Haircare - Hair

Does Purple Shampoo Actually Work? Here’s The Verdict

Does purple shampoo actually work, and if so, is it worth it?

Written by Amber Belanger
Does Purple Shampoo Work

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Purple shampoo. It’s become quite a craze – but is there something to it?

The question is not only whether it works, but how well, and wether it’s worth it. That’s the topic of this article.

If you’re on the verge of buying a purple shampoo, but want the proof first, then this article is for you.

There is a lot of science behind haircare products, and purple shampoo is no exception. And we’re going to dive into it.

But before that, let’s first cover what this type of shampoo claims to do for you.

What Does Purple Shampoo Do?

What Does Purple Shampoo Do

If you have blonde, platinum, silver, pastel, beige, or gray hair, then purple shampoo can be a game-changer for you. It is a shampoo that has a purple tint to it. This purple tint neutralizes unwanted yellow or brassy tones in your hair.

The reasoning behind why purple shampoo works is that purple and yellow are complementary colors.

When you use purple shampoo on your hair, the purple pigments in the shampoo cancel out the yellow pigments in your hair.

This leaves you with a cooler, brighter, and more vibrant hair color.

It is essential to note that purple shampoo is not a hair dye. It will not change the color of your hair. But, it will help maintain your true hair color by keeping the bad tones away.

Does Purple Shampoo Actually Tone Hair?

Now that you know what purple shampoo is supposed to do (tone your hair), the question is: does it do that.

The answer is yes, purple shampoo does tone your hair.

When blonde hair is exposed to elements like sun, heat, and chlorine, it can turn brassy and yellow. The purple pigments in the purple shampoo counteract those warm tones, leaving your hair looking cooler and more ashy.

So it does tone your hair. Question answered. If you need more convincing, here’s a video with a demonstration.

But you may also have heard that purple shampoo can lighten your hair, much like bleach. So, is this true?

Does Purple Shampoo Lighten Your Hair?

No. It’s a common misconception that purple shampoo lightens your hair. This is not true. Purple shampoo does not lighten your hair, as it is not a hair dye and does not contain bleach. It only works to tone your hair and neutralize unwanted warm tones.

That said, it can still change your hair color.

One of the mistakes that people make with purple shampoo is, they use it too often. Or, they let it sit for too long. Which has consequences.

If you leave the shampoo on for too long, it can leave a purple tint on your hair. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle and rinse thoroughly.

How Does Purple Shampoo Work?

Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo that contains purple pigments. These pigments work by neutralizing yellow and brassy tones in your hair, which can occur due to factors such as sun exposure, hard water, and heat styling.

Think about it like the color wheel: purple is across from yellow. Because they’re opposites, they neutralize each other. Much like plus and minus.

color wheel

This is also why there’s such a thing as “blue shampoo” for darker hair colors. As you can see, blue is opposite from orange, meaning, blue shampoo can help brunettes get rid of unwanted orange colors.

How Fast Does Purple Shampoo Work?

The speed at which purple shampoo works varies depending on various factors:

  • hair type
  • how often you use the shampoo
  • whether you mix it with regular shampoo
  • the specific brand of purple shampoo you use
  • and more

But, in general, you can expect to see results after a few washes.

It’s important to note that purple shampoo is not a permanent solution to brassy or yellow tones. You will need to continue using the shampoo regularly to maintain the results.

Does Purple Shampoo Work on All Hair Types?

If you’re wondering if purple shampoo works on all hair types, the answer is yes and no. While purple shampoo is specifically formulated for blonde, silver, gray, and white hair, it can also be used on other hair colors to help tone down brassiness and add shine.

But, if you have darker hair, purple shampoo will not be as effective. It can even cause unwanted color changes.

Which is why it is not recommended for darker hair colors.

This is because purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow and brassy tones, which are more common in lighter hair colors.

If you have darker hair, check out blue shampoo instead.

It’s also important to note that not all purple shampoos are created equal. Some are more potent than others, and some contain harsh chemicals that can damage your hair.

How to Use Purple Shampoo

So, purple shampoo works. But how do you use it?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

  1. Wet your hair thoroughly in the shower.
  2. Apply a small amount of purple shampoo to your hair, focusing on the areas that are most brassy or yellow.
  3. Massage the shampoo into your hair and scalp for a few minutes.
  4. Leave the shampoo in your hair for 3-5 minutes. Don’t leave it in for too long, or it could over-tone your hair.
  5. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
  6. Follow up with your regular conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
  7. Dry and style your hair as usual.

Remember: do not overuse purple shampoo.

Using it too frequently or leaving it in for too long can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Instead, use it once or twice a week as part of your regular hair care routine.

If you need more help, we do also have a more detailed article on how to use purple shampoo.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of Using Purple Shampoo?

Using purple shampoo is generally safe and effective for most people. But there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid any potential risks or side effects.

Can Stain

Firstly, as we’ve mentioned already, if you leave it in too long, it can stain.

The purpose of purple shampoo is not to make your hair purple. If your hair becomes purple, it means your purple shampoo treatment has gone wrong.

Follow the instructions on the bottle, and if you’re in doubt, rinse it out earlier.

You can also mix it with your regular shampoo for a less potent solution.

Can Fade Color-Treated Hair

If you have color-treated hair, purple shampoo can be a great addition to your hair care routine. But overuse of purple shampoo can cause your color to fade quicker than normal.

Make sure to use it sparingly and follow up with a hydrating conditioner to keep your color vibrant.

Can Cause Dry Hair

Additionally, if you find that your hair is feeling dry or brittle after using purple shampoo, it may be a sign that you need to hydrate your hair more. Consider using a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask to restore moisture to your locks.

Verdict: Does Purple Shampoo Actually Work?

If you’re wondering whether purple shampoo is worth the hype, the answer is yes, it does work. But how effective it is depends on your hair type, how often you use it, and the quality of the product you choose.

Is It Worth It?

Not all purple shampoos are created equal. And not all hair is the same. Some products may be too harsh for your hair, while others may not be strong enough to make a noticeable difference.

It’s important to choose a high-quality product that’s specifically designed for your hair type and needs.

Which is also why we can’t give a definitive answer on whether it’s worth it or not. It’s up to you. How brassy is your hair, and how bad do you want it gone?

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you use purple shampoo?

It depends on how often you wash your hair and how brassy your blonde hair is. If you wash your hair every day, you can use purple shampoo every other day. If you wash your hair twice a week, you can use purple shampoo once a week. If your hair is very brassy, you can use purple shampoo twice a week.

What does purple shampoo do to blonde hair?

Purple shampoo is specifically formulated to neutralize brassy and yellow tones in blonde, silver, and gray hair. The purple pigments in the shampoo counteract the warm tones in the hair, leaving it looking cooler and brighter.

How long does it take for purple shampoo to work?

The results of purple shampoo depend on the product you use, the condition of your hair, and how long you leave the shampoo in your hair. Some products work in just a few minutes, while others need to be left in for up to 20 minutes. Follow the instructions on the bottle for the best results.

Is it worth using purple shampoo?

If you have blonde, silver, or gray hair that tends to get brassy or yellow over time, purple shampoo is definitely worth using. It can help maintain the cool, bright tones of your hair and extend the time between color appointments. However, if you have darker hair or hair that doesn’t tend to get brassy, purple shampoo may not be necessary for you.

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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.