How to Use Purple Shampoo on Natural Blonde Hair

Hello, fellow hair enthusiasts! Are you a fellow blondie like me? Are you wondering how to use purple shampoo on natural blonde hair? 

If so, you’ve landed in the right place! Having sported my blonde locks all my life, I have experienced navigating the sometimes tricky world of purple shampoo.

I understand the ups, the downs, and the brass-banishing magic it can bring to our gorgeous blonde hair!

In this article, we’ll explore all things purple shampoo and how to use it on natural blonde hair.

I will review how purple shampoo neutralizes those pesky yellow tones, identify the tell-tale signs you might need to incorporate it into your hair care routine, and discuss the beneficial effects of its partner-in-crime, purple conditioner.

We’ll also tackle the causes of brassy hair, hair with yellow undertones, and even green hair. But that’s not all – we’ll list some of the best purple shampoos for you to consider.

Whether you’re a seasoned user or a curious newcomer, I’m sure there’s something in this guide for you!

Let’s dive in!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure here

What is Purple Shampoo?

Purple shampoo, often called silver or violet shampoo, is a pigment-depositing shampoo specifically designed for blondes.

It contains purple pigments. 

But why purple? The answer lies in color theory.

How Purple Shampoo Works on Blonde Hair

The magic behind purple shampoo lies in the color wheel. Remember those art classes where we learned about complementary colors?

If you take a peek at the color wheel, you’ll see that purple and yellow are right across from each other. That’s not just a neat coincidence; it’s the secret to why purple shampoo is so great for blond hair!

When you apply purple shampoo to your hair, the purple or violet pigment works on neutralizing those unwanted yellow undertones or brassy hues.

In essence, the purple cancels out the yellow, restoring your hair to that cool, fresh blond color you love so much.

The purple pigments only deposit on the surface of your hair. They don’t penetrate the hair shaft or affect your actual hair color.

So, don’t worry; using purple shampoo won’t leave you with a full head of purple hair (unless you leave it in for too long, that is!).

Why Use Purple Shampoo on Natural Blond Hair?

Blonde hair can get yellow or brassy for many reasons.  

Chemical treatments, hard water, uv rays from excess sun exposure, and build-up from long-time use of hair products can all cause your once pretty blonde tone to become dull and yellow or brassy.

So, is purple shampoo an absolute must for every blond out there? 

Like any product, purple shampoo has both benefits and potential drawbacks.

Let’s delve into them, starting with the benefits.

Benefits of Using Purple Shampoo on Natural Blonde Hair (and chemically treated blonde hair, too)

Neutralizes Brassy Tones

The primary benefit of purple shampoo is its ability to neutralize brassy and yellow tones in blonde hair, keeping your color fresh and vibrant.

Cost-Effective

It’s a lot cheaper than frequent salon visits for toning treatments.

Easy to Use

Purple shampoo is as easy to use as your regular shampoo—just lather, rinse, and you’re on your way to brass-free hair.

Flexible

You can adjust how often you use it based on the level of brassiness in your hair, giving you control over your color.

Now, for a balanced view, let’s consider some potential drawbacks:

Potential Drawbacks to Using Purple Shampoo

Can Be Drying

 Some people find that purple shampoo can be drying to their hair. It’s often recommended to follow up with a hydrating conditioner or mask to counteract this.

Over-Toning Risk

If left on the hair too long, purple shampoo can over-tone and leave a purple or gray tint to your hair.

Might Not Work on Dark Hair

Purple shampoo tends to be most effective on lighter hair colors. For darker hair with brassiness, a blue shampoo may be more effective.

Sulfates

Some purple shampoos contain sulfates, which can strip hair of natural oils and cause color fading.

Signs Your Hair Needs Purple Shampoo

Sometimes, our hair starts dropping hints that it’s time for a little TLC, especially when you’re rocking blond locks. I know mine does!

So, how do you know when it’s time to crack open the purple shampoo?

Here are a few signs to look out for:

Your Hair is Turning yellow or has Brassy undertones

This is the most obvious sign. If your previously cool blond locks are starting to look more like a yellow school bus or a brassy copper penny, it’s time to bring out the purple shampoo.

