Hair - Haircare

The Truth About Purple Conditioner: Does It Work?

Does purple conditioner work? The answer: It depends on your hair.

Written by Amber Belanger
Does purple conditioner work

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Do you have blonde hair and struggle with brassy tones?

You may have come across purple conditioner as a potential solution. But does it work? That’s the topic of this article.

First of all, there are many factors. What are you trying to achieve? What is your hair type? And how will you use it?

These are all questions that contribute to the effectiveness of purple conditioner. Lets dive into it.

What is Purple Conditioner?

Purple conditioner is a hair care product designed for blonde hair, often used alongside purple shampoo.

The Purpose of Purple Conditioner

The main goal of purple conditioner is to correct and maintain the cool tones in your blonde hair. It works by neutralizing brassy, yellow hues through the use of complementary colors – purple and yellow.

You can use a purple conditioner to keep your hair fresh and vibrant without any unwanted warm tones.

How Does Purple Conditioner Work?

To understand why purple conditioner works or not, you have to understand how it works.

The Color Wheel

Remember, the color wheel from art class? Opposite colors cancel each other out. For your blonde hair, the violet pigments in purple conditioner neutralize yellow tones. They counteract each other.

Purple Pigments

When you apply purple conditioner, the purple pigments do their magic. Your hair absorb them, and they get to work counteracting the warm undertones. This leaves your hair brighter and cleaner.

As it’s a conditioner, It not only tones your hair, but also nourishes it after washing.

Does Purple Conditioner Work?

Yes, purple conditioner works, if you have the right hair type. The hair care product is designed for light-colored hair. That includes platinum, blonde, gray, and the likes.

Hair ColorPurple Shampoo EffectivenessPurple Conditioner Effectiveness
Color-Treated HairWorks well, maintains color and reduces brassiness.Works well, neutralizes yellow or brassy tones.
Blonde HairWorks well, keeps blonde hair fresh and vibrant.Works well, eliminates yellowish tinges.
Gray HairWorks well, keeps gray hair bright and cool.Works well, eliminates yellowish tinges.
Brown Hair (with lighter highlights)Works to address brassy tones.Works to address brassy tones.
Dark Brown HairMay not be as effective on darker shades of brown hair.May not be as effective on darker shades of brown hair.

Color-Treated Hair

Yes, purple shampoo works well on color-treated hair. Especially on blonde highlights or hair that has turned yellow or brassy. It helps in maintaining the color and reducing the brassiness.

Blonde Hair

Purple conditioner is designed for blonde hair. The purpose of the conditioner is to neutralize yellow or brassy tones. It keeps your blonde locks looking fresh and vibrant.

Gray Hair

Purple conditioner works on gray hair too. Gray hair often develops unwanted tones. The same goes for white hair. It helps to remove any yellowish tinges, keeping your gray hair looking bright and cool.

Brown Hair

For brown hair, purple conditioner can help address brassy tones if you have lighter highlights or balayage. But it will not be as effective on darker shades of brown hair.

Benefits of Purple Conditioner for Hair

There are three main benefits to purple conditioner:

  • Removes brassy tones
  • Nourishes dry and damaged hair
  • Maintains hair color

Then there is a list of “sub” benefits. It adds moisture. Keeps your hair healthy. And so on.

Removing Brassy Tones

Purple conditioner can help you remove brassy tones from your blonde hair. It works because purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel.

When you apply the purple conditioner, the purple pigment neutralize the unwanted yellow and orange tones.

This leaves your hair with a cooler, more natural look. It’s an easy way to keep your blonde hair looking fresh and vibrant.

Nourishing Dry Hair

Purple conditioners are also great for nourishing dry and damaged hair.

Many of them contain ingredients like shea butter and argan oil. These help add moisture and nurture brittle strands.

You can use purple conditioner to improve your hair’s health, making it feel softer to the touch.

Maintaining Hair Color

If you want to keep your hair color looking its best, purple conditioner should be part of your hair care routine.

Purple conditioner not only combats brassiness but also maintains your hair’s cool tones.

Use the conditioner to extend the life of your color, and keep it looking vibrant for longer periods.

In short, purple conditioner can eliminate brassy tones, nourish dry hair, and maintain your color.

How to Use Purple Conditioner for the Best Results

Purple conditioner is different from normal conditioner. That’s why you’ll have to use it differently.

Application Instructions

Here’s how to use purple conditioner:

  1. Start by shampooing your hair with a product that suits your hair texture and porosity.
  2. After rinsing, squeeze out excess water from your hair and apply purple conditioner evenly from roots to tips.
  3. Rinse it all out.

