We’ll cover everything from understanding the color wheel to identifying brassiness in brown hair, and even provide recommendations for products that can help. Whether you’re a dark brunette or a light brown beauty, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about using purple shampoo on your precious locks. Get ready to say goodbye to unwanted orange and yellow tones and hello to vibrant, healthy-looking brown hair!
Understanding Purple Shampoo and Its Purpose
Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize unwanted yellow and orange tones in hair. These tones, often referred to as “brassiness,” can develop over time due to factors like sun exposure, hard water, and chemical treatments. The science behind it is simple: purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel. When applied to yellow-toned hair, the purple pigment cancels out the yellow, resulting in a cooler, more balanced tone. But what happens when you introduce purple shampoo to brown hair?
The Color Wheel and Hair Color
The color wheel is a visual representation of color relationships. Understanding it is crucial when dealing with color correction in hair. As mentioned, purple cancels out yellow. Similarly, blue cancels out orange. These principles are used in various color-correcting hair products, including purple shampoo, blue shampoo, and green shampoo (used to neutralize red tones). The effectiveness of these shampoos depends on the underlying tones present in your hair.
Why Brassy Tones Appear in Brown Hair
Even though brown hair isn’t blonde, it can still develop brassy tones. This is because many brown hair dyes contain warm undertones. When these undertones are exposed through fading or damage, they can become more prominent, resulting in an unwanted orange or yellow hue. This is particularly common in brown hair that has been highlighted or lightened.
Can You Use Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair? The Details
The short answer is yes, you can use purple shampoo on brown hair, but the results may not be as dramatic as they are on blonde hair. The darker the brown, the less noticeable the effect will be. However, purple shampoo can still be beneficial for brown hair with highlights, balayage, or other lightened sections. It can also help to tone down brassiness in lighter shades of brown.
Benefits of Using Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair
- Neutralizes brassy tones: This is the primary benefit. Purple shampoo can help to counteract unwanted orange and yellow hues, leaving your hair looking cooler and more balanced.
- Enhances highlights and balayage: If you have highlights or balayage in your brown hair, purple shampoo can help to keep them looking bright and fresh.
- Adds shine: Some purple shampoos contain ingredients that can help to add shine and luster to your hair.
- Extends the life of your hair color: By preventing brassiness, purple shampoo can help to prolong the vibrancy of your brown hair color.
Potential Risks and Considerations
- Over-toning: Using purple shampoo too frequently or leaving it on for too long can result in a purple or ashy tinge, especially on lighter shades of brown.
- Dryness: Some purple shampoos can be drying, especially if they contain sulfates. Look for sulfate-free options if you have dry or damaged hair.
- Uneven results: If your hair is not evenly toned, purple shampoo may result in uneven color correction.
How to Use Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair Correctly
If you decide to try purple shampoo on your brown hair, it’s important to use it correctly to avoid unwanted side effects. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose the right purple shampoo: Look for a purple shampoo that is specifically formulated for brown or dark hair. Some brands offer different formulations for different hair colors.
- Wet your hair: Thoroughly wet your hair with lukewarm water.
- Apply the shampoo: Apply a small amount of purple shampoo to your hair, focusing on the areas that are most prone to brassiness.
- Massage gently: Gently massage the shampoo into your hair and scalp.
- Leave it on for a few minutes: Leave the shampoo on for 2-5 minutes, depending on the desired level of toning. Start with a shorter time and increase it if needed.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water.
- Condition: Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish any lost moisture.
- Use sparingly: Use purple shampoo only once or twice a week, or as needed to maintain your desired tone.
Tips for Brown Hair with Highlights or Balayage
If you have highlights or balayage in your brown hair, you can focus the purple shampoo on the lightened sections to prevent them from turning brassy. You can also try diluting the purple shampoo with your regular shampoo to create a gentler toning effect.
Recommended Products
Fanola No Orange Shampoo
Specifically designed to neutralize orange tones in brown, dark blonde, and grey hair.
Matrix Total Results Dark Envy Shampoo
A green shampoo that neutralizes red undertones in dark brown and black hair.
Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo
A blue toning shampoo for highlighted or natural brown hair.
FAQ: Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair
Here are some frequently asked questions about using purple shampoo on brown hair:
- Q: Will purple shampoo lighten my brown hair?
A: No, purple shampoo will not lighten your brown hair. It only neutralizes brassy tones. However, if you leave it on for too long, it may create a slight ashy or purple tint. - Q: How often should I use purple shampoo on my brown hair?
A: Use purple shampoo once or twice a week, or as needed to maintain your desired tone. Overuse can lead to dryness or unwanted color changes. - Q: Can I use purple shampoo on dark brown hair?
A: Yes, you can use purple shampoo on dark brown hair, but the results may be subtle. It’s most effective on lighter shades of brown or brown hair with highlights. - Q: What if my hair turns purple after using purple shampoo?
A: If your hair turns purple, wash it with a clarifying shampoo to remove the excess pigment. You can also try using a deep conditioning treatment to help restore moisture. - Q: Can purple shampoo damage my hair?
A: Some purple shampoos can be drying, especially if they contain sulfates. Look for sulfate-free options and use a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing. - Q: Is blue shampoo better for brown hair than purple shampoo?
A: Blue shampoo is designed to neutralize orange tones, while purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones. If your brown hair has orange brassiness, blue shampoo may be a better choice. If it has yellow brassiness, purple shampoo is the way to go.
Conclusion
So, can you use purple shampoo on brown hair? Absolutely! But it’s essential to understand how it works and use it correctly. Purple shampoo can be a valuable tool for banishing brassiness and maintaining the vibrancy of your brown hair, especially if you have highlights or balayage. Remember to choose the right product, use it sparingly, and always follow with a moisturizing conditioner. Pay attention to your hair’s response and adjust your usage accordingly. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional hairstylist for personalized advice.
Ultimately, achieving your desired hair color is a journey. Experiment carefully, and don’t be afraid to try different products and techniques until you find what works best for you. And remember, healthy hair is beautiful hair, so prioritize moisture and nourishment alongside color correction. With the right knowledge and a little experimentation, you can keep your brown hair looking its best!