Purple shampoo is a special kind of shampoo that helps keep blonde or light-colored hair looking its best.

It works by adding a small amount of purple pigment to your hair, which helps to neutralize any yellow or brassy tones that may have developed over time.

Using purple shampoo is easy, and it can make a big difference in the way your hair looks and feels.

Remember that purple shampoo is not meant to be used every day. Instead, use it once or twice a week as needed to maintain the perfect blonde tone in your hair. With consistent use, you’ll be able to keep your hair looking fresh, bright, and beautiful.

What Is Purple Shampoo?

Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo designed to help maintain the cool tones in your hair. Particularly if your hair blonde or gray.

Toner shampoo is a type of hair care product that is designed to neutralize unwanted tones in the hair, such as brassy or yellow tones.

It works by depositing small amounts of pigment onto the hair, which counteracts the unwanted tones and enhances the natural or artificial hair color.

It’s important to choose a toner shampoo that is specifically formulated for your hair color to achieve the best results.

The Role of Color Theory

To understand how purple shampoo works, you should know a bit about color theory.

In color theory, colors sit on a color wheel, and colors opposite each other are called complementary colors. When you mix complementary colors, they neutralize each other.

This means, if one color is dominant, using its complementary color can help balance it out.

Where Purple Shampoo Fits on the Color Wheel

In the case of purple shampoo, it’s purple because it lies opposite to yellow on the color wheel. This means it can help neutralize any yellow or brassy tones in your hair.

So, when you want to keep your blonde or gray hair looking cool and fresh, using purple shampoo is a great way to maintain the desired tone.

Remember to follow the instructions on the bottle and use it as needed to ensure your hair stays looking its best.

What Does Purple Shampoo Do?

Purple shampoo is made to do two things: neutralize unwanted tones and enhance wanted tones.

Neutralizing Brassy Tones

Purple shampoo helps to neutralize brassy tones in your hair.

Brassy tones are those unwanted yellow or orange colors that sometimes show up when you have blonde, silver, or gray hair.

This shampoo has a purple pigment which works to counteract the brassy colors by canceling them out. When you use purple shampoo, you’ll notice that your hair looks less yellow or orange and more even in color.

Brightening and Enhancing Blonde, Silver, and Gray Hair

Not only does purple shampoo neutralize brassy tones, but it also helps to brighten and enhance the color of your blonde, silver, or gray hair.

This is because purple shampoo contains a toning agent that helps to remove dullness and make your hair look brighter and more vibrant.

So, if you have blonde highlights or if you’ve bleached your hair to achieve a platinum color, purple shampoo can help to keep your hair looking its best.

Learn more: What Does Purple Shampoo Do?

How to Use Purple Shampoo

Here’s how to use purple shampoo correctly:

Wet your hair: Start by wetting your hair thoroughly in the shower with warm water. This helps open up the hair shaft and prepares it for the shampoo.
Apply purple shampoo: Squeeze a small amount of purple shampoo onto your palm. Gently massage it into your hair, creating a lather. Be sure to evenly distribute the shampoo throughout your hair.
Let it sit: Leave the purple shampoo in your hair for the recommended time on the bottle (usually 3-5 minutes). Use a shower cap to prevent dripping.
Rinse with cool water: Rinse the shampoo out of your hair using cool water. This helps seal the hair shaft and lock in the violet pigments.
Condition your hair: Apply a nourishing conditioner to your hair, focusing on the ends. Rinse with cool water.

How long should you leave purple shampoo in the hair?

The recommended time to leave purple shampoo in your hair varies by product, but typically ranges from 3-5 minutes. Leaving it on too long can cause your hair to become overly toned or appear ashy.

It is essential to follow the instructions provided on the bottle and consult with a hairstylist for guidance based on your specific hair type and needs.

Experiment with the duration through trial and error, adjusting the time as needed for your desired results.

Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo

When selecting a purple shampoo, consider your hair type and color. Look for a shampoo specifically designed for your hair.

If you have especially fine hair, or if it’s color-treated, make sure to take this into consideration.

Consult with a hair expert or colorist for personalized recommendations.

Post-Application Care

After using purple shampoo, take care of your hair to maintain its health. Use a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair moisturized and shiny.

Avoid using heat-styling tools, as they can cause damage to your hair.

