The Verdict on Purple Shampoo: Myths and Realities
We’re back with another week of super important hair care information. As an experienced stylist, I can tell you that one of the best inventions in the beauty industry is Purple Shampoo. Loved by many and misunderstood by others, this product has sparked mixed opinions about who should use it, who shouldn't, and how often it should be used. Here, I'll uncover the truths and myths surrounding Purple Shampoo, which is personally one of my favorites.
Let's start from the beginning with the essential question:
What is Purple Shampoo?
It's important to understand exactly what purple shampoo is and how it works. This type of shampoo contains purple pigments that can neutralize unwanted yellow tones in blonde, bleached, gray, or highlighted hair. It's especially popular among those looking to maintain a light blonde or platinum tone, as it helps keep the color fresh and free from unwanted yellow hues. Yellow tones appear in light, bleached, or natural gray hair due to the natural oxidation from the environment, salty water, chlorinated water, or simply from washing your hair with the local water.
Here are the truths about Purple Shampoo:
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Neutralizes Yellow Tones: One of the biggest benefits of purple shampoo is its ability to neutralize yellow tones in blonde or gray hair. The purple pigments counteract the unwanted warm tones, leaving the hair with a cooler, more neutral, ashy tone.
- Ideal for Blondes and Bleached Hair: Purple shampoo is especially beneficial for those with blonde, bleached, or highlighted hair. It helps keep the color fresh and vibrant between salon visits, prolonging the life of your color.
- Platinum or Light Blonde Hair: This type of hair is a very light blonde tone, almost white or silver. It can look very bright and fresh when kept free of yellow tones.
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Bleached Hair: Bleached hair is hair that has been treated with chemicals to remove its natural pigment. It can vary in shades, from light blondes to darker blondes, depending on the level of bleaching. Often, bleached hair can show unwanted yellow tones, especially if not properly neutralized.
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Highlighted Hair: Highlights are lighter sections of hair added to create dimension and contrast. Highlighted hair can come in various tones, from light blondes to darker blondes, and can have areas with unwanted yellow tones, especially if not properly neutralized.
Now, let's dive into the myths about purple shampoo. Pay close attention and read carefully:
Not Suitable for All Blonde Shades: While purple shampoo is beneficial for those with light blonde, platinum, and gray hair, it's not suitable for all blonde shades. Those with darker blondes might find that purple shampoo leaves an unwanted purple tint instead of neutralizing yellow tones.
Not Necessary for Natural or Dyed Dark Hair: Purple shampoo is specifically designed to neutralize yellow tones in blonde, bleached, or highlighted hair and gray hair. For those with natural or dyed dark hair, it offers no benefit and could even cause an unwanted change in hair color.
Shouldn't Be Used Too Frequently: Although purple shampoo can be effective for neutralizing yellow tones in light or gray hair, it shouldn't be used too often. Overuse can cause an unwanted purple tint and, in some cases, even dryness or damage.
Regarding usage frequency, I suggest using purple shampoo once a week or every two weeks, depending on the intensity of the yellow tones and the desired result, or depending on how often you wash your hair. It's important to follow the product instructions and not leave it on for too long to avoid any unwanted changes in hair color. To the question of whether you should use conditioner after purple shampoo, yes, you should always apply conditioner after any shampoo.
Many effects of purple shampoo on hair can vary depending on the product's formula and how it is used. In general, purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow tones in blonde or bleached hair, and its formula can include stronger cleansing agents than regular shampoos. This could contribute to a feeling of dryness if used too frequently or without following up with an adequate conditioner.
It's important to note that purple shampoo is designed for a specific purpose: neutralizing yellow tones. Therefore, it doesn't always provide the same hydration benefits as a regular shampoo, or one specifically formulated for dry hair. At Rocco Donna Professional, we have developed an extraordinary formula, having tested many purple shampoos, we concluded that it is possible to have a good purple shampoo with high levels of pigmentation to neutralize yellow tones without causing dryness or, better yet, that hydrates, although that is not its main function.
In summary, purple shampoo can be a useful tool for those with blonde, bleached, or highlighted hair looking to neutralize unwanted yellow tones. However, it's important to understand its limitations and use it in moderation to avoid unwanted changes in hair color. As always, I recommend consulting with a professional stylist before incorporating any new product into your hair care routine to ensure it’s right for you.
As a stylist, salon owner, and creator of a line of hair care products, Rocco Donna Professional, my goal is to provide you with information to help you keep your hair healthy and beautiful. Using the right products can give your hair life and softness, but most importantly, it can give you the Energy of Beauty!