Haircare - Hair

Purple Shampoo for Black Hair: Benefits and How to Use It

Does purple shampoo work for black hair? And if so, what does it do?

Written by Amber Belanger
What Does Purple Shampoo Do To Black Hair

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Purple shampoo has been a popular hair care product for a while now, but it’s mostly associated with blonde hair.

If you have black hair, you probably wonder if you can use purple shampoo too.

So, what does purple shampoo do to black hair?

That’s what we’ll cover in this article.

Before we get started, you need to know that purple shampoo is formulated with purple pigments. These help neutralize yellow and brassy tones in light-colored hair.

For black hair, purple shampoo might not have the same effect as it does on blonde hair.

But, it can still be beneficial.

What is Purple Shampoo?

Purple shampoo is a type of shampoo that is used to neutralize yellow or brassy tones in blonde hair. It is formulated with purple pigments that counteract the yellow or orange tones that can occur in bleached or highlighted hair.

But what about black hair? Can you use purple shampoo on dark hair?

What Does Purple Shampoo Do to Black Hair?

Purple shampoo does nothing to black hair, other than clean it. While you can use purple shampoo on black hair, there won’t be any effect. Not unless you have some lighter strands or unwanted yellow or brassy tones to eliminate.

When hair is bleached or lightened, it can become porous, which means it can easily absorb unwanted tones. This is where purple shampoo comes in.

The purple pigments in the shampoo neutralize the unwanted tones, leaving the hair with a cooler color.

That’s why it does nothing to black hair. Because people with black hair don’t have the issue of unwanted yellow tones.

It’s important to note that purple shampoo is not a hair dye or hair color. It is simply a toning shampoo that helps to maintain the vibrancy of blonde or lightened hair.

How Does Purple Shampoo Work on Black Hair?

How Does Purple Shampoo Work on Black Hair

When it comes to color correction, the key is understanding the color wheel. Purple is a complementary color to yellow, which means that it can cancel out yellow tones in hair.

Orange is a complementary color to blue, which means that blue-based toners or shampoos can help neutralize orange tones in hair.

That being said, purple shampoo is not the best choice for black hair. It doesn’t really do anything for it, unless you have lighter highlights.

Using purple shampoo can actually give your hair an undesirable purple or violet tint and make it dry.

If you’re looking to add shine or neutralize orange tones in your black hair, using other products might be a better option.

How to Use Purple Shampoo on Black Hair

Using purple shampoo on black hair can be effective, in the rare case that you do have brassy or yellow shades in your hair.

Here are some tips on how to use it:

  1. Choose the Right Purple Shampoo: Not all purple shampoos are created equal. Look for a toning shampoo that is specifically formulated for darker shades hair. Some shampoos may not be strong enough to make a noticeable difference.
  2. Wet Your Hair: Wet your hair thoroughly before applying the shampoo. This will help to ensure that the shampoo lathers evenly throughout your hair.
  3. Apply the Shampoo: Apply the purple shampoo to your hair, focusing on the areas that need toning. Be sure to work the shampoo into a lather and let it sit on your hair for a few minutes. The longer you leave it on, the more effective it will be.
  4. Rinse Your Hair: Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. Be sure to remove all of the shampoo from your hair.
  5. Condition Your Hair: After using purple shampoo, it’s important to condition your hair. This will help to restore moisture and prevent damage.
  6. Repeat as Needed: Depending on the level of toning you want to achieve, you may need to repeat this process several times a week. Be careful not to overuse purple shampoo, as it can dry out your hair and cause damage.

Remember, complementary colors cancel each other out. Purple shampoo contains violet pigments that neutralize yellow shades in your hair.

If you’re looking to lighten your black hair, purple shampoo won’t have much of an effect on your hair color.

For that, you may want to consider using a lightening kit or toner, or consult with a hair colorist.

Benefits of Using Purple Shampoo on Black Hair

Benefits of Using Purple Shampoo on Black Hair

As explained, purple shampoo does not effect black hair. But it can help with highlights.

Helps Neutralize Brassy or Yellow Tones In Highlighted Hair

Purple shampoo contains a purple pigment that counteracts warm, brassy tones. This is especially useful for maintaining the cool-toned appearance of black hair and highlighted hair.

Adds Shine to Dull Hair

The purple pigments in purple shampoo reflect light off the hair strands, making them appear shinier. This helps add a reflective shine to dull-looking hair.

Enhances the Vibrancy of Highlights in Black Hair

Purple shampoo helps enhance the vibrancy of highlights in black hair by neutralizing yellow or brassy tones. This leaves your highlights looking brighter and more radiant.

Helps Maintain the Desired Color of the Highlights

Using purple shampoo regularly can help maintain the desired color of your highlights over time, avoiding unwanted color changes due to various external factors.

Reduces Color Fading in Both Black Hair and Colored Highlights

Purple shampoo works to reduce color fading by neutralizing unwanted tones and depositing cool pigments onto the hair strands, keeping both black hair and colored highlights looking fresh.

Keeps the Hair Looking Fresh and Vibrant between Salon Visits

By using purple shampoo consistently, you can keep your hair looking fresh, vibrant, and salon-worthy between appointments. This saves both time and money spent on frequent touch-ups.

Key Takeaways: Does Purple Shampoo Work on Black Hair?

No, not really. It can have an effect, but it’s not a recommended product for people with black hair. If you’re looking for a toning shampoo, you will likely be better off with a blue shampoo, or a toning kit.

Learn more: Purple Shampoo for Different Hair Colors

Frequently Asked Questions

Can purple shampoo be used on dark hair?

Yes, purple shampoo can be used on dark hair. It can help remove brassy tones that can make dark hair look dull. However, it is important to note that purple shampoo is designed to work on hair that has been lightened or colored, so it may not have the same effect on natural black hair.

Will purple shampoo make black hair look brighter?

Purple shampoo can add depth and shine to black hair, making it look richer and healthier. However, it is important to note that purple shampoo is not designed to make hair brighter. Its main purpose is to neutralize brassy tones and enhance the color of lightened or colored hair.

What happens when you use purple shampoo on black hair?

When you use purple shampoo on black hair, it can help neutralize any brassy or yellow tones that may be present. This can help make the hair look more vibrant and healthy. However, it is important to note that purple shampoo is not designed to lighten or darken hair.

Does purple shampoo work on black hair with highlights?

Yes, purple shampoo can be effective on black hair with highlights. It can help neutralize any brassy tones that may be present in the highlights, making them look brighter and more vibrant.

What is the best purple shampoo for dark hair?

There are many different types of purple shampoo on the market, and the best one for dark hair will depend on your specific needs and hair type. Some popular options include Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo, Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo, and Fanola No Yellow Shampoo.

Can purple shampoo damage black hair?

Purple shampoo is generally safe to use on all hair types, including black hair. However, it is important to use it as directed and not leave it on for too long, as it can potentially dry out the hair and cause damage. It is also important to use a deep conditioning treatment regularly to keep the hair healthy and hydrated.

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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.