If you have blonde hair, you might be familiar with the struggle to maintain that perfect shade and tone. It’s not uncommon for blonde hair to develop unwanted brassiness or yellow tones over time.
This issue is dealt with using toning shampoos.
But the question is, is blue shampoo the right one for you as a blonde?
The product is designed to neutralize the coppery and yellow tones in hair. But it’s usually used by brunettes.
And using the wrong type of shampoo could leave your hair looking less than perfect. So it’s important to choose the right one.
What Is Blue Shampoo?
Blue shampoo is a special toning shampoo that contains blue pigments to help people with brown hair. The blue pigment in the shampoo neutralizes any warm underlying pigments in your hair.
Unlike violet shampoos meant for blonde hair, this shampoo uses blue pigments to give it that blue hue.
Why Use Blue Shampoo?
The main reasons to use blue shampoo is to get rid of orange, brassy tones in your hair. These tones often develop in brown hair, while blonde hair develops yellow tones. That’s why blondes often go with a different option: purple shampoo.
Blonde Hair Concerns
As a blonde, you probably know the struggle of maintaining your beautiful, bright locks.
It can be challenging to keep your color-treated hair looking fresh and vibrant, especially when it starts to develop unwanted yellow or brassy tones. Brassiness and yellow tones can give your hair an unappealing, dull appearance.
Blue shampoo is specifically designed to neutralize those brassy tones in color-treated hair. If your perfect blonde shade starts to take on a orange-ish hue, blue shampoo can help.
But again, the problem is that blondes tend to develop yellow tones. This raises concerns for blondes considering to use blue shampoo.
So what should you do instead? Look towards purple shampoo.
Blue vs. Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair
Both blue and purple shampoos are designed to help you maintain your beautiful blonde hair. But which one should you use?
Let’s break it down for you, so you can decide which is best for your hair.
Sure, here’s a table that summarizes the benefits of both purple and blue shampoos for different types of blonde hair:
| Purple Shampoo | Blue Shampoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Neutralizes yellow tones | Neutralizes orange or brassy undertones |
| Pigments | Violet/purple | Blue/violet |
| Best For | Blonde hair with yellow undertones | Brown hair or darker blonde hair with orange or brassy undertones |
Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is made with violet pigments and is great for blonde hair with yellow undertones. It works by neutralizing these yellow tones to help keep your hair looking fresh and bright.
So, if your hair has a tendency to turn yellow or brassy after dyeing it blonde, purple shampoo is the better choice for you.
Blue Shampoo
Blue shampoo, on the other hand, contains blue-violet pigments and is designed for blonde hair with orange or brassy undertones. Like purple shampoo, it neutralizes those warm tones to give you a cooler, brighter blonde.
If your hair leans more towards an orange hue, then blue shampoo is the way to go.
To get the best results, make sure to use your chosen shampoo according to the instructions on the bottle. Usually, this means applying the shampoo to wet hair, lathering up, and leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing. This will help the pigments do their magic on your hair.
So remember, choose purple shampoo if you want to neutralize yellow tones. Blue shampoo if you need to tackle orange or brassy undertones.
How to Use Blue Shampoo On Blonde Hair
If you do have orange tones in your blonde hair, here’s how to use blue shampoo.
Choosing the Right Shampoo
It’s important to use the right blue shampoo. If you have blonde highlights, you should consider using a purple shampoo instead of a blue one, as it is better suited for maintaining that gorgeous blonde color.
The same applies if you have light blonde hair, such as pearl or platinum. If you have a darker blonde shade, such as dark ash, you can go for a blue shampoo.
Remember: it depends on the tones you wish to eliminate.
Application Technique
Using blue shampoo on your blonde hair is a simple process. Here’s how you do it:
- Wet your hair thoroughly. Make sure your hair is completely wet before applying the blue shampoo.
- Apply the blue shampoo. Squeeze a small amount of blue shampoo into your palm and gently massage it into your hair and scalp. Make sure to evenly distribute the shampoo throughout your hair for the best results.
- Let it sit. Allow the blue shampoo to sit on your hair for about five minutes. This duration allows the pigments in the shampoo to neutralize brassiness and unwanted tones.
- Rinse with cool water. After letting the shampoo sit for five minutes, rinse it off thoroughly with cool water to seal the hair cuticles and maintain the color.
- Follow up with a conditioner. If needed, apply a blue conditioner or a color-protecting conditioner to keep your hair soft and shiny.
Frequency
To keep your blonde hair looking fabulous, use blue shampoo about once a week or as recommended by your hairstylist. This frequency will help maintain your desired hair color without overdoing it.
Remember, it’s essential to balance your hair’s needs and avoid overuse.
