The Ultimate Guide to Using Purple Shampoo
We often get lots of questions around surrounding purple shampoo, conditioners and treatments. So, our Salon Essentials team have put together a guide for those with blonde or grey hair either exploring purple shampoos or looking to optimise their application for best results. Whether you’re a professional stylist or someone looking for at-home solutions, this guide will help you understand how to use purple shampoo effectively.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Purple Shampoo
- How Purple Interacts with Yellow and Blonde on the Colour Wheel
- Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair
- Purple Shampoo for Grey Hair
- Purple Shampoo can Stain Hands, Bathroom Tiles and Towels!
- Instructions for Intensity Control
- Application Frequency and Duration
- Wet vs. Dry Hair Application
- Removing Unwanted Tones
- Product and Brand Comparisons
- Purple Shampoo vs. Purple Conditioner
- Our Reviews and Testimonials
- FAQs and Misconceptions
*Before and After using Muvo Utlra Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner
Introduction to Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo designed to neutralize brassy and yellow tones in blonde, silver, and grey hair. The purple pigments in the shampoo counteract these unwanted hues, leaving your hair looking vibrant and fresh.
How Purple Interacts with Yellow and Blonde on the Colour Wheel
In colour theory, purple and yellow are complementary colours, meaning they are opposite each other on the colour wheel. This opposition allows purple to neutralize yellow tones effectively. When applied to blonde or grey hair, the purple pigments in the shampoo counteract the yellow hues, resulting in a cooler, more balanced hair colour.
Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair
Blonde hair, whether natural or colour-treated, can often develop brassy tones. Purple shampoo helps maintain a cool, ashy blonde by neutralizing these warm tones. For best results, use a bright purple or violet shampoo.
Purple Shampoo for Grey Hair
Grey hair can sometimes appear dull or yellowish. Purple shampoo is perfect for keeping grey hair looking bright and silver. However, some products may not be as effective on grey hair due to the hair’s porosity and the intensity of yellow tones. Look for a for a dark purple shampoo to achieve the best results.
Instructions for Intensity Control
For a more intense result, leave the shampoo on for a longer period. For blonde hair, 2-3 minutes is usually sufficient, but for brassy colour-treated hair, you might leave it on for up to 15 minutes. For grey hair, 30 minutes can be ideal.
Application Frequency and Duration
Use purple shampoo once a week to maintain your hair colour. Overuse can lead to a purple tint, so adjust the frequency based on your hair’s needs. purple shampoos are intended to be used daily until you reach your desired colour. Take your time! Gradual change is the best and once you’ve reached your desired colour, alternate between purple shampoo and your regular shampoo and reduce applications to 1-2 times per week to maintain that colour.
Wet vs. Dry Hair Application
Purple shampoo is typically applied to wet hair, but for a more intense effect, you can apply it to dry hair. Always follow with a conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.
Removing Unwanted Tones
If you find the purple tones too strong, simply wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove the excess pigment.
Product and Brand Comparisons
- NAK Platinum Blonde: Designed to eliminate strong yellow gold and brassy reflects. Concentrated blue-violet pigments tone blonde hair to create cool platinum silver reflects in natural blonde pre-lightened blonde and grey hair
- Fanola No Yellow Shampoo: Highly effective for grey and silver hair.
- Muvo Ultra Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner: The perfect duo of Shampoo and conditioner to retain hydration. Known for its strong toning properties and effectiveness on both blonde and grey hair.
Purple Shampoo vs. Purple Conditioner
While purple shampoo neutralizes brassy tones, purple conditioner helps to nourish and maintain the hair’s health. Using both can provide the best results, but if you have to choose one, start with the shampoo.
Purple Shampoo can Stain Hands, Bathroom Tiles and Towels!
One point most customer comment on is that it's very purple and can stain. Yes. Purple shampoo is exactly that and it is known for its strong pigments that effectively neutralize yellow and brassy tones in hair, but these pigments can also cause staining on fingers, bathroom tiles, and towels. Generally, this is easy to remove, however use with caution. It can stain your hands and it's not kind on certain bathroom tiles particularly some types of matt white tiles along with towels. To prevent staining, it’s recommended to wear gloves during application or apply with a scalp scrubber. You can also use tools like combs or brushes. Wash your hands under the shower with soapy water immediately after application and rinsing the pigment out of hair. If stains occur on surfaces, they can be cleaned using solutions like white vinegar and water, baking soda and vinegar paste, or a bleach and water mixture. For towels, a baking soda paste, or a vinegar and water solution followed by regular washing can help remove stains. To minimize staining, rinse hair thoroughly and use dark-coloured towels. Regular cleaning of bathroom surfaces can also prevent pigment buildup that may not be evident immediately.
Our Reviews and Testimonials
At Salon Essentials, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality products that deliver excellent results. Here are some reviews from our satisfied customers:
- Emma: “I’ve been using the Muvo Ultra Blonde Shampoo for a few months now, and it has completely transformed my hair. No more brassy tones, and my blonde looks so vibrant!”
- James: “As someone with grey hair, I was sceptical about using purple shampoo. But the Fanola No Yellow Shampoo has worked wonders. My hair looks bright and healthy.”
