Are you wondering, is purple shampoo bad for your hair? Purple shampoo can work wonders to banish brassy tones, but is using too much purple shampoo putting your hair at risk?
I’m going to share the pros and cons of using purple shampoo, and letting you know whether it’s a product you should use within your hair care routine, or not. Keep on reading to find out more…
What is Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is a specialized type of shampoo hair product, that is designed to eliminate brassy hair hues, in blonde, silver, gray, and highlighted hair.
It gets its name from the purple pigment that is added to the formula, which works to neutralize yellow and orange tones in the hair.
Unlike regular shampoo, which is used to cleanse the hair and scalp, purple shampoo is used specifically to tone the hair.
It is typically used once or twice a week, depending on the individual’s hair type and the level of brassiness they are experiencing.
Purple shampoo is particularly useful for those with blonde hair, as blonde hair is more prone to developing brassy tones over time.
The purple pigment in the shampoo works to counteract these tones warm hair has, resulting in a brighter, cooler blonde.
How Does Purple Shampoo Work?
When dark hair is lightened, it can sometimes develop a yellow or brassy tone due to the natural pigments in the hair being exposed.
This can be caused by various factors, such as sun exposure, hard water, and even the use of certain hair care products.
Purple shampoo works by using the opposite color on the color wheel to neutralize the unwanted yellow tones in the hair.
The purple and violet pigment used in the shampoo cancels out the yellow pigment in the hair, leaving it looking more cool-toned and bright.
To use purple shampoo, wet your hair and apply the shampoo evenly throughout your hair.
Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it out thoroughly. It’s important not to leave the shampoo on for too long, as it can leave a purple tint in the hair.
It’s worth noting that purple shampoo is not a permanent solution to brassy hair. It should be used in conjunction with other hair care products and treatments to maintain the desired color.
Also, make sure you go for a purple shampoo that is specifically designed for your hair type and color, as different products may have different levels of pigmentation.
Is Purple Shampoo Bad for Your Hair?
Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize brassy tones and keep your blonde shade looking fresh and vibrant. But is purple shampoo good or bad for your hair? Let’s take a closer look.
Purple shampoo in and of itself isn’t damaging to hair. However, it should still never be a permanent substitute for your regular shampoo.
Overusing purple shampoo can lead to dryness, breakage, and scalp dryness. It’s best to use purple shampoo once a week or as needed to maintain your desired shade.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if you leave purple shampoo in your hair for too long, it can actually turn your hair a violet shade. So be sure to follow the instructions carefully and rinse it out thoroughly.
Who Should Use Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is a must-have for anyone with blonde, silver, or gray hair. It is specifically designed to neutralize brassy tones and keep your hair color looking fresh and vibrant. But, how does purple shampoo work for different hair colors...
Blondes
If you’re a natural blonde or have colored your hair blonde, purple shampoo is a game-changer.
It helps to keep your natural hair color from turning yellow or brassy, which can happen due to exposure to the sun, chlorine, or hard water.
Using purple shampoo once a week can help keep your blonde hair looking bright and beautiful.
Color-Treated Hair
If you’ve recently colored your hair blonde, purple shampoo is a must-have.
It helps to maintain the color and keep it from fading or turning brassy. However, be careful not to overuse it, as it can dry out your hair and make it brittle.
Brunette and Brown Hair
While purple shampoo is primarily marketed towards blondes, brunette hair can also benefit from its use.
If you have highlights or balayage in your hair, purple shampoo can help to keep them looking fresh and prevent any brassy tones from appearing.
Gray Hair
Purple shampoo is an incredibly useful tool that can help restore gray hair to its original color. It works by canceling out the yellow and orange tones that are often seen in gray hair, leaving it looking brighter and clearer.
The purple pigment present in the shampoo gradually subdues those colors over time with repeated usage.
The special treatment of blue pigments repairs split ends, smoothens out frizziness, and provides nourishment for dry and weak strands of hair.
This makes gray hair look thicker and more lustrous instead of being dull or lifeless
So, if you have blonde, silver, or gray hair, or if you’ve recently colored your hair blonde, purple shampoo is a must-have in your hair care routine.
It can help to keep your hair color looking fresh and vibrant, and prevent any unwanted brassy tones. Just be sure to use it sparingly and follow the instructions on the bottle to avoid any unwanted purple tints in your hair.
How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?
Experts suggest using purple shampoo once a week to maintain the color and tone of your hair. However, the frequency can vary depending on factors such as hair type, color intensity, and the amount of time spent in the sun.
Don’t ever overuse purple shampoo, as it can dry out your hair and cause damage. If you notice your hair becoming brittle or dull, it’s a sign that purple shampoo damage hair you’re using it too often.
