Let’s be honest. It might take us another century to know if blonde-haired queens really have more fun.
However, we’re confident that, whether you’re a bottle blonde or a natural, you need to have a solid upkeep routine to keep your strands looking lustrous.
The trick? Purple shampoo.
According to experts, this at-home toning product keeps your locks from looking brassy between salon trips and allows you to maintain your new vibrant hue for longer.
Keep reading to find out more.
What is Purple Shampoo?
Dubbed a hero to blondes, dimensional brunettes, and silver-haired queens, purple shampoo is a tone-intensive product that neutralizes any unwanted yellow, or orange undertones brought about by sun exposure, seawater, and heat styling tools.
Think of it like an at-home toner/DIY tune-up that allows you to keep your latest hue looking flawless for longer.
How Does Purple Shampoo Work?
Just like you color-correct with makeup, purple shampoo works to neutralize any unwanted yellow, orange, and brassy tones in the blonde, pastel, platinum, silver, and grey hair – yellow sits opposite purple on the color wheel.
Therefore, a purple shampoo helps cancel out any warm tones that have crept into your hair.
And while it doesn’t actually change your hair color, this product addresses the tone and nixes the brassiness.
It basically acts like a temporary dye that clings onto the surface of your hair to cool blonde tones.
Who Should Use Purple Shampoo?
Individuals with unwanted yellow undertones can benefit from using purple shampoo. People who experience these warm undertones have lifted their locks or have naturally lighter hair like blondes, platinum, and gray goddesses.
Yes, anyone with silver strands should grab purple shampoo since it gives your hair that luminescent vibe.
Plus, gray hair can turn yellow in a flash, and this product helps curb that.
Brunettes with balayage or highlights and those obsessed with a bright pop are also perfect candidates for purple shampoo.
Essentially, any texture can benefit from the product, but individuals with coily or curly hair might want to get a sulfate-free option to prevent excessive drying.
How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?
You should use this product one to two times a week.
If you overuse the product, it can make your strands appear too cool and give your locks a purple/blue tinge – we’re not trying to look like Na’vi warriors here, so no, thank you!
To be safe, stick to using the product once a week, and you’ll be sure to thank us later! Sexy hair, who dis?
How to Use Purple Shampoo
In most ways, using purple shampoo is similar to using regular shampoo, but it has some key differences too:
• The first step? Put on some gloves. Or not. You’re the boss.
• Once the gloves are up, step into the shower, wet your hair, and squirt a sizable amount of the shampoo into your palm (the size depends on your hair length and thickness).
• Work the amount into your scalp. A good rule of thumb is to start on the ends and work up, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Also, use gentle circular motions when applying the product – this is a relaxing activity, so be kind to your scalp
• Allow the shampoo to sit on your strands a bit longer than you would with your regular product. One or two minutes is enough. Since purple shampoo can be drying, you need to be extra careful with your timing
• Rinse out the product and be careful not to snag the wet strands. Hair is extra vulnerable when wet, so again, be gentle
• When you’ve thoroughly rinsed it out, apply conditioner as usual. This helps keep your tresses hydrated and locks in moisture. If your hair is extremely brassy, using a purple conditioner will help give you that pop of color and a much-needed hydration boost
• Now comes the styling part. Here, you want to either air-dry your hair or use a blow-dryer or curling iron at a low setting to safeguard the color
• When you’re all set, head back to the shower and scrub away any purple stains left. Purple shampoo stains easily and can be a headache trying to remove when it’s dried and left on for a few days
If you are in the market for a purple shampoo try Opalex or Keratase.
