Maintaining vibrant, salon-worthy hair color is a priority for many individuals. Whether you have blonde, silver, or highlighted hair, one of the most effective tools in your hair care arsenal is purple shampoo. This specialized shampoo can help neutralize unwanted brassy tones and keep your hair looking fresh and cool. In this article, we will delve into the world of purple shampoo, exploring its benefits, proper usage techniques, recommended frequency, and highlight the best purple shampoos of 2023.
What Does Purple Shampoo Do?
Purple shampoo is a pigmented shampoo that contains violet or purple tones. It is specifically designed to counteract the warm or brassy undertones that can develop in blonde, silver, or lightened hair over time. These unwanted tones can occur due to factors such as exposure to sunlight, chlorine in swimming pools, mineral deposits in hard water, or the natural oxidation process.
The principle behind purple shampoo lies in color theory. Purple is situated opposite yellow on the color wheel, which means that it acts as a color corrector by neutralizing the yellow or brassy tones in the hair. When you use purple shampoo, the violet pigments in the shampoo adhere to the hair strands, effectively canceling out the undesired warm tones, resulting in a cooler, more even hair color.
How to Use Purple Shampoo?
Using purple shampoo correctly is essential to achieve the desired results without damaging your hair. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use purple shampoo effectively:
Wet your hair thoroughly: Start by wetting your hair with warm water. Ensure that your hair is completely saturated from roots to ends before applying the purple shampoo.
Apply purple shampoo evenly: Squeeze a sufficient amount of purple shampoo into your palm and rub your hands together to create a lather. Gently massage the shampoo into your hair, focusing on the areas where the brassy tones are most prominent. Pay close attention to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, as these sections tend to be more prone to brassiness.
Leave the shampoo in for a few minutes: Allow the purple shampoo to sit in your hair for about 3-5 minutes. This duration may vary depending on the brand and the level of toning you desire. Avoid leaving the shampoo in for too long, as it may impart a purple hue to your hair.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Ensure that no purple shampoo residue remains in your hair, as this can potentially stain your hair.
Condition and moisturize: After rinsing out the purple shampoo, follow up with a hydrating conditioner or a hair mask to replenish moisture and maintain the health of your hair.
How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?
The frequency of using purple shampoo depends on several factors, including the level of brassiness in your hair, your hair’s porosity, and the intensity of the purple shampoo. As a general guideline, it is recommended to use purple shampoo once or twice a week.
If your hair is highly prone to brassiness or if you have recently lightened or highlighted your hair, you may opt for using purple shampoo twice a week. On the other hand, if your hair is less prone to brassiness or if you have a minimal amount of warm tones, using purple shampoo once a week should suffice.
Remember that consistency is key when it comes to using purple shampoo. Regular use helps maintain a cool, vibrant hair color while preventing the build-up of brassy tones.
How Long Should You Keep Purple Shampoo In?
Determining the ideal duration to leave purple shampoo in your hair can be a bit of a balancing act. Leaving the shampoo in for too long may result in an overtly purple hue, while not leaving it in long enough may yield minimal toning effects. As a general rule, aim to leave purple shampoo in your hair for about 3-5 minutes.
However, it is crucial to adjust the timing based on your hair’s porosity and the intensity of the purple shampoo you are using. If your hair is highly porous or if you prefer a more intense toning effect, you can leave the shampoo in for a slightly longer duration. Conversely, if you have low porosity hair or if you want a subtle toning effect, you may reduce the time to 1-2 minutes.
Remember to monitor your hair closely during the toning process to prevent over-toning or color imbalances. If you accidentally leave the shampoo in for too long and notice a purple cast on your hair, don’t panic. Simply wash your hair with a regular shampoo to dilute the purple tones.
Best Purple Shampoos of 2023
The market is flooded with various purple shampoos, each with its unique formulation and toning properties. To help you choose the best one for your needs, here are some of the top purple shampoos of 2023:
Fanola No Yellow Shampoo: Known for its potent toning abilities, this shampoo is highly effective in neutralizing stubborn brassiness and achieving a cool, icy blonde tone.
Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo: This shampoo helps preserve the vibrancy of blonde and gray hair while keeping brassiness at bay. It also contains nourishing ingredients to maintain hair health.
Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo: Formulated with ultra-violet pigments, this shampoo helps neutralize yellow undertones and enhances the brightness of blonde hair.
Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo: This shampoo is ideal for toning blonde, silver, and gray hair. It helps remove brassiness and imparts a radiant, cool tone.
Biolage Colorlast Purple Shampoo: Offering a gentle and sulfate-free formula, this shampoo helps neutralize brassiness while leaving your hair feeling soft and nourished.
Before selecting a purple shampoo, consider your hair type, the level of toning required, and any specific concerns or preferences you may have. Remember that individual results may vary, so experimentation may be necessary to find the perfect purple shampoo for your hair.
In Conclusion
Purple shampoo is an invaluable tool for maintaining and enhancing cool-toned hair. By understanding its benefits and following the correct usage techniques, you can achieve the desired results without compromising the health of your hair. Incorporate purple shampoo into your regular hair care routine, adjust the frequency based on your hair’s needs, and select a high-quality product from the best purple shampoos of 2023. Embrace the power of purple shampoo and enjoy the vibrant, salon-worthy hair color you desire.