Opt for a regular shampoo between purple shampoo sessions to cleanse your hair without over-toning.

When Should You Use Purple Shampoo?

When it comes to using purple shampoo, you should use it after your regular shampoo. But it’s important to note that you should not use it too often.

How often should I apply purple shampoo?

Using purple shampoo is important if you have blonde, gray, or silver hair to help tone down brassiness. To get the best results, you should use it about once or twice a week.

Start by using it once a week, then adjust the frequency depending on the results you obtain.

Remember that using it too often might cause your hair to look too ashy or even purple, so it’s important to find a balance that works for your hair.

How Not to Use Purple Shampoo

While purple shampoo is an excellent hair care product for blonde hair, it’s important to use it correctly to avoid any potential damage or undesirable results.

Firstly, it’s not recommended to use purple shampoo for an extended period of time, as it can cause your hair to take on a purple or grayish hue. You should only use it for a few minutes at a time and rinse it out thoroughly.

Additionally, overusing purple shampoo can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, so it’s best to limit its use to once or twice a week.

Finally, using too much purple shampoo can also lead to a buildup of product on your hair, which can make it look dull and lifeless.

Purple Shampoo & Hair Color: Who Is It For?

Purple shampoo is made for blonde, silver, and light-colored hair. It doesn’t matter if you’re born blonde, or if you’ve bleached your hair. It all works.

It’s also helpful for people with gray or silver hair, as it can emphasize the silvery hues and keep your hair looking lively.

Does Purple Shampoo Work for Brown Hair?

For brown hair, purple shampoo will not have the same effect as it does on lighter hair. However there’s a solution for you too. Instead of purple shampoo, you can use blue shampoo.

Much like how purple shampoo helps blondes, blue shampoo is designed for brunettes to neutralize the unwanted orange or red tones in their hair.

The blue pigments in the shampoo help counteract the brassy hues, leaving your brown hair looking cooler and refreshed.

So, if you have brown hair and you want to keep it looking its best, give blue shampoo a try. It can be used just like your regular shampoo but remember to follow the instructions on the label for the best results.

Other Methods To Maintain Your Hair Color

In addition to using purple shampoo, there are several other ways to keep your hair color looking its best.

Complementing Purple Shampoo with Conditioner

To help keep your hair color vibrant, be sure to use a color-safe conditioner after rinsing the purple shampoo from your hair.

This will not only help to moisturize your hair but also seal the hair cuticle, preventing unwanted tones from appearing.

Remember to choose a conditioner that is specifically designed for your hair color, whether you have blonde highlights, brown hair, or even red hair.

Incorporating Hair Masks and Toners

Another way to keep your hair color looking fresh is by incorporating hair masks and toners into your routine. A toner can help neutralize any warmth or unwanted color in your hair, especially for blondes and brunettes.

It is particularly helpful between salon appointments to maintain your hair’s desired color.

Hair masks, on the other hand, provide deep conditioning and nourishment, which can help preserve your hair color. Be sure to choose a mask that is specifically designed for color-treated hair and use it as recommended – usually once a week.

Adjusting Your Lifestyle and Hair Care Routine

Lastly, consider making some changes to your daily hair care routine to help maintain your hair color. Here are a few tips:

Wash your hair with color-safe shampoo and cool water, as warmer water can cause the hair cuticle to open, leading to color fading.
Avoid overusing styling tools, such as hairdryers and flat irons, as excessive heat can damage your hair and cause the color to fade.
Protect your hair from the sun, which can contribute to unwanted color changes, by wearing a hat or using products with UV protection.
If you have blonde hair and swim frequently, use a clarifying shampoo to prevent your hair from turning green due to chlorine.
For natural blondes and those with dark roots, schedule regular salon appointments to maintain your desired hair color.

Toning Shampoo for Other Hair Colors

Hair Color	Toner Shampoo	Purpose
Blonde	Purple shampoo	Neutralizes brassy tones and brightens blonde hair
Silver/Gray	Silver shampoo	Neutralizes yellow tones and enhances silver/gray hair
Red	Red shampoo	Enhances red tones and prevents fading
Brunette	Blue shampoo	Neutralizes orange/red tones and enhances brunette hair
Black	Black shampoo	Enhances shine and depth of black hair
Colored	Color-specific shampoo	Maintains and enhances the vibrancy of colored hair