Purple shampoo is a must-have product for anyone with blonde, silver, gray, or highlighted hair. It's more than just a trend; it's a game-changer that helps maintain a salon-fresh color and prevent brassy tones. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about purple shampoo, from its purpose and usage to how often you should incorporate it into your hair care routine.
Purple shampoo is a specially formulated shampoo containing violet pigments. These pigments work to neutralize brassy, yellow tones that can appear in blonde, silver, or gray hair. Instead of altering your base color, it refreshes and tones lightened strands by depositing violet pigments on the surface of the hair.
The primary function of purple shampoo is to correct tone. It uses color theory to cancel out yellow hues. Since purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel, it effectively neutralizes unwanted brassiness, bringing back the cool, bright blonde you desire. Lightened hair often reveals warm undertones, especially after toner fades due to washing, heat styling, or sun exposure. Purple shampoo is your go-to solution between salon visits to help maintain that just-toned finish.
Using purple shampoo correctly is crucial to achieving the best results. Here's a step-by-step guide:
The frequency of use depends on several factors, including your hair type, brassiness level, and the specific purple shampoo you're using. A milder purple shampoo, like the Fudge Everyday Purple Shampoo, is suitable for daily use and helps maintain blonde hair. It gradually neutralises brassy tones without over-toning. However, a more intense purple shampoo, like the Fudge Clean Blonde Damage Rewind Purple Shampoo, boasts salon-strength micro-pigments to instantly transform even the most stubborn brassy tones into cooler, brighter blonde. This shampoo should only be used once a week.
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The sweet spot is typically once or twice a week. Using it more than recommended can dry out your strands or make your color look dull. Base it on your brassiness level and hair type.
Yes, overuse can lead to a dull, ashy tone, especially on very light hair. Too much purple pigment can build up on your hair and leave it with a lavender tinge. Too much of a good thing, even if it’s the best purple shampoo, can cause dryness or buildup, particularly in porous or chemically treated hair.
If your brunette strands feature lightened highlights, the best purple shampoo can help tone those pieces beautifully. But for darker brown hair with orange brassiness, you’ll want to reach for a blue shampoo instead.
Choosing the best purple shampoo starts with finding a formula that works with your hair type, color level, and tone goals.
Purple shampoo and blue shampoo are both similar products designed to neutralize unwanted tones, but they cater to different hair colors. Purple shampoo is ideal for those with blonde, silver or light-colored hair, because it counteracts brassy or yellow tones. Blue shampoo is better at tackling orange and copper tones in brunettes or those with darker hair shades.
Read also: Dark Brown Hair with Purple
To maximize the benefits of purple shampoo, consider incorporating these complementary products into your routine:
Designed to complement purple shampoo and is particularly beneficial for maintaining and enhancing cool-toned hair colors, while providing deep nourishment and conditioning. It locks in hydration, strengthens and repairs, and further tones the hair too.
Like purple conditioners, these are another specialized product for blonde or color-treated hair that works to restore some of the hydration that we lose through washes and everyday life. A concentrated 5-minute mask delivers an ultra-potent dose of violet pigment to neutralize orange and yellow tones fast. Ideal for when your regular purple shampoo just isn’t cutting it, this sulfate-free treatment is enriched with nourishing ingredients and free from harsh salts or surfactants.
Coloring your hair dries out strands which can lead to breakage and dullness. If you aren’t already, make sure to use a shampoo and conditioner that replenishes the moisture in your hair so it stays strong, soft, shiny and healthy. Another tip is to cut down your washes; ideally you should wash every two to three days. Washing your hair too often strips your hair of color and the natural oils that keep it healthy.
Most purple products recommend using them once a week - PURPLE shampoo and conditioner bar are designed to be used as your regular shampoo and conditioner. Usually purple conditioners are optional, but it's highly recommend using both our bars together. Shampoo lifts the cuticle and deposits colorant. Conditioner then closes the cuticle (more so than just rinsing) sealing the color in.
Read also: Using Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair
