What Does Purple Shampoo Do To Blonde Hair?

Blonde hair can be stunning, but it often requires a bit of extra care to keep it looking fresh and vibrant. Whether you have natural blonde or bleached hair, dealing with unwanted brassy tones is a common challenge. That’s where purple shampoo comes in. It’s the secret weapon for maintaining cool, ashy tones and keeping your blonde looking salon-fresh between visits. In this guide, we’ll explore how purple shampoo works, its benefits, and the best way to use it at home with the help of Parrotfish's Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Bars.

How Purple Shampoo Works

Purple shampoo works by using basic color theory to neutralize unwanted brassy tones in blonde or lightened hair. On the color wheel, purple sits directly opposite yellow and light orange, making it the perfect counterbalance. When applied to your hair, the purple pigments in the shampoo act as a toner, effectively canceling out those warm, brassy hues and transforming your hair into a cooler, more vibrant blonde.

While your stylist applies a professional toner during your coloring session, this can fade over time due to factors like washing, sun exposure, and heat styling. That’s where purple shampoo comes in as an at-home solution, helping you maintain that fresh, salon-quality color by regularly toning your hair and keeping brassiness at bay.

Benefits of Purple Shampoo on Blonde Hair

Purple shampoo is a must-have for anyone with natural blonde or bleached hair, offering several key benefits that help maintain a cool, ashy tone. Here’s why it’s so effective:

• Neutralizes Brassiness: The purple pigment in the shampoo directly counteracts the yellow and orange tones that can develop in blonde hair, thanks to color theory. Since purple is opposite yellow and light orange on the color wheel, it effectively neutralizes these brassy hues, leaving your blonde looking fresh and cool.
• Prolongs Salon Results: After getting your hair colored, your stylist applies a professional toner to achieve that perfect shade. However, this toner can fade over time. Purple shampoo acts as an at-home solution to keep your hair toned between salon visits, ensuring your blonde stays vibrant and ashy for longer.
• Maintains Cool Tones: Regular use of purple shampoo helps maintain the cool, icy tones in blonde hair, preventing it from turning warm or brassy. It’s an easy way to keep your blonde looking salon-fresh and beautifully toned.

How to Use Purple Shampoo on Blonde Hair

1. Start with Damp Hair: Begin with wet hair that’s been squeezed out slightly, so it’s about 80% damp but not dripping wet.
2. Apply the Parrotfish Purple Shampoo Bar: Wet your Parrotfish Purple Shampoo Bar slightly, then rub it between your hands to create a lather. Apply the lather directly to your hair, working it through from roots to tips. You can also rub the bar gently along your hair to ensure even distribution of the product.
3. Target Stubborn Brassiness: Focus the shampoo bar on areas that are more brassy, applying a bit more to help neutralize the orange and yellow tones effectively.
4. Leave It On: Allow the shampoo lather to sit in your hair for 1-3 minutes, depending on the level of brassiness. This gives the purple pigments time to tone down any unwanted hues.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse out the shampoo completely to ensure all the product is removed.
6. Follow Up with Parrotfish Conditioner Bar: Complete your routine with the Parrotfish Purple Conditioner Bar to hydrate and smooth your hair, locking in the toning effects of the purple shampoo.

Will purple shampoo lighten blonde hair?
No, purple shampoo won’t lighten your hair. It’s designed for already bleached hair and works by neutralizing yellow tones, not by lightening. Purple shampoo brightens blonde hair by canceling out brassy hues, thanks to purple being opposite yellow on the color wheel.

How long should you leave purple shampoo on blonde hair?
For naturally blonde hair, leave purple shampoo on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Some brands might recommend up to 5 minutes for better results, so always check the directions on the bottle to avoid over-toning.

Should every blonde use purple shampoo?
Yes, if you want to maintain a cool-toned blonde and prevent brassiness, purple shampoo is essential. Regular use helps keep your blonde hair looking fresh and vibrant by neutralizing unwanted warm tones.

What does brassy blonde look like?
Brassy blonde hair shows up as unwanted yellow or orange tones, often resulting from the bleaching and coloring process. These warm pigments can make blonde hair look dull and less vibrant, making toning necessary to maintain a cool shade.

How to tone down blonde hair at home?
To tone down blonde hair at home, use purple shampoo and a toning conditioner biweekly. This routine is effective for keeping brassiness in check and maintaining a warm golden or caramel blonde hue with shimmering undertones.