And you’re done!

Frequency of Use

The frequency of use depends on the desired level of toning and your hair’s condition. If you have lightened hair you may need to use it more often.

Generally, you can use purple conditioner every day. Some may need to use it less.

Tips from Hairstylists

Here are some professional tips to help you get the most out of your purple conditioner experience:

Hair Texture

Tailor the amount of purple conditioner you use to to your hair’s texture and thickness. Fine hair may need less product, while thicker, curlier hair might need more.

You need to make distribution and absorption ideal.

Porosity

Hair with high porosity tends to absorb and lose moisture, making it more prone to frizz and product build-up.

In this case, you may need to use purple conditioner more frequently to maintain hydration and prevent brassiness.

Leave-in Time

For optimal results, allow the purple conditioner to sit on your hair for at least 2-5 minutes. This ensures the product has time to tone and moisturize your hair effectively. Rinse thoroughly afterward to avoid any residue or over-toning.

Follow these tips and adjust your purple conditioner routine to suit your hair’s needs. This ensures the best possible results.

How to Choose the Best Purple Conditioner

To make sure your purple conditioner works the best, you should buy the best product for you.

Ingredients to Look for

When selecting a purple conditioner, pay attention to the ingredients.

Choose a conditioner that contains moisturizing ingredients, fatty acids, and antioxidants. These ingredients help hydrate and protect your hair, keeping it healthy and vibrant.

Suitability for Your Hair Type

Consider your hair type when choosing the right purple conditioner. These toning products work well for blonde, gray, and highlighted hair. Other hair colors like brunette and red hair may not benefit as much.

Find a purple conditioner that is suitable for your specific hair color and texture.

For instance, if you have bleached hair, look for a product that provides extra hydration. This will minimize frizz and product build-up.

If you have colored hair, consider a purple conditioner free of sulfates, gluten, parabens, and harsh salts.

Professional Recommendations

Finally, seek professional recommendations from hairstylists or colorists. They can suggest products tailored to your hair’s specific needs.

Remember to follow the instructions on how to use the purple conditioner correctly. Misusing or overusing the product can lead to undesired results.

Incorporate these tips when searching for the perfect purple conditioner to maintain your hair color and improve its overall health.

Final Takeaway: Does Purple Conditioner Work?

Yes, purple conditioner works for specific hair types. If you have blonde, lightened, or gray hair, purple conditioner will neutralize brassiness and maintain a cool tone in your hair. It’s developed for these hair types, so if you’re a brunette, the effect won’t be as noticeable.

Keep in mind that purple conditioner is not meant for long-term use, like leaving it in your hair overnight. Follow the directions on the product to avoid over-toning your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is purple conditioner essential for color-treated hair?

Not necessarily, but it can be helpful for those with blonde or silver hair. Purple conditioner helps neutralize any yellow or brassy tones, keeping your color vibrant. If you’re not concerned about these tones or have different hair color, purple conditioner might not be essential for you.

Which is more effective, purple shampoo or conditioner?

Both purple shampoo and conditioner work together to maintain your hair color. While purple shampoo targets brassiness more aggressively, purple conditioner nourishes and hydrates the hair while also maintaining color. Using both products can provide optimal results for color-treated hair.

What is the correct duration to leave purple conditioner in your hair?

The duration to leave purple conditioner in your hair can vary depending on the product and your hair type. However, for most products, leaving it on for 3-5 minutes is recommended. It’s important to follow the instructions on the product and consult with your stylist if you’re unsure.

Can purple conditioner be used daily?

Purple conditioner can be used daily if needed, but it might not be necessary for everyone. Depending on your hair type, how often you wash your hair, and how much brassiness you’re trying to combat, you may find using purple conditioner once or twice a week is sufficient.

Is purple conditioner effective for silver hair?

Yes, purple conditioner can be effective for silver hair too. Purple conditioner helps neutralize yellow tones that might appear in silver hair, keeping it looking cool and fresh.

What is the right way to apply purple conditioner?

To apply purple conditioner, first wash your hair with your regular shampoo or purple shampoo. Squeeze out excess water and apply the purple conditioner, focusing on the areas where you have brassiness or yellow tones. Leave it on for the recommended time, usually 3-5 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.

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Amber Belanger

Amber is not just a beauty enthusiast. She has spent countless hours doing the nails of her friends, researching the newest studies on personal care, as well as tried and tested numerous hair products. She prides herself on her factuality and luscious hair.