What Shampoo Makes Blonde Hair Darker?

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Shampoos for Blonde Hair Color Adjustment

Many shampoos can subtly shift blonde hair color. These shampoos contain pigments that deposit color onto the hair, gradually altering its shade. People use these shampoos to counteract unwanted tones, like brassiness, or to deepen their blonde. This article explains how these shampoos work and offers advice on selecting the right one for your hair.

Purple Shampoo: The Brassiness Neutralizer

Purple shampoos are popular among blondes. They counteract yellow and orange tones that can appear in bleached or highlighted hair. Purple sits opposite yellow and orange on the color wheel, neutralizing these unwanted warm tones. The shampoo deposits small amounts of purple pigment onto the hair strands with each wash. This process helps maintain a cooler, brighter blonde. The intensity of the purple pigment varies between brands. Some shampoos offer a subtle toning effect, while others provide a more dramatic shift. Frequency of use also affects the outcome. Using purple shampoo too often can lead to an overly purple hue, particularly on very light blonde hair. Many stylists recommend using purple shampoo once or twice a week, or as needed to control brassiness.

Related Article: Can I Use Shampoo for Blondes Every Day?
Related Article: What Color Shampoo Should Blondes Use?

Blue Shampoo: Targeting Orange Tones

Blue shampoos function similarly to purple shampoos but target orange tones specifically. The color blue sits opposite orange on the color wheel, effectively neutralizing it. People with darker blonde or light brown hair often experience orange tones. Blue shampoo can help correct these tones and achieve a more balanced color. Similar to purple shampoo, the frequency of use depends on the intensity of the shampoo and the desired outcome. Overuse can lead to a bluish tint, particularly on very light hair. Most users find that using blue shampoo once or twice a week, or as needed, provides optimal results.

#1

Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo

Best Overall

$49 Sephora

★★★★☆ 212 Reviews

#2

Shu Uemura Yūbi Blonde Nourishing Shampoo

Best for Blonde Hair

$56 Amazon

★★★★☆ 73 Reviews

#3

Verb Brightening Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair

Best for Brown Hair

$22 Nordstrom

★★★★☆ 503 Reviews

Color-Depositing Shampoos: Adding Depth and Dimension

Color-depositing shampoos add pigment directly to the hair, creating a more noticeable color shift. These shampoos offer various shades, including blonde, brown, and red tones. For blondes seeking a darker shade, these shampoos provide a gradual and less permanent alternative to hair dye. Blondes wishing to transition to a darker blonde or light brown might select a light brown or golden blonde color-depositing shampoo. These shampoos refresh faded color and gradually deepen the overall shade. As with purple and blue shampoos, the frequency of use impacts the result. Start with once-a-week applications and adjust as needed to achieve the desired color intensity.

Choosing the Right Shampoo for Your Hair

Selecting the appropriate shampoo depends on your hair color and the desired outcome. Consider these factors when making your choice:

• Current Hair Color:

  Evaluate your current hair color and identify any unwanted tones. For yellow tones, choose purple shampoo. For orange tones, select a blue shampoo.

• Desired Result:

  Decide whether you want to neutralize unwanted tones or add color. Purple and blue shampoos primarily neutralize tones. Color-depositing shampoos add more noticeable color.

• Hair Porosity:

  Porous hair absorbs color more readily. Start with less frequent applications if you have porous hair to avoid over-depositing color. Less porous hair may require more frequent applications to achieve the desired effect.

• Product Reviews:

  Reading reviews from other users can offer valuable insights into a product’s performance and potential results.

Potential Drawbacks of Color-Altering Shampoos

While these shampoos offer a convenient way to adjust hair color, they have potential drawbacks:

• Over-toning:

  Using these shampoos too often can lead to unwanted color buildup, resulting in an overly purple, blue, or dark hue.

• Dryness:

  Some color-depositing shampoos can dry out hair. Using a moisturizing conditioner can help mitigate this effect.

• Uneven Color:

  If applied unevenly, these shampoos can result in uneven color distribution. Ensure thorough and even application for best results.

• Temporary Effects:

  The color changes produced by these shampoos are temporary. Consistent use is necessary to maintain the desired shade.

Understanding Hair Color Science

Understanding the basics of hair color science can help you choose the right shampoo. The color wheel plays a crucial role in color correction. Opposite colors on the wheel neutralize each other. Purple neutralizes yellow. Blue neutralizes orange. Color-depositing shampoos work by adding pigment to the hair shaft. The pigments bind to the hair, altering its color. The amount of pigment deposited and the hair’s porosity determine the intensity and longevity of the color change. External factors, such as sun exposure and heat styling, can also impact color longevity. Protecting hair from these elements can help maintain the desired shade for longer.

Conclusion

Several shampoos can make blonde hair darker, including purple shampoos for neutralizing yellow tones, blue shampoos for tackling orange tones, and color-depositing shampoos for adding depth and dimension. By understanding how these shampoos work and considering factors like your current hair color, desired outcome, and hair porosity, you can select the best option for your needs and achieve a beautiful, balanced blonde shade. Remember to follow product instructions and adjust usage frequency to achieve the desired results while minimizing the risk of over-toning or dryness. Consulting a hair care professional can offer further personalized advice and ensure optimal results.