When it comes to hair care, one of the most popular and trendy topics is the use of purple shampoo on brown hair. The question on everyone’s mind is, can purple shampoo really lighten brown hair? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of purple shampoo, exploring its benefits, how it works, and most importantly, whether it can help lighten brown locks.
The Magic of Purple Shampoo
Before we delve into the lightening properties of purple shampoo, let’s talk about what makes it so special. Purple shampoo is a type of color-correcting shampoo specifically designed for blonde and silver hair. It contains purple pigments that help neutralize brassy tones and unwanted warm undertones, leaving your hair looking cool, calm, and collected.
The science behind purple shampoo lies in its ability to cancel out yellow and orange tones. When purple and yellow combine, they create a neutral beige color, effectively eliminating any unwanted warmth. This is why purple shampoo is often recommended for blonde hair that’s started to look brassy or orange.
But What About Brown Hair?
So, what happens when we apply this same logic to brown hair? Can purple shampoo really lighten brown hair, or is it just a myth? The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no.
Purple shampoo can help enhance and brighten brown hair, but it won’t drastically lighten it. Here’s why: brown hair has a naturally warm undertone, which means it already contains a degree of yellow and orange tones. Purple shampoo can help cancel out some of these warm undertones, making your brown hair look more vibrant and rich. However, it won’t lift or bleach your hair to achieve a significantly lighter shade.
The Role of Tones in Hair Color
To understand why purple shampoo can’t drastically lighten brown hair, let’s talk about the role of tones in hair color. Hair color is made up of three dimensions: level, tone, and saturation. Level refers to the lightness or darkness of your hair, tone refers to the warm or cool undertones, and saturation refers to the intensity or vibrancy of the color.
Brown hair, by nature, has a warm tone, which means it contains yellow and orange undertones. To lighten brown hair, you would need to lift the level of your hair, which requires a different type of product altogether.
The Benefits of Using Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair
While purple shampoo may not be able to drastically lighten brown hair, it can still offer several benefits. Here are just a few reasons why you might want to consider using purple shampoo on your brown locks:
- Enhances color vibrancy: Purple shampoo can help enhance the natural color of your brown hair, making it look more vibrant and rich.
- Reduces brassy tones: If you have brown hair with warm, brassy tones, purple shampoo can help neutralize them, leaving your hair looking cooler and more ashy.
- Adds depth and dimension: By canceling out warm undertones, purple shampoo can add depth and dimension to your brown hair, making it look more interesting and dynamic.
How to Use Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair
If you’re interested in trying purple shampoo on your brown hair, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Choose the Right Product
Not all purple shampoos are created equal. Look for a product that’s specifically formulated for brown hair or hair with warm undertones. These products will typically contain a more subtle purple pigment that won’t over-correct or leave your hair looking unnatural.
Use it Sparingly
Because purple shampoo can be quite potent, it’s best to use it sparingly. Try using it once a week or every other week to maintain the health and integrity of your hair.
Follow Up with a Toning Treatment
To get the most out of your purple shampoo, follow up with a toning treatment containing violet or purple pigments. This will help lock in the color and ensure your hair looks its best.
The Bottom Line
So, can purple shampoo lighten brown hair? The answer is a resounding maybe. While it won’t drastically lighten your hair, it can help enhance and brighten your natural color, reduce brassy tones, and add depth and dimension. If you’re looking for a way to give your brown hair a boost, purple shampoo might just be the ticket. Just remember to choose the right product, use it sparingly, and follow up with a toning treatment to get the most out of your hair.
What is purple shampoo, and how does it work on brown hair?
Purple shampoo is a type of color-correcting shampoo that is specifically designed to neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair. It contains purple pigments that cancel out orange and yellow tones, leaving the hair with a cooler, more ashy blonde color. When used on brown hair, purple shampoo can help to reduce warm, red tones and give the hair a more balanced, natural-looking color.
However, it’s essential to note that purple shampoo is not a lightening agent and won’t actually lighten the hair. Instead, it works by neutralizing unwanted tones, resulting in a more cohesive, rich brown color. This makes it an excellent option for those with dark brown or chestnut hair who want to maintain their natural color while minimizing unwanted warm tones.
Can purple shampoo lighten brown hair over time?
No, purple shampoo is not a lightening agent and will not lighten brown hair over time. As mentioned earlier, its primary function is to neutralize brassy tones, not to lighten the hair. If you’re looking to lighten your brown hair, you’ll need to use a different product or consult a professional hairstylist.
That being said, purple shampoo can help to create the illusion of lighter hair by canceling out warm tones and giving the hair a more balanced, natural-looking color. This can make the hair appear healthier, shinier, and more vibrant, which may be perceived as “lightening” the hair. However, the actual hair color will remain the same.
How do I choose the right purple shampoo for my brown hair?
When choosing a purple shampoo for brown hair, it’s essential to select a product that is specifically formulated for your hair type and tone. Look for a shampoo that is labeled as “cooling” or “neutralizing” rather than “lightening,” as these products will be more effective at canceling out warm tones.
Additionally, consider the level of purple pigmentation in the shampoo. If you have very dark brown or black hair, you may need a more intense purple shampoo to effectively neutralize warm tones. If you have lighter brown hair, a less intense purple shampoo may be more suitable.
How often should I use purple shampoo on my brown hair?
The frequency of use for purple shampoo on brown hair depends on your individual hair type and needs. If you have very porosity-prone hair, you may want to use purple shampoo daily to help maintain a balanced color. However, if you have normal or oily hair, using purple shampoo 1-2 times per week may be sufficient.
It’s also important to consider your hair’s sensitivity to color-correcting products. If you have sensitive hair, you may want to start with a lower frequency of use (e.g., once a week) and gradually increase as needed.
Can I use purple shampoo on chemically treated brown hair?
Yes, purple shampoo can be used on chemically treated brown hair, but it’s essential to exercise caution. Chemically treated hair can be more porous and prone to dryness, so using a moisturizing purple shampoo is crucial.
Additionally, if you’ve recently colored or bleached your hair, it’s best to wait a few weeks before using purple shampoo to allow the color to settle. This will help prevent any adverse reactions or color fading.
Will purple shampoo affect my hair’s natural moisture balance?
Purple shampoo can be drying to the hair, especially if you have naturally dry or damaged hair. This is because the purple pigments can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness.
To minimize this risk, look for a moisturizing purple shampoo that is formulated with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, or shea butter. You can also follow up with a hydrating conditioner and a moisturizing mask to help lock in moisture.
Can I use purple shampoo as a treatment before coloring my brown hair?
Yes, purple shampoo can be used as a treatment before coloring your brown hair. In fact, using a purple shampoo 1-2 weeks before coloring can help to create a more even canvas for the color to adhere to.
By neutralizing warm tones and creating a more balanced color, purple shampoo can help the color to take more evenly and consistently. This can result in a more vibrant, longer-lasting color that requires less maintenance.