Purple hair, a bold and beautiful statement, has exploded in popularity. From pastel lavenders to deep violets, it’s a color that demands attention. But maintaining that vibrancy can be a challenge. This is where purple shampoo enters the picture. But does it truly work? Does purple shampoo keep purple hair looking its best, or is it just another marketing ploy? Let’s dive deep into the science, the usage, and the secrets of keeping your purple locks dazzling.
Understanding Purple Hair Color and Fading
Before we can assess the effectiveness of purple shampoo, we need to understand why purple hair fades in the first place. Several factors contribute to color loss, and knowing them will help you tailor your hair care routine for longevity.
The Science of Hair Color
Hair color, whether natural or applied, comes from pigments. In natural hair, melanin dictates the shade. When you dye your hair purple (or any color), you’re essentially depositing artificial pigments into the hair shaft. These pigments are vulnerable to various external factors.
Why Purple Hair Fades Quickly
Purple hair often fades faster than other colors for a few key reasons:
- Pigment Size: Purple dyes often contain a mix of red and blue pigments. Blue pigments, in particular, are smaller molecules than red pigments, making them more prone to washing out of the hair shaft.
- Porosity: Hair porosity refers to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. Damaged or highly porous hair has a harder time holding onto color molecules, leading to faster fading.
- Washing Frequency: Every time you wash your hair, you’re stripping away some of the dye molecules. Frequent washing exacerbates the fading process.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays from the sun can break down the dye molecules, causing the color to fade and become dull.
- Heat Styling: Using heat tools like hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can also damage the hair shaft and cause color to fade.
The Role of Underlying Tones
The base color of your hair before applying purple dye also plays a crucial role. For a true purple, your hair ideally needs to be bleached to a very light blonde. If your hair has yellow or brassy tones, the purple dye may mix with these tones, resulting in a muddy or uneven color. As the purple fades, these underlying tones can become more prominent, leading to a less-than-desirable result.
Purple Shampoo: What It Is and How It Works
Now that we know why purple hair fades, let’s examine the role of purple shampoo. It’s not a magic bullet, but it can be a valuable tool in your hair care arsenal.
The Color Wheel Connection
Purple shampoo works based on the principles of color theory. Purple is directly opposite yellow on the color wheel. This means that purple pigments can neutralize yellow tones.
Neutralizing Brassiness
When purple hair fades, it often reveals underlying yellow or brassy tones. These tones can make the hair look dull and less vibrant. Purple shampoo deposits a small amount of purple pigment onto the hair, which counteracts the yellow and brassiness, restoring the cool, vibrant purple hue.
How Purple Shampoo Works
The purple pigment in the shampoo is deposited onto the hair shaft during the washing process. The longer you leave the shampoo on, the more pigment is deposited. However, it’s important to follow the instructions on the bottle to avoid over-toning, which can result in a lavender or even gray tinge to your hair.
Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo
Not all purple shampoos are created equal. Selecting the right one for your hair type and color is essential for achieving the best results.
Factors to Consider
- Hair Type: Consider whether you have dry, oily, fine, or thick hair. Some purple shampoos are more moisturizing than others, while others are better suited for oily hair.
- Purple Shade: The intensity of the purple pigment in the shampoo should match the shade of your purple hair. Light purple hair requires a less potent shampoo, while darker purple hair can handle a stronger formula.
- Ingredients: Look for shampoos that are sulfate-free, as sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause color to fade faster. Also, consider shampoos that contain moisturizing ingredients like argan oil or shea butter.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Read online reviews and ask your hairstylist for recommendations. They can provide valuable insights based on their experience with different products.
Popular Purple Shampoo Brands
Numerous brands offer purple shampoos. Some popular and well-regarded options include:
- Fanola No Yellow Shampoo: Known for its strong toning power.
- Matrix Total Results So Silver Purple Shampoo: A professional-grade option.
- Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo: Suitable for blonde and purple hair.
- Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo: A classic and affordable choice.
Using Purple Shampoo Effectively
Using purple shampoo correctly is crucial for maximizing its benefits and avoiding unwanted side effects.
Frequency of Use
Overuse of purple shampoo can lead to a buildup of purple pigment, resulting in a dull or even lavender tint to your hair. Start by using it once or twice a week and adjust the frequency based on your hair’s needs. Monitor your hair for any signs of over-toning and reduce usage accordingly.
Application Technique
- Wet Hair Thoroughly: Ensure your hair is completely wet before applying the shampoo.
- Apply Evenly: Distribute the shampoo evenly throughout your hair, focusing on areas where brassiness is most noticeable.
- Massage Gently: Gently massage the shampoo into your hair and scalp.
- Leave-In Time: Follow the instructions on the bottle for leave-in time. Start with a shorter time (e.g., 2-3 minutes) and gradually increase it if needed.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until all the shampoo is removed.
- Condition: Always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner, as purple shampoo can sometimes be drying.
Alternative Hair Care Practices
Purple shampoo is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly keep your purple hair vibrant, incorporate these other hair care practices:
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner: Sulfate-free products are gentler on the hair and help preserve color.
- Wash Hair Less Frequently: Try to extend the time between washes to minimize color fading.
- Use Cool Water: Rinse your hair with cool water, as hot water can open the hair cuticle and cause color to leach out.
- Protect Hair from the Sun: Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when spending time outdoors.
- Minimize Heat Styling: Reduce the frequency of heat styling and use a heat protectant spray when you do use heat tools.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Deep conditioning treatments help replenish moisture and repair damaged hair, which can improve color retention.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when using purple shampoo. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using Too Much: More isn’t always better. Using too much purple shampoo can lead to over-toning.
- Leaving It On Too Long: Exceeding the recommended leave-in time can result in a purple or gray tint.
- Not Using Conditioner: Purple shampoo can be drying, so always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
- Using It on Unbleached Hair: Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow tones in bleached hair. It won’t have the same effect on unbleached hair.
- Ignoring Patch Tests: Before using a new purple shampoo, perform a patch test on a small section of your hair to check for any allergic reactions or unwanted color changes.
Beyond Purple Shampoo: Other Color-Enhancing Products
While purple shampoo is a staple, other products can also help maintain your purple hair color.
Color-Depositing Conditioners
These conditioners contain purple pigments that deposit color onto the hair while providing hydration. They’re a great way to boost color vibrancy between shampoo washes.
Color-Refreshing Masks
Color-refreshing masks are similar to color-depositing conditioners but typically have a more intense color payoff. They’re ideal for reviving faded color and adding depth to your purple locks.
Gloss Treatments
Gloss treatments can add shine and vibrancy to your hair while also helping to seal in color. They’re a great option for maintaining the overall health and appearance of your purple hair.
Does Purple Shampoo *Really* Keep Purple Hair Vibrant?
So, does purple shampoo truly keep purple hair vibrant? The answer is a resounding yes, but with caveats. Purple shampoo is a valuable tool for neutralizing brassiness and maintaining the cool tones in purple hair. However, it’s not a standalone solution. It works best when combined with other color-preserving hair care practices, such as using sulfate-free products, washing hair less frequently, and protecting hair from heat and sun.
Purple shampoo is a maintenance product, not a miracle worker. It can’t prevent color fading entirely, but it can significantly prolong the vibrancy of your purple hair and keep it looking its best for longer. By understanding how purple shampoo works, choosing the right product for your hair, and using it correctly, you can enjoy your beautiful purple locks for weeks to come.
FAQ 1: What exactly is purple shampoo, and how does it work to maintain purple hair?
Purple shampoo is a specially formulated hair cleanser containing violet pigments. These pigments work to neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow tones that can appear in purple-dyed hair over time. This happens because purple, being opposite yellow on the color wheel, effectively cancels it out, restoring the vibrancy and coolness of the initial purple shade.
