Have you ever wondered what purple shampoo does to gray hair? You’re not alone.
Purple shampoo is a violet-tinted shampoo designed to counteract the brassy color of gray hair. The goal is a luminous, healthy color.
To understand the benefits of using purple shampoo on your gray hair, it’s important to know why gray hair can sometimes appear brassy.
Both natural and dyed gray hair can become prone to warm tones and brassiness due to various factors.
So lets dive into how purple shampoo can help.
Understanding Purple Shampoo and Its Effects on Gray Hair
Purple shampoo helps maintain the beautiful gray, silver, or white shades of your hair while keeping it healthy and vibrant hair.
The Science Behind Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is a product for people with blonde, light, gray, silver, and white hair. And it’s all about color theory.
In the color wheel, purple is opposite to yellow. So, when you use purple shampoo on your hair, it helps neutralize yellow or brassy tones, making your hair look more vibrant and shiny.
How Purple Shampoo Tones Gray Hair
You may notice that gray hair sometimes turns yellow or brassy. This happens because of different factors like pollution, sun exposure, and even some hair products.
Purple shampoo comes to the rescue by adding cool, violet tones to your hair.
When you wash your hair with it, the purple pigments in the shampoo deposit onto your hair strands, canceling out any warm tones and leaving your hair more silvery and beautiful.
Colored vs. Natural Gray Hair & Effects of Purple Shampoo
There are two types of gray hair: natural gray and dyed gray. Both can benefit from using purple shampoo.
When you have natural gray hair, purple shampoo helps enhance your hair’s natural silver tones.
For those with dyed or colored gray hair, purple shampoo keeps the color from fading and looking too warm.
Just remember not to use it too often or leave it on for too long, as it can sometimes make your hair feel dry or even give it a slight purple tint.
Benefits of Purple Shampoo on Gray Hair
Neutralizing Yellow and Brassy Tones
Using purple shampoo on your gray hair helps to neutralize yellow and brassy tones. The violet pigments in the shampoo counteract the unwanted colors, making your hair look fresher.
When you wash your hair with this shampoo, it will look like a more even shade of gray.
Enhancing Shine and Luminosity
Purple shampoo not only removes brassy tones but also enhances the shine and luminosity of your gray hair. This means that after using it, your hair will appear more vibrant and healthy-looking.
To achieve this, simply follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle for the best results.
Maintaining Cool and Ashy Tones
If you prefer your gray hair to have cool and ashy tones, purple shampoo can help you maintain these shades.
The violet tones in the shampoo work together with the cool blonde or gray shades of your hair to keep them looking fresh.
Just remember to use the shampoo as recommended, so you can enjoy your desired hair color for longer.
Different Shades of Gray Hair
Not all gray hair is created equal. In fact, there are various shades of gray hair, each with their unique characteristics.
Understanding these differences can help you manage your natural or dyed gray hair and choose the right purple shampoo for your specific needs.
| Gray Hair Shade | Description | Purple Shampoo Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Gray | Shiny, metallic appearance; reflects light beautifully and looks sophisticated. | Enhances silvery sheen by neutralizing yellow or brassy undertones. |
| Steel Gray | Cool, blue undertones for a slightly darker appearance than silver gray; requires specially formulated shampoo. | Maintains cool color and neutralizes warm tones with purple shampoo specifically formulated for steel-gray hair. |
| Ash Gray | Matte finish with greenish-gray undertones; works well with cooler skin tones and cool-toned makeup or clothing choices. | Helps maintain coolness by counteracting any warmth that may develop over time using purple shampoo. |
| Salt-and-Pepper Gray | Mix of natural colored strands and white/gray hairs distributed evenly; casual vibe but may require extra attention when using toning products. | Requires extra attention with purple shampoo since not all strands need toning equally. |
| White Gray | Devoid of pigment for a strikingly bright appearance; susceptible to absorbing unwanted pigments from environmental factors such as pollution or sun exposure. | Maintains pristine, snowy-white color using purple shampoo to neutralize absorbed environmental pigments. |
By recognizing the specific shade of your gray hair, you can find a purple shampoo that works best for your hair type.
Learn more about how purple shampoo affects different hair colors and shades.
How to Use Purple Shampoo On Gray Hair
To get the best results out of your purple shampoo, you need to know how to use purple shampoo correctly.
You can also learn more about this in our article about how to use purple shampoo.
When to Use Purple Shampoo
Using purple shampoo is a great way to maintain your gray hair looking bright and vibrant.
It’s a good idea to use it once or twice a week, depending on how brassy your hair gets.
Replace your regular shampoo with purple shampoo when you need to neutralize yellow tones.
Lathering Technique and Duration
When washing your hair, lather the purple shampoo as you would with regular shampoo. Make sure you cover all your gray hair with it.