Discover the Full range of Purple Shampoo's and Treatments specifically for your hair type at Salon Essentials
FAQs and Misconceptions
Q: Can purple shampoo lighten my hair? A: No, purple shampoo does not lighten hair; it only neutralizes brassy tones.
Q: Is purple shampoo only for colour-treated hair? A: No, it works on both natural and colour-treated hair.
Q: Can I use purple shampoo on dry hair? A: It’s best used on wet hair for even distribution but applying it to dry hair can intensify the toning effect.
Q: Will this make my grey hair look purple? A: If used correctly, purple shampoo should not make your grey hair look purple. The key is to follow the recommended usage instructions. Overuse or leaving the shampoo on for too long can result in a slight purple tint. If this happens, simply wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove the excess pigment. For grey hair, it’s often best to start with a shorter application time and gradually increase it as needed to avoid any unwanted purple tones.
Q: Does purple shampoo really look good?
A: Purple shampoo can enhance the appearance of your hair, especially if you have blonde, silver, or grey tones. It neutralizes yellow or brassy hues, giving your hair a cooler, more vibrant look.
Q: Does purple shampoo really work?
A: Yes, purple shampoo is effective at neutralizing unwanted warm tones in blonde, silver, and grey hair. The purple pigments counteract yellow and orange tones, leaving your hair looking cooler and more balanced.
Q: What is the downside of purple shampoo?
A: The downside is that it can sometimes leave a purple tint if left on too long. Overuse can also lead to dryness, as some formulas may strip natural oils from your hair.
Q: Should I use purple shampoo or purple toner?
A: Purple shampoo is ideal for regular maintenance and gradual toning, while purple toner is more intense and used for immediate colour correction. For ongoing maintenance, purple shampoo is more convenient and less harsh.
Q: I just had my hair bleached; how long should I wait before applying purple shampoo?
A: It’s generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours after bleaching before using purple shampoo. This allows your hair cuticles to close and helps prevent further damage.
Q: Are there any circumstances where I should not use purple shampoo?
A: Avoid using purple shampoo if you have very dry or damaged hair, as it can exacerbate these issues. Also, if you have a sensitive scalp or are allergic to any ingredients in the shampoo, it’s best to steer clear.
Q: What happens if I leave purple shampoo in too long (30 minutes) or use too much?
A: Leaving purple shampoo in for too long or using too much can result in a purple or blue tint on your hair. If this happens, you can try washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove the excess pigment.
Q: What if I use purple shampoo on brown, caramel, or black hair?
A: Purple shampoo is designed for blonde, silver, and grey hair, so using it on brown, caramel, or black hair may not have the desired effect. It won’t harm your hair, but it also won’t provide significant colour correction.
Q: Does purple shampoo lighten your hair?
A: No, purple shampoo does not lighten your hair. It works by neutralizing brassy tones, not by lifting the colour.
Q: My purple shampoo doesn’t seem to be working. Is this normal and what can I do?
A: If your purple shampoo isn’t working, it could be due to several factors, such as not leaving it on long enough, using a product that’s too mild, or buildup from other hair products. Try leaving the shampoo on for a few extra minutes or switching to a stronger formula.
Q: My hair has a purple tone after using. Why is this and how can I remove the purple tone?
A: A purple tone can occur if the shampoo is left on too long or used too frequently. To remove the purple tint, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo or a regular shampoo a few times.
Q: Can I use purple shampoo just on my highlights?
A: Yes, you can use purple shampoo just on your highlights to target specific areas that need toning. Apply the shampoo to the highlighted sections and leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing.
Q: Will purple shampoo fix streaky highlights?
A: Purple shampoo can help blend streaky highlights by neutralizing uneven brassiness, but it won’t completely fix poorly applied highlights. For a more uniform look, you might need to visit a professional stylist.
Q: Can I use this every day?
A: It’s generally not recommended to use purple shampoo every day, as it can dry out your hair and scalp. Most experts suggest using it once or twice a week, depending on your hair’s needs.
Q: Why does purple hair shampoo stain my fingers and bathroom tiles?
A: Purple hair shampoo contains strong pigments designed to neutralize yellow and brassy tones in hair. These pigments can easily transfer to your skin, bathroom tiles, and towels, causing stains.
Q: How can I prevent purple shampoo from staining my fingers?
A: To avoid staining your fingers, consider wearing gloves while applying the shampoo. You can also use a comb or applicator brush to minimize direct contact with your hands.
Q: What should I do if purple shampoo stains my bathroom tiles?
A: If you notice stains on your bathroom tiles, you can use a mixture of white vinegar and water, baking soda and vinegar paste, or a bleach and water solution to clean the stains. Apply the solution, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a sponge or brush.
Q: How can I remove purple shampoo stains from towels?
A: To remove stains from towels, create a paste using baking soda and water, and apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing the towel as usual. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of white vinegar and water, followed by liquid laundry detergent.
Q: Are there any tips to avoid staining my bathroom and towels in the first place?
A: Yes! Rinse your hair thoroughly to remove excess shampoo before stepping out of the shower. Also, consider using dark-colored towels that won’t show stains as easily. Regularly clean your bathroom surfaces to prevent pigment buildup.
Feel free to explore our range of purple shampoos and conditioners at Salon Essentials to find the perfect match for your hair care routine!
