First things first, let’s get one thing very clear. Purple shampoo is not a shampoo made for purple dyed hair. In fact, it serves an entirely different purpose.
Purple shampoo is for toning down blonde hair that becomes too brassy. You might be wondering how. Well, it’s quite simple. The purple shampoo is called purple for a specific reason.
Purple is the polar opposite of yellow. Hence, purple shampoo assures the distribution of purple pigment to brassy blonde hair, toning them down to the perfect tone of blonde, removing the extra brass. Because most purple shampoo users are avid users of hair color, we have decided to give you a brief look at the history of coloring hair.
History Of Coloring Hair
Hair coloring has been present for centuries and went back to 1500 BC. Hair color has been an essential part of beauty. A large chunk of credit for hair coloring’s popularity goes to women.
You should not be surprised to find out that, Egyptian women and men of the ancient times also tried their hand at coloring hair. They didn’t merely try their hand at it; they succeeded with flying colors. The use of henna was famous for dying grey hair.
Romans and Greeks civilizations also dabbled in hair dying. They commonly used plant extracts to color some areas of their hair. The Greeks even came up with a solution to dye hair back permanently.
They created this dye by fermenting leaches on vessels made out of the lead for a couple of months. However, the success of the permanent hair dye did not last too long as it was deemed to be extremely toxic.
Even though hair colors were popular in ancient civilizations, they were not as familiar as they are today. The mid to late 1960s made hair colors the commonly used worldwide phenomena they are today. People had to mention their hair color on their passports before 1970. But, it all became pointless after hair colors started to gain popularity.
The reason why colors were not as popular before is that people considered hair dying indecent and severely frowned upon it. But with the passage of time, people started to accept it. An advertising campaign by L’Oreal deserves the credit for hair dying acceptance. Their famous catchphrase “because you’re worth it” played an essential part in hair color acceptance.
How Do Hair Colors Work?
The best part about hair colors of the modern age is that they do not entail the bad odor that the hair colors of the earlier days did. There are two chemicals present in hair colors. These chemicals are ammonia and peroxide. You can easily find out the quality of the product you are using by seeing how the peroxide and ammonia react on your hair.
There are three significant levels of hair coloring products used by many hair product companies. These levels are the following
Permanent Color
If you are looking for a drastic change in hair color, then lasting coloring products are what you should seek. Lasting color levels include the use of hydroxide as well as ammonia. Microscopic molecules react to the hair and grow to a great extent. They become so large that washing them out is out of the question. Hence the name permanent color.
Keeping in mind that your hair grows with each passing day, the durable color creates a new base after lightening the natural pigment of your hair. What happens, in the end, is that a new shade of your choosing and the natural dye of your hair create a new base.
It also means that the result of the color will not be the same for everyone. The color that you might get might not be the same as someone else. People using hair dyes with permanent color level should always go for touch-ups after every 3 to 5 weeks.
Semi-Permanent Color
The semi-permanent color level makes sure that the natural color of your hair stays intact while a little bit of color adds to it. As discussed previously, hair colors contain tiny molecules that go to your hairs outer layer and enter the cortex as well. But, these molecules do not react with the natural pigments of your hair.
You do not have to worry about the particles staying on the shaft of your hair, as they will disappear quickly after some time. Shampooing your hair six to twelve times will make sure that more than fifty percent of your grey here is taken care of, while your hair’s natural color increases at the same time.
Peroxide and ammonia are absent in semi-permanent color dyes, and there is no risk of hair getting lighter in color.
Demi-Permanent Color
This color level lasts longer in comparison to the semi-permanent color level. The molecules in the demi-permanent color level go into the cortex and transform into particles of medium size. It takes a slightly more extended period to wash products having this color level.
The natural pigment of your hair does not get lighter because of the absence of ammonia. There is a small quantity of peroxide present, and it helps in enhancing your hair’s color. Covering and blending hair is also possible with demi-permanent hair color.
Fun Fact
You can transform demi-permanent and semi-permanent colors into permanent colors on colored hair as well as permed hair. Special-effects hair colors are also available in the market. These hair colors allow you to add streaks and highlights to your hair and come in kits.
The Reason For Hair Color Changing Or Fading Over Time
Besides Mother Nature and father time playing an essential role in hair color changing or disappearing, there are a few other factors that contribute to the detriment of your hair.
Washing
If you plan to make your hair color last for an extended period, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First and foremost, do not wash your hair on a constant basis. Cleaning and shampooing your hair is a big no-no and will lead to your hair color fading in a short amount of time.
There are numerous factors that you should consider before deciding how many times you should wash your hair in a week. The production of oil from your natural hair and the texture of your hair are among the most vital factors that are worth considering before deciding how many times a week you will wash your hair.
Ultra-Violet Rays
The UV rays that the sun emits are harsh and have damaging properties for your hair. You can cover your hair with a hat or use UV protectants (preferably natural). There are even shampoos with UV protection formulas available in the market.
The best way to avoid UV rays would be to avoid going out in the daytime altogether. However, it is not a practical solution for everyone. Therefore, cover your hair from the sun at all costs.
Immediately Applying Shampoo After Coloring
Waiting at least 24 hours before using shampoo to your hair after coloring would be a wise thing to do. It will help in prolonging the color of your hair, and you will not have to worry about going for regular touchups. Another thing to make sure is that you use all the necessary aftercare products after you have colored your hair.
When you are done waiting for 24 hours and it is time to take a shower, make sure that you do not use hot water. Lukewarm water or cold water is the best for fishing your hair after the application of color.
Infrequent Color
A common mistake people make that contributes to the fading of their hair color is that they do not color their hair frequently enough. Going for regular touch-ups is a critical thing to do as it ensures that your hair retains the desired color and looks vibrant at all times.
Your hair needs frequent coloring, irrespective of the fact that you have permanent or semi-permanent color on your hair.
Chlorine From Swimming Pools And Other Sources
The chlorine present inside swimming pools has chemicals that can damage your hair color monumentally. We know how much everyone loves swimming. But it is important for people (especially who color their hair) to make sure that they use precautionary measures.
A common preventive step is to apply coconut oil to your hair before entering the pool. Otherwise wearing a swimming cap is another wise option.
What Causes Brassy Hair?
The unneeded tones of warmness in your hair are what are commonly known as brassy hair. People often observe these warm tones a few weeks after coloring their hair blonde. The color tone that they had left with aren’t the same anymore. The leading cause of blonde hair getting brassy is the melanin found inside it.
The melanin is present in the shaft of your hair. Whenever the melanin reacts with peroxides, the melanin comes under attack. As a result, your natural melanin breaks down, and your blonde hair starts getting brassy.
How Does Purple Shampoo Work?
There are a lot of people who dye their hair blonde in salons. These people often struggle with maintaining the color, beauty and vibrant look of their hair on a regular basis. Several factors contribute to damaging the hair’s color and bringing tones that are unwanted in blonde hair.
Some of these factors include smoking, staying too much under the sun, and daily lifestyle. Once your hair loses its luster, it becomes brassy, and bringing your hair back to its beautiful condition is a long and hard struggle.
One of the most effective ways to fight off orange or brassy tones when your blonde hair color is beginning to fade is using purple shampoo. Purple shampoos are specially made to remove unwanted bold styles from blonde hair. Your hair will become brighter, and it will seem like you have just returned from a salon.
As we were discussing previously, purple is the opposite of yellow, which helps in neutralizing the warm tones of the yellow or blonde hair. The thick consistency and the violet colored pigment make the purple shampoo an efficient cosmetic appliance for your hair care needs.
The purple shampoo is effective in removing brass tones from the top as well as the base of your blonde hair. Not only do purple shampoos cancel out brassy tones they even help in retaining the shine of your natural hair color.
Will Purple Shampoos Dye My Hair Purple?
Applying purple shampoo will not make your hair purple. It is a bottle of shampoo, not hair color or dye. But, it can leave off a hue of lavender on year hair if you leave it on for too long. Therefore, make sure to wash it off after letting it stay on your hair for a few minutes.
Leaving on any shampoo will not have positive results for your hair and 4 to 5 minutes is an ideal time to wash off the shampoo from your hair. You should even recheck to see if there is any part of your head that is left out.
Does Purple Shampoo Contain Sulfates?
Sulfate is a harmful chemical that is present in many shampoos. It has damaging properties that result in long-term damage to your hair. Therefore you should try your best to avoid shampoos containing sulfate. With all that said, yes, purple shampoos do contain sulfate.