Preventing Brassiness In Blonde Hair
The goal of toning shampoo (purple or blue) is to eliminate brassiness. Here are some more tips on how to do that.
Maintaining Hair Health
To keep your blonde hair looking fresh and brass-free, it’s essential to take care of your hair health. Ensuring a proper hair care routine will help protect and nourish your locks. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Wash your hair less frequently: Overwashing can strip essential oils and fade your hair color. Try to wash your hair every 2-3 days to keep it vibrant and healthy.
- Use blue shampoo: Incorporate a blue shampoo with blue-violet pigments into your routine. It will counteract the brassiness and maintain your blonde tone.
- Condition and hydrate: Deep condition your hair regularly to keep it moisturized and nourished. Look for products specifically designed for colored or treated hair.
- Protect from heat: Use a heat protectant spray before using styling tools to avoid damage and further color fading.
When to Visit a Salon
Regular salon visits play a crucial role in maintaining the brightness of your blonde hair. It’s important to work closely with your colorist to ensure your hair stays healthy and brass-free. Let’s explore when you should visit a salon:
- Color touch-ups: Schedule touch-ups with your colorist every 6-8 weeks to maintain your blonde shade and avoid brassiness.
- Toning treatments: Ask your colorist if a toning treatment is necessary for your hair. It can help neutralize any warm tones and keep your hair looking icy and fresh.
- Haircuts and trims: Regular trims from your stylist help maintain healthy hair and prevent split ends. Aim to schedule a trim every 8-12 weeks.
Remember, a consistent hair care routine and regular salon visits are both essential for keeping your blonde hair brass-free and looking its best. Happy hair care!
Better Alternatives Than Blue Shampoo
Because blue shampoo is designed for brunettes to combat brassiness in their hair, there are better alternatives for blondes.
Three main alternatives include:
- Purple shampoo
- Purple conditioner
- Purple toning drops
Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is a fantastic option for blonde hair, as it can target yellow and brassy tones.
This shampoo is formulated with purple pigments to neutralize unwanted warmth in your blonde or silver hair, leaving it looking fresh and bright.
Purple Conditioner
After using purple shampoo, follow up with a purple conditioner to enhance the treatment. Purple conditioners help lock in the cool pigments, leaving your hair feeling soft and looking extra vibrant.
Toning Drops
Toning drops are concentrated pigments that can be mixed with your regular shampoo or conditioner to customize your color treatment.
These drops let you control the intensity of the color treatment to better suit your hair needs, ensuring your blonde locks always look their best.
Final Takeaway: Can You Use Blue Shampoo on Blonde Hair?
Blue shampoo is generally not recommended for blonde hair since it’s designed to remove orange tones. If you have blonde hair you should use purple shampoo instead, as it adds tone and maintains the coolness of the color.
Blue shampoo on blonde hair can cause an unwanted color, so stick with purple shampoo to avoid any issues. Unless your hair stylist recommends otherwise.
Purple shampoo is specifically designed to neutralize yellow hues in blonde hair and help maintain a cool, fresh look between salon trips or color touch-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose blue or purple shampoo for my blonde hair?
For blonde hair, it’s better to use purple shampoo as it is meant for maintaining ashy blonde shades and removes yellow tones. Blue shampoo is designed for lightened or highlighted brown hair and is meant to remove orange tones. So, if you have blonde hair, go for purple shampoo.
How often should I use blue shampoo for blonde hair?
Since blue shampoo isn’t meant for blonde hair, you shouldn’t use it on blonde hair at all. Instead, stick to purple shampoo. You can use purple shampoo 1-2 times a week to maintain your ideal blonde shade and remove any brassiness.
What are the benefits of blue shampoo and conditioner for blonde hair?
Blue shampoo isn’t ideal for blonde hair; however, purple shampoo and conditioner can offer significant benefits. For blonde hair, purple shampoo helps neutralize yellow tones to maintain a cool, ashy blonde shade. Pairing it with a purple conditioner can enhance the effect and provide additional hydration to your hair.
Can blue shampoo fix orange tones in blonde hair?
No, blue shampoo is designed to counteract orange tones in lightened or highlighted brown hair. For blonde hair, using purple shampoo would be a better option to remove any yellowish hues and maintain a cool, ashy tone.
What effect does blue shampoo have on brown hair?
Blue shampoo is meant for lightened and highlighted brown hair. It helps maintain caramel, dirty blonde, and ash brown colors by counteracting orange tones. It can also be used on natural brunette hair, but the effect might not be as dramatic.
How long should I leave blue shampoo in my blonde hair?
As blue shampoo isn’t recommended for blonde hair, you shouldn’t leave it in at all. Instead, use purple shampoo. Generally, you can leave purple shampoo in your hair for about 3-5 minutes, but always follow the specific instructions provided on your product’s packaging.
