The classic color theory is what purple shampoo is based on. When blondes deal with brassy tones, they want to cancel out yellow. And purple is the opposite of yellow.
Take a look at a color wheel and you will notice that purple and orange neutralize each other. Therefore, if you use purple shampoo, it should cancel out brassy, yellow tones.
However, can you use purple shampoo on brown hair is what most people wonder? The answer is yes, but don’t expect too much. It won’t be particularly effective on brown hair. If you have brown hair with highlights, the purple shampoo will lighten your highlights only. However, it won’t help you bounce back from brassiness if you have dark-colored hair.
There’s a special shampoo invented for dark-colored hair. It’s called ‘blue shampoo’. And makes a better choice for brunettes than purple shampoo. It gives better results.
Can Purple Shampoo Lighten Hair?
Excessive heat styling, UV rays, and even the minerals in the water can make your hair brassy. Purple shampoo can lighten hair but only blonde and highlights in dark-colored hair.
Brassiness represents the orange undertones that appear in colored hair over time. And since purple sits across from yellow on the color wheel, you can use it to neutralize yellow undertones.
If you’re a brunette with highlights, keep in mind that purple shampoo will lighten your highlights only. If you want a substitute for purple shampoo for dark hair, buy a blue shampoo.
Also Read: How to Remove Brassy Tones from Brown Hair?
What Does Blue Shampoo Do for Brown Hair?
The blue shampoo has blue-purple pigments that deposit into your hair when you wash your hair with it. And they neutralize the brassy tones that appear when your hair is lightened.
Every hair color has undertones that appear when hair is bleached with bleach or hair color. Lighter hair color has yellow undertones when lifted while darker hair color has orange undertones.
If you went full-blonde or have blonde highlights, you will notice yellowish undertones over time due to different factors such as sunlight exposure, thermal tools, and repeated shampooing.
If you have brown hair with highlights or have lightened your natural hair color, you may notice orange undertones. No matter what group you belong to, take a look at the color wheel.
You will notice that every color can be canceled out by its opponent. For instance, blue is the opposite of orange. Therefore, a blue shampoo will neutralize orange undertones.
If you’re a brunette with highlights, opt for blue shampoo. It will cut through the brassiness. And restore your lightened hair to a neutral or cool tone. Blue shampoo is the perfect solution for ombre hair, lighter balayage, or highlights. It also works wonders for lightened dark brown hair.
Should I Use Purple or Blue Shampoo?
It depends on your hair color. If you’re blonde or have dark-colored hair with highlights, you may notice yellow undertones after time. Purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel.
Meaning, you will need a purple shampoo to neutralize yellow undertones. Experts recommend utilizing purple shampoo for blondes and brown hair with highlights. However, if you’re a brunette and you want to maintain brass-free hair color, opt for a blue shampoo and utilize it once a week.
And you will notice a major change in your hair. The color blue is the opposite of orange and red on the color wheel. Meaning, it has the power to cancel out your orange and red undertones.
For extra toning, leave the blue shampoo in your hair for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. And don’t forget to wear gloves. Blue shampoo may stain your shower tile. However, it’s easy to clean.
Also Read: What Does Purple Shampoo Do To Brown, Black & Blonde Hair?
What Does Purple Shampoo Do to Dark Brown Hair?
Honestly, not much. If you’re a brunette, utilizing a purple shampoo won’t make a noticeable change. But if you’re a brunette with highlights, it will tone your lightened strands.
The same goes for black hair. Think of purple shampoo as a hair product that’s most suitable for blonde, highlighted, or silver hair. However, people with brown hair can use it too.
How Long Does it Take for Purple Shampoo to Work?
Leave the purple shampoo in your hair for 2-3 minutes before rinsing out if you’re a blonde. However, if you have color-treated or brassy hair, leave it in for about 15 minutes tops.
If your hair is platinum, silver, or gray, give it 30 minutes. Afterward, rinse out and apply conditioner as usual. Focus on your ends and lengths. Follow this guide for proper application.
Can You Use Purple Shampoo on Dark Hair with Highlights?
Yes, purple shampoo can be used on dark hair with highlights. However, don’t expect a purple shampoo to do much for your dark hair. It will only tone your highlights.
It’s best suited for blonde or highlighted hair. People with dark-colored hair can use blue shampoo to tone their hair color. And cancel out orange or red undertones.
Also Read: How Long to Leave Purple Shampoo on Dry Hair?
Can You Use Purple Shampoo on Brunette Hair with Highlights?
Purple shampoo can be used on brunette hair with highlights. It won’t do much for your brown hair. But it will tone your highlights. Use blue shampoo to tone dark hair.
Should You Use Purple Shampoo on Highlighted Hair?
Purple shampoo is made for users with salon achieved or natural light hair such as platinum, white, gray, or pastel. If you have brown hair with highlights, it will tone your highlights. Also, if your hair is bleached, purple shampoo is something you MUST use to keep it brass-free.
Can You Use Purple and Blue Shampoo Together?
You can try and share your results in the comments. I haven’t tried mixing blue and purple shampoo but if you’re in the mood for testing, go ahead.
Consult your hairstylist before you do it. Make sure it won’t harm your hair. Blue shampoo is made with brunettes in mind, while purple is for blondes.
Also Read: How to Use Purple Shampoo to Get White Hair?
Best Blue Shampoo for Brown Hair: Top 3 Picks
Blue shampoo is a real game-changer for dark-colored hair. It’s the perfect solution for unwanted red or orange undertones in colored hair. It’s the ‘purple shampoo’ for dark hair.
It targets orange undertones that usually appear in lightened brown hair. If you deal with orange or red undertones at the moment, opt for some of the following blue shampoos.
Aveda Black Malva Shampoo
Aveda Black Malva Shampoo falls into the section of ‘best blue shampoo for brown hair’.
It’s perfect for toning both dyed or naturally dark hair while providing the scalp and hair with a soothing cleanse. Avera products are known for their use of flower essences and pure plants.
They’re all well-researched and made under a strict set of environmental sustainability values.
Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
Joico Color Balance is a color-balancing shampoo that neutralizes orange or brassy undertones to keep your dark hair perfect. It’s made with highlighted and lightened brown hair.
Utilizing this shampoo at least twice per week. Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo will correct your hair, but also maintain your color for 8 weeks post-dye and repair damaged hair.
Matrix Total Results Brass Off Color Obsessed Shampoo
The name of this blue shampoo says it all. It cancels out brassiness in brown hair. The blue pigments will reduce brassy tones.
They deposit onto your strands and refresh your brown hair with cool tones. Leave it in your hair for 3,5 minutes before rinsing.
Final Thoughts
Can you use purple shampoo on brown hair? What will happen? Absolutely but don’t expect much. It will lighten your highlights if you have any but won’t do much for your hair, in general.
Opt for blue shampoo. It’s perfect for dark hair. Along with utilizing blue shampoo and conditioner, consult your colorist before your next appointment. If you experience issues with brassiness regularly, ask for advice.
The colorist can adjust the way they mix the hair dye accordingly to help prevent unwanted undertones from appearing. Have you ever used blue shampoo? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.