Hello and welcome back to the Salon Chic blog! Today, we’re diving into the world of color correction and exploring how purple shampoo can be your secret weapon against brassy hair. Whether you’re a blonde, silver, or brunette with highlights, understanding how purple shampoo works can help you maintain your desired shade between salon visits.
Understanding Brassy Hair
What is Brassy Hair? Brassy hair refers to the unwanted warm, yellow, or orange tones that can develop in color-treated hair over time. This is especially common in blondes, but it can also affect brunettes and those with silver or gray hair.
Causes of Brassiness:
- Oxidation: Exposure to air and sunlight can cause hair color to oxidize, leading to brassy tones.
- Water Minerals: Hard water with high mineral content can deposit minerals like iron and copper onto your hair, causing discoloration.
- Product Buildup: Hair products, especially those with sulfates or silicones, can build up and alter the tone of your hair.
- Heat Styling: Frequent use of heat styling tools can cause your hair color to fade unevenly, resulting in brassiness.
How Purple Shampoo Works
Color Theory Basics: To understand how purple shampoo works, it helps to know a bit about color theory. On the color wheel, purple is directly opposite yellow. This means that purple pigments can neutralize yellow tones, effectively canceling out brassiness.
Pigments in Purple Shampoo: Purple shampoos are formulated with violet pigments that are strong enough to neutralize yellow and orange tones but gentle enough to use on your hair regularly. When applied, these pigments temporarily deposit onto your hair, counteracting the brassy tones.
Application Tips:
- Wet Hair Thoroughly: Make sure your hair is completely wet before applying purple shampoo to ensure even distribution.
- Lather and Leave: Work the shampoo into a lather and leave it on your hair for 3-5 minutes, depending on the level of brassiness. For more intense toning, you can leave it on a bit longer.
- Rinse Well: Rinse thoroughly to ensure no purple residue is left behind.
- Condition: Follow with a conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and soft.
Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo
Hair Type and Shade:
- Blondes: Look for a purple shampoo specifically designed for blonde hair. If you have very light or platinum blonde hair, opt for a more pigmented formula.
- Silver/Gray Hair: Choose a purple shampoo that targets yellow tones to keep your silver or gray hair looking fresh and vibrant.
- Highlighted Brunettes: If you have highlights or balayage, a purple shampoo can help keep the lighter sections from turning brassy.
Frequency of Use:
- Once or Twice a Week: Most people find that using purple shampoo once or twice a week is sufficient to maintain their color. Overuse can lead to a purple tint, so adjust based on your hair’s needs.
Benefits of Using Purple Shampoo
- Maintains Color Between Salon Visits:
- Extends Time: Keeps your color looking fresh and vibrant, reducing the need for frequent salon touch-ups.
- Enhances Shine:
- Glossy Finish: Neutralizing brassiness can restore your hair’s natural shine and gloss.
- Versatile Use:
- Suitable for Various Hair Colors: While primarily used by blondes, purple shampoo is also beneficial for brunettes with highlights, silver, and gray hair.
Conclusion
Purple shampoo is a must-have in your hair care arsenal if you’re looking to combat brassiness and maintain a cool, vibrant hair color. At Salon Chic, we carry a range of high-quality purple shampoos tailored to different hair types and shades. Visit us for personalized recommendations and expert tips on how to keep your hair looking its best.
Say goodbye to brassy hair and hello to beautifully toned locks!
