Purple shampoo is a hair care product designed to combat brassiness in blonde, silver, and gray hair. It contains purple pigments that neutralize yellow and orange tones, leaving the hair looking brighter and cooler.
Purple shampoo is not a replacement for regular shampoo but rather a supplement to it.
It is formulated to be used once or twice a week, depending on how often you wash your hair.
Purple shampoo is different from regular shampoo in that it has a higher pH level and a thicker consistency. It is important to use it correctly to avoid damaging your hair.
When using purple shampoo, massage it into wet hair and let it sit for 3-5 minutes before rinsing it out. It is recommended to follow up with a conditioner to hydrate and nourish your hair after using purple shampoo.
Why Use Purple Shampoo?
The main reason to use purple shampoo is to keep blonde, silver, and gray hair looking bright and vibrant. Yellow and orange tones can develop in these hair colors over time, either due to exposure to sunlight, hard water, or the use of styling products.
Purple shampoo neutralizes these tones, leaving the hair looking cooler and more youthful. Purple shampoo can also help extend the life of hair color by preventing fading.
In addition to its color-correcting properties, purple shampoo also has other benefits for the hair. It can help improve the texture of the hair and make it feel smoother and more manageable.
It can also reduce frizz and static, making hair easier to style. Overall, purple shampoo is a useful addition to any hair care routine for those with blonde, silver, and gray hair.
How Does Purple Shampoo Work?
Purple shampoo works by using color theory to neutralize unwanted tones in the hair. Yellow and orange are opposite colors on the color wheel to purple, which means that purple pigments can cancel out these tones. When purple shampoo is applied to the hair, the purple pigments attach to the yellow and orange pigments and neutralize them, leaving the hair looking cooler and brighter.
It is important to note that purple shampoo does not actually dye your hair purple. The purple pigments are subtle and will not change the underlying color of your hair. However, if you leave purple shampoo on for too long or use it too frequently, it can cause a slight purple tint to develop, especially in very light or porous hair.
How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?
The frequency of use for purple shampoo depends on a number of factors, including your hair type, hair color, and how often you wash your hair. As a general rule, it is recommended to use purple shampoo once or twice a week at most. Using it more frequently than that can cause the hair to become dry and brittle.
If you have very light or porous hair, you may need to use purple shampoo more frequently to keep brassiness at bay. Conversely, if you have dark blonde or light brown hair with only a few highlights, you may not need to use purple shampoo at all. It is important to pay attention to your hair and adjust your use of purple shampoo accordingly.
Factors That Affect Purple Shampoo Frequency
There are several factors that can affect how often you should use purple shampoo. These include:
- Hair type: Fine, thin hair will require less purple shampoo than thick, coarse hair.
- Hair color: Blonde, silver, and gray hair will require more purple shampoo than light brown or dark blonde hair.
- Water quality: Hard water can cause more buildup and discoloration in the hair, so those with hard water may need to use purple shampoo more frequently.
- Styling products: Using a lot of styling products can cause buildup in the hair, which may require more frequent use of purple shampoo.
- Sun exposure: Spending a lot of time in the sun can cause blonde hair to turn brassy, which may require more frequent use of purple shampoo.
How to Tell When It’s Time to Use Purple Shampoo
If you notice that your blonde, silver, or gray hair is starting to look dull, yellow, or orange, it may be time to use purple shampoo. You can also use purple shampoo preventatively, by using it once a week or so to keep your hair looking bright and vibrant. If you are unsure whether you need to use purple shampoo, consult with a hairstylist or colorist for advice.
It is important to note that purple shampoo is not a replacement for regular shampoo. You should still use regular shampoo to cleanse your hair and scalp, and use purple shampoo as a supplement to keep your hair looking its best.
Can You Overuse Purple Shampoo?
Yes, you can overuse purple shampoo. Using it too frequently or leaving it on for too long can cause the hair to become dry, brittle, and even slightly purple. It is important to follow the instructions on the bottle and use purple shampoo only once or twice a week at most. If you notice your hair becoming dry or brittle, reduce your use of purple shampoo or switch to a gentler formula.
Tips for Getting the Best Results with Purple Shampoo
To get the best results with purple shampoo, follow these tips:
- Choose a high-quality, salon-grade purple shampoo for best results.
- Use purple shampoo once or twice a week at most.
- Leave purple shampoo on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing it out.
- Follow up with a hydrating conditioner to nourish your hair.
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove buildup from styling products and hard water.
- Protect your hair from sunlight and heat styling to prevent damage and fading.