However, you will find relief in discovering that there are many varieties of purple shampoos that are sulfate free as well. So you do not need to worry about your hair damaging over time. Sulfate free shampoos are slightly expensive than the one that does contain sulfate.
However, you should always opt for the safest choice whenever you are buying hair products to ensure the longevity of your hair.
What Types Of Hair Can Receive The Most Benefits From Purple Shampoos?
The main types of hair that can benefit from purple shampoos are the ones that have a light tone. This light tone could be natural, achieved by highlighting, or even from the salon. Below is a list of hair types that should benefit from purple shampoos.
It is quite simple actually. Purple shampoo will only be useful for the hair mentioned above types. If you have raven hair or you are a brunette, then this shampoo would be useless for you.
Applying Purple Shampoo On Extensions
People often wonder if there is a way of toning their hair extensions using purple shampoo. They often ask if applying purple shampoo on their extensions would do anything. Well, the answer is straightforward. Yes, can most certainly use purple shampoo to your hair extensions. Applying purple shampoo to extensions is a straightforward task.
All you have to do is dip your extensions in a bowl containing a mixture of water and purple shampoo for 20 to 30 seconds. After you have completed all of the hair extensions, leave the shampoo on for a few minutes and wash them off with lukewarm water.
Difference Between A Hair Toner And A Purple Shampoo
Toners are entirely different from purple shampoos. People use toners for enhancing the hue or tone of their blonde hair. Toners neutralize the brassy look of blonde hair in a completely different manner than the purple shampoo. Toners use purple or violet shades to add the bold hair to neutralize the brassiness instead of maintaining the blonde look.
The application of purple shampoo is relatively simple in comparison with the hair toners. You can directly apply purple shampoos at home by running the shampoo through your hair with the use of your fingers. Toners are a little difficult to use, and it is advisable to use the help of a professional in the application of toners to your hair.
How To Apply Purple Shampoo
Wet your hair under the shower using lukewarm water. Lukewarm water is exceptionally soothing for your hair and makes it easier for the hair to absorb the purple shampoo. Be sure to check that you have not left any dry hair.
After moistening your hair with lukewarm water, start applying the purple shampoo to your hair. After you have used the shampoo, let it stay for three or four minutes especially if you are naturally blonde. The time for giving the shampoo sit on your hair is different in every brand so make sure to read the instructions before using it.
After waiting, wash your hair thoroughly, making sure that there isn’t any shampoo left on your hair after showering. If you have hair that is color treated, then do not wash your hair for fifteen minutes.
Always condition your hair after you are done rinsing the shampoo. Use the purple shampoo once or twice in a week, depending on the level of brassiness in your hair. It is a good idea to do deep conditioning of your hair one or two times in a month.
DIY Purple Shampoo
Not everyone can afford the luxury of buying a purple shampoo or going to an expensive salon. Therefore, the best thing to do for them is to make their homemade purple shampoo. Yes, it is possible. Not only is it possible it is quite simple too.
Following are the things you will need for making a homemade purple shampoo:
Be cautious of using too much ammonia and dye if you have platinum hair. Use a minimal amount and rinse the shampoo off as quickly as you can (preferably 2 minutes).
In case you use too much purple shampoo and start to see lavender hue on your hair, do not fret. Stand under the shower and apply non-purple shampoo to your hair and you will quickly undo the damage.
What Do Professionals Have To Say About Purple Shampoo?
Most hair stylists and professionals have one common thing to say about purple shampoos and that instead of rushing it, start applying it gradually. This advice is especially beneficial for beginners who are new to purple shampoo and are using it for the first time.
The only excuse to use this shampoo multiple times a week is if your hair is getting too brassy. On the contrary, if your hair is starting to get an ashy look then cut it down. The tone and texture of your hair play a key role in determining the amount of purple shampoo you should be using.
Conclusion
This article discusses the uses and benefits of purple shampoos. Purple shampoos are the perfect hair product for any person who has light hair. You will not need to spend a lot of money going to the salon or the hair stylist to balance out your blonde hair tones.
Purple shampoo allows you to neutralize the brass from your blonde hair inside the comfort of your home at a relatively low and nominal price.
It was a comprehensive article discussing in detail about purple shampoos and its countless benefits. Down below is the perfect purple shampoo buying guide that will help you in selecting the purple shampoo that best suits your needs.
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