Remember, yellow is purple’s opposite on the color wheel, so purple shampoo is just the thing to neutralize those brassy tones.

Your Hair is Looking Dull

Blond hair should be vibrant and lustrous. If your hair has lost its sparkle and looks, a little lackluster, purple shampoo can help revive it by correcting the color balance.

You’ve Recently Dyed Your Hair Blond

If you’ve just transformed into a blond bombshell, congratulations! Use purple shampoo to keep that fresh-from-the-salon look as part of your hair care routine.

Purple shampoo can help to prevent your color-treated hair from becoming brassy or yellowish tones.

The Ends of Your Hair are Darker Than the Roots

If you’ve noticed that your ends are looking a bit darker than your roots, it could be a sign that your hair is absorbing more minerals and impurities from water.

A session with purple shampoo can help to even out the color. It’s like magic, I tell ya! 🙂

How to Use Purple Shampoo on Natural Blonde Hair

Ready to bring back the fresh, cool tones to your blond hair? 

Here’s a simple guide on how to use purple shampoo on natural blonde hair

Selecting the Right Purple Shampoo

For best results, Choose a quality purple shampoo that suits your hair type. Look for moisturizing ingredients if your hair is dry, and ensure it’s safe for naturally blonde hair.

The best ingredients to look for when shopping for a purple shampoo:

Hydrating Ingredients

As we’ve discussed earlier, purple shampoos can sometimes be a bit drying. To counteract this, look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, glycerin, or natural oils like argan or coconut oil.

Protein

Ingredients like hydrolyzed keratin or silk protein can help to strengthen your hair and prevent damage.

Vitamins

Vitamins like vitamin E and provitamin B5 (also known as panthenol) can help to nourish your hair and keep it healthy.

Sulfate-Free

Sulfates can be harsh and drying, particularly on color-treated hair. Choosing a sulfate-free formula can be gentler on your hair and help your color last longer.

Acidic pH

Hair is naturally slightly acidic, and an acidic pH can help to close the hair cuticle, locking in color and making your hair shinier.

Shop The Best Purple Shampoo for Natural Blonde Hair

How to Use Purple Shampoo on Natural Blonde Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing how to use purple shampoo correctly is crucial for achieving the best results.

So, buckle up, my blonde friends, and let’s walk through the process together, step-by-step:

Wet Your Hair

Start by thoroughly wetting your hair with warm water.

Remember, you want the water to be warm but not too hot. Hot water can open cuticles of hair too much, leading to more color fading and drying out your hair.

Apply Purple Shampoo

Squeeze a good amount of purple shampoo into your hand.

The amount will depend on the length and thickness of your hair, but usually, a quarter-sized dollop is a good starting point.

Apply the shampoo to your hair, concentrating mainly on the areas that have turned brassy or yellow.

Lather and Distribute

Massage the purple shampoo into your hair, creating a lather. Make sure to distribute it evenly throughout your hair for consistent results.

Let It Sit

This is where the magic happens. Let the purple shampoo sit in your hair for a few minutes.

If your hair is particularly brassy, you might let it sit a bit longer, but be careful not to leave it on too long to avoid over-toning and ending up with lavender hair.

A good rule of thumb is to start with 2-3 minutes and adjust as necessary.

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the shampoo out of your hair thoroughly first with warm water and then with cool water.

Condition

Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to hydrate your hair and seal the cuticle. This is particularly important for extra-porous hair or damaged or dry hair.

Dry and Style As Usual

Dry and style your hair as you usually would, and voila! Enjoy your refreshed, vibrant blonde color!

​Using Purple Conditioner on Natural Blonde Hair

Using Purple conditioner on natural blonde hair is just as important as its shampoo counterpart in maintaining the health and color of your blond hair.

Purple conditioner, just like purple shampoo, contains violet pigments.

These pigments neutralize the yellow or brassy tones in blond hair, maintaining that fresh, cool blond color that we all love.

But here’s the kicker: while purple shampoo cleanses and cleanses your hair of any unwanted warm tones, purple conditioner goes a step further.

It’s all about hydration and nourishment.

You see, hair dye and other hair treatments can be harsh on your locks, leaving them dry and begging for extra love.