Let the shampoo sit on your hair for a few minutes, allowing the violet pigments to do their magic.
After that, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water, being careful not to leave any shampoo residue.
Incorporating Other Hair Care Products
Gray hair may need extra care, so incorporating a clarifying shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner can be helpful.
Use a clarifying shampoo before the purple shampoo to remove any product buildup.
After using the purple shampoo, apply a moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair soft and well-nourished.
Remember to use cool water when washing your hair, as it helps lock in the color and keeps your hair looking fresh.
Potential Challenges and Considerations with Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is great, but it presents its own set of challenges and pitfalls:
- Be cautious with purple shampoo on brown or dry hair, as it may leave an unwanted tint.
- Consider your hair’s porosity when using purple shampoo; high porosity absorbs products easily.
- Test the shampoo on a small section of hair first to avoid undesired results.
- Overusing purple shampoo can cause dryness, brittleness, and product buildup.
- Use purple shampoo only when needed to maintain gray hair freshness without causing harm.
Unwanted Effects on Different Hair Colors and Types
If you have brown hair or dry hair, be cautious when using purple shampoo. It can deposit too much color, leaving your hair with an unwanted purple or blue tint.
To avoid this, always follow the instructions on the product and keep an eye on your hair during the process.
Another thing to consider is your hair’s porosity.
If your hair has high porosity, it absorbs products easily, which might make the purple shampoo work too well and cause that strange tint we talked about.
So, it’s essential to test the shampoo on a small section of hair first.
Overusing Purple Shampoo and Its Consequences
Remember that using purple shampoo too often can lead to some unwanted effects. Overusing it can cause your hair to become dry and brittle because it’s not designed for daily use.
Also, frequent use of purple shampoo can lead to product buildup, which can make your hair appear dull and lifeless. Nobody wants that.
So, it’s best to use it only when needed to keep those gray hairs fresh and vibrant without causing any harm.
Choosing the Best Purple Shampoo for Your Gray Hair
While purple shampoo is great, you still have to find the right product for you. There are many formulas, brands, and things to consider.
But, the most important thing is to find something that works for you.
Remember, you can always ask your hair stylist for help.
Sulfate-Free and Moisturizing Options
When looking for a purple shampoo, it’s essential to find one that is sulfate-free. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentle on your hair and help maintain its natural moisture.
One option is a moisturizing shampoo. These shampoos not only help to remove brassy tones from your gray hair, but also keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
Popular Purple Shampoo Brands and Products
There are many purple shampoos available, but some popular options are:
- Redken: Redken makes shampoos specifically for gray hair, that help neutralize brassy tones.
- Sachajuan: Another great choice, this brand is known for their gentle formulas and ability to restore gray hair’s natural beauty.
- Oribe: This luxurious brand is highly recommended by stylists for their ability to brighten and care for gray hair.
Conclusion: Is Purple Shampoo Good For Gray Hair?
Yes, purple shampoo is good for gray hair. It helps counteract the yellow or brassy tones that can appear in gray hair. This is because gray hair is prone to getting warm and brassy tones, both in its natural state and when dyed.
Using purple shampoo is like using a color-correcting filter for your gray hair.
But it is important to consider that not all gray hair types may benefit equally from this shampoo.
Some people with extremely light or white hair might experience an unwanted tint if they overuse purple shampoo.
Those with dry or damaged hair may require additional treatments like moisturizing conditioners or serums to maintain their hair’s health and appearance while using purple shampoos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does purple shampoo brighten grey hair?
Yes, purple shampoo can help brighten grey hair by neutralizing yellow and brassy tones. The violet pigment in the shampoo helps counteract these tones, resulting in a brighter, more luminous look for your grey hair.
How to make grey hair shiny silver?
To make your grey hair shiny and silver, use a purple shampoo once or twice a week to neutralize brassiness. Additionally, keep your hair moisturized by using a hydrating conditioner and applying a hair serum or oil. Regular trims and a healthy diet will also help maintain your hair’s vibrancy.
What happens to white hair with purple shampoo?
When used on white hair, purple shampoo works similarly to grey hair—it neutralizes yellow tones and can help maintain a bright, clean appearance. Be cautious not to overuse it, as it may cause a slight violet tint on extremely light hair.
Why is purple shampoo good for silver hair?
Purple shampoo is good for silver hair because it contains violet pigments that counteract the yellow and brassy tones that often affect grey and silver hair. By using purple shampoo, your silver hair will look more vibrant and polished.
Which purple shampoo for natural gray hair?
Choosing the right purple shampoo for your natural gray hair depends on your hair type and specific needs. Some popular options are Clairol Shimmer and L’Oréal Paris. Consider your hair’s texture and sensitivity before selecting a product.
