designed for color-treated brunettes or dark-haired individuals. It contains blue-violet pigments that help neutralize any orange tones, preventing them from appearing in your hair.
By using blue shampoo, you can cool down the warm tones and give your hair a fresher, more vibrant appearance.
How Blue Shampoo Works
The magic behind blue shampoo lies in the color wheel. Most people know this wheel from elementary school.
The color blue is opposite of orange. This means, the two colors neutralize each other. It also means that blue shampoo the perfect choice to counteract orange hues in brown and brunette hair.
When you apply the shampoo, the blue-violet pigments are deposited into your hair. This neutralizes the brassy tones that can occur when hair is lightened with hair color or bleach.
Who Is Blue Shampoo Meant For?
Although blue shampoo is sometimes compared to purple shampoo, there are differences between the two.
Purple shampoo is used for blonde or silver hair. Blue shampoo is for brunettes. Both shampoos serve a similar purpose in keeping your hair color cool and vibrant, but they work to combat different tones.
| Hair Tone | Unwanted, Brassy Undertones | Toning Shampoo |
|---|---|---|
| Blonde | Yellow tones | Purple |
| Gray | Yellow tones | Purple |
| Brown | Orange tones | Blue |
Brown Hair
Blue shampoo is ideal for you if you have naturally light brown hair or brown hair with blonde highlights. Again, this is because brown hair tends to develop orange undertones.
Bleach and other treatments can also cause brassiness, making your hair look orange or yellow.
When you use blue shampoo on your brown hair, it gives a subtle, cool-toned effect which can be appealing.
Remember, it doesn’t lift or lighten your hair color; instead, it works on the surface to enhance your existing shade.
Color-Treated Hair
If your hair is color-treated, with shades like ombré, sombré, balayage, or classic highlights, then blue shampoo can be your go-to product.
These hair colors require a certain level of upkeep. And, blue shampoo can help you make the most of your color treatment. Especially if your hair is prone to brassiness.
Use blue shampoo to preserve your color-treated hair’s vibrancy and maintain the cool tones you desire.
Can You Use Blue Shampoo on Bleached Hair?
Yes, you can use blue shampoo on bleached hair. Blue shampoo is formulated for brown color-treated hair to help neutralize and counteract orange, brassy or yellow tones.
Does Blue Shampoo Work on Bleached Hair?
You might wonder if blue shampoo is suitable for your bleached hair. Well, let’s put your worries to rest:
Blue shampoo is specifically designed to work on hair with orange or brassy tones, which typically occurs when you bleach or lighten brunette hair.
The blue shampoo’s pigments neutralize these unwanted hues, leaving your hair with a cooler, more even tone.
If you are a natural blonde with bleached hair, you should use a purple shampoo for bleached hair.
Benefits of Blue Shampoo on Bleached Hair
Here are the main benefits of blue shampoo:
- Fix brassiness
- Preserve your vibrant hair color
- Enhance your shine
Fix Brassiness In Bleached Hair
When you bleach your hair, it’s common for brassy tones to appear over time. Blue shampoo can help neutralize these unwanted warm tones in your bleached locks.
The blue-violet pigments work by canceling out the orange and yellow hues, bringing your hair back to a cooler shade.
Preserve Your Vibrant Color
One of the key benefits of using blue shampoo on your bleached hair is maintaining that vibrant color you love. Regular use of the shampoo can keep your color looking fresh for longer.
It’s recommended that you use blue shampoo every 1-2 weeks, depending on the level of brassiness.
Enhance Your Shine
Not only does blue shampoo fix brassiness and preserve your color, but it can also help enhance the shine and health of your bleached hair.
Some blue shampoos contain nourishing ingredients that help strengthen and repair damaged hair. Some don’t, and may dry out your hair. Beware of this.
How to Use Blue Shampoo on Bleached Hair
If you want to give blue shampoo a try, but aren’t sure how to do it, here’s a quick guide on how to use blue shampoo.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Wet your hair thoroughly
Before applying blue shampoo, make sure your hair is completely wet. This will help the shampoo spread evenly and work effectively to combat orange and brassy tones.
