Purple shampoo, a product once relegated to the realm of salon professionals, has now become a staple in many bathrooms. Its promise? To banish brassy tones and maintain the vibrancy of blonde, silver, and even brunette hair. But what about those with color-treated hair? Can you safely incorporate this violet-hued elixir into your routine, or are you risking fading and unwanted color shifts? Let’s delve into the world of purple shampoo and explore its compatibility with colored hair.
Understanding Purple Shampoo and Its Purpose
Before we address the core question, it’s crucial to grasp what purple shampoo is and how it works. This understanding will help you make informed decisions about its use on your colored hair.
Purple shampoo is essentially a shampoo infused with violet pigments. The violet pigment is the key. Remember the color wheel from art class? Violet is opposite yellow. This isn’t just a fun fact; it’s the foundation of purple shampoo’s magic.
When hair is lightened, whether naturally or through bleaching, underlying warm tones like yellow and orange often become exposed. This is because the bleaching process removes the darker pigments, revealing the warmer ones beneath. Over time, these warm tones can become more pronounced, leading to a brassy or yellow cast.
Purple shampoo works by depositing a small amount of violet pigment onto the hair shaft. This violet pigment neutralizes the unwanted yellow tones, effectively canceling them out and restoring a cooler, brighter tone to the hair. Think of it as a color corrector for your hair. It doesn’t lighten the hair; it simply counteracts the brassiness.
Purple Shampoo on Blonde and Silver Hair
Purple shampoo is primarily designed for blonde and silver hair. These hair colors are most susceptible to brassiness because they are already light and lack the darker pigments to mask the yellow tones.
For naturally blonde or silver hair, purple shampoo can help maintain the cool tones and prevent the development of a yellow or brassy tinge. This is especially helpful for those who live in areas with hard water, which can contribute to brassiness.
For bleached or highlighted blonde hair, purple shampoo is a must-have. Bleaching significantly lifts the hair’s natural color, exposing the underlying yellow tones. Regular use of purple shampoo can keep your blonde looking fresh, vibrant, and salon-worthy. It’s essential for extending the life of your blonde color.
Purple Shampoo on Brunette Hair
While purple shampoo is primarily marketed towards blondes, it can also be beneficial for brunettes, particularly those with balayage, highlights, or color-treated brown hair with lighter pieces.
Brunettes with lighter highlights or balayage can experience brassiness in the lighter sections of their hair. Purple shampoo can help tone these sections and maintain a cooler, more balanced overall color. It can prevent the lighter pieces from turning orange or yellow.
However, it’s crucial for brunettes to use purple shampoo sparingly and choose a formula specifically designed for darker hair. Overuse of a strong purple shampoo can result in a purple or ashy cast on the darker sections of the hair, which is generally not the desired effect. Look for purple shampoos formulated for brunettes, which typically have a lower concentration of violet pigment.
Purple Shampoo on Red Hair
The use of purple shampoo on red hair is a bit more complicated. Red hair tends to fade quickly, and purple shampoo can sometimes exacerbate this fading. The violet pigment in purple shampoo is designed to counteract yellow tones, but red hair often fades to a more orange or copper tone.
If your red hair is fading to orange, a blue shampoo might be a better choice. Blue shampoo is designed to neutralize orange tones, making it a more appropriate color corrector for faded red hair.
If you still want to use purple shampoo on your red hair, proceed with caution. Test it on a small, inconspicuous section of your hair first to see how it affects the color. Use it sparingly and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to help prevent dryness and further fading. Proceed with caution and test a small section first.
Purple Shampoo on Other Colored Hair
The effects of purple shampoo on other colored hair, such as pastel shades, vibrant blues, greens, or purples, can be unpredictable. The violet pigment in purple shampoo can interact with these colors in unexpected ways, potentially altering the hue or causing uneven fading.
If you have fashion-colored hair, it’s best to consult with your colorist before using purple shampoo. They can recommend specific products and techniques that are safe for your hair color and will help maintain its vibrancy. Consult with your colorist for the best advice.