That’s where purple conditioner comes in. It deposits those color-correcting violet pigments while also providing the necessary hydration and nourishment your hair craves.

This helps keep your hair looking vibrant and feeling super soft and manageable.

And the best part? Using a purple conditioner after your purple shampoo can help seal the color-correcting benefits, making them last longer.

It’s like a one-two punch to fight off those pesky brassy tones!

Remember to use it right, though.

Like with purple shampoo, leaving the purple conditioner in your hair too long can result in an unwanted lilac or ashy tone.

So keep an eye on the time, and you’ll be on your way to healthier, happier, cooler blond hair in no time!

Common Mistakes: Using Purple Shampoo on Natural Blonde Hair

Hold on, blondie! Before you dive into this purple wonder, let’s go through some common mistakes to sidestep.

Overusing Purple toning Shampoo

Less is more! Too frequent use can lead to over-toning and a purple tint.

I recommend using it once or every other week, depending on your hair condition.

Skipping Conditioner

Purple shampoo can be drying. Never skip conditioning after each use to keep your locks moisturized.

Expecting it to Lighten Hair

Purple shampoo won’t lighten your hair. It only neutralizes unwanted tones. You might need to see a professional colorist if you desire a lighter shade.

How to Remove Purple Shampoo Stains from Hair

Oh no, you’ve got a case of the purples! Don’t panic, though; we’ve all been there. Let’s get that blond hair back to its fabulous self!

First, it’s essential to understand why this happens.

Purple shampoos deposit purple pigment into your hair to neutralize yellow or brassy tones. If left on for too long, used too frequently, or if your hair is particularly porous and light, it can pick up too much of the purple pigment, resulting in a purple or violet tinge.

But fear not; it’s usually a temporary situation and quite easy to correct.

Here are a few things you can do to remove Purple Shampoos Stain:

Clarifying Shampoo

Reach for a clarifying shampoo. These are designed to remove buildup from your hair, including any excess purple pigment. Use this instead of your regular shampoo for a couple of washes and you should start to see the purple fade.

Baking Soda and Shampoo

Mix a little baking soda with your regular shampoo to create a paste, then shampoo your hair as usual. Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that can help lift unwanted color.

Lemon Rinse

Rinse your hair with a mixture of water and lemon juice.

The citric acid in the lemon juice can help pull the purple hue from your hair. Be sure to condition your hair well afterward, as lemon can be drying.

Use a Hair Mask

Hair masks or deep conditioners can help remove unwanted purple tones. Look for masks specifically designed for color-treated hair.

Time

Sometimes, the simplest solution is to wait. The purple color will usually fade on its own over a few washes.

To prevent your hair from turning purple again, use the purple shampoo less frequently or leave it for less time.

And remember, every head of hair is unique. You may need to experiment to find the purple shampoo routine that works best for you.

There you have it! Follow these tips, and you’ll return to your brilliant blond self in no time.

The Best Purple Shampoos for Naturally Blonde Hair (and color-treated hair too)

FAQs: How to Use Purple Shampoo on Natural Blonde Hair

What is the difference between purple shampoo and blue shampoo?

While they both serve to correct color in dyed hair, they aren’t quite the same.

Remember our old friend, the color wheel? Just as purple is the opposite of yellow, blue is the opposite of orange.

This means that while purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones in light blond hair, blue shampoo is designed to counteract orange or brassy tones typically seen in darker blond or brunettes.

Let me break it down a little more:

Blue Shampoo

If you’ve got darker hair that’s been lightened or highlighted and you notice that it’s starting to look a bit too warm or brassy, a blue shampoo might be just what you need. 

Blue shampoo deposits blue-violet pigments into your hair to counteract the orange and red tones.

If your hair color is somewhere in the brunette family or a dark blond, blue shampoo could help maintain the cool tones in your hair and keep brassiness at bay.

Purple Shampoo

On the other hand, if you’ve got light blond hair, whether platinum, silver or a light pastel color, purple shampoo is your go-to. It will help combat any yellow or gold tones that may start to peek through.

Can I use purple shampoo on other hair colors?

Purple shampoo works best on blond, silver, and gray hair. It might not have the same effect on darker shades as it neutralizes yellow and orange tones.