2. Apply blue shampoo
Gently massage the blue shampoo into your roots, working your way down to the tips of your hair. The blue tint of the shampoo will help neutralize any orange tones, while yellow tones will be targeted by the shampoo’s other ingredients.
3. Saturate your hair
It’s important to saturate each strand of your bleached hair with the blue shampoo. This ensures that the shampoo can work its magic on every part of your hair, giving you the best results possible.
4. Wait
Once the blue shampoo is evenly distributed throughout your hair, let it sit for about 2-5 minutes. This allows the shampoo to penetrate your hair and neutralize any unwanted tones.
5. Rinse and condition
After the five minutes are up, thoroughly rinse the blue shampoo from your hair. Afterward, apply a conditioner to keep your hair soft and manageable.
How often should I use blue shampoo on my bleached hair?
You should use blue shampoo between once or twice a week to once every other week. Blue shampoo can stain your hair if you use it too often. And that’s the last thing you want.
The best frequency is really what your hair needs. Be mindful and assess between every use.
How to Avoid Hair Damage from Blue Shampoo
Blue shampoo is not without risk. Yes, it can damage your hair, if you use it the wrong way.
The main issues that people experience from blue shampoo are:
- Blue stains
- Dry hair
- Dull hair
- Hai breakage (as a result from dry hair)
Here’s what you need to know to avoid hair damage:
- Don’t overuse it
- Follow the instructions
- Use conditioner
Don’t Overuse
Overuse of blue shampoo can lead to broken bonds in the hair, making it brittle and prone to damage.
While blue shampoo neutralizes warm pigments in bleached hair, it’s important not to overuse it. Limit application to once or twice a week to avoid hair damage and breakage.
Follow the Instructions
Always follow the instructions on the bottle of your blue shampoo. This ensures you are applying the right amount of shampoo and letting it sit for the appropriate time.
Typically, you should saturate your strands with blue shampoo and leave it on for less than five minutes before rinsing.
Use Conditioner
To keep your hair healthy, it’s important to use a good-quality moisturizing conditioner after using blue shampoo. A conditioner will help restore moisture and nourishment, making your hair less prone to breakage and damage.
If you’re experiencing severe hair damage or breakage, consult with a professional hair colorist. They can help you nurture your hair back to health.
Final Takeaway: Should You Use Blue Shampoo on Bleached Hair?
Yes, you should use blue shampoo, if you need it. When it comes to blue shampoo on bleached hair, consider your hair color and needs. Blue shampoo is designed to combat brassiness in color-treated hair, but it’s best suited for brassy brunettes with lightened hair.
If you have blonde or gray hair, purple shampoo may be more appropriate for you.
That said, it’s essential to remember that individual hair types and conditions can vary. It’s always a good idea to test a small amount of the blue or purple shampoo on a hidden section of your hair.
This will help you determine which product works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can blue shampoo fix brassiness in bleached hair?
Yes, blue shampoo can help fix brassiness in bleached hair. If your bleaching results turned more on the golden or orange side, using a blue shampoo like Joico Color Balance Blue can cancel out those warm tones and give you a cool-toned result. Remember, blue shampoo is ideal for lightened and highlighted brown hair, and its effect may not be as drastic on natural brunettes.
Should I alternate between blue and purple shampoo?
It depends on the color you’re trying to maintain. Blue shampoo neutralizes orange and brassy tones, while purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones. If you have a mix of both tones in your hair, alternating between blue and purple shampoo can help achieve a more balanced look. Keep in mind that violet-purple is across the color wheel from yellow, and blue is across the wheel from orange, which is why different color shampoos focus on different tones.
Is blue shampoo safe for color-treated bleached hair?
Yes, blue shampoo is safe for color-treated bleached hair. In fact, it is specifically formulated to help maintain vibrancy in blonde, bleached, and highlighted hair. Blue shampoos contain blue-violet pigments that neutralize brassy tones and restore the hair’s natural color, making it a perfect addition to your color maintenance routine.
