If you’ve ever had difficulty maintaining the freshness and vibrancy of your blonde, silver, or highlighted hair, purple shampoo could be the solution you’ve been searching for. This hair care product is specially formulated to fight against brassiness and preserve the cool, ashy tones that enhance the appearance of lightened hair. We’ll tell you all you need to know about purple shampoo, its functionality, and the reasons why it should be a regular part of your hair care regimen.

Purple Shampoo

Purple shampoo is a type of shampoo that has purple pigments in it. These pigments are formulated to balance out the yellow and orange tones in blonde, silver, and highlighted hair. Due to its placement precisely opposite yellow on the color wheel, purple may easily cancel out undesirable yellow tones, which is why it is so powerful.

Key Ingredients

Purple shampoo formulations usually contain a combination of ingredients that work together to counteract brassiness and enhance the color of your hair. These are the main ingredients you’ll typically find in purple shampoos:

1. Violet Pigments: These are the key components of purple shampoo. They work to counteract any unwanted yellow or orange tones in the hair. These pigments stick to the hair strands, neutralizing any warm undertones and bringing back a cooler, more balanced shade of blonde, silver, or grey.
2. Keratin: Often included in hair products to enhance the strength and repair damaged hair. Keratin is a protein that can enhance the flexibility and strength of hair.
3. Panthenol (Provitamin B5): Known for its ability to moisturise the hair and enhance its texture and manageability. It can even give dull hair a shiny boost.
4. Glycerin: A humectant that has the ability to attract moisture to the hair. This helps in keeping the hair hydrated and prevents it from becoming dry.
5. Amino Acids: These are essential for protein synthesis, which plays a crucial role in fortifying the hair structure and reducing the risk of breakage and damage.
6. Citric Acid: Used in the shampoo to balance its pH level, making it gentle on both the hair and scalp. It also helps to effectively tone down any unwanted brassiness.
7. UV Filters: Purple shampoos sometimes include UV filters to shield the hair from the harmful effects of the sun. This protection helps prevent color fading and the appearance of brassiness.

How it Works

The science behind purple shampoo is straightforward:

Neutralization: When you use purple shampoo on your hair, the purple pigments attach to the hair shaft and neutralize yellow and orange tones. This neutralization helps to preserve the desired cool, ashy tones commonly sought after in blonde, silver, and grey hair.

Color Correction: Using purple shampoo regularly can help maintain the freshness and vibrancy of your hair color. It works by preventing the accumulation of brassy tones, which can be caused by various factors such as sun exposure, heat styling, and mineral deposits from water.

Application and Usage

For optimal results with purple shampoo, follow these steps:

1. Begin by completely wetting your hair with warm water. This helps to open the hair cuticles, allowing the shampoo to penetrate more effectively, just as any regular person would expect.
2. Pour a small amount of purple shampoo into your hand and create a lather. Apply the shampoo evenly to your hair, paying attention to areas where brassiness is most noticeable. Make sure to distribute it evenly throughout your hair to prevent any unevenness.
3. Allow the shampoo to remain in your hair for 2-5 minutes, as instructed by the product and based on the level of brassiness. If you want a stronger toning effect, you can leave it on for up to 10 minutes. However, be careful not to leave it on for too long, as it may result in a purple tint.
4. Rinse the shampoo out completely with cool water. Using cool water can effectively seal the hair cuticle, which helps to lock in the toning effect and enhance shine.
5. Use a conditioner to replenish moisture and maintain soft, manageable hair.

Additional Tips

1. Frequency: The usage of purple shampoo can vary from once a week to every other wash, depending on the brassiness of your hair. Excessive use may result in a subtle purple hue, particularly in lighter hair tones, so it’s important to make adjustments accordingly.
2. Use With Other Products: For optimal results, it’s worth considering using a full range of purple haircare products, such as conditioners and masks, to keep your hair’s cool tones and overall health in check.

Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo

There is a significant difference in the quality of various purple shampoos. When choosing a product, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

1. Pigment Strength: Different purple shampoos vary in the intensity of their pigments. If your hair is on the lighter side or tends to get brassy, you might need a more intense pigment.
2. Ingredients: Seek out shampoos that contain nourishing elements such as keratin, argan oil, and vitamins to maintain the health of your hair.
3. Brand Reputation: Well-established brands typically deliver superior outcomes and offer added advantages like UV protection and damage repair.

Results

Regular use of purple shampoo can provide the following benefits:

1. Brass-Free Color: Prevents unwanted yellow and orange tones, keeping your blonde, silver, or highlighted hair looking its best.
2. Vibrant Shine: Boosts the shine and lustre of your hair for a radiant look.
3. Prolonged Color: Enhances the longevity of your hair color, allowing you to go longer between salon appointments.
4. Healthy-Looking Hair: Maintains the cool, ashy tones that give lightened hair a healthy, vibrant appearance.