In general, it’s best to avoid using purple shampoo on fashion-colored hair unless you are specifically directed to do so by a professional. Focus on using color-safe shampoos and conditioners that are designed to preserve the vibrancy of your chosen color.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Using Purple Shampoo
While purple shampoo can be a valuable tool for maintaining hair color, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with its use.
One of the most common side effects is dryness. Purple shampoo can be drying to the hair, especially if it is used too frequently or if the formula contains harsh sulfates. This is because the cleansing agents in the shampoo can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
To mitigate the risk of dryness, use purple shampoo sparingly and always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask. Choose a sulfate-free formula and look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil.
Overuse of purple shampoo can lead to a purple or ashy cast, especially on darker hair colors. This is because the violet pigment can build up on the hair shaft, resulting in an unwanted tint. To avoid this, use purple shampoo only as needed and monitor your hair color closely.
If you notice a purple or ashy cast, stop using purple shampoo immediately and use a clarifying shampoo to help remove the excess pigment. You can also try washing your hair with a regular shampoo several times to gradually fade the tint.
In rare cases, some people may experience allergic reactions to the ingredients in purple shampoo. If you experience any irritation, such as itching, redness, or swelling, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
How to Use Purple Shampoo Correctly
To reap the benefits of purple shampoo without experiencing the potential drawbacks, it’s important to use it correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water.
- Apply a small amount of purple shampoo to your hair, focusing on the areas that are most prone to brassiness.
- Massage the shampoo into your hair and scalp, working it into a lather.
- Let the shampoo sit on your hair for 2-5 minutes, depending on the desired level of toning. Start with a shorter processing time and gradually increase it as needed.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask.
- Use purple shampoo 1-2 times per week, or as needed to maintain your desired hair color.
Don’t use purple shampoo every day, as this can lead to dryness and a purple or ashy cast. Adjust the frequency of use based on your hair type, color, and the severity of brassiness.
Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo
With so many purple shampoos on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your hair. Here are some factors to consider:
Hair color: Choose a purple shampoo that is specifically formulated for your hair color. There are different formulas for blonde, silver, and brunette hair.
Ingredients: Look for a purple shampoo that is free of harsh sulfates and contains moisturizing ingredients.
Strength: Some purple shampoos are more potent than others. Start with a milder formula and gradually increase the strength as needed.
Reviews: Read online reviews to get an idea of how other people have experienced the product.
Price: Purple shampoos range in price from affordable to expensive. Choose a product that fits your budget and meets your needs.
Alternatives to Purple Shampoo
If you’re not a fan of purple shampoo or if you’re looking for alternative ways to combat brassiness, there are several other options available.
Blue shampoo: As mentioned earlier, blue shampoo is designed to neutralize orange tones, making it a good choice for red hair or for brunettes with orange undertones.
Color-depositing conditioners: These conditioners contain pigments that can help tone and refresh your hair color. They are a gentler alternative to purple shampoo and can be used more frequently.
Hair glosses: Hair glosses are semi-permanent hair color treatments that can add shine and tone to your hair. They are a good option for those who want to enhance their color without committing to a permanent dye.
Professional toning treatments: Your colorist can perform a professional toning treatment in the salon to neutralize brassiness and restore your desired hair color. This is a good option for those who want a more dramatic or long-lasting result.
Preventative measures: Taking preventative measures, such as using a heat protectant when styling your hair and avoiding excessive sun exposure, can help prevent brassiness in the first place.
Conclusion
So, can you use purple shampoo on colored hair? The answer is a nuanced “it depends.” For blonde and silver hair, it’s generally a yes, provided you use it correctly. Brunettes with highlights or balayage can also benefit, but should opt for formulas designed for darker hair and use it sparingly. Redheads need to proceed with extreme caution, potentially opting for blue shampoo instead. And for those with vibrant fashion colors, consulting with a professional is always the best course of action.
Ultimately, understanding your hair color, its needs, and the potential effects of purple shampoo is crucial for achieving the desired results without damaging your locks. Knowledge is your greatest tool when it comes to color-treated hair and maintaining its vibrancy. Experiment carefully, monitor your hair’s reaction, and adjust your routine accordingly.
Can I use purple shampoo on all shades of colored hair?
