If you’re a blonde, have ever bleached your hair, or are battling brassiness, you’ve likely encountered the mystical world of purple shampoo. It’s a staple in many hair care routines, promising to banish unwanted yellow tones and leave your hair shimmering with a cool, platinum hue. But have you ever wondered why purple shampoo works its magic? And more importantly, why does it sometimes turn your hair purple?
This post delves into the science behind purple shampoo, explaining how it works, why it can sometimes turn your hair purple, and how to avoid this common mishap. We’ll also explore the different types of purple shampoos available, their benefits, and how to use them effectively.
The Science Behind Purple Shampoo: A Color Theory Masterclass
The reason purple shampoo works its magic lies in the fascinating world of color theory. Think of the color wheel – opposite colors neutralize each other. Yellow and purple are directly across from each other on the color wheel, making them complementary colors. This means that purple can effectively counteract the yellow tones that can appear in bleached or blonde hair.
Here’s how it works:
- Yellow Tones: When your hair is bleached or lightened, the pigment that gives it its natural color is removed. This leaves behind a pale, translucent base that can easily pick up yellow or brassy tones from environmental factors like pollution, hard water, or even heat styling.
- Purple Pigments: Purple shampoo contains violet pigments that are designed to neutralize these unwanted yellow tones. When the purple pigments come into contact with yellow tones, they cancel each other out, resulting in a more neutral, cooler blonde.
Think of it like a color-correcting concealer for your hair. Just like green concealer cancels out redness, purple shampoo cancels out yellow.
Why Does Purple Shampoo Turn My Hair Purple? The Common Culprits
While purple shampoo is a powerful tool for achieving a cool blonde, it can sometimes go overboard and leave your hair with an unwanted purple tint. This usually happens due to a few common mistakes:
- Using too much: Overdoing it with the purple shampoo is a common cause of purple hair. A little goes a long way, and using too much can overwhelm the hair with purple pigments.
- Leaving it on too long: Purple shampoo is designed to be used for a short amount of time, usually 1-5 minutes. Leaving it on for longer than recommended can lead to a buildup of purple pigments and a less desirable shade.
- Using it too often: While it’s tempting to use purple shampoo every wash, it’s not necessary. Using it too frequently can lead to a buildup of purple pigments and an unnatural purple hue.
- Using a high-pigment shampoo: Some purple shampoos are formulated with higher concentrations of purple pigments. These can be more likely to cause a purple tint if not used carefully.
How to Avoid Purple Hair: Tips and Tricks
Here’s how to avoid the dreaded purple hair and ensure your blonde stays cool and vibrant:
- Start with a small amount: Use only a dime-sized amount of purple shampoo, especially if you’re using it for the first time.
- Apply evenly: Work the purple shampoo through your hair evenly from roots to ends.
- Don’t leave it on for too long: Follow the instructions on the bottle carefully and limit the application time to 1-5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until all traces of purple shampoo are gone.
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a week: A clarifying shampoo can help remove product buildup and prevent a purple tint from forming.
- Monitor your hair: Keep a close eye on your hair color after using purple shampoo. If you notice any purple tones, immediately rinse your hair with cool water.
Types of Purple Shampoos: Choosing the Right One for Your Hair
Purple shampoos come in a variety of formulations, each designed to address specific hair needs.
- Toning Shampoos: These shampoos contain a moderate amount of purple pigments and are suitable for maintaining a cool blonde tone.
- Deep-Toning Shampoos: These shampoos contain a higher concentration of purple pigments and are designed to neutralize brassiness and yellow tones more effectively.
- Purple Shampoo Bars: These are solid bars of shampoo that contain purple pigments and are often more concentrated than liquid shampoos.
- Purple Conditioners: These conditioners contain purple pigments and can be used to tone hair and add shine.
The Benefits of Using Purple Shampoo: Beyond Color Correction
Purple shampoo offers more than just color correction. It can also:
- Enhance shine: The purple pigments can reflect light, giving your hair a healthy, glossy shine.
- Strengthen hair: Some purple shampoos contain ingredients that can help strengthen and protect hair.
- Reduce frizz: The moisturizing properties of purple shampoo can help reduce frizz and improve hair manageability.
The Final Word: Embracing the Power of Purple Shampoo
While purple shampoo can sometimes turn your hair purple, it’s a powerful tool for achieving a cool blonde and maintaining its vibrancy. Understanding the science behind it, choosing the right type of purple shampoo, and following the tips for avoiding purple hair will help you harness its power without the unwanted side effects.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: How often should I use purple shampoo?
A: Most hair experts recommend using purple shampoo 1-2 times a week. If you have very brassy hair, you may need to use it more frequently initially.
Q: Can I use purple shampoo if I have dark hair?
A: Purple shampoo is primarily designed for blonde or lightened hair. Using it on dark hair is unlikely to have any noticeable effect.
Q: Can I use purple shampoo on colored hair?
A: It’s generally safe to use purple shampoo on colored hair, but it’s always a good idea to do a strand test first.
Q: Can I use purple shampoo every day?
A: Using purple shampoo every day can lead to a buildup of purple pigments and an unnatural purple hue. It’s best to limit its use to 1-2 times a week.
Q: What should I do if my hair turns purple?
A: If your hair turns purple, immediately rinse it with cool water. You can also try using a clarifying shampoo to help remove the purple pigments. If the purple tint persists, you may need to visit a salon for professional color correction.