Pros and Cons of Purple Shampoo

Pros:

• Efficient Toning: Balances out unwanted brassiness and yellow tones.
• Easy to Use: Simple to incorporate into your regular hair-washing routine, making it easy to use.
• Cost-Effective: Assists in extending the lifespan of salon color treatments, resulting in long-term savings.
• Improves Shine: Gives your hair a glossy finish.

Cons:

• Potential Dryness: It may cause dryness if used excessively, so it’s crucial to use a quality conditioner afterward.
• Potential Dryness: Be cautious about leaving the shampoo on for too long, as it may cause a slight purple tint.
• Not Suitable for All Hair Types: Designed specifically for blonde, silver, and highlighted hair, making it unnecessary for those with darker hair.

Recommended Products

Fanola No Yellow Shampoo: Renowned for its powerful toning abilities, making it an ideal choice for individuals with highly brassy hair.

Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo: Perfect for getting rid of those pesky yellow tones in blonde and silver hair, all while keeping your locks moisturized.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Shampoo: This is a great choice for those looking for a sulfate-free option that is both gentle on hair and effective in keeping cool tones intact.

Joico Colour Balance Purple Shampoo: Helps to safeguard hair from damage while effectively toning out any undesired brassiness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Shampoo

1. What is purple shampoo?

Purple shampoo is a hair care product designed to neutralize brassy and yellow tones in light-colored hair, such as blonde, silver, white, and highlighted hair. It contains violet pigments that counteract these unwanted hues, leaving the hair looking cooler and more vibrant.

2. How often should I use purple shampoo?

The frequency of use depends on your hair’s needs and how brassy it gets. Typically, using purple shampoo once a week is sufficient for most people. If your hair is particularly prone to brassiness, you may use it every other wash. However, overuse can lead to a slight purple tint, especially in very light hair, so it’s best to start with less frequent use and adjust as needed.

3. Can purple shampoo be used on natural hair colors?

Yes, purple shampoo can be used on natural blonde, gray, or white hair to enhance the color and prevent yellowing. It can also be beneficial for those with highlighted or balayage hair to maintain the cool tones of their highlights.

4. Will purple shampoo turn my hair purple?

While purple shampoo is formulated to deposit violet pigments to neutralize yellow tones, it generally won’t turn your hair purple if used correctly. If left on for too long or used too frequently, especially on very light or porous hair, it can cause a slight purple tint. To avoid this, follow the product instructions and adjust the usage based on your hair’s response.

5. How long should I leave purple shampoo in my hair?

Typically, you should leave purple shampoo in your hair for 2-5 minutes. For more intense toning, you can leave it on slightly longer but always refer to the specific product’s instructions. Start with the minimum recommended time and increase if necessary.

6. Can purple shampoo be used on brown hair?

Purple shampoo can be used on brown hair with highlights or balayage to keep the lighter sections from turning brassy. However, it won’t have a significant impact on the darker parts of brown hair. For brunettes, blue shampoo might be more effective for counteracting orange tones.

7. Do I need to use a conditioner after purple shampoo?

Yes, it is recommended to follow up with a conditioner after using purple shampoo. Purple shampoo can be drying, so using a good conditioner helps to keep your hair hydrated, smooth, and healthy. For best results, consider using a purple conditioner designed to complement the shampoo.

8. Can I use purple shampoo on wet or dry hair?

Purple shampoo is typically used on wet hair. Wet your hair thoroughly before applying the shampoo to ensure even distribution and effective toning. Some people use it on dry hair for more intense toning, but this method can be drying and should be done with caution.

9. What should I do if my hair turns purple from using purple shampoo?

If your hair develops a purple tint from using purple shampoo, don’t panic. This tint is usually temporary and will fade with regular washing. You can use a clarifying shampoo to help remove the excess purple pigment. Reduce the frequency of purple shampoo use to prevent it from happening again.

10. Are there any alternatives to purple shampoo for reducing brassiness?

Yes, there are alternatives to purple shampoo for reducing brassiness. Purple conditioners, masks, and treatments can also help maintain cool tones. Additionally, avoiding excessive heat styling, using UV protectants, and rinsing hair with filtered water can help prevent brassiness.

Wrap Up

Purple shampoo is a straightforward and efficient solution for preserving the vibrancy of light-colored hair. Ensuring your blonde, grey, or highlighted hair looks its best between salon visits, this product effectively neutralizes unwanted yellow tones. With the proper knowledge and product selection, you can maintain a stylish and vibrant look for your hair throughout the year. Whether you have platinum blonde locks or are embracing your natural silver hair, purple shampoo can be your secret weapon for maintaining stunning hair color.