How To Use Purple Shampoo: A Complete Guide

Hey guys! If you're rocking blonde, silver, or highlighted hair, you know the struggle of dealing with brassiness. That's where purple shampoo comes to the rescue! But to get the best results, it's crucial to use it correctly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply purple shampoo, how long to leave it in, and how to incorporate it into your hair care routine for vibrant, brass-free locks.

What is Purple Shampoo and Why Do You Need It?

Purple shampoo is your secret weapon for maintaining cool-toned blonde, silver, and highlighted hair. But what exactly is it, and why does it work so well? The magic lies in the color wheel. Purple is the opposite of yellow, so when you apply purple shampoo to your hair, it neutralizes those unwanted yellow and brassy tones. Think of it like a color-correcting concealer for your hair!

Over time, factors like sun exposure, washing your hair, and using heat styling tools can cause your hair color to fade and reveal underlying warm tones. This is where purple shampoo steps in to save the day. It contains purple pigments that counteract the brassiness, leaving your hair looking brighter, fresher, and more vibrant. If you've invested in a beautiful blonde or silver color, purple shampoo is a must-have to keep your hair looking its best.

Why is it so important? Imagine you've just spent a fortune at the salon getting the perfect icy blonde. A few weeks later, you notice your hair is starting to look a little dull and yellow. That's brassiness creeping in! Without purple shampoo, those brassy tones will continue to build up, making your hair look less vibrant and even a little orange. Purple shampoo helps you maintain that salon-fresh color for longer, saving you money and time in the long run. It's a small investment that makes a huge difference in the overall look and health of your hair.

Think of purple shampoo as a maintenance tool, like getting your car tuned up. You wouldn't drive your car for years without any maintenance, right? The same goes for your hair color. Regular use of purple shampoo will keep your blonde or silver hair looking its best, preventing brassiness from taking over. It's a simple step that can make a world of difference in your hair's vibrancy and overall appearance. So, if you're serious about maintaining your cool-toned hair color, purple shampoo should definitely be a staple in your hair care routine.

How to Use Purple Shampoo: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of how to use purple shampoo like a pro. It's not as simple as just lathering it up and rinsing it out. To get the best results and avoid any unwanted purple hues, follow these steps carefully.

1. Wet Your Hair Thoroughly: Just like with regular shampoo, start by wetting your hair completely. Make sure all strands are saturated with water so the purple shampoo can distribute evenly.

2. Apply Purple Shampoo: This is where it's important to use the right amount. Start with a small amount, about the size of a quarter, and add more if needed. Focus on the areas where you notice the most brassiness, usually the roots and mid-lengths. Gently massage the shampoo into your hair, working it into a lather. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, as this can cause breakage.

3. Let It Sit: This is the crucial part! The amount of time you leave the purple shampoo in your hair will determine how much toning occurs. For a subtle toning effect, leave it in for 1-3 minutes. If you need more intense toning, you can leave it in for up to 5-10 minutes. However, be careful not to leave it in for too long, as this can cause a purple tint, especially on very light or porous hair. We'll discuss how long to leave purple shampoo in more in the next section.

4. Rinse Thoroughly: Once the time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Make sure all the purple shampoo is completely washed out. Any leftover residue can leave your hair feeling sticky or looking dull.

5. Follow with Conditioner: Purple shampoo can be slightly drying, so it's important to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. Apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the roots, and leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing.

6. Dry and Style as Usual: Once you've rinsed out the conditioner, you can dry and style your hair as you normally would. You should immediately notice a difference in your hair color – it should look brighter, cooler, and less brassy.

Pro Tip: For the first time using a new purple shampoo, it's always a good idea to do a strand test. Apply the shampoo to a small, hidden section of your hair and leave it in for the recommended time. This will give you an idea of how the shampoo will affect your hair color and help you avoid any surprises.

How Long to Leave Purple Shampoo In: Finding Your Perfect Time

Figuring out how long to leave purple shampoo in is a bit of a Goldilocks situation – you want it to be just right. Too little time, and you won't see much of a difference. Too much time, and you could end up with a lavender hue. The ideal time depends on a few factors, including your hair color, the intensity of the purple shampoo, and your desired level of toning.

For Light Blonde or Silver Hair: If you have very light blonde or silver hair, you'll want to be extra cautious with purple shampoo. These hair colors are more porous and can absorb the purple pigment quickly. Start with a shorter time frame, around 1-3 minutes. Check your hair color frequently while the shampoo is in to make sure it's not turning purple. If you're using a particularly strong purple shampoo, you might even want to start with just 30 seconds and gradually increase the time as needed.

For Medium Blonde Hair: If your blonde is more of a golden or honey shade, you can usually leave purple shampoo in for a slightly longer time, around 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on your hair color and rinse it out as soon as you reach your desired level of toning.

