Blue hair is difficult to maintain. There’s not a whole lot of hair care options to keep the blue hue.
But what about purple shampoo. There’s purple in the name, so maybe that can help?
Purple shampoo is typically used to neutralize the yellow-orange tones in blonde hair. When it comes to blue hair, the effectiveness of purple shampoo is a bit different.
Lets dive into it.
Understanding Purple Shampoo
Before we can answer whether purple shampoo works on blue hair, we need to understand it.
How It Works
Purple shampoo is specially formulated for blonde hair to help neutralize unwanted tones and maintain its vibrancy.
When you use purple shampoo, it works to counteract the yellow and orange tones that can make your hair look dull and brassy. By doing this, your hair color remains fresh and vibrant for longer periods.
Color Wheel Theory
To understand how purple shampoo works, it’s helpful to know a bit about color theory. Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel neutralize one another.
In the case of purple shampoo, purple is opposite yellow. This means that purple shampoo will neutralize the yellow tones in your hair.
Key Ingredients
The key ingredients in purple shampoo are purple and blue pigments. These pigments are responsible for neutralizing the unwanted yellow and orange tones in your hair.
Other ingredients often found in purple shampoo are moisturizers and proteins, which work together to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
Does Purple Shampoo Work on Blue Hair?
No, purple shampoo does not work on blue hair. While it does depend somewhat on your shade, purple shampoo is not recommended. If you have light blue hair, or blue hair with other tones, you may achieve some effect.
Benefits
Purple shampoo is a popular hair care product for people with blonde or light-colored hair. However, if you have blue hair, you might be better off using a targeted color-correcting shampoo instead.
Color-correcting or color-depositing shampoos work similarly to purple shampoos, but they target specific tones (such as blue).
This makes them more effective for those with blue hair.
That said, purple shampoo won’t damage your hair. But it won’t achieve its intended effect.
Effect on Different Hair Types
Now, let’s discuss how purple shampoo affects different hair types. Using purple shampoo on blue hair will likely have minimal, if any, effect on your hair color.
In fact, using purple shampoo on blue hair will not help maintain the vibrancy of your blue hair.
For colored hair, especially blue, it is important to use color-safe products.
Since blue hair can fade over time due to sun exposure, hard water, and chlorine, a color-enhancing product can protect and maintain the vibrancy of your blue hair.
How to Use Purple Shampoo on Blue Hair
If you insist on using purple shampoo on your blue hair, you need to follow some simple steps:
- Wash: First, wet your hair with lukewarm water. This will help open up the hair cuticles and allow the purple shampoo to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively.
- Apply: Once your hair is wet, apply a generous amount of purple shampoo to your palms, then massage it into your hair, ensuring even distribution.
- Wait: Let the shampoo sit on your hair for at least 3-5 minutes. This allows the shampoo’s violet pigments to counteract any yellow or orange tones that may have appeared in your blue hair.
- Rinse: After you’ve allowed the shampoo to work its magic, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. This will help close the hair cuticles and seal in the purple shampoo’s toning effects.
Make sure to remove all the shampoo, so there is no residue left behind.
Keep in mind that if you leave the shampoo on longer, it could result in a more intense toning effect. Excessive use of purple shampoo on blue hair will not produce desired results. It’s still designed to neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair.
Comparison with Other Shampoos
As you likely won’t use purple shampoo, here are some other options you may have thought about:
- Blue shampoo
- Clarifying shampoo
- Color-safe shampoo
Blue Shampoo
If you have blue hair, consider using a blue shampoo. Blue shampoos are designed to neutralize brassy and orange tones in your hair, which is helpful for maintaining dark or brunette shades.
They work on the same principle as purple shampoos but with blue pigments instead of purple ones. And some claim that blue shampoos help enhance the blue hair color.
Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos are designed to deeply cleanse your hair and remove product buildup, dirt, and oil.
While these can be useful for maintaining a fresh and clean scalp, they may strip color from your hair more readily than other types of shampoos.
If you have blue hair or any other color-treated hair, it’s essential to use a clarifying shampoo sparingly. Or, opt for a color-safe clarifying shampoo to preserve your hair color.
Sulfate-Free and Color-Safe Shampoos
If you have color-treated hair, use a sulfate-free and color-safe shampoo to maintain your hair color.
Sulfates are powerful cleansing agents that can strip away natural oils and hair dye. A sulfate-free shampoo is gentler on your hair, helping to preserve its color and moisture.
Look for shampoos that are specifically labeled as color-safe, since these formulations are designed to protect and extend the life of your hair color, no matter if you have blue, purple, or any other hue.
Final Takeaway
In the end, purple shampoo is not for blue hair. It will not maintain your hair color. Purple shampoo is made for blondes, not blue hair. Instead, go with a color-depositing or color-safe option.
If you have blue hair and want to keep the color vibrant, you can try mixing blue dye with a conditioner to refresh the color and prevent it from washing out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I maintain my blue hair color?
To maintain your blue hair color, it’s essential to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair. Additionally, mix a small amount of blue dye into a deep conditioner to refresh the color and prevent it from fading. Avoid washing your hair too often and use cool water when you do, as hot water can strip color away. Lastly, protect your hair from the sun and heat styling tools as these can contribute to color fading.
Which shampoos help prevent fading of blue hair?
Shampoos specially formulated for color-treated hair help prevent fading of blue hair. Look for those that are sulfate-free, as sulfates can strip color from your hair.
Is there a specific shampoo that cancels out blue tones?
Canceling out blue tones requires using a color opposite on the color wheel, which is orange. However, since blue tones can vary, it’s essential to find the right shade of orange shampoo to neutralize your specific blue hue. Alternatively, you can use a blue shampoo to enhance and refresh the blue color in your hair.
Do color depositing shampoos work for blue hair?
Yes, color depositing shampoos can work for blue hair. These shampoos contain color pigments that help deposit and refresh the blue tones in your hair, extending the life of your color. Look for products specifically formulated for blue or cool-toned hair.
How to avoid blue hair turning green?
To avoid your blue hair turning green, steer clear of chlorine in swimming pools, as this can cause a chemical reaction turning your hair green. Invest in a good swimming cap to protect your hair. Additionally, use a clarifying shampoo monthly to remove any build-up of minerals and impurities from water that can contribute to green tones.
Which shampoo and conditioner combination is best for blue hair?
The best shampoo and conditioner combination for blue hair depends on your specific needs and hair type. It’s important to use color-safe, sulfate-free products that don’t strip your color away.
