Purple vs. Blue Shampoo: How to Choose Between Them

If you want to keep your blonde hair vibrant and beautiful, purple shampoo and blue shampoo would be your choice. These hair care products can remove brassiness and enhance the color of blonde or gray hair. So how to choose between these two colors of shampoo? In this blog, we will delve into their similarities and differences and the best ways to use them.

Uses for Blue Shampoo and Purple Shampoo

Both natural blonde hair and blonde hair obtained through coloring are susceptible to brassiness. Brassiness is characterized by yellow or orange undertones in blonde or white hair, which is caused by factors such as UV exposure, mineral deposits in water, or the natural oxidation process. To counteract these warm tones and keep hair looking fresh and cool, purple and blue shampoos were created.

Purple Shampoo - Eliminate Yellow Tones

Often referred to as Violet Shampoo, Purple Shampoo has become a favorite among people with blonde, silver or gray hair. The product is formulated with purple pigment, which is the complementary color to yellow in the color wheel. When used, the purple pigments neutralize the excess yellow and brassy tones in your hair, keeping your hair looking cool toned.

How Purple Shampoo Works:

Neutralizes Yellow Tones:

The science behind purple shampoo stems from color theory. Purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel, and using these contrasting colors helps to cancel each other out. When purple pigments are applied to yellow or brassy hair, they neutralize these warm tones and return a cooler, more natural blonde or gray tone.

Sulfate-Free Formulas:

Many purple shampoos are sulfate-free to ensure gentle cleansing without stripping hair of essential oils or damaging color. This makes them suitable for daily or regular use.

Maintaining Silver and Grey Hair:

Purple shampoo is not only for blondes, but is also popular with people with silver and gray hair. It helps in maintaining the cool tone of silver color and keeps the hair fresh.

Frequency of use:

The frequency of use of purple shampoo depends on the degree of brassiness of the hair and the daily hair care routine. Generally, using it once or twice a week is enough to maintain the cool-toned look.

Blue Shampoo - Eliminating Orange Tones

Blue shampoo is not as common as purple shampoo, but it plays an important role in neutralizing excess orange or brassy hair color after coloring. Blue shampoo is an ideal solution for those with dark blonde or brown highlighted hair, as well as those with ombre or balayage styles that are prone to brassiness.

How Blue Shampoo Works:

How Blue Shampoo Works

Neutralizes Orange Tones:

Orange is the opposite of blue in the color wheel, so blue shampoo is ideal for neutralizing orange tones in hair. It neutralizes warm tones by depositing blue pigments.

Best for Brunets and Pickled Hair:

Blue shampoo works best for pickling brunettes with lighter hair textures. If you want to maintain cool tones in a pick or ombre, blue shampoo is your go-to product.

Avoid Unexpected Color Change:

If you've ever dyed blonde picks or balayage, they can take on an undesirable orange color over time. Blue shampoo helps to maintain the original cool tones of the picks without causing unwanted color shifts.

Frequency of Use:

As with purple shampoo, the frequency of using blue shampoo depends on your hair and its needs. Generally, using it once or twice a week is enough.

Purple Shampoo vs. Blue Shampoo

Both purple and blue shampoos are effective at countering brassiness, but the key is to choose the right one for your hair color and goals. Here's a quick summary:

Purple Shampoo: Ideal for those with blonde, silver, or gray hair looking to neutralize yellow and brassy tones. Perfect for maintaining cool, icy shades. It's more common and easier to find in stores.

Blue Shampoo: Suitable for brunettes with highlights, balayage, or ombre hair who want to eliminate unwanted orange or copper undertones. It's less common but can be a lifesaver for certain hair types.

How to Choose Purple vs Blue Shampoo?

Both purple and blue shampoos are effective in eliminating brassiness, but the key is to choose the right shampoo for your hair color and goals.

Purple Shampoo: Great for blondes, silvers or grays looking to neutralize yellow and brassy tones. Great for keeping cool tones. This shampoo is more common and more readily available in stores.

Blue Shampoo: For brunettes with a pick, balayage or ombre hair texture to eliminate unwanted orange or copper tones. This shampoo is less common, but can be a savior for certain hair types.

Tips for Using Purple and Blue Shampoos

Whether you choose purple or blue shampoo, it's important to use it correctly to achieve the best results while protecting your hair's health:

● Massage gently: When using either shampoo, massage gently into wet hair. Leave it on for a few minutes, but avoid leaving it on too long to prevent over toning, which can lead to grayish or silvery hair color.

● Rinse Thoroughly: Thoroughly rinse your hair after using the shampoo. Make sure there is no product residue, as this can lead to uneven color results.

● Conditioner: Purple and blue shampoos can be a bit drying, so follow up with a nourishing conditioner or hair mask to keep hair moisturized and soft.

● Frequency of Use: Frequency of use depends on the product and condition of the hair. Start with once a week and adjust as needed. Excessive use may result in over-toning or color change.

● Protect Your Hands: It is best to wear disposable gloves or be careful not to get your hands dirty when using purple or blue shampoo. The pigments in shampoos can temporarily darken your skin.

● Alternate shampoos: Some people choose to alternate purple and blue shampoos to achieve balance and prevent color buildup.

● Maintenance: Regular hair trims and treatments will help prolong your desired color and keep your hair healthy and vibrant.

Conclusion

Purple and blue shampoos have revolutionized the way we care for blonde, silver or gray hair. By utilizing color theory, these shampoos remove brassiness and maintain hair color. Whether you choose a purple or blue shampoo depends on your hair color and specific needs, but both are excellent tools for keeping blonde or teased hair beautiful and vibrant.