We thoroughly assess all products before recommending them. We may be compensated if you choose to buy through links on our site.
Question: Will Purple Shampoo Lighten My Hair?
Answer: Purple shampoo will not lighten your hair. It doesn’t lift color. Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones in blonde, gray, or lightened hair, making it appear brighter and less brassy.
Understanding Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo addresses brassy or yellow tones in light hair. It does not lighten hair in the way bleach or hair dye does. Instead, it neutralizes unwanted warm tones. This shampoo contains purple pigments that counteract yellow and orange hues, making hair appear cooler and brighter.
Purple shampoo works best on blonde, gray, and lightened hair. It is less effective on darker hair colors. The purple pigments deposit onto the hair shaft, counteracting brassiness. The shampoo’s effectiveness depends on the hair’s porosity and the shampoo’s formulation.
Best Purple Shampoo
Purple Shampoo
From gentle toning to intense color correction, these purple shampoos offer targeted solutions for blonde and highlighted hair...
How Purple Shampoo Works
Purple shampoo contains purple pigments, which are opposite yellow and orange on the color wheel. When applied to hair, these pigments neutralize the unwanted yellow and orange tones. Imagine adding purple paint to a yellow canvas; the result is a more neutral tone. Similarly, purple shampoo deposits purple pigments onto the hair, neutralizing brassiness.
The shampoo’s impact depends on several factors. Hair porosity determines how well the hair absorbs the pigments. Highly porous hair absorbs more pigment, leading to more dramatic results. The shampoo’s formulation also plays a role. Some shampoos contain more concentrated pigments than others. The frequency of use and the duration of application also influence the outcome.
Related Article: How Many Washes Does Purple Shampoo Last?
Related Article: Will Purple Shampoo Lighten Brown Hair?
Who Should Use Purple Shampoo?
Individuals with blonde, gray, platinum, or lightened hair often benefit from purple shampoo. These hair colors are prone to developing brassy or yellow tones due to environmental factors, mineral buildup, or the natural lightening process. Purple shampoo helps maintain the desired cool tones, preventing hair from looking dull or yellow.
Those with natural, unbleached dark hair will likely not see any noticeable changes with purple shampoo. The purple pigments are not strong enough to alter the underlying dark pigment. Using purple shampoo on dark hair can sometimes result in a slight purple tinge, especially on very porous hair, but this effect is usually minimal. Focus on using products specifically designed for your natural hair color to achieve the desired look and vibrancy.
dae Violet Hour Purple Shampoo
Best Overall
Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo
Best for Blonde Hair
Ouai Detox Shampoo
Best for Brown Hair
Using Purple Shampoo Correctly
Wet your hair thoroughly before applying purple shampoo. Lather the shampoo and distribute it evenly throughout your hair. Pay attention to the areas most prone to brassiness. Leave the shampoo on for the recommended time, usually between 1 and 5 minutes. The duration depends on the shampoo’s formulation and your hair’s porosity.
Rinse the shampoo thoroughly and follow up with a conditioner. Using a conditioner helps hydrate the hair and restore moisture. Overusing purple shampoo can lead to dryness and purple staining, so use it sparingly. Once or twice a week is typically sufficient for most hair types. Adjust the frequency based on your hair’s needs and the level of brassiness.
Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo
The market offers a wide variety of purple shampoos. Select a shampoo formulated for your hair type and color. Consider factors such as hair porosity, the level of brassiness, and your desired outcome. Some shampoos contain more intense purple pigments, while others offer a milder toning effect. Reading reviews and consulting with a hair professional can help you make an informed decision.
Experiment with different shampoos to find the best one for your hair. Pay attention to the ingredients list. Some shampoos contain sulfates and silicones, which can dry out or weigh down hair. Opt for sulfate-free and silicone-free options if your hair is prone to dryness or damage. Always perform a patch test before applying a new shampoo to your entire head to check for any allergic reactions or unwanted side effects.
Alternatives to Purple Shampoo
Several alternatives to purple shampoo exist for neutralizing brassy tones. Purple toning conditioners provide similar benefits to purple shampoo but with added conditioning properties. Purple hair masks offer a more intensive treatment for brassiness. These masks typically contain a higher concentration of purple pigments and hydrating ingredients. Purple toning glosses are another option for neutralizing brassiness and adding shine to the hair.
Consider consulting a hair professional for personalized recommendations. They can assess your hair type, color, and level of brassiness to determine the best course of action. Professional treatments such as toning or highlighting can also help address brassiness and achieve desired hair color results. Explore various options and choose the method that aligns best with your hair care goals and preferences.
Conclusion
Will purple shampoo lighten my hair? No, purple shampoo will not lighten your hair. It neutralizes brassy tones in blonde, gray, and lightened hair, making it appear brighter and cooler. The shampoo deposits purple pigments onto the hair shaft, counteracting yellow and orange hues. Purple shampoo is not effective on dark hair and should be used sparingly to avoid dryness and purple staining. Several alternatives to purple shampoo exist, including toning conditioners, masks, and glosses. Consult a hair professional for personalized advice on managing brassiness and achieving your desired hair color.