Purple shampoo is primarily designed to neutralize brassy, yellow, or orange tones in blonde, silver, gray, or lightened brunette hair. It works because purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel, and when applied, it cancels out these unwanted warm hues, restoring a cooler, brighter tone. While it can be tempting to use on darker colored hair, it won’t have the same visible effect as the underlying brassiness is usually not as prominent.
Using purple shampoo on darker colored hair, such as deep brunettes or redheads, may lead to a slight dulling effect over time. This is because the purple pigment, even in small amounts, can potentially tone down the richness of the original color. It’s best to stick to color-safe shampoos formulated for your specific hair color to maintain its vibrancy and shine.
How often should I use purple shampoo on my colored hair?
The frequency of using purple shampoo depends on your hair color, porosity, and the level of brassiness. Generally, using it once or twice a week is sufficient for maintaining a cool tone in blonde or silver hair. Overuse can lead to a purple tinge, especially on porous hair that absorbs pigment quickly.
Pay close attention to how your hair reacts to the shampoo. If you notice a purple cast, reduce the frequency or the amount of time you leave the shampoo on. For lightly toned hair, you may only need to use it every other week or even less often. It’s always better to start with less frequent applications and increase if needed.
Can purple shampoo damage my colored hair?
Purple shampoo, like any shampoo, can potentially dry out your hair if used too frequently or if the formula contains harsh sulfates. Many purple shampoos contain sulfates to effectively cleanse the hair, but these can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. This is especially true for color-treated hair, which tends to be more prone to dryness and damage.
To mitigate potential damage, look for sulfate-free purple shampoos that are specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These formulas are often gentler and contain moisturizing ingredients to help hydrate and protect your hair. Always follow up with a deep conditioner or hair mask after using purple shampoo to replenish moisture and maintain hair health.
What should I look for in a quality purple shampoo?
A quality purple shampoo should effectively neutralize brassy tones without overly drying or damaging your hair. Look for formulas that are sulfate-free, as sulfates can strip away natural oils and fade color faster. Ingredients like amino acids, oils, and moisturizing agents are beneficial for maintaining hair health and preventing dryness.
Consider the intensity of the purple pigment. Some purple shampoos are more pigmented than others, so choose one that suits your hair’s needs. Lighter blondes may benefit from a gentler formula, while more stubborn brassiness might require a more potent shampoo. Reading reviews and comparing ingredients can help you make an informed decision.
Can I use purple shampoo on highlighted hair?
Yes, purple shampoo is excellent for maintaining the tone of highlighted hair, especially blonde or silver highlights. Highlights are prone to developing brassy or yellow tones over time due to oxidation, sun exposure, and mineral buildup from water. Purple shampoo effectively neutralizes these unwanted tones, keeping your highlights looking fresh and vibrant.
When using purple shampoo on highlighted hair, focus the application on the highlighted areas to avoid over-toning the rest of your hair. Adjust the frequency of use based on how quickly your highlights develop brassiness. A targeted application and careful monitoring will ensure your highlights stay beautifully toned without affecting the surrounding hair color.
How long should I leave purple shampoo on my hair?
The recommended time to leave purple shampoo on your hair varies depending on the product and your hair’s porosity. Generally, leaving it on for 1-5 minutes is a good starting point. Always read the product instructions carefully, as some formulas may recommend longer or shorter processing times.
For highly porous hair that absorbs pigment quickly, start with a shorter processing time to avoid over-toning. If you don’t see the desired results, gradually increase the time in subsequent washes. Regularly checking your hair in the mirror while the shampoo is processing can help you determine when to rinse it out.
What are some alternatives to purple shampoo for maintaining colored hair?
Besides purple shampoo, several other products and techniques can help maintain colored hair and prevent brassiness. Color-depositing conditioners in shades like silver, blue, or violet can provide subtle toning without the potentially drying effects of some purple shampoos. These conditioners deposit color gradually with each use, helping to refresh your hair color and neutralize unwanted tones.
Another alternative is using a clarifying shampoo periodically to remove mineral buildup from hard water, which can contribute to brassiness. Regular deep conditioning treatments are also crucial for maintaining healthy, hydrated hair, preventing color fading, and enhancing shine. Professional gloss treatments at a salon can also provide long-lasting color correction and shine.