Have you ever noticed your beautiful blonde hair turning a bit brassy or yellow over time?
Don’t worry, there’s a solution to help maintain your hair’s cool and vibrant tones: Introducing purple shampoo.
This game-changer for blondes and those with lighter hair colors uses violet tones so you can achieve that perfect ashy shade at home.
Before diving into how to use purple shampoo, it’s important to know that it is specifically designed for people with blonde, silver, or gray hair.
Using purple shampoo is quite simple, but there are some key steps to follow to achieve the best results.
In the next few paragraphs, you will learn how to properly apply purple shampoo to your hair and how long to leave it on for maximum toning benefits. Let’s get started on your journey to cooler, more vibrant hair.
Does Purple Shampoo Tone Hair?
Yes, purple shampoo does tone hair, especially for blondes. As a blonde, your hair can start to look a bit yellow or brassy over time. That’s where purple shampoo comes in handy. This product contains purple pigments that counteract those unwanted tones and help maintain a cooler, more vibrant hair color.
Remember, consistency is key. Toning your hair with purple shampoo won’t happen overnight, but with regular use, you should start to see a noticeable improvement in your hair’s tone and overall appearance.
The Theory Behind It
You see, purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel. This means that the purple pigment in the shampoo works to neutralize any yellow or brassy hues in your blonde hair.
You don’t have to worry about purple shampoo dyeing your hair purple; its primary purpose is to tone your hair and eliminate those rusty hues.
Keep in mind that purple shampoo is specifically designed for blondes and lighter hair colors, so if you have darker hair, it might not have the same effect.
Learn more: What Does Purple Shampoo Do?
How Toning with Purple Shampoo Works
Before you start toning, make sure you know how this type of shampoo works.
Purple Shampoo & How It Works
Purple shampoo is a specially formulated shampoo with violet tones that work to tone your hair. When you use it, the shampoo neutralizes yellow and orange tones, which can make your blonde hair look brassy.
This happens because purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel, allowing the purple pigments to cancel out unwanted warm tones in your hair.
What Are the Benefits of Using Purple Shampoo As Toner?
Using purple shampoo as a toner has several benefits for your hair:
- It helps maintain a cool and ashy blonde color.
- It neutralizes brassy and yellow tones – it does not lighten your hair.
- It’s an easy and affordable way to tone your hair at home.
What Hair Types Benefit from Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is best suited for blonde hair, especially those with lighter shades such as platinum or icy blonde. It can also be used on highlighted or color-treated hair to maintain a cooler, more vibrant look.
It’s not recommended for other hair colors, as it won’t have the same toning effect.
How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?
The frequency with which you should use purple shampoo depends on your hair type and desired results. Generally, you can use it once a week to maintain your desired tone.
If your hair is particularly brassy or you want a cooler shade, you can use it more often, but be cautious not to overuse it, as it may cause your hair to look too ashy or even purple.
Always follow the instructions on the bottle and pay attention to how your hair reacts to find the perfect balance for your unique situation.
Preparing Your Hair for Toning
Before you can start toning, you need to complete a little bit of preperation.
How to Prep Your Hair
To prepare your hair for toning, start by making sure your hair is clean and free of product buildup.
Additionally, avoid using any heavy oils or styling products before toning your hair, as they can prevent the purple shampoo from working effectively.
Using Clarifying Shampoo
Before you begin the toning process, it’s essential to use a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue or buildup. This type of shampoo will help open the cuticles, allowing the purple pigment to penetrate your hair more effectively.
After washing your hair with clarifying shampoo, gently towel-dry it to remove excess water. Make sure not to rub your hair aggressively, as this can cause damage and frizz.
Choose the Right Purple Shampoo
When selecting the right purple shampoo, consider your hair type, porosity, and desired result:
- For blonde hair, a violet-toned shampoo will help neutralize yellow and brassy tones.
- Gray hair and silver hair benefit from a blue-toned shampoo to keep their cool hues.
Read the label and instructions on the bottle carefully to ensure you’re using the product correctly. Don’t be afraid to ask your hairstylist for recommendations based on your specific hair needs.
Now that you’ve prepped your hair and chosen the right shampoo, you’re ready to apply the purple shampoo and reveal a toned, beautiful color.
How to Tone Your Hair with Purple Shampoo
- Wet your hair: Before applying the purple shampoo, make sure your hair is completely wet. This helps to evenly distribute the shampoo and ensures better toning results.
- Apply purple shampoo: Use a generous amount of purple shampoo. Lather it throughout your hair, concentrating on the areas with unwanted yellow or brassy tones.
- Leave it in: Let the purple shampoo sit in your hair for the recommended time, usually around 3 to 5 minutes.
- Rinse: Rinse all of the purple shampoo out. Let the water run until it runs clear.
- Condition: Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish any lost moisture.
Step 1: Wet Your Hair
First, wet your hair. Wet hair helps the shampoo absorb more evenly.
Step 2: Apply the Purple Shampoo
Once your hair is wet, apply the purple shampoo to your roots and work your way down to the tips. Be sure to cover your entire head, especially any sections with yellow or brassy tones.
It is a good idea to use gloves to avoid staining your hands.
Step 3: Leave the Purple Shampoo in Your Hair
Now, let the shampoo sit in your hair for a bit. The length of time you should leave the shampoo in depends on your desired level of toning. For a subtle effect, you might leave it on for just a couple of minutes. If your hair is more yellow or brassy, you might need to leave the shampoo on for up to five minutes. Start by setting a timer, so you don’t leave the shampoo on too long.
