What Is The Difference Between Blue and Purple Shampoo?

When it comes to maintaining the perfect hair color, especially after lightening or coloring, purple and blue shampoos are essential tools. Both are designed to neutralize unwanted tones that appear in your hair over time, but they serve different purposes based on your hair color and the underlying tones you're dealing with. Let’s break down what each one does and how they differ.

What is Purple Shampoo?

Purple shampoo is formulated with violet pigments that work to counteract yellow tones in lighter hair colors. The science behind this lies in color theory—specifically, the color wheel. On this wheel, colors directly opposite each other are considered complementary, meaning they cancel each other out when combined. Since purple sits across from yellow, applying purple shampoo to yellow or brassy tones in blonde or gray hair neutralizes the warmth, restoring a cooler, brighter hue.

Who Should Use Purple Shampoo?

• Those with blonde, silver, or gray hair.
• Brunettes with blonde highlights, ombré, balayage, or other lightened sections.
• Anyone looking to neutralize unwanted yellow tones and maintain a cool, ashy color.

What is Blue Shampoo?

Blue shampoo, on the other hand, contains blue pigments that target orange tones, which are often the underlying tones in darker hair when it’s lightened. Just like purple shampoo neutralizes yellow, blue shampoo neutralizes orange because blue is directly opposite orange on the color wheel. This makes blue shampoo the go-to choice for those with dark hair that has been lightened or highlighted, as it helps maintain the richness and vibrancy of brunette shades.

Who Should Use Blue Shampoo?

• Brunettes with balayage, ombré, or traditional highlights.
• Those who have lightened dark hair and are dealing with orange, red, or copper tones.
• Anyone wanting to keep their brunette hair looking vibrant and cool-toned.

Key Differences Between Purple and Blue Shampoo

• Color Targeting: Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones in light hair, while blue shampoo tackles orange tones in dark hair.
• Ideal Hair Color: Use purple shampoo if you have blonde, silver, or gray hair, or if you’re a brunette with lightened sections. Use blue shampoo if you have lightened dark hair or are trying to cool down orange or red tones.
• End Result: Both shampoos work to keep your hair color looking fresh and vibrant, but they do so by targeting different underlying pigments in your hair. Purple shampoo is for maintaining cool blondes and grays, while blue shampoo keeps brunettes looking rich and multidimensional.

How to Decide Between Blue and Purple Shampoo

Choosing between blue and purple shampoo comes down to the undertones in your hair. When you lighten hair, the underlying pigments become more noticeable—yellow tones for lighter hair and orange tones for darker hair. Here’s how to figure out which shampoo is right for you:

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• For Brassy Orange or Red Tones: If your hair has lifted to reveal orange or even red undertones, blue shampoo is the way to go. The blue pigments in the shampoo neutralize these warm hues, helping to cool down your color and maintain a rich, vibrant look.
• For Yellow Undertones: On the other hand, if you’re dealing with yellow tones in your blonde or gray hair, purple shampoo is your best friend. The purple pigments counteract the yellowness, bringing back that cool, icy shade you’re aiming for.
• When to Use Both: If your hair has a mix of undertones—some yellow, some orange—you might find that alternating between blue and purple shampoo works best. This way, you can target both types of brassiness without overdoing it on either front.

What happens if you use blue shampoo on blonde hair?
Blue shampoo is ideal for natural blondes who have dyed their hair and are dealing with orange tones. It neutralizes these orange tones in blonde hair, effectively reducing brassiness. It's especially beneficial for brunettes who have lightened their hair, whether through ombre, balayage, highlights, or full bleaching.

Does blue or purple shampoo lighten hair?
Neither blue nor purple shampoo lightens hair. Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones to keep blondes bright and cool-toned, while blue shampoo targets brassy orange tones in darker hair. Both are color-correcting tools, not lightening agents.

Will blue shampoo darken my hair?
Yes, if you overuse blue shampoo, it can darken your hair. Once the orange tones are neutralized, applying more blue shampoo can deposit excess pigment onto your hair, leading to a darker or muddy appearance. Use it sparingly to avoid this effect.

Which is better for grey hair, blue or purple shampoo?
For gray hair that’s yellow or brassy, purple shampoo is the better choice. It helps neutralize those unwanted tones, restoring a cool, bright look to gray, white, or silver hair. Purple shampoo is the go-to for maintaining vibrant gray hair.

How often should I use blue shampoo?
Using blue shampoo once or twice a week is sufficient to tone down brassiness and keep your hair moisturized. There's no need to use it every wash—just incorporate it into your routine as needed alongside your regular shampoo.