Written by: Anindita Thakur

Does purple shampoo work on natural blonde hair?

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Brunettes may not understand the struggle, but natural blondes can get brassy! We all know the magic of purple power on color-treated hair, but does purple shampoo work on natural blonde hair? Spoiler alert: science says purple shampoo works wonders on your natural blonde too.

So, let’s explore how this violet wonder neutralizes brassiness and turns out to be your blonde’s new ally!

Does purple shampoo work on natural blonde hair
Does purple shampoo work on natural blonde hair

What causes natural blonde hair to have yellow undertones?

Blonde hair, with its minimal color pigment, is more susceptible to developing unwanted yellow tones. This is because lighter hair shows these warm colors more easily. When natural oils are stripped away or the hair’s outer layer (cuticle) is damaged, the yellowing becomes even more noticeable.

Natural blonde hair may have warm brassy yellow or orange tones for a variety of reasons as follow.

  • Beta-carotene, a yellow-orange pigment found in colorful fruits and vegetables, can contribute to brassy or warm tones in blonde hair. This happens because beta-carotene is absorbed by the body and may be deposited in the hair shaft, influencing its overall color.
  • An inherent predisposition towards yellow undertones exists within the natural melanin composition of some blonde hair varieties. This inherent warmth can become more pronounced following lightening treatments or exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
  • Certain cosmetics or hair care essentials may also contribute in the yellowish hue of blonde hair. For instance, bleaching blonde hair breaks down melanin, the natural pigment in hair, exposing it to underlying yellow tones. While it lifts color overall, some hair may have a higher concentration of a specific melanin type that breaks down into yellow tones.
  • Regular use of lemon juice infused shampoos or conditioners may enhance brassy or yellow tones in blonde hair.

How does purple shampoo work?

Purple shampoo is specifically designed to counteract brassy or yellow tones in blonde hair. It contains crushed violet hues or purple pigments that neutralize the warm brassy yellow and orange tones in blonde hair and restore the desired cool, ashy undertones.

The science behind purple shampoo

Purple shampoo works on the principle of color theory. When you look at a color wheel, you’ll notice that purple is opposite to yellow. This means that purple cancels out yellow. Applying purple shampoo to your hair allows the purple pigments to counterbalance the yellow tones, resulting in a more vibrant, toned blonde. The purple pigments deposit onto the hair shaft and work like a color corrector, neutralizing the unwanted warm tones.

Benefits of purple shampoo for natural blondes

  • Purple shampoo may help you maintain health, shine, and vibrancy of your natural blonde tresses.
  • Purple shampoo clarifies the scalp and hair of build-up. Your hair looks super-clean, shiny, and sleek.
  • Purple shampoo brightens hair’s tone. It keeps your natural blonde tone fresh and prevents it from becoming too yellow.
  • Additionally, purple shampoo may aid in protecting your hair from any hair damage by environmental irritants and heat-related damage due to heat styling.
  • Besides neutralizing the yellow or brassy tones of your blonde tresses, purple shampoo gives your hair a more balanced and cooler shade.

Effects of purple shampoo on different hair tones

Now, let’s take a closer look at the effects of purple shampoo on different hair tones. If you have light blonde or platinum hair, purple shampoo can be a game-changer for maintaining that perfect cool tone. It helps prevent brassy or yellow tinges that often appear due to exposure to sunlight, environmental factors, or even the minerals present in your water.

If you have naturally dark blonde or medium blonde hair, purple shampoo can still be beneficial. However, you may need to be more cautious with the application to avoid over-toning. It’s recommended to start with a lower frequency of use and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired results. This way, you can maintain a natural-looking, ashier tone without going too cool or ashy. Remember, maintaining the balance is key!

On the other hand, if you have naturally warm-toned hair or you’ve recently dyed your hair a warm shade of blonde, purple shampoo may not be suitable for you. It is specifically formulated to counteract yellow tones, not orange or copper ones. In such cases, using purple shampoo can potentially result in an undesirable color shift. It’s important to consult with a professional colorist to determine the best toning options specifically tailored for your warm-toned hair.

Keep in mind that purple shampoo is not a permanent solution. Its effects may vary depending on your hair’s porosity, daily hair care routine, and the products you use. It’s essential to experiment and find the right balance that works for you. Regular use and understanding your hair’s response to purple pigments will help you maintain that beautiful, cool blonde you desire.

Blonde hair before and after use of purple shampoo
Blonde hair before and after use of purple shampoo

Can you tone natural blonde hair with purple shampoo?

Even natural blondes can benefit from purple shampoo! While you might not have dyed your hair, natural factors like sun exposure, heat styling, and even hard water can bring out unwanted brassy or yellow tones. This makes your blonde hair look dull and discolored.

The secret lies in color theory. Remember the color wheel from art class? Yellow and purple are opposites. Purple shampoo uses this principle to neutralize those yellow tones. It essentially brightens your hair by balancing out the color and giving it a more uniform look. Since purple shampoo targets brassiness, it works its magic on both natural and dyed blonde hair.

How to use purple shampoo on natural blonde hair?

Obviously, as someone with natural blonde hair, you might be wondering how to effectively use purple shampoo to enhance your hair color and eliminate any unwanted brassiness. In this chapter, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of using purple shampoo on your natural blonde hair, as well as provide some advanced tips and tricks for achieving the best results.

