Blonde hair requires special care to maintain its vibrant color and avoid unwanted brassiness. Enter purple shampoo, a game-changing product in the world of blonde hair care. If you’re wondering, “What does purple shampoo do?” you’re in the right place. This article will explore everything you need to know about purple shampoo, its benefits, and how to use it for the best results.
What is Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is a specially formulated shampoo that contains violet pigments. These pigments help neutralize yellow and orange tones in blonde hair, preventing brassiness and keeping your hair color vibrant. The science behind it is simple: purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel, so it cancels out those unwanted warm tones. This makes purple shampoo an essential product for anyone with blonde, silver, or highlighted hair.
What Does Purple Shampoo Do and Why is it Purple?
Purple shampoo works by neutralizing unwanted brassy tones in blonde and highlighted hair. The key lies in its purple pigments. On the color wheel, purple is opposite yellow, meaning it can effectively cancel out yellow hues. When you use purple shampoo, the violet pigments adhere to your hair and counteract the yellow and orange tones, leaving your hair looking brighter and cooler. This color theory ensures your blonde remains fresh and vibrant between salon visits.
What Does Purple Shampoo Do to Brown Hair?
While purple shampoo is primarily designed for blonde hair, it can still benefit brunettes. If you have brown hair with highlights or balayage, purple shampoo can help keep those lighter sections from turning brassy. The violet pigments work on the lighter strands, neutralizing any yellow or orange tones and enhancing the overall coolness of your hair. For solid dark brown hair, purple shampoo might not have a noticeable effect, but for brunettes with highlights, it can be a game-changer.
Related, Purple Shampoo On Dry Hair
Does Purple Shampoo Damage Hair?
No, purple shampoo doesn’t damage your hair if used properly. The purple pigments in the shampoo are designed to neutralize brassiness without causing harm. However, overuse or leaving the shampoo on for too long can lead to a temporary purple tint, particularly on lighter hair. Stick to the recommended usage, and your hair will remain healthy and beautifully toned.
How to Use Purple Shampoo
1. Wet Your Hair:
Start by thoroughly wetting your hair with warm water. This opens up the hair cuticles, allowing the purple shampoo to penetrate more effectively.
2. Apply the Shampoo:
Squeeze a coin-sized amount of purple shampoo into your palm and lather it in your hands. Apply it evenly throughout your hair, focusing on areas with the most brassiness.
3. Massage and Leave In:
Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair. Leave it in for 1-3 minutes if you're new to purple shampoo, and up to 5 minutes if your hair is more brassy.
4. Rinse Thoroughly:
Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. This helps to seal the cuticles and lock in the toner.
5. Follow with Conditioner:
Use a nourishing conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and smooth. For best results, use a conditioner designed for blonde or color-treated hair.
Purple Shampoo Tips and Tricks
Use Sparingly:
Purple shampoo is potent, so use it sparingly to avoid excessive color deposits. Once a week is usually sufficient to keep your blonde vibrant and free from brassiness.
Pre-Apply Conditioner:
For added protection, apply a conditioner to the ends of your hair before using purple shampoo. This can help minimize any potential drying effects.
Check for Residue:
Ensure all shampoo is thoroughly rinsed out to avoid any purple residue. This helps in maintaining a natural blonde look.
Adjust Frequency:
Depending on how quickly your blonde hair becomes brassy, adjust the frequency of use. Some may need it weekly, while others may find bi-weekly usage sufficient.
How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?
The ideal frequency for using purple shampoo generally falls around once a week. This regular application helps maintain vibrant blonde tones by neutralizing brassy hues without overwhelming your hair with pigments. However, if you find that your hair becomes brassy more quickly, you might need to increase the frequency to twice a week. Conversely, if your blonde remains fresh and bright, you can extend the intervals between applications. It’s essential to monitor how your hair responds to the shampoo and adjust usage accordingly to avoid any potential dryness or color build-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does purple shampoo do to brown hair?
Purple shampoo primarily targets blonde, grey, or silver hair to neutralize brassy tones. For brown hair, especially with highlights, it can help tone down unwanted orange or yellow hues, making the lighter sections appear cooler and more vibrant.
What is the point of purple shampoo?
The main purpose of purple shampoo is to counteract brassy or yellow tones in blonde, silver, or grey hair. The purple pigments neutralize these unwanted hues, restoring a cooler, more natural-looking shade.
Is purple shampoo good for grey hair in the UK?
Yes, purple shampoo is excellent for grey hair in the UK. It helps maintain a bright, fresh appearance by neutralizing yellow tones that can develop over time, ensuring your grey hair looks crisp and well-maintained.
What is the downside of purple shampoo?
One downside of purple shampoo is that overuse can lead to a purple or violet tint, especially if left on for too long. It's important to follow usage instructions to avoid this issue and to ensure the best results for your hair.
Will purple shampoo lighten hair?
Purple shampoo does not lighten hair; instead, it corrects brassy tones to make your current blonde or grey shade look brighter and more vibrant. It’s a color-correcting product, not a lightening agent.
Conclusion
Purple shampoo is a powerful tool for maintaining the vibrancy and freshness of blonde, silver, or grey hair. By neutralizing brassy and yellow tones with its violet pigments, it helps keep your hair looking cool and well-maintained. For those with brown hair, it can also be useful for toning highlights and reducing unwanted warmth. However, it’s important to use it correctly to avoid potential downsides, such as an unintended purple tint.
When incorporating purple shampoo into your routine, choose products that are both effective and gentle. For an optimal experience, consider GK Hair's Silver Bombshell Shampoo for its advanced formula designed to counteract brassy tones while keeping your blonde hair bright and healthy. Additionally, the Miami Bombshell treatment is excellent for smoothing and maintaining blonde hair, ensuring it stays soft, shiny, and free from brassiness.
By understanding what purple shampoo does and how to use it properly, you can achieve and maintain stunning, salon-fresh results. Incorporate these tips into your haircare routine and enjoy a brighter, more vibrant look for your hair.