If you’re using purple shampoo at home, make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle and leave it in for the recommended time. Don’t leave it in for too long, as it can cause your hair to turn purple or gray.
How to Use Purple Shampoo
If you’re new to purple shampoo, it’s easy to use and can be a great haircare product to use within your existing hair care routine.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your purple shampoo:
- Wet hair thoroughly: Before applying purple shampoo, make sure your hair is completely wet. This will help the shampoo lather and spread evenly.
- Lather and massage: Apply a small amount of purple shampoo to your hair and lather it up. Massage the shampoo into your hair and scalp, paying extra attention to areas that tend to get brassier, like the roots and ends.
- Leave it on for a few minutes: Depending on the instructions on the bottle, you may need to leave the shampoo on for a few minutes to let it work its magic. Don’t leave it on for too long, though, as it can dry out your hair.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the shampoo out of your hair thoroughly with warm water. Make sure you get all the shampoo out, as leaving any residue can cause your hair to look dull and brassy.
- Follow up with conditioner: After using purple shampoo, it’s important to follow up with a good conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and healthy.
Remember, purple shampoo is not meant to be used every day. Overuse can lead to dryness and damage. Follow the instructions on the the shampoo bottle, and use it only as needed to maintain the cool, ashy tones in your hair, and not damage your hair.
Alternatives to Purple Shampoo
While purple shampoo is an excellent option for toning down brassiness in blonde and gray or silver hair tones, it’s not the only option. Here are some alternatives to purple shampoo that can help you achieve the same results:
Blue Shampoo
Blue shampoo is similar to purple toning shampoo, but it’s formulated for darker shades of hair, such as brown hair.
It helps to neutralize orange and red tones in the hair, after using red hair dye, making it an excellent alternative to purple shampoo for those with darker hair colors.
Regular Shampoo
Sometimes the best alternative to purple shampoo is simply a good, old-fashioned regular shampoo.
Regular shampoo can help to cleanse the hair and remove any buildup that may be contributing to brassiness. Look for a gentle, color-safe formula that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils.
Cleansing Conditioner
If you’re looking for a gentler option than regular shampoo, try a cleansing conditioner.
These products are designed to cleanse and condition the hair in one step, making them a great option for those with dry or damaged hair.
Toner
Another alternative to purple shampoo is a toner. Toners are typically used in salons to help neutralize unwanted tones in the hair.
They can be used on their own or in conjunction with a regular shampoo to achieve the desired results.
How Best To Apply Purple Shampoo To Banish Brassy Tones
To get the best results from purple shampoo, it’s important to apply it correctly. Start by washing your hair with a regular shampoo and conditioner to remove any product build-up or dirt.
Once you’ve completed this step, apply enough purple shampoo into your palm of your hands before running through your hair evenly. Make sure you coat all areas for maximum effectiveness.
Leave the purple shampoo in for 3–5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cold water – this will ensure that the color pigments have time to attach onto each individual strand of hair effectively and won’t wash away quickly like other products may do when used incorrectly.
After rinsing out, apply a deep conditioner to help lock in moisture and help keep the cool tones vibrant for longer periods of time.
How to Maintain Vibrant Blonde Hair
One of the most effective ways to maintain your blonde hair is by using purple shampoo.
This specialized shampoo contains purple pigments that can help neutralize any brassy tones in your hair, leaving it looking cooler and more vibrant.
Simply use it in place of your regular shampoo once or twice a week, depending on your hair’s needs.
But using purple shampoo alone is not enough. To keep your hair healthy and vibrant, you should also use a purple conditioner, specifically designed for blonde hair. This will help to moisturize and nourish your hair, preventing it from becoming dry and brittle.
As well as using a conditioner, consider incorporating a hair mask into your routine once a week. A hair mask can provide deep conditioning and repair to your hair, leaving it feeling soft and silky.
To further protect your blonde hair from damage, be sure to use a heat protectant before using any heat styling tools. This will help to prevent breakage and split ends, allowing your hair to maintain its length and strength.
Finally, consider using natural oils to nourish and protect your hair. Oils such as argan oil and coconut oil can provide deep hydration and nourishment, leaving your hair looking and feeling healthy and vibrant.
Summary
Overuse of purple shampoo can lead to dryness, hair breakage and, and buildup on the scalp and hair. It is recommended to use purple shampoo once or twice a week at most, depending on the individual’s hair type and needs.
While purple shampoo can help maintain shine and prevent color fade, it is important to also incorporate other hair care practices such as deep conditioning treatments, regular trims, and avoiding heat styling tools to maintain healthy, vibrant hair.
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