Purple shampoo has become a popular product for those who have colored or highlighted hair. But when is the right time to use it?
The general rule of thumb is to use purple shampoo once a week or every other week. However, the frequency of use will depend on the intensity of your highlights and the natural color of your hair.
If you have very light or platinum blonde highlights, you may want to use purple shampoo more frequently to maintain the cool tone of your hair.
On the other hand, if you have subtle highlights or a darker natural hair color, you may only need to use purple shampoo occasionally.
Understanding the Role of Highlights
Before diving into the benefits of purple shampoo, it’s important to understand the role of highlights in your hair. Highlights are created by lightening certain sections of your hair to create dimension and depth.
This can be done with bleach or a color that is lighter than your natural hair.
However, highlights can also cause your hair to become dry and brittle. This is why it’s important to use hair care products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair. Purple shampoo is one of these products and can help maintain the vibrancy of your highlights while keeping your hair healthy and hydrated.
Maintaining the Vibrancy of Your Hair Color
Over time, highlights can become brassy or yellow due to exposure to sunlight, heat styling, and other environmental factors. This is where purple shampoo comes in. The purple pigments in the shampoo neutralize the yellow and orange tones in your hair, leaving it looking cool and bright.
Using purple shampoo after highlights can also help prolong the life of your color. By keeping your hair cool-toned, your highlights will look fresher for longer and you won’t have to touch up your color as often.
| Highlights | Frequency of Purple Shampoo Use |
|---|---|
| Very light or platinum blonde | Once a week |
| Subtle highlights or darker natural hair color | Every other week or occasionally |
The Science Behind Purple Shampoo and How it Works
Purple shampoo works by using color theory to counteract the warm tones in your hair. The opposite of yellow on the color wheel is purple, which is why purple shampoo is purple in color.
The purple pigments in the shampoo penetrate the hair shaft and neutralize any yellow or orange tones. This creates a cool-toned effect and makes your highlights appear brighter.
The Benefits of Using Purple Shampoo After Highlights
The biggest benefit of using purple shampoo after highlights is maintaining the vibrancy of your color. By keeping your hair cool-toned, your highlights will look fresh and bright for longer.
Purple shampoo can also help prevent brassy tones from developing in your hair. Brassy tones occur when the color in your hair fades and the underlying warm tones are exposed. By using purple shampoo, you can prevent this from happening and extend the life of your color.
Avoiding Overuse and Potential Damage
While purple shampoo can be a lifesaver for colored hair, it’s important to avoid overuse. Using purple shampoo too frequently can cause your hair to become dry and brittle.
It’s also important to choose a purple shampoo that is gentle and won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. Look for a shampoo that is sulfate-free and contains nourishing ingredients like argan oil or keratin.
Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo for Your Hair
When choosing a purple shampoo, it’s important to consider your hair type and the intensity of your highlights. Some purple shampoos are more pigmented than others, which can make them too strong for certain hair types.
If you have fine or thin hair, look for a lightweight purple shampoo that won’t weigh your hair down. If you have thick or coarse hair, opt for a more hydrating formula.
Tips for Keeping Your Hair Healthy and Beautiful
In addition to using purple shampoo, there are other steps you can take to keep your hair healthy and beautiful.
- Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair hydrated
- Limit your use of heat styling tools to prevent damage
- Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when spending time in the sun
- Trim your hair regularly to prevent split ends
By following these tips and using purple shampoo after highlights, you can keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy for longer.
