Haircare - Hair

How Purple Shampoo Works for All Hair Colors: Complete Guide

Here’s a quick overview of how purple shampoo works on all hair colors.

Written by Amber Belanger
purple shampoo on all hair colors

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Purple shampoo works great for neutralizing yellow tones, and enhancing your hair color.

Or does it?

The truth is, it depends on your hair color. So who should use purple shampoo, and who should not?

In this article, we’ll dive into the effects of purple shampoo for all hair colors, so you can understand if it’ll work for you.

What Does Purple Shampoo Do?

If you have blonde, silver, or light-colored hair, you may have heard about purple shampoo. But what exactly does purple shampoo do?

Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo that helps neutralize brassy tones in blonde, silver, and light-colored hair.

But why purple? Well, it’s all about color theory.

Purple is opposite to yellow on the color wheel, which means it can neutralize yellow tones in hair.

When blonde or silver hair is exposed to elements like the sun, chlorine, or hard water, it can turn yellow or brassy. Purple shampoo counteracts that by depositing purple pigments.

But purple shampoo is not just about toning. It can also boost shine and condition hair, leaving it looking healthy and vibrant.

It’s important to note that purple shampoo should be used in moderation. Overuse can lead to a purple or gray tint in the hair, which is not the desired effect.

Also, if you have dark hair, purple shampoo may not be suitable for you as it rarely has an effect.

Hair ColorRecommendedEffects
Blonde HairYesNeutralizes brassy and yellow tones, removes brassiness, adds shine and enhances hair color.
Bleached HairYesHelps correct unwanted tones, restores natural color, moisturizes and can stain if left for too long.
Gray HairYesNeutralizes yellow tones, brightens hair, reduces breakage and split ends.
Brown HairNot recommended, use blue shampoo instead.Can cool warm-toned brown hair but can make cooler-toned brown hair dull and lifeless.
Black HairNot recommended.May have slight benefits on lighter highlights but not designed for black hair.
Red HairRecommended for light shades, but not dark red.Helps maintain vibrancy of color, prevents dullness or fading, achieves a lighter shade of red
Colored HairDepends on how dark your hair is.Neutralizes yellow or brassy tones, helps color last longer by preventing fading or dullness, nourishes and strengthens the hair.

Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair

Does Purple Shampoo Work for Blonde Hair?

Purple shampoo works great on blonde hair. It can help neutralize brassy and yellow tones in blonde hair, leaving it looking brighter and cooler.

Effects of Purple Shampoo on Blonde Hair

The main effects of purple shampoo on blonde hair are:

  • It nautralizes yellow tones.
  • Removes brassiness.
  • Adds shine and enhances your hair color.

Purple shampoo can have different effects on blonde hair depending on the hair’s natural tone and the type of purple shampoo used.

If you have warm-toned blonde hair, purple shampoo can help neutralize brassiness and yellow tones. If you have cool-toned blonde hair, purple shampoo can help maintain the cool, ashy tone.

Purple Shampoo On Bleached Hair

Does Purple Shampoo Work for Bleached Hair?

Purple shampoo is specifically designed to counteract the yellow and brassy tones that can appear in bleached hair.

When you bleach your hair, it can become more porous, which means it absorbs colors more easily. This can lead to unwanted yellow or orange tones over time.

Purple shampoo contains purple pigments that neutralize these tones and help restore your hair’s natural color.

Effects of Purple Shampoo on Bleached Hair

Using purple shampoo on bleached hair can have several effects:

  • Color Correction: Purple shampoo can help correct unwanted tones in bleached hair, leaving it looking brighter and more vibrant.
  • Moisture: Bleached hair can be prone to dryness, and purple shampoo can exacerbate this issue. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
  • Frequency: How often you use purple shampoo will depend on your hair type and the level of brassiness you’re dealing with. As a general rule, you can use it once or twice a week to maintain your color.
  • Staining: Be careful not to leave purple shampoo on your hair for too long, as it can stain your hair a purple hue. Rinse it out thoroughly after a few minutes to avoid this issue.

Purple Shampoo on Gray Hair

Does Purple Shampoo Work for Gray Hair?

If you have gray hair, you may be wondering if purple shampoo is right for you. The answer is yes! Purple shampoo can help neutralize the yellow tones that often appear in gray hair, leaving it looking brighter and more vibrant.

Effects of Purple Shampoo on Gray Hair

When you use purple shampoo on gray hair, the purple pigments in the shampoo work to neutralize any yellow tones in your hair. This can help brighten your hair and make it look more vibrant.

It’s important to note that using too much purple shampoo can also lead to a purple tint in your hair, so it’s important to use it sparingly.

Purple shampoo can also help improve the overall health of your hair. It can help reduce breakage and split ends, leaving your hair feeling softer and more manageable.

Overall, if you have gray hair, using purple shampoo can be a great way to keep it looking bright and vibrant.

Just be sure to use it sparingly and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any unwanted color changes.

Purple Shampoo On Brown Hair

Does Purple Shampoo Work for Brown Hair?

Purple shampoo can work on brown hair, but the effects are not as great. If you have a light brown tone, and have unwanted warm tones in your brown locks, purple shampoo can help. But you’ll likely be better off with blue shampoo.