Step 4: Rinse the Purple Shampoo from Your Hair
After the designated time has passed, it’s time to rinse the purple shampoo out of your hair. Make sure to rinse thoroughly, as any leftover shampoo may cause uneven toning. Pay extra attention to your roots, as they tend to hold onto the purple pigment longer.
Step 5: Condition Your Hair After Toning
Using purple shampoo can be a bit drying to your hair, especially if you’re already dealing with damage from bleach or dye.
After rinsing the shampoo, apply a moisturizing conditioner to your hair to provide some much-needed TLC.
Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes before rinsing it out. This will help seal the cuticles and lock in moisture, leaving your hair smooth and shiny.
Remember not to overuse purple shampoo, as overuse may cause your hair to take on a violet tone. Adjust the frequency of usage based on the results you see and your hair care needs.
How to Avoid Damaging Your Hair from Toning
When you want to tone your hair, it’s important to take some precautions to avoid damaging your hair with purple shampoo. Follow these simple steps to ensure that your hair stays healthy and vibrant.
High-Quality Products
First, choose a high-quality purple shampoo. High-quality products contain nourishing ingredients that help protect your hair while toning.
Follow the Instructions
Next, make sure to follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle carefully. Do not leave the purple shampoo on your hair for longer than recommended, as over-toning can lead to damage.
It’s a good idea to start with a shorter amount of time, such as 2 to 3 minutes, and gradually increase the duration if needed.
Dilute the Shampoo If Needed
Remember to dilute the purple shampoo with water or mix it with your regular shampoo if you have very light or porous hair.
This will help prevent your hair from absorbing too much purple pigment and becoming overly toned. In addition, you should not use purple shampoo more than once a week to avoid over-toning and drying out your hair.
Use Conditioner
Always condition your hair after using purple shampoo. Toning dries your hair out, so using a nourishing conditioner or hair mask after you rinse out the shampoo will help keep your hair soft and manageable.
Caring For Toned Hair and Hair Health
After toning your hair, you still need to care for it to maintain it. Here’s how.
How to Maintain Toned Hair
After using purple shampoo to tone your hair, it’s essential to keep it looking fresh and healthy.
First, make sure to use a moisturizing conditioner after every wash. This helps lock in the cool pigments and keep your hair soft and manageable.
For even better results, consider using a purple conditioner alongside your shampoo.
You should also avoid overwashing your hair, as this can strip it of its natural oils and cause your color to fade faster. Instead, opt for a gentle, moisturizing shampoo that can cater to your hair’s specific needs.
If you’re unsure which products to use, ask your hairstylist for personal recommendations based on your hair type.
How Often Should You Tone Your Hair?
The frequency for toning your hair depends on several factors, such as how quickly your hair loses its cool tone and how light you want it to be.
It’s a good idea to use purple shampoo every other wash to maintain a balance between clean and toned hair.
If your hair is lighter, like platinum or silver, you may need extra TLC to keep those pesky yellow undertones at bay.
Consider using purple shampoo once a week, or consult your hairstylist for a more customized pigmentation maintenance plan.
Additional Hair Treatments and Products
Besides using purple shampoo and conditioner, there are a few other ways to keep your toned hair healthy and vibrant:
- Invest in high-quality products that specifically cater to color-treated hair, as they often contain the benefits needed for maintaining pigmentation and promoting hair health.
- Be gentle with your hair. This means limiting the use of heat styling tools and opting for gentle hair ties instead of elastic bands, which can cause breakage.
- Don’t forget the importance of regular trims. Keeping your hair free from split ends can contribute to total hair health, allowing your beautiful, toned tresses to shine.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining stunning, toned hair while also keeping it healthy and strong. Enjoy your cool-toned locks, and don’t be afraid to give your hair the extra care it deserves.
Key Takeaways: Can You Use Purple Shampoo as a Toner?
Yes, you can use purple shampoo as a toner. Purple shampoo is a great option for anyone with blonde, platinum, silver, pastel, beige, or gray hair, and it doesn’t even have to be colored.
It counteracts yellow and brassy tones in your hair, making it look cooler and more vibrant.
Remember to:
- Rinse your hair in hot water before applying.
- Massage the shampoo into the roots, working it through to the ends.
- Be gentle, and don’t overuse the shampoo.
- Use purple shampoo as a maintenance product to complement professional toning treatments.
Now, you know how to effectively use purple shampoo as a toner. Enjoy your cooler, more vibrant hair.
FAQs
How long should I leave purple shampoo in to tone my hair?
Leaving purple shampoo in your hair for the right amount of time is crucial for achieving the desired tone. Generally, you should leave purple shampoo in your hair for 3 to 5 minutes. If you have extremely brassy tones, you can leave it in for up to 10 minutes. But be careful not to exceed the recommended time, as it may cause over-toning and result in a dull, lifeless look.
Will purple shampoo fix yellow hair?
Yes, purple shampoo can help fix yellow hair. Purple shampoo contains violet pigments that neutralize yellow and brassy tones in blonde, platinum, silver, pastel, beige, and gray hair. Since purple is opposite to yellow on the color wheel, the purple pigment in the shampoo effectively counteracts the yellow tones in your hair, making it look cooler and more vibrant.
