Blue vs. Purple Shampoo: What’s the Difference? & How to Beat Brassiness
Brassiness is the ultimate nemesis of color-treated hair bringing out unwanted yellow, orange, or red undertones.
Whether you’ve gone blonde, brunette, or highlighted, you may start to notice these brassy hues over time due to sun exposure, heat styling, and natural fading. Fortunately, blue and purple shampoos are designed to neutralize these tones, helping keep your color vibrant and cool.
Here’s everything you need to know about blue and purple shampoo and when to use them.
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What are the Key Differences?
Both blue and purple shampoos are formulated to tone and color-correct hair by depositing cool pigments that neutralize warm undertones.
However, they work on different color concerns based on the shade of your hair and the type of brassy tones you’re experiencing.
Blue Shampoo
Blue shampoo contains blue pigments, which are ideal for brunette hair with orange or red tones. Blue is the complementary color to orange on the color wheel, which means blue shampoo effectively neutralizes orange hues, leaving brunette hair looking richer and more balanced.
Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is formulated with violet pigments that neutralize yellow tones, making it perfect for blonde or lightened hair. Since purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel, it cancels out the yellow shades that often appear in blonde or highlighted hair, restoring a cool, refreshed blonde look.
Blue shampoos are designed to counteract orange tones in brunette hair, while purple shampoos are used to banish brass in blonde hair.
How Do You Choose Between Blue and Purple Shampoo?
The choice between blue and purple shampoo depends on your hair color and the specific undertones you want to address:
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Brunette Hair
If you have brunette hair that’s showing orange or coppery-red tones, blue shampoo will be your best choice for restoring a balanced, cool brunette shade.
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Blonde or Highlighted Hair
For blonde or highlighted hair that’s developing yellow or pale orange tones, opt for purple shampoo to bring back the brightness and coolness of your blonde color.
If you’ve transitioned from brunette to blonde or are working with multiple color tones, you may find both shampoos useful. Alternating blue and purple shampoos can be helpful if you see a mix of yellow and orange tones.
How to Use Blue and Purple Shampoo Effectively
To get the best results from your blue or purple shampoo, here are a few tips on proper application:
- Adapt the Frequency of use:
Begin by using the shampoo once or twice a week, adjusting frequency based on how quickly brassiness returns. Once you’ve reached your desired tone, you can alternate with your regular shampoo to maintain color without over-toning.
- Application Time:
Let the shampoo sit in your hair for 2-3 minutes to allow the pigments to work. If your hair is especially brassy, consider leaving it on for up to 5 minutes, but be cautious to avoid overuse, which can result in a temporary color tint.
- Pair with a Matching Conditioner:
Follow with a conditioner tailored to your hair color needs. Purple conditioners, like John Frieda® Hair Care Violet Crush for Blondes Purple Conditioner, are ideal to use after purple shampoo as they help to nourish and seal in your blonde tones, keeping brassiness at bay.
- Try it on Natural Hair:
Even uncolored hair can develop brassy tones from sun exposure and environmental factors. Both blue and purple shampoos can subtly cool down these tones in natural hair for a refreshed, vibrant appearance.
Buh-bye brassiness! Check out more of our hair care tips for color-treated hair
The Benefits of Blue and Purple Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
Using blue or purple shampoo as part of your regular hair care routine can help prolong the life of your color treatment and minimize the need for frequent salon visits. Here are a few ways these shampoos can benefit color-treated hair:
- Neutralizes Unwanted Tones:
The primary benefit of both blue and purple shampoo is its ability to neutralize brassiness, helping you keep your color looking fresh and vibrant.
- Adds Shine and Dimension:
Toning shampoos also add a layer of pigment that can make your hair appear more luminous, giving it extra shine and depth.
- Simplifies Color Maintenance:
By using blue or purple shampoo, you can manage your color at home, saving time and reducing the impact of environmental factors on your hair tone.
Choosing the Right Toning Shampoo
Choosing the right toning shampoo can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your color true and brass-free. Use blue shampoo for brunette hair with orange undertones and purple shampoo for blonde hair with yellow undertones. Remember that less is often more with these shampoos; try to find the frequency that keeps your color vibrant without overuse.
Explore John Frieda® Hair Care Violet Crush for Blondes Purple Conditioner for a salon-quality purple toning conditioner that maintains cool blonde tones and keeps brassiness at bay. With the right products, you can maintain your ideal shade and enjoy vibrant, beautiful hair every day.
If you have questions about choosing the shampoo, feel free to contact us—our team is here to help!