Steps to apply purple shampoo on natural blonde hair
Steps to apply purple shampoo on natural blonde hair

Step-by-step guide to using purple shampoo

When it comes to using purple shampoo on your natural blonde hair, following a proper routine is crucial to achieve the desired outcome. To simplify the process, I have broken down the steps in the table below:

StepDescription
1Wet your hair thoroughly
2Apply a small amount of purple shampoo to your palm
3Gently massage the shampoo onto your hair, focusing on areas prone to brassiness
4Leave the shampoo on for 3-5 minutes to allow it to deposit color and neutralize brassiness
5Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear
6Condition your hair to maintain moisture and prevent dryness
7Style your hair as desired
How to use purple shampoo

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Advanced Tips and Tricks for Best Results

If you want to take your purple shampoo routine to the next level and achieve even better results, here are some advanced tips and tricks you can try:

  1. Frequency: Adjust the frequency of using purple shampoo based on your hair’s needs. If your hair tends to get brassier easily, you can use it once or twice a week. Otherwise, once every two weeks should suffice.
  2. Dilution: If you find that purple shampoo is too intense for your hair, you can dilute it with regular shampoo to create a milder mixture.
  3. Processing Time: Experiment with the processing time to find the sweet spot for your hair. Leaving the shampoo on for longer periods may provide more toning, but be cautious not to overdo it, as it can lead to unwanted ashy tones.
  4. Moisturize: Purple shampoo can be slightly drying, so ensure to use a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask afterward to replenish moisture and keep your locks healthy.
  5. Varying Shades: Depending on your desired results, you can explore different shades of purple shampoo. Opt for a bluer tone to neutralize orange brassiness or a pinker tone to counteract yellow undertones.

By following these advanced tips and tricks, you can enhance your purple shampoo routine and achieve the best possible results for your natural blonde hair.

Related: How soon can I use purple shampoo after bleaching?

Factors affecting the efficiency of purple shampoo on blonde hair

Despite the common misconception that purple shampoo works wonders on all types of blonde hair, there are a few crucial factors that can significantly affect its efficiency. It’s important to understand these factors to make the most out of your purple shampoo and achieve the desired results. Let’s delve into the key considerations when using purple shampoo on natural blonde hair:

Hair type and texture

When it comes to purple shampoo, not all blondes are created equal. The efficiency of purple shampoo can depend on your hair type and texture. If you have fine and delicate hair, the purple pigments in the shampoo may be more easily absorbed, resulting in a more vibrant tone. On the other hand, if you have thick or coarse hair, it may require more applications or longer processing times to see noticeable results.

It’s also worth noting that if your hair has been chemically treated, such as bleached or highlighted, the effectiveness of purple shampoo can vary as well. Chemically treated hair tends to be more porous, allowing the purple pigments to penetrate deeper and deliver a more intense toning effect. However, it’s crucial to use caution when using purple shampoo on chemically treated hair, as excessive use or leaving the shampoo on for too long can lead to unwanted violet undertones.

Frequency of usage and timing

Incorporating purple shampoo into your regular hair care routine is crucial for maintaining a vibrant blonde shade. The frequency of use depends on several factors, including how often you wash your hair, your overall hair health, and the specific brand of purple shampoo you’re using. As a general rule of thumb, using purple shampoo once or twice a week should be sufficient for most individuals.

Timing is also a critical factor when it comes to achieving the desired results. When you apply purple shampoo, make sure to leave it on for the suggested amount of time mentioned on the product label. Leaving the shampoo on for too long can potentially lead to an overly cool or ashy hair color, while not leaving it on long enough may not yield noticeable outcomes.

Any abrupt changes in your hair care routine can impact the efficiency of purple shampoo as well. For instance, switching to a different shampoo or conditioner that contains ingredients that don’t interact well with purple pigments can hinder the toning effects. Therefore, it’s essential to stick with hair care products that are specifically formulated for use with purple shampoo.

Benefits of purple shampoo on natural blonde hair
Benefits of purple shampoo on natural blonde hair

FAQ about purple shampoo on natural blonde hair

What happens if you use purple shampoo on natural hair?

Purple shampoo doesn’t lighten hair but brightens it, keeping natural hair color fresh and preventing yellowness.

When should you not use purple shampoo?

Stop using purple shampoo two weeks before lightening to avoid build-up and achieve a seamless blend.

How long does it take for purple shampoo to work on natural blonde hair?

For natural blonde hair, leave purple shampoo on for 2-3 mins before rinsing with cool water. Check the bottle for brand-specific instructions; some suggest leaving it on for up to 5 mins.

Does purple shampoo make natural blonde hair darker?

No, purple shampoo cannot dye your hair, but if you leave it on for an extended period, you may have a slight lilac discoloration. However, you can resolve it with a clarifying shampoo to minimize the tint.

Is purple shampoo damaging?

No. Purple shampoos contain cool violet pigments that neutralize brassy tones in blonde, silver, or gray hair. Leaving the shampoo on too long may turn your hair purple-violet. Be mindful of the duration for which you leave the shampoo on.

Final Word: does purple shampoo work on natural blonde hair?

With these considerations, I can confidently say that purple shampoo does work on natural blonde hair. It effectively neutralizes unwanted yellow or brassy tones, enhancing the overall brightness and vibrancy of your hair. However, it is important to use purple shampoo in moderation to avoid overtoning or drying out your hair. Regular conditioning and proper hair care routine are also essential to maintain the health and strength of your natural blonde hair. So, if you’re looking to maintain your luscious blonde locks, incorporating purple shampoo into your hair care routine can definitely be beneficial.

Anindita Thakur
Anindita Thakur

Anindita Thakur is a beauty writer covering perfume, cosmetics, hair care, and skin care. She holds a B.A. Hons in English, M.A. in English, M.A. in History, and a Certificate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Calcutta University. With robust credentials in writing and communications, Ms. Thakur provides engaging articles on beauty trends and tips. Her goal is to educate and inspire audiences on the best products and practices for skin, hair, makeup, and fragrance.

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