Using a toner can work wonders for maintaining the shine and vibrancy of your hair color. However, when it comes to choosing the right toning shampoo, it can be a hard decision, especially if you don’t know the difference. While blue and purple may seem similar colors on the surface, their effects on hair toning are different from each other. Now let’s take a look at these differences, helping you make an informed choice.
What Does Purple Shampoo Do Exactly?
So what exactly is purple shampoo’s purpose? Purple shampoo is like a special cleaner for blonde or lightened hair. It helps keep your hair looking bright and colorful. The purple color in the shampoo helps get rid of any yellow or orange tones in your hair. This keeps your hair looking healthy and not brassy. Using purple shampoo can make a big difference in keeping your hair looking fresh and lively, especially if you're blonde or have lightened your hair.
What Does Blue Shampoo Do Exactly?
The blue shampoo does a similar job but for a different color. The blue shampoo is used for the same purpose for brown hair. It's used to keep your brunette locks looking cool and ashy. The blue color in it helps get rid of any orange or red tones in your hair, making it look healthy and fresh. So, if you don't want warm hues in your brown hair, this shampoo can help with that.
Do Purple and Blue Shampoo Actually Work?
Yes, both blue and purple shampoos work wonders! They coat your hair and get rid of any brassiness while making it shiny. These special shampoos have pigments that keep your hair color from fading and make it look healthy and vibrant. Even if you haven't lightened your hair, using blue or purple shampoo every now and then can be beneficial. Things like sunlight, styling, and pollution can make your hair look brassy, but these shampoos can help tone it down to cooler, brighter shades. So, whether you're brunette or blonde, both types of shampoo can give your hair a boost.
Also, if you want healthier locks, you can always add hair oils and power shots to your routine!
How Do You Use Purple and Blue Shampoo?
Now that you know the purple and blue shampoos’ purposes and that they can be used whether you’ve dyed your hair or not, let’s delve into how to use them properly.
First of all, don’t forget that using a blue or purple shampoo won't replace your regular shampoo completely. You'll switch it up every few washes. How often you use it is totally your call.
To begin, try using it once a week or every two weeks, then adjust as needed. Remember to only use blue or purple shampoo on wet hair. Avoid applying it on dry hair because it can soak up too much of the pigment. Rub it between your hands to create a lather, then massage it into your scalp using gentle circular motions. Work the shampoo through your hair, from roots to ends. Leave it on for two to four minutes, depending on how much brassiness you're dealing with. Rinse with cool water to seal in the color.
Always follow up with a conditioner for colored hair. If you start noticing a purple or blue tint in your hair, you're using it too often. Switch to a clarifying shampoo to remove the tint and limit your use of blue or purple shampoo to once a week or less.
Which One is Right For You: Purple or Blue
For those with blonde hair, purple shampoo is typically the one you should prefer, while darker or brunette shades usually benefit more from blue shampoo.
If your hair is somewhere between blonde and brunette due to highlights or balayage, you can determine the right shampoo based on the tones you want to correct. Yellow tones are best tackled with purple shampoo for blondes, while brassy orange tones in highlighted brunettes are better handled with blue shampoo.
If you're unsure, here's a simple guide: if you mostly see yellow tones, go for purple shampoo; if it's yellow/orange, opt for blue. Salt and pepper hair and brunettes without blonde highlights should also go for blue shampoo. Regardless of your choice, it's important not to overuse these shampoos. Mixing them with your regular shampoo can help dilute their strength, preventing excessive depositing of pigment and dryness.