Purple shampoo is a staple for anyone who wants to keep their blonde hair looking fresh and vibrant. However, sometimes it may not work as expected, leaving your hair brassy and dull.
There are several reasons why purple shampoo may not be working for you.
Firstly, it is essential to consider the quality of your purple shampoo. Cheaper purple shampoos may not have enough pigment to effectively tone your hair.
Also, if your hair is too brassy, purple shampoo alone may not be enough to correct it. In such a case, you may need to use a toning treatment or consider visiting a professional stylist.
Secondly, it is essential to consider your hair’s porosity level. If your hair is highly porous, it may absorb more of the purple shampoo, making it appear less effective.
Additionally, if your hair is coarse and thick, it may take longer for the purple shampoo to penetrate and work its magic.
Lastly, you should consider how frequently you use purple shampoo. Overuse of purple shampoo may cause your hair to appear dull and lifeless.
Therefore, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and not use purple shampoo more frequently than recommended.
The Science Behind Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is a specially formulated shampoo that contains purple pigments. These pigments are designed to neutralize yellow and brassy tones in blonde hair.
The science behind purple shampoo is based on color theory – purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel, and therefore, the two colors cancel each other out.
Purple shampoo works by depositing the purple pigments onto the hair strands, which counteract the yellow tones.
When applied to wet hair, the purple pigments penetrate the hair’s cuticle, neutralizing the yellow tones and leaving the hair looking brighter and cooler.
It is worth noting that purple shampoo does not contain bleach or any other chemical lightener. Therefore, it cannot lighten your hair or correct major color issues. However, it is an effective tool for maintaining the vibrancy of your blonde locks and keeping them looking fresh.
Factors That Affect Purple Shampoo’s Performance
Several factors can affect how well purple shampoo works on your hair. It is essential to understand these factors to ensure that you get the best possible results from your purple shampoo.
Hair type: Different hair types will react differently to purple shampoo. For example, fine hair may require less purple shampoo than thick and coarse hair.
Porosity: Hair with high porosity will absorb more purple shampoo, making it appear less effective.
Water quality: Hard water can affect the performance of purple shampoo. If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to consider using a clarifying shampoo before using purple shampoo.
Product quality: As previously mentioned, the quality of your purple shampoo can affect its performance. Cheaper purple shampoos may not contain enough pigment to effectively tone your hair.
Lifestyle: Environmental factors such as exposure to the sun, chlorine, and saltwater can affect the performance of purple shampoo.
Incorrect Usage of Purple Shampoo
Using purple shampoo incorrectly can affect its performance. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Leaving the shampoo on for too long: Leaving purple shampoo on for too long can result in purple or grey tones in your hair. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Not using enough shampoo: Not using enough purple shampoo can result in uneven toning. It is essential to use enough shampoo to cover all your hair.
Rinsing too quickly: Rinsing out purple shampoo too quickly can result in uneven toning. It is essential to leave the shampoo on for the recommended time before rinsing.
Using too frequently: Overuse of purple shampoo can result in dull and lifeless hair. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and not use the shampoo more frequently than recommended.
Color-Treated Hair and Purple Shampoo
If you have color-treated hair, you may be wondering if it is safe to use purple shampoo. The answer is yes, but it is essential to take a few precautions.
Firstly, it is essential to ensure that the purple shampoo is safe for color-treated hair. Look for shampoos that are sulfate-free and gentle on the hair.
Secondly, it is essential to consider the color of your hair. If you have colored blonde hair, purple shampoo can help maintain the vibrancy of your color.
However, if you have darker hair with blonde highlights, purple shampoo may not be suitable. It may result in uneven toning or, worse, tint the highlights purple.
Therefore, it is essential to consult with a professional stylist before using purple shampoo on color-treated hair.
Different Shades of Blonde and Purple Shampoo
Not all blonde hair is created equal, and therefore, not all purple shampoo is suitable for every shade of blonde. Here is a guide to help you determine which purple shampoo is suitable for your hair:
Platinum Blonde: Platinum blonde hair requires a highly pigmented purple shampoo. Look for shampoos that are labeled “intense” or “ultra-violet.”
Cool Blonde: Cool blonde hair requires a slightly less pigmented purple shampoo. Look for shampoos that are labeled “cool” or “silver.”
Warm Blonde: Warm blonde hair requires a purple shampoo with a smaller amount of pigment. Look for shampoos that are labeled “tinted” or “blonde.”
Overuse of Purple Shampoo
Overuse of purple shampoo can result in dull and lifeless hair. If you notice that your hair is becoming too cool or purple-toned, it may be time to take a break from using purple shampoo.
Instead, you can opt for a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup that may be causing your hair to appear dull and lifeless.
Alternatives to Purple Shampoo for Toning Hair
If purple shampoo is not working for you or you want to try an alternative, there are several options to consider.
Toning treatments: Toning treatments are deep conditioning treatments that contain pigments to neutralize unwanted tones. They are typically more potent than purple shampoo and can be applied once a week.
Color depositing conditioners: Color depositing conditioners are conditioners that contain pigments to enhance and maintain hair color. They are available in various shades and can be used in place of regular conditioner.
Toning gloss: Toning gloss is a semi-permanent color treatment that neutralizes unwanted tones and adds shine to the hair. It can be applied at home or by a professional stylist.
In conclusion, purple shampoo is an excellent tool for maintaining blonde hair’s vibrancy and preventing unwanted brassy tones. However, it is essential to consider various factors that can affect its performance and use it correctly to avoid any unwanted results. If purple shampoo is not working for you, there are several alternatives to consider.