Can purple shampoo damage my hair?

A: If used correctly, purple shampoo won’t damage your hair. However, overuse can dry out your hair. Always use conditioner afterward.

How often should I use purple shampoo?

Generally, once a week or every other week is sufficient. However, everyone’s hair reacts differently, so you might need to adjust based on your hair’s needs.

Can purple shampoo turn my hair purple?

Yes. Purple shampoo can give your hair a slight purple tint if left on for too long or used too frequently.

Does purple shampoo work on natural blond hair?

Yes, it does. It helps neutralize brassy and yellow tones, keeping natural blond hair fresh and vibrant.

Can I use purple shampoo on damaged or dry hair?

First things first, yes, you can use purple shampoo on dry or damaged hair, but there are some considerations to keep in mind.

While purple shampoo is brilliant for combating unwanted yellow or brassy tones, it’s not typically formulated to provide deep moisture or repair damage.

Some purple shampoos can be a little drying due to the pigments that counteract the yellow tones.

What can I do if my hair is dry or damaged?

If you want to use a purple shampoo, but your hair is dry and damaged, there are a few things you can do to improve it.

Use a Hydrating Conditioner or Hair Mask

After using your purple shampoo, follow up with a deeply hydrating conditioner or a hair mask. This will help to nourish and moisturize your hair, combating any potential dryness from the shampoo.

Limit Usage

If your hair is particularly dry or damaged, you may want to limit your use of purple shampoo to once a week or even less. This can help to prevent any further drying.

Try a Purple Conditioning Treatment

Some products on the market combine the toning properties of a purple shampoo with the nourishing properties of a conditioner.

These could be a good option if your hair needs extra love.

Consult a Professional

If your hair is severely damaged, it might be best to consult with a professional stylist. They can provide personalized advice based on your hair’s condition and needs.

Can purple shampoo be used on different colors of hair? 

Remember, purple shampoo works on the principle of color theory – the purple pigment helps neutralize yellow and brassy tones.

Here’s the scoop on using purple color-depositing shampoo on different colors of hair:

Blonde Hair: As we’ve covered, purple shampoo works wonders on blond hair. It’s perfect for neutralizing yellow or brassy tones in all shades of blond, from platinum to darker, honey hues.

Silver or Grey Hair: Purple shampoo is great for silver hair or grey hair, too. It helps keep the color cool and fresh, eliminating yellow undertones that can make the hair look dull.

Very Light-Colored hair (color-treated blondes or hair with blonde highlights: Whether you have bleached highlights in darker hair or a full head of bleached hair, purple shampoo can help keep your color from turning brassy.

Dark Hair: Purple shampoo isn’t generally recommended for brown hair with no color treatment, as it won’t have much effect. But for brunettes with highlights or ombre, the violet hues can help keep those lighter sections free from brassiness.

However, a blue shampoo is typically more effective for brunettes dealing with orange or red tones. This is because blue neutralizes orange on the color wheel.

Red Hair: For redheads, using purple shampoo can be a bit of a toss-up. Depending on the shade of red and the exact color you want to maintain, a blue shampoo might be more beneficial to counteract any orange or brassiness.

Black Hair: Purple shampoo would not generally have any noticeable effect unless black hair has been highlighted or lightened.

Remember, purple shampoo is a tool for color correction. Its effects are most notable on lighter shades or hair that’s been lightened or highlighted.

For darker hair or hair with red or orange tones, other products like blue shampoo might be a better fit.

Conclusion: How to use Purple Shampoo on Natural Blond Hair

And there you have it, my friends!

We’ve embarked on quite the journey today, discovering the ins and outs of using purple shampoo on natural blond hair.

From understanding how this magical product works to neutralize those unwanted brassy tones to how to effectively and safely use it on various hair types – it’s clear that purple shampoo can be a blond’s best friend!

Are you a purple shampoo aficionado with tips to share? Or perhaps you’re about to embark on your purple shampoo journey? We’d love to hear about your experiences and answer any questions you may have.

So don’t be shy; leave a comment below and join the conversation.

Let’s keep the world of blond hair vibrant, fresh, and beautifully cool-toned together!

Happy Shampoo’ing

XO, Christine