If you’ve ever stepped foot in a beauty supply store, you’ve likely encountered shelves overflowing with vibrant purple shampoos. But who exactly is purple shampoo for, and what makes it a must-have for some while leaving others scratching their heads?
Understanding the Science Behind Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is a unique hair care product designed to counteract brassiness and yellowing in blonde, gray, and silver hair. The magic lies in its violet pigment. Think about the color wheel: purple sits opposite yellow, and just as mixing complementary colors on a canvas creates a neutral gray, purple shampoo neutralizes the unwanted yellow tones in your hair.
Who Should Use Purple Shampoo?
The answer to “who is purple shampoo for” isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While it’s often associated with blonde hair, it can benefit a broader range of hair colors and types. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Blondes: Purple shampoo is a staple for blondes, whether you’re rocking platinum, ash blonde, or even a warm honey hue. It helps maintain the vibrancy of your blonde by eliminating brassy tones that can develop over time due to environmental factors like chlorine, sun exposure, and heat styling.
2. Grays and Silvers: As we age, our hair naturally loses pigment, often transitioning to gray or silver. These tones can sometimes appear yellow or brassy, which can make them look dull and lifeless. Purple shampoo can help neutralize these yellow tones, restoring a cool, vibrant silver or gray.
3. Color-Treated Hair: If you’ve recently had your hair bleached or lightened, purple shampoo can help prevent brassiness and maintain the desired shade. It can also be used to refresh your color between salon appointments.
4. People with Naturally Light Hair: Even if you haven’t dyed your hair, if you have naturally light blonde or light brown hair, you might benefit from using purple shampoo to keep your hair from turning brassy.
Who Should *Avoid* Purple Shampoo?
While purple shampoo is a great tool for many, it’s not suitable for everyone. Here’s who should proceed with caution:
1. Brunettes and Darker Hair: Using purple shampoo on dark hair can lead to an unwanted purple tint, especially if it’s used too often or left on for too long. It’s best to avoid purple shampoo altogether if you have dark hair.
2. Hair with Red or Pink Tones: Purple shampoo can neutralize red and pink tones, which can lead to dull, lifeless hair. If you have red or pink in your hair, you’ll want to avoid purple shampoo or use it sparingly.
3. People with Sensitive Scalps: Some purple shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive scalps. If you have a sensitive scalp, look for purple shampoos formulated with gentle ingredients.
How to Use Purple Shampoo Like a Pro
Now that you know who purple shampoo is for, let’s talk about how to use it effectively:
1. Choose the Right Purple Shampoo: Not all purple shampoos are created equal. Look for a shampoo specifically designed for your hair type and color. For example, if you have fine hair, choose a purple shampoo that’s gentle and moisturizing.
2. Start with a Small Amount: Don’t overdo it! Begin with a small amount of purple shampoo, and gradually increase the amount as needed.
3. Work the Shampoo into a Lather: Apply the purple shampoo to wet hair, focusing on the ends. Massage it gently into a lather, making sure to distribute it evenly throughout your hair.
4. Leave it On for a Few Minutes: Allow the purple shampoo to sit on your hair for a few minutes, but don’t leave it on for too long, especially if you have very light hair. Start with 1-2 minutes and gradually increase the time as needed.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove all traces of the purple shampoo.
6. Condition Your Hair: Always follow up with a conditioner to hydrate your hair and restore its natural shine.
7. Use as Needed: Purple shampoo can be used weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly, depending on your hair color and how often you want to neutralize brassiness.
8. Don’t Forget the Sun Protection: Protect your blonde, gray, or silver hair from the sun’s damaging rays by wearing a hat or using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection.
9. Consider a Toner: For more intense brassiness control, consider using a purple toner. Toners are more concentrated than purple shampoos and can be used to achieve a more dramatic color correction.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Using Purple Shampoo
1. Use a Color-Safe Shampoo: To prevent fading and brassiness, use a color-safe shampoo in between purple shampoo washes.
2. Deep Condition: Purple shampoo can be drying, so it’s essential to deep condition your hair regularly. Look for a deep conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair.
3. Use a Clarifying Shampoo: If your hair feels weighed down or dull, use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove product buildup.
4. Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about using purple shampoo or have any concerns, consult with a professional stylist or colorist.
The Final Word: Embrace Your Cool Tones
Purple shampoo is a powerful tool for maintaining vibrant blonde, gray, and silver hair. It can help neutralize brassiness, enhance your hair color, and keep your locks looking their best. But remember, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. By understanding who purple shampoo is for and following the tips above, you can use it effectively to achieve the cool, beautiful hair color you desire.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I use purple shampoo on my natural hair color?
A: While purple shampoo is primarily designed for blonde, gray, and silver hair, you can use it on natural hair if you have light blonde or light brown hair and want to neutralize any brassiness. However, it’s best to use it sparingly and test it on a small section of hair first.
Q: How long should I leave purple shampoo in my hair?
A: The amount of time you leave purple shampoo in your hair depends on your hair color and the level of brassiness you want to neutralize. Start with 1-2 minutes and gradually increase the time as needed.
Q: Can purple shampoo damage my hair?
A: While purple shampoo is generally safe for most hair types, it can be drying if used too often. Choose a purple shampoo formulated with gentle ingredients and always follow up with a conditioner.
Q: Can I use purple shampoo on my hair every day?
A: It’s not recommended to use purple shampoo every day, as it can dry out your hair. Use it once or twice a week, or as needed to maintain your desired hair color.
Q: Can I use purple shampoo on my extensions?
A: It’s generally not recommended to use purple shampoo on human hair extensions, as it can dry them out and cause them to become brittle. If you must use it, do so sparingly and follow up with a deep conditioner.