The shampoo works by depositing small amounts of these purple pigments onto the hair shaft during the washing process. This process effectively counteracts any brassiness that has emerged due to color fading, exposure to sunlight, or mineral buildup from hard water. The result is a refreshed and more vibrant purple color, extending the life of your dye job between salon visits.
FAQ 2: How often should I use purple shampoo on my purple hair?
The frequency of using purple shampoo on purple hair depends largely on several factors, including the initial vibrancy of your color, the porosity of your hair, and how often you wash your hair. Starting with once or twice a week is a good guideline, observing how your hair responds and adjusting the usage accordingly.
Overuse of purple shampoo can, in some cases, lead to a dulling effect or even a slight purple tint, especially on very light or porous hair. If you notice these effects, reduce the frequency of use. Conversely, if you’re still seeing brassiness between uses, you may need to increase how often you use the purple shampoo to maintain the desired tone.
FAQ 3: Can purple shampoo damage my purple hair?
While purple shampoo is designed to maintain your purple hair, overuse or using a formula that’s too harsh can potentially lead to dryness or damage. Many purple shampoos contain sulfates, which can strip the hair of its natural oils, causing dryness, frizz, and even color fading.
To prevent damage, look for sulfate-free purple shampoos that are specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These formulas are generally gentler and less likely to strip the hair. Additionally, always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask after using purple shampoo to replenish any lost moisture and maintain the health of your purple hair.
FAQ 4: Are all purple shampoos created equal? What should I look for when choosing one?
No, not all purple shampoos are created equal. The quality and concentration of the purple pigment, the presence of moisturizing ingredients, and whether it contains sulfates can vary significantly between brands. This can impact its effectiveness and how it affects your hair’s health.
When choosing a purple shampoo, look for sulfate-free formulas that contain hydrating ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or coconut oil. Reading online reviews and comparing ingredient lists can help you make an informed decision and find a shampoo that effectively maintains your purple color without damaging your hair. Consider also the intensity of the purple pigment; some shampoos are more potent than others.
FAQ 5: Will purple shampoo lighten my purple hair?
Purple shampoo is not designed to lighten hair. Its primary function is to neutralize yellow or brassy tones, which can make the purple color appear brighter or more vibrant, but it doesn’t actually lift or remove pigment from the hair shaft. The violet pigments deposit onto the hair, counteracting the unwanted yellow hues.
In some cases, if your purple hair has already faded significantly and is quite light, the purple pigments in the shampoo might temporarily make your hair appear slightly cooler or a different shade of purple. However, this is a result of color correction, not lightening. To actually lighten your hair, you would need to use a bleaching or lightening product.
FAQ 6: Can I use purple shampoo on other hair colors besides purple?
While purple shampoo is primarily designed for blonde, silver, gray, or purple hair, it can be used on other lightened hair colors to neutralize brassiness. If you have highlights or a balayage, purple shampoo can help to keep the blonde or lightened sections from turning yellow or orange.
However, using purple shampoo on darker hair colors like brunette or black will likely not produce noticeable results. The purple pigments are not strong enough to counteract the underlying warmth in darker hair, and may even leave a muddy or dull appearance if overused. It’s best to stick to color-safe shampoos designed for darker shades in these cases.
FAQ 7: How long should I leave purple shampoo on my hair for the best results?
The amount of time you should leave purple shampoo on your hair depends on the specific product and the intensity of the purple pigment. Generally, it’s recommended to leave it on for 2-5 minutes for a gentle toning effect. Always consult the instructions on the product label for specific recommendations.
For more intense toning, you can leave the shampoo on for a slightly longer period, up to 10-15 minutes, but proceed with caution. Overexposure can lead to a purple or ashy cast, particularly on very light or porous hair. Monitor your hair carefully during the process and rinse thoroughly to avoid unwanted tinting.