If you’ve ever visited a hair salon or perused the hair care aisle at your local drugstore, you’ve probably come across purple shampoo.
Despite its name, this shampoo isn’t actually purple in color – rather, it’s designed to work with specific hair types and colors.
While purple shampoo is typically marketed towards people with blonde or silver hair, it’s also become a popular choice among those with lightened or highlighted hair. But can purple shampoo really lighten your hair? Let’s find out.
What is Purple Shampoo and How Does it Work?
Purple shampoo is a specialized hair care product that’s designed to neutralize brassy or yellow tones in blonde, silver, or highlighted hair.
The purple pigments in the shampoo work to cancel out these unwanted hues, leaving hair looking brighter, cooler, and more vibrant.
Purple shampoo is typically used once or twice a week in place of regular shampoo, and it’s often followed by a matching conditioner to keep hair looking its best.
Can Purple Shampoo Really Lighten Hair?
While purple shampoo can help to brighten and enhance blonde or silver hues, it’s not actually capable of lightening hair.
This is because the pigments in the shampoo are designed to neutralize existing tones, rather than chemically altering the hair itself. If you’re looking to lighten your hair, you’ll need to use a different product or visit a professional stylist who can safely bleach your strands.
| Purple Shampoo Can… | Purple Shampoo Can’t… |
|---|---|
| Neutralize brassy or yellow tones | Lighten hair |
| Enhance blonde or silver hues | Change your natural hair color |
| Provide a cool, vibrant tone | Replace traditional shampoo |
Understanding the Science Behind Purple Shampoo
To understand how purple shampoo works, it’s important to know a bit about color theory. The color wheel, often used by artists and designers, can also be applied to hair care. Purple is located opposite yellow on the color wheel, which means that the two colors cancel each other out. When purple shampoo is applied to hair with yellow or brassy tones, the purple pigments neutralize these colors, resulting in a brighter, cooler shade.
How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?
The frequency with which you should use purple shampoo will depend on your individual hair type and color. If you have lightened or highlighted hair that’s prone to brassiness, you may benefit from using purple shampoo once or twice a week. However, if your hair is already quite light and doesn’t have much yellow or brassiness, using purple shampoo too often can actually make your hair look dull or grayish.
The Pros and Cons of Using Purple Shampoo
Like any hair care product, purple shampoo has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it can help to keep blonde or silver hair looking vibrant and cool-toned. It’s also a relatively affordable and easy-to-use product that can be found at most drugstores. However, using purple shampoo too often can result in over-toning or a lack of warmth in your hair. Additionally, some people may experience dryness or brittleness from using purple shampoo too frequently.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Keeps blonde or silver hair looking vibrant | Can result in over-toning |
| Easy to use and widely available | May cause dryness or brittleness |
| Affordable | Can lead to lack of warmth in hair |
Tips for Using Purple Shampoo Safely and Effectively
To get the most out of your purple shampoo, it’s important to use it safely and effectively. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a small amount of shampoo and work your way up as needed.
- Leave the shampoo on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing to allow the pigments to do their job.
- Follow up with a matching conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
- Avoid using purple shampoo too frequently, as this can lead to over-toning or dryness.
Conclusion: Is Purple Shampoo Right for You?
While purple shampoo isn’t capable of lightening your hair, it can be a useful tool for neutralizing brassy or yellow tones and keeping blonde or silver hair looking cool and vibrant. However, it’s important to use purple shampoo safely and effectively, and to avoid overuse or misuse. If you’re unsure whether purple shampoo is right for you, consult with a professional stylist who can help you choose the best hair care products for your individual needs.