For Darker Blonde or Highlighted Hair: If you have darker blonde hair or highlights, you might need to leave purple shampoo in for a bit longer, up to 5-10 minutes. This will give the shampoo enough time to neutralize the brassy tones in your hair. Again, it's always best to start with a shorter time and gradually increase it if necessary.

For Brassy Hair: If your hair is particularly brassy, you might be tempted to leave the purple shampoo in for a longer period of time. However, it's generally better to do multiple shorter treatments rather than one long one. Leaving purple shampoo in for too long can lead to uneven toning or a purple tint. Instead, try using purple shampoo every other wash and gradually increase the time as needed.

Observation is Key: The best way to determine the right time for you is to pay close attention to your hair. After each use, evaluate your hair color and adjust the time accordingly. If your hair is still brassy, you can leave the shampoo in for a bit longer next time. If your hair is starting to look purple, shorten the time. It might take a few tries to find your perfect time, but once you do, you'll be able to maintain your beautiful blonde or silver color with ease.

How Often Should You Use Purple Shampoo?

Now that you know how to use purple shampoo and how long to leave purple shampoo in, the next question is: How often should you use it? The answer, like the perfect timing, depends on your hair type, color, and the level of brassiness you're dealing with.

General Guidelines: As a general rule, you shouldn't use purple shampoo every time you wash your hair. It's a powerful product, and overuse can lead to dryness, dullness, and even a purple tint. Most people find that using purple shampoo once or twice a week is sufficient to maintain their color.

For Light Blonde or Silver Hair: If you have very light blonde or silver hair, you might only need to use purple shampoo once a week, or even less frequently. These hair colors are more prone to absorbing the purple pigment, so less is definitely more.

For Medium to Dark Blonde Hair: If you have medium to dark blonde hair, you can probably use purple shampoo twice a week. This will help keep brassiness at bay without over-toning your hair.

For Brassy Hair: If your hair is particularly brassy, you might need to use purple shampoo more frequently, such as every other wash. However, be sure to monitor your hair closely and reduce the frequency if you notice any dryness or purple tones.

Listen to Your Hair: The best way to determine how often to use purple shampoo is to pay attention to your hair's needs. If you notice brassiness creeping in, it's time to reach for the purple shampoo. If your hair is looking vibrant and cool-toned, you can probably skip it for a wash or two. Over time, you'll develop a sense of how your hair responds to purple shampoo and be able to adjust your routine accordingly.

Consider Your Other Hair Products: Keep in mind that other hair products you use can also affect your hair color. If you're using a lot of heat styling tools or spending time in the sun, your hair might become brassy more quickly, requiring more frequent use of purple shampoo. Similarly, if you're using other color-depositing products, you might need to adjust your purple shampoo routine to avoid over-toning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Purple Shampoo

Using purple shampoo can be a game-changer for maintaining your blonde or silver hair, but it's easy to make mistakes that can lead to less-than-desirable results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overusing Purple Shampoo: As we've mentioned, using purple shampoo too often can lead to dryness, dullness, and a purple tint. Stick to using it once or twice a week, or as needed.

• Leaving it In Too Long: This is probably the most common mistake. Leaving purple shampoo in for too long can result in a purple or lavender hue, especially on light blonde hair. Start with a shorter time frame and gradually increase it if necessary.

• Not Using Enough Product: On the other hand, using too little purple shampoo won't be effective in neutralizing brassiness. Make sure you're using enough product to cover all the areas where you notice brassy tones.

• Not Applying it Evenly: Uneven application can lead to patchy toning. Make sure you distribute the purple shampoo evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the areas that need the most attention.

• Not Rinsing Thoroughly: Leaving purple shampoo residue in your hair can make it look dull and sticky. Rinse your hair thoroughly until the water runs clear.

• Skipping Conditioner: Purple shampoo can be drying, so it's crucial to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish moisture and keep your hair healthy.

• Using the Wrong Type of Purple Shampoo: Not all purple shampoos are created equal. Some are more intense than others, so choose one that's appropriate for your hair color and level of brassiness. If you're not sure, start with a milder formula and work your way up if needed.

• Not Doing a Strand Test: Before using a new purple shampoo, it's always a good idea to do a strand test. This will help you see how the shampoo will affect your hair color and avoid any surprises.

Conclusion: Embrace the Purple Power!

Purple shampoo is a fantastic tool for maintaining vibrant, brass-free blonde, silver, and highlighted hair. By understanding how to apply purple shampoo correctly, how long to leave it in, and how often to use it, you can keep your hair looking salon-fresh and beautiful. Remember to start with small amounts, observe your hair's reaction, and adjust your routine as needed. Avoid common mistakes, and you'll be well on your way to rocking gorgeous, cool-toned locks. So go ahead, embrace the purple power and say goodbye to brassiness for good!