Purple shampoo is a popular solution for those looking to tone down brassy or yellow tones in their hair.
But does it work for curly hair too? Yes!
Most women with curly hair experience brassiness or unwanted warmth in their hair at some point. Especially if you color it.
This is where purple shampoo comes in.
Purple shampoo neutralizes these tones and leave your curly locks looking their best.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of purple shampoo for curly hair and provide tips on how to use it effectively.
What Is Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is a toning product designed for blonde, silver, and gray hair types. It contains violet tones that neutralize brassy, yellow, and orange hues. The result is a cooler, more vibrant appearance.
It’s especially beneficial for those with lighter hair shades, as it prevents dullness and brassiness.
Does Purple Shampoo Work on Curly Hair?
Yes, purple shampoo can work wonders on curly hair. Designed to neutralize undesired yellow or brassy tones, it helps achieve a cooler shade. It doesn’t matter if you have natural curls, a perm, or straight hair.
If you try purple shampoo, you’ll find that it is an effective solution to maintain your desired hair color.
Just like with straight hair, the key is to find the right formula that caters to curly hair’s unique needs and porosity.
When selecting a purple shampoo for your curly locks, consider your:
- Hair type
- Texture
- Porosity
- The color of the unwanted tones
Look for products with nourishing ingredients like oils and proteins. This makes it so your curls maintain their natural bounce.
If you’re using the product wrong, or if you have too dark hair, it won’t work though.
Why Use Purple Shampoo for Curly Hair
When it comes to taking care of your curly hair, vibrancy can be a challenge.
Enter purple shampoo. A game-changer for those with blonde, gray, or light-colored curly hair. But why should you consider incorporating purple shampoo into your hair care routine?
Combat Brassiness in Curls
First, purple shampoo serves as an excellent tool to combat brassy hair. Brassiness refers to the unwanted warm tones that can develop in color-treated hair over time.
The violet pigments in purple shampoo work to neutralize the yellow and orange brassy hues. It restores your hair color’s brightness and cool-toned appearance.
Does Purple Shampoo Work on Other Hair Colors?
The answer is both yes and no.
Purple shampoo is specifically designed for blonde, gray, or light-colored hair. But, it may also tone down brassy undertones in light brown to dark blonde hair.
It’s important to note that its effects will not be as noticeable on darker hair colors. Blue shampoo is best for brown curls.
Bonus: Purple Conditioner for Moisture
Curls can get dry. And if that happens, they start slacking.
If that’s a frequent problem for you, look towards purple conditioner instead.
It has the same toning properties, but adds moisture and nourishment as well. Purple shampoos can be harsh, depending on the formula. Instead, go with conditioner.
How to Use Purple Shampoo on Curly Hair
Have you ever wondered how to use purple shampoo on curly hair to neutralize brassiness?
Let’s walk you through the process step-by-step:
- Wet your hair
- Apply purple shampoo
- Let it sit
- Rinse
- Use conditioner
Step 1: Wet Your Hair
Make sure your hair is thoroughly wet. Wetting curly hair helps open up the cuticle, allowing the purple shampoo to penetrate the hair shaft.
This makes for a better and even effect.
While in the shower, use lukewarm water to wet your locks before applying the purple shampoo.
Step 2: Apply Purple Shampoo
Next, apply a sufficient amount of purple shampoo to your hair. You may be tempted to use a copious amount, but remember: a little goes a long way.
Start with a small amount and distribute it evenly in your hair.
For an even application, separate your hair into sections and applying the shampoo section by section.
Massage the shampoo into your hair in circular motions. Concentrate on areas that have more noticeable brassiness. Don’t be too aggressive: curly hair needs a gentle touch.
Spend a couple of minutes working the shampoo into your locks, ensuring it covers all areas.
Step 3: Let It Sit
Now, patience is key.
You’ll need to let the purple shampoo sit in your hair for a few minutes to allow the violet pigments to work.
Be cautious not to leave it in for too long, or it can make your hair dry. It may even leave purple stains.
Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes for a more subtle effect, or up to 5 minutes if you need a more potent color correction.
Step 4: Rinse
When the time is up, carefully rinse out the purple shampoo using cool water.
This will help seal the hair cuticle, locking in the cool-toned effects of the purple shampoo. It also gives your curls a healthy, shiny appearance.
Step 5: After-care
Finally, follow up with a hydrating and nourishing conditioner. Purple shampoo can be drying, so it’s crucial to replenish moisture afterward.
Use a conditioner explicitly designed for curly hair to cater to the specific needs of your locks.
How Often Should I Use Purple Shampoo on Curly Hair?
It is recommended to use purple shampoo once or twice per week, depending on your hair color, the product, and level of brassiness. L’Oreal recommends twice a week, while Olaplex recommends up to three times a week.
However, for curly hair, the you have to adjust how often you use purple shampoo slightly.
Curly hair is often more porous and drier than straight or wavy hair. This means it can absorb more of the pigment from the shampoo.
You Need to Test
To determine the right balance, start by using the purple shampoo once a week. Closely monitor the results.
