If you have blonde, color-treated, or bleached hair, you might notice the looming threat of brassy tones creeping in. These unwanted yellow and orange shades, known as brassiness, are common in color-treated blonde hair over time.
The annoying issue can be fixed with purple shampoo, which works like magic (or rather, science). While it won’t replace your regular shampoo and conditioner, incorporating it into your hair care routine is essential for keeping your desired color vibrant.
When it comes to using purple shampoo correctly, understanding the right and wrong ways is important.
You should know that purple shampoo doesn’t directly lighten hair, but it does neutralize those brassy tones, making your blonde look fresher. By adding purple shampoo to your routine, you can make a big difference in your hair’s hue and overall appearance.
What is Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo specially designed for blonde hair. It contains crushed violet pigments that neutralize the style-ruining brassy and yellow tones.
On the color wheel, purple is the opposite of yellow, so the purple pigments help cancel brassy tones in professionally colored hair. It’s an easy, at-home solution for preventing brassiness and keeping your bleached hair vibrant.
How Does Purple Shampoo Work?
Purple shampoo is a must-have for brassy blondes. Based on color theory, purple and yellow are opposites on the color wheel, so they counteract each other. When blonde hair turns brassy, using a pigmented purple shampoo helps neutralize the yellow hue, bringing back your desired ashy blonde color.
Whether you’re considering a Brazilian blowout vs relaxer, both can impact how brassiness appears over time, especially when paired with factors like bleach, UV rays, and chlorine.
How to Use Purple Toning Shampoo
To get the best from purple shampoo, swap it into your hair care routine. Replace your regular shampoo with its purple counterpart every few washes or once a week. Whether you choose a Brazilian blowout vs Japanese straightening, follow a step-by-step refresher to maximize the benefits.
- Apply the Shampoo to Wet Hair
Apply purple shampoo to wet roots and be generous. Make sure to focus on both the roots and the length of your hair. You may need a bigger helping than your regular shampoo.
- Massage the Shampoo at the Roots Into a Lather
Massage the shampoo gently at the roots until it creates a lather. You’ll notice the purple color slowly turns into a light lavender soapy-foam with a smooth consistency for better coverage.
- Work the Shampoo Through the Length of Your Hair
Once the roots are saturated with the foamy substance, start massaging the shampoo through the lengths of your hair. Make sure every hair is covered, from the root to the ends, with the purple cleanser.
- Let the Shampoo Sit
Let the shampoo sit for two to five minutes, depending on how brassy your hair is and how ashy you want your color. After that, rinse thoroughly. Keep an eye on the time to avoid going over.
- Rinse
Once the time has passed, rinse the shampoo out with lukewarm water. After that, follow up with a purple conditioner to add moisture back to your strands for smoother, healthier hair.
Does Purple Shampoo Clean Your Hair?
Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo that will cleanse your hair and tone it simultaneously. If you’re transitioning to silver hair from brown, you don’t need to double-shampoo or use another product when you use it.
Does Purple Shampoo Make Your Hair Lighter?
Purple shampoo doesn’t lighten brown hair, so if your hair isn’t already bleached, you’ll be disappointed. Instead, it brightens blondes by canceling yellow tones. These tones are opposite purple on the color wheel, making it great for keeping your blonde shade. For more customized results, consider mixing hair dye with conditioner to maintain color vibrancy.
Can Purple Shampoo Change Your Hair Color?
Purple shampoo doesn’t lighten or darken your hair color. If you leave it on too long, you might see a slight violet tone, especially on silver or white hair colors. If you’re wondering, can you bleach wet hair, it’s generally not recommended. Use a clarifying shampoo to help the tint fade.
How Long Should You Leave Purple Shampoo In?
Many people ask about leaving purple shampoo in their hair for an hour or more to get a stronger result. But it’s not necessary! A few minutes is all you need with Nexxus Blonde Assure Purple Shampoo.
How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?
If you’re wondering how often to use purple shampoo, there isn’t a set answer. Every blonde’s hair routines are different. Start using it once a week with a color-safe shampoo like Color Assure Color Care Shampoo. Gradually increase use for your perfect shade. You can also try what is a hair glaze for added shine and protection.
What Should I Do If I Leave Purple Shampoo in Too Long?
If your bleached hair is too porous and soaks up purple shampoo, don’t panic. Simply wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to dull the silver-tone. Always use a conditioner after washing, especially with a clarifying product.
Does Purple Shampoo Make Your Hair Dry?
Purple shampoo won’t dry your hair, but it shouldn’t replace your everyday moisturizing shampoo. Pair it with a coordinating conditioner to prevent unwanted dryness. The Toning Purple Sulfate Free Shampoo has nourishing hibiscus to keep your hair moisturized while it tones.
Is Purple Shampoo Only for Blondes?
Purple shampoo isn’t just for blondes. It’s essential for a bleached blonde look but also works for darker shades of blonde, natural blondes, and brunettes with lightened hair like ombre or balayage to help reduce brassy tones.
Conclusion
Purple shampoo is an essential product for maintaining blonde, bleached, or color-treated hair. It works by neutralizing brassy yellow and orange tones, leaving your hair fresh and vibrant. Though it doesn’t lighten hair, purple shampoo is a valuable addition to your hair care routine, especially when used correctly. For best results, pair it with a coordinating conditioner and use once a week, gradually increasing frequency based on your hair’s needs. It also helps protect hair from UV rays and chlorine damage.
FAQ’s
Will purple shampoo make my hair lighter?
Purple shampoo contains a gentle toner and pigment, but it’s not a lightener or hair dye. It won’t darken or make your hair lighter. If your hair tone is too dark, it won’t make it brighter.
When should you not use purple shampoo?
You should stop using purple shampoo two weeks before a lightening service. Overuse can cause build-up on your hair, making it look dull and darker, which can make the lightening process more difficult to achieve a seamless blend.
What happens if I leave purple shampoo in my hair for 30 minutes?
If you leave purple shampoo in your hair for 30 minutes, the risk of over-toning increases significantly. It’s designed to neutralize brassy and yellow tones, but an extended period can cause cool or even purple-tinted hair, especially on light porous hair.
Will purple shampoo fade hair color?
Purple shampoo won’t fade or remove red color, but it can affect its visual effect. When used sparingly, it helps remove bronzy or brassy tones. Overuse can tone down the vibrant orange and red warm tones.