Effects of Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair

If you have warm-toned brown hair, purple shampoo can help cool down your locks and make them look more ashy.

However, if you have cooler-toned brown hair, using purple shampoo too often can make your locks look dull and lifeless.

It’s important to find a balance that works for your specific hair type.

All in all, purple shampoo on brown hair won’t have great effects. As mentioned, you’ll likely have more success using a blue shampoo instead.

Purple Shampoo on Black Hair

Effects of Purple Shampoo on Black Hair

Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize brassy tones and enhance the cool tones in blonde, silver, and gray hair.

But, can purple shampoo be used on black hair?

Not really.

Purple shampoo is not designed for black hair. It is formulated to counteract unwanted yellow tones. People with black hair, rarely experience this.

This is because black hair has more pigment, making it so yellow tones rarely appear. But if you have lighter highlights in your hair, you may see some benefit.

Purple Shampoo on Red Hair

Does Purple Shampoo Work for Red Hair?

Although purple shampoo is typically used to tone blonde or silver hair, it can also help neutralize brassy tones in red hair. You will see the best effects if your hair has a lighter tone of red, as yellow tones are more likely to appear.

But it’s not recommended if you have dark red hair. It depends on the tones you wish to eliminate.

Effects of Purple Shampoo on Red Hair

Using purple shampoo on red hair can help maintain the vibrancy of your color and prevent it from looking dull or faded.

When using purple shampoo on red hair, it’s best to leave it on for a shorter amount of time than you would on blonde hair. This is because red hair tends to be more porous, meaning it can absorb more of the purple pigments, resulting in a cooler, more muted color.

Purple shampoo can also help you achieve a lighter shade of red, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Purple Shampoo on Colored Hair

Does Purple Shampoo Work for Colored Hair?

Purple shampoo can help maintain the color of your hair and prevent it from becoming brassy or yellow over time.

But purple shampoo is not a permanent fix for color-treated hair. You will still need to touch up your color regularly to keep it looking fresh.

Effects of Purple Shampoo on Colored Hair

Using purple shampoo on colored hair can have several effects.

  1. It can help neutralize any yellow or brassy tones in your hair, which can be especially beneficial if you have blonde or silver hair.
  2. It can help your color last longer by preventing it from fading or becoming dull.
  3. It can help nourish and strengthen your hair, leaving it looking and feeling healthy.

When using purple shampoo on colored hair, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Use it once or twice a week, depending on your hair’s needs, and leave it on for the recommended amount of time.

If you leave it on for too long, it can actually turn your hair purple, so be sure to rinse it out thoroughly.

Who Should Use Purple Shampoo?

People with light hair should use purple shampoo, and people with dark hair should not.

Different hair colors require different levels of pigmentation, which is why it’s important to choose a purple shampoo that’s specifically formulated for your hair color:

  • For blondes, a purple shampoo with a strong violet pigment is recommended to combat brassiness.
  • For those with gray hair, a milder purple shampoo can help brighten and enhance the natural silver tones.
  • For those with brown hair, a blue shampoo is better to neutralize any unwanted orange tones.
  • For black hair, purple shampoo won’t have an effect. Use blue shampoo instead.
  • For red hair, you can use purple shampoo, if your hair is light enough.
  • For colored hair, it all depends on the color you’ve dyed your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does purple shampoo work on brown hair?

Yes, purple shampoo can work on brown hair that has been lightened or has highlights. The purple pigments in the shampoo help to neutralize any brassy or yellow tones in the hair, leaving it looking cooler and more ashy. However, if you have naturally brown hair that has not been lightened, purple shampoo may not have any noticeable effect.

What is the best purple shampoo for grey hair?

The best purple shampoo for grey hair is one that is specifically formulated for grey or silver hair, as these shampoos often contain additional moisturizing and nourishing ingredients that can help to keep grey hair looking healthy and shiny. Look for a purple shampoo that is gentle and sulfate-free, as sulfates can be harsh and drying on already fragile grey hair.

When should you not use purple shampoo?

You should not use purple shampoo if you have very dark hair that has not been lightened, as the purple pigments may not be effective in neutralizing any brassy or yellow tones. Additionally, if you have very dry or damaged hair, you should use purple shampoo sparingly, as it can be drying and may further damage your hair.

Can purple shampoo be used on bleached hair?

Yes, purple shampoo can be used on bleached hair to help neutralize any brassy or yellow tones that may develop over time. In fact, purple shampoo is often recommended for use on bleached hair, as it can help to keep the hair looking bright and cool-toned.

Will purple shampoo make my hair blonder or darker?

No, purple shampoo will not make your hair blonder or darker. Rather, it helps to neutralize any unwanted brassy or yellow tones in the hair, leaving it looking cooler and more ashy. However, if you leave the shampoo on for too long or use it too frequently, it can start to build up and make your hair look dull or even slightly purple.

What are the benefits of using purple shampoo on different hair colors?

The benefits of using purple shampoo on different hair colors include neutralizing any unwanted brassy or yellow tones, keeping blonde hair looking bright and cool-toned, and enhancing the natural silver or grey tones in grey hair. Additionally, purple shampoo can help to extend the life of your hair color, as it can help to prevent fading and keep your hair looking vibrant and fresh.

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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.