If you notice that your hair starts to look a little too purple or ashy, reduce the frequency to once every two weeks.
On the other hand, if you still find your hair looking brassy, you might want to try using the shampoo twice a week.
Follow Up With Moisture for Curls
Remember that purple shampoo can be quite drying for hair, especially for curly locks. To counteract this, use a hydrating conditioner after using the shampoo.
Mix your purple shampoo with your regular shampoo to tone your hair without doing a full treatment.
Curl Colors & Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo works. Without a doubt. But it’s not the right choice for everyone. It works if you have light hair, but won’t do good if you have dark hair.
Here’s who should use purple shampoo for curls.
Blonde and Silver Hair
When you have blonde or silver hair, it can be challenging to maintain the perfect shade without brassy tones.
That’s where purple shampoo comes in handy. Because it’s made for blonde and light-blonde (silver) hair.
So, when your blonde or silver hair starts to lose its luster, simply use a purple shampoo.
Gray and White Hair
If you’re rocking gray or white hair, you may also encounter unwanted yellowing. Don’t worry, purple shampoo is here to save the day again.
A gentle, hydrating purple shampoo or conditioner can help you maintain your chic gray or white color. Without stripping essential moisture from your hair.
Plus, the combination of color-depositing conditioner and gentle cleansing helps retain moisture, which is essential for healthy-looking curls.
Learn more: Purple Shampoo for Gray Hair
Platinum Color and Ashy Tones
Purple shampoo is great for platinum and ashy tones. It works on these shades just as it does for the others.
Best Ingredients in Purple Shampoos for Curly Hair
When looking for a purple shampoo to maintain and enhance your curly hair, consider the ingredients included in the formula.
These ingredients are essential in providing optimal results without adverse effects on your hair.
Natural Ingredients
Purple shampoos formulated with natural ingredients are preferred. They tend to provide healthier and safer nourishment to your curly hair.
Some exemplary natural ingredients include:
- Rice Curl Complex: This ingredient helps enhance curl retention and strengthens your hair.
- Keratin: It repairs damage and improves hair elasticity, contributing to healthier curls.
- Amino Acids: These building blocks of protein help nourish and strengthen your hair strands.
Sulfate-Free Formula
It’s crucial to select a purple shampoo with a sulfate-free formula. Sulfates can strip away natural oils and cause dryness, making curly hair more susceptible to frizz.
Additionally, sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on color-treated hair and help maintain vibrant hues.
Paraben-Free and Phthalates-Free
Opt for purple shampoos that are paraben-free and phthalates-free.
Parabens are synthetic preservatives associated with some health concerns. And phthalates are chemicals commonly used as plasticizers.
Products free of these chemicals reduce the risk of potential harm and are better for your hair and overall health.
Additional Hair Care for Curly Hair
When you develop brassy tones, use purple shampoo to combat them. But you need to take other measures to prevent it in the future:
- Hydration
- UV protection
- Frizz control
Hydration and Moisture
Curly hair tends to be more prone to dryness and needs extra care to maintain its health. Purple shampoo can add to this.
Use a conditioner that contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera to help hydrate and nourish your hair.
Avoid using shampoos with harsh ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate. This can strip away natural oils and leave your hair dry and brittle.
To enhance moisture, consider incorporating the following natural ingredients in your hair care routine:
- Coconut oil: Helps strengthen hair follicles and provides deep hydration
- Shea butter: Seals in moisture and smooths hair cuticle
- Aloe vera: Acts as an excellent natural conditioner for dry hair
UV-Protection
Curly hair can be vulnerable to damage from the sun, especially if you have highlights or color-treated hair. UV rays can weaken hair cuticles, leading to dryness, brassiness, and color fading.
Look for styling products that offer UV protection for those sunny days.
Frizz Control
Frizz can be a common issue for curly hair, especially in humid conditions. The key to controlling frizz is to maintain proper hydration and strengthen the hair shaft.
Again, when you use purple shampoo, it can dry out your hair a bit. So counteract this with a conditioner.
Here are some suggestions for taming frizz:
- Limit heat styling tools as they can cause damage and contribute to frizz.
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and hair breakage while you sleep.
- Avoid brushing your hair when it’s dry, as it can cause breakage and lead to more frizz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use purple shampoo on curly hair?
You can use purple shampoo on curly hair to neutralize brassy and yellow tones. It is designed for blonde, silver, and gray hair but can benefit curly hair of any color.
Which purple shampoo is best for curly hair?
When choosing a purple shampoo for curly hair, consider your specific hair type and needs. Look for sulfate-free options as sulfates can be harsh on curly hair and strip it of moisture. Also, select one with moisturizing and nourishing ingredients.
Are any purple shampoos curly girl approved?
There are curly girl approved purple shampoos available that do not contain harsh sulfates, silicones, or drying alcohols. These formulas are gentle on curly hair while still providing toning benefits. Look for clear labeling indicating that they are curly girl friendly. Or seek recommendations from online forums and communities based on others’ experiences.
