PURPLE SHAMPOO 101: HOW TO USE PURPLE SHAMPOO

Everything you need to know about purple shampoo.

 
If there’s one product every blonde needs, it’s a purple shampoo! Use our tips to learn how to use purple shampoo to brighten your blonde hair and protect it from brassiness.

 
 
What is Purple Shampoo?

Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo specially designed for blonde hair. It features crushed violet pigments that neutralize style-ruining brassy and yellow tones. On the color wheel, purple is the opposite of yellow, which is why purple pigments cancel out brassy, yellow tones. When you get your hair professionally colored at the salon, hairstylists often tone hair to neutralize brassy yellow and orange tones on bleached hair. Purple shampoo is a great at-home solution for toning hair and preventing brassiness.
 

 
Is Purple Shampoo Only for Blondes?

While purple shampoo is essential for a bleached blonde look, you can also use it on darker shades of blonde. Purple shampoo is for anyone looking to reduce brassy, yellow, or orange tones in their hair color.
 

 
What Does Purple Shampoo Do?

Purple shampoo acts as a toner to get rid of brassy tones and return your hair to a cooler, salon-fresh blonde. Using purple shampoo is a key step in helping dyed blonde hair look vibrant and fresh.

After dying your hair blonde, your blonde hue may become brassy over time. Brassy blonde hair is commonly caused by washing your hair, chlorine, and even UV rays from the sun. Purple shampoo and conditioner help maintain your blonde hair by colour correcting your hair tone. Properly caring for your blonde hair means that you can extend your color and won’t have to visit the salon for touch-ups as often.
 

 
How to Use Purple Shampoo

Purple toning shampoo is an easy addition to your blonde hair care routine to help brighten your shade and help cool your hair color. To use purple shampoo, wet hair, and lather on your hair. Depending on your hair’s level of brassiness, leave the purple shampoo on for two to three minutes. After rinsing the shampoo out, apply a purple conditioner to nourish your hair and prevent breakage.

Our purple shampoo is designed to be used as a daily shampoo until your desired color is achieved. Once you’ve reached your perfect blonde color, alternate between purple shampoo and your regular shampoo.
 

 
How Often to Use Purple Shampoo

How often you use purple shampoo depends on your hair type and current shade. Our purple shampoo can be used as part of your daily routine. It gradually neutralizes brassy tones without over-toning, so this formula may be a good one to try if you have never used a purple shampoo before.

If you use purple shampoo too often, you may notice a slight purple hue on your hair—especially if you have very light or damaged hair. If this is the case, try using purple shampoo a few times a week instead of daily.
 

 
How Long Should I Leave Purple Shampoo on My Hair?

Again, this totally depends on your hair as well as what product you are using. We recommend following the instructions on the package as different formulas vary. One product may recommend rinsing purple shampoo off immediately, while another may recommend leaving it on for five minutes or longer. For our Violet Crush shampoo, we recommend leaving the shampoo on for two to three minutes to fight stubborn brassiness. For best results, follow with the Violet Crush purple conditioner to restore and moisturize your blonde hair.

If you leave purple shampoo on for too long, you may find yourself with a little lilac hue. This color is not permanent and is more likely to happen if you have very light blonde hair or if your hair is dry and damaged. To remove the purple hue, switch to regular shampoo for your next few washes.
 

 
Our Top Tips for Blonde Hair

  • Use blonde shampoo and conditioner to protect and enhance your color. Certain formulas can cause your hair color to fade more quickly. In the shower, avoid washing your hair with hot water. Excessive heat can also cause hair to fade and lead to dryness.

  • Bleaching and dyeing hair can be drying, so use a hair mask for blonde hair to strengthen lightened blonde hair and protect it from future damage.

  • If your blonde looks dull, try a brightening treatment to add shimmery tones to your blonde hair. Or you can use a hair brightening mask to create brighter blonde locks.

  • If you’re only looking to clear up blonde highlights, opt for highlighting shampoo for your blonde hair to remove build-up from lighter locks.

  • Get regular trims to get rid of split ends and keep your hair looking shiny and fresh.

  • Protect your hair from color-fading UV rays by wearing a sun hat when outside.
Ready to say goodbye to brassiness and make your blonde the best it can be? Discover more of our Sheer Blonde line to tone and treat your beautiful blonde hair.

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