How to Fix Brassy Hair at Home with Purple Shampoo
They say, "Blondes have more fun." While the verdict's still out on that one, there's no debate that keeping those gorgeous lighter locks looking their best can take a little extra TLC. Whether you're rocking a salon-fresh blonde or were born with that sun-kissed hue, you probably know that blonde hair has a tendency to shift color over time – and not always in the way we'd like.
From the moment you step out of the salon, everyday culprits like the sun's rays, chlorine from the pool, minerals in hard water, and even pollutants in the air can contribute to something we blondes know all too well: brassiness. That's the appearance of those unwanted warm yellow or even orange tones creeping into your otherwise cool blonde.
But before you rush back to your colorist for an expensive touch-up or splurge on salon-exclusive products, it's time you got acquainted with your new best friend: purple shampoo. This at-home hero can work wonders for toning brassy hair and keeping your blonde looking vibrant.
Decoding Purple Shampoo: What It Is and Why It Works
Just like the name suggests, purple shampoo is simply a shampoo that contains purple or violet-colored pigments. Think of it as a dual-action powerhouse. It cleanses your hair, removing oil, buildup, and those pesky impurities just like your regular shampoo. But the magic lies in the added purple pigments, which are specifically designed to counteract those unwanted warm, brassy tones.
Available in a variety of strengths, shades of purple, and price points, purple shampoo is one of the most accessible and affordable ways to maintain your blonde's cool tones right in your own bathroom. And it's not just for blondes! Platinum, silver, and even highlighted hair can benefit from its brightening and toning effects.
The Science of Cool: How Purple Shampoo Works Its Magic
The secret behind purple shampoo's toning power lies in the simple yet effective principle of the "color wheel theory." Remember those art classes in elementary school? You probably learned about complementary colors – colors that sit directly opposite each other on the color wheel. Well, purple and yellow are perfect examples of complementary colors. This means they have the amazing ability to neutralize or cancel each other out.
So, when you use purple shampoo on blonde hair that's starting to look a little yellow, you're essentially color-correcting. The purple pigments in the shampoo deposit onto your hair strands and work to counteract and neutralize those unwanted yellow tones.
Now, you might be wondering, "Can purple shampoo actually make my hair lighter?" The answer is a definite no. Purple shampoo doesn't contain bleach or any other ingredients that will lift the color of your hair. Instead, it simply deposits those purple pigments to neutralize brassiness, leaving you with a cooler, ashier, and brighter blonde.
Your At-Home Toning Toolkit: How to Use Purple Shampoo Like a Pro
When you're ready to tackle brassy hair at home with purple shampoo, the first rule of thumb is to always read the directions on the specific product you're using. Pay close attention to the recommended timing, how often to use it, and whether or not wearing gloves is advised (spoiler alert: it often is, to avoid temporarily staining your hands!).
Keep in mind that not all purple shampoos are created equal. Formulas vary in their pigmentation levels. The more intense the purple pigment, the stronger the color-correcting results you can expect.
A good starting point, depending on how brassy your hair is and how often you wash it, is to use your purple shampoo once a week or every third wash. Many formulas suggest washing your hair with it and then rinsing immediately, or for more noticeable toning, washing and letting the product sit on your hair for a few minutes before rinsing.
However, remember that it's not a one-size-fits-all approach. Over time, you'll get a feel for how often to use your purple shampoo and how long to leave it on to maintain your perfect shade of blonde.
On the days you're not using purple shampoo, make sure you're using a color-safe shampoo to protect your blonde. And if you ever notice your hair starting to take on a slightly purple or lavender hue (it can happen if you leave it on too long!), don't panic. A wash with a clarifying shampoo will usually offer instant help and remove the excess pigment.
Because of their color-correcting nature, purple shampoos can sometimes be a little more drying than your regular shampoo. That's why it's super important to always follow up with a good, moisturizing conditioner or hair masque to replenish that lost moisture and restore shine.
Beyond the Bottle: Other Purple Power Players for Toning Brass
Good news for blondes! Fixing brassy hair at home isn't solely reliant on purple shampoo. There's a whole family of purple and violet pigmented products designed to keep your blonde looking its best between salon visits. Here are a few of our favorites:
Cool Toning Shampoo: This shampoo not only cleanses your hair but also works to eliminate those unwanted warm tones in blonde, silver, and highlighted hair. Its shimmery formula, infused with purple pigments and nourishing grape seed extract, helps keep your color vibrant. Use it as needed to maintain your ideal cool blonde.
Cool Toning Conditioner: The perfect partner to Cool Toning Shampoo, this cool toning conditioner provides essential moisture and softness while continuing to neutralize brassy tones. The same shimmery formula with purple pigments and grape seed extract ensures soft, shiny, and beautifully cool-toned results when used together. Use until you reach your desired brightness, then alternate with your regular conditioner.
Purple Toning Shampoo: For those times when your blonde needs some serious color correction, this intensely pigmented violet-purple shampoo is your go-to. It cleanses while delivering a powerful punch against brass in blonde, silver, and platinum hair. Panthenol and omega-rich borage seed oil nourish your strands as the rich violet pigments work their magic. Use it 1-2 times per month, or whenever you notice significant brassiness.
Purple Toning Masque: Think of this as a deep conditioning treatment with serious toning power. This violet-purple pigmented masque helps color correct blonde, silver, and platinum hair while providing intense hydration. Strand-strengthening keratin and omega-rich borage seed oil nourish and fortify your hair, while the rich violet pigments combat brass. Use it every 3-4 washes, or as needed, for hydrated, lustrous, and beautifully toned blonde.
With the right purple power products in your arsenal, you can easily keep your blonde looking fresh, vibrant, and free of brassy tones, all from the comfort of your own home! Say goodbye to unwanted warmth and hello to the cool, confident blonde you love.
