As someone with black hair, you may have heard people rave about the benefits of purple shampoo. But before you jump on the bandwagon, it’s important to understand what this type of shampoo does and whether it’s right for your hair. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of purple shampoo and explore its pros and cons, alternatives, and how to use it effectively.
What is Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is a type of shampoo that’s designed to neutralize brassy or yellow tones in blonde, silver, and white hair. It contains a special pigment called violet or purple that counteracts the warm tones in hair color. When used correctly, purple shampoo can help brighten blonde hair and keep it looking vibrant and fresh.
Who Can Use Purple Shampoo?
While purple shampoo is primarily marketed towards blonde-haired individuals, it can also be used by those with black or brown hair. However, the results may not be as dramatic, and it’s important to use the shampoo sparingly to avoid drying out or damaging your hair.
If you have black hair with highlights or balayage, purple shampoo can be an effective way to maintain the color and prevent it from fading or becoming brassy. However, if you have naturally black hair with no highlights or color treatments, using purple shampoo may not be necessary.
How to Use Purple Shampoo on Black Hair
If you’ve decided to give purple shampoo a try, here are some tips on how to use it effectively:
- Wet your hair and apply a small amount of purple shampoo to your scalp.
- Massage the shampoo into your hair, focusing on areas where you have highlights or color treatments.
- Leave the shampoo on for 3-5 minutes, or as directed by the manufacturer.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly and follow up with a conditioner.
It’s important not to leave the shampoo on for too long or use it too frequently, as this can dry out your hair and cause damage. Start by using purple shampoo once a week and adjust as needed based on the results.
Pros and Cons of Using Purple Shampoo
Like any hair product, there are both pros and cons to using purple shampoo. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- Neutralizes brassy or yellow tones in blonde or highlighted hair
- Can help maintain color and prevent fading
- Keeps blonde hair looking vibrant and fresh
- Removes buildup and impurities from hair
Cons
- May dry out or damage hair if used too frequently
- Results may not be as noticeable on black or brown hair
- Can be expensive compared to regular shampoo
- May leave a violet tint on hair if left on too long
Overall, whether or not purple shampoo is right for you depends on your hair type, color, and individual preferences.
Alternatives to Purple Shampoo
If you’re not sold on the idea of using purple shampoo, there are other products that can help maintain your hair color and keep it looking fresh. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Toning Conditioner: Like purple shampoo, toning conditioner contains pigments that neutralize brassy tones in hair. However, it’s more gentle and moisturizing than shampoo and can be used more frequently.
- Color-Depositing Conditioner: This type of conditioner contains small amounts of hair dye that deposit color onto your hair, helping to maintain your hair color between salon visits.
- Hair Gloss: A hair gloss is a treatment that adds shine and enhances the color of your hair without altering its tone. It’s a great way to give your hair a boost and keep it looking healthy and vibrant.
Step-by-Step Guide to Maintaining Black Hair
Whether you choose to use purple shampoo or another hair product, there are some basic steps you can take to maintain the health and appearance of your black hair. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Wash your hair no more than two or three times per week to avoid drying it out.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner that’s formulated for your hair type.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to your hair after washing to help lock in moisture.
- Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up.
- Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible, and use a heat protectant spray when you do.
- Get regular trims to keep split ends at bay.
By following these steps and using the right hair products, you can keep your black hair looking healthy and beautiful.
Comparing Purple Shampoo to Other Hair Products
To help you decide whether purple shampoo is right for you, let’s compare it to some other hair products:
Purple Shampoo vs Regular Shampoo
Regular shampoo is designed to cleanse your hair and remove buildup and impurities.While it may leave your hair feeling clean and fresh, it doesn’t contain any special pigments or ingredients that help maintain or enhance your hair color. If you have blonde or highlighted hair, using regular shampoo may cause your color to fade more quickly.
Purple Shampoo vs Toning Conditioner
Toning conditioner is similar to purple shampoo in that it contains pigments that neutralize brassy tones in hair. However, it’s more gentle and moisturizing than shampoo and can be used more frequently without drying out your hair. While it may not provide as dramatic results as purple shampoo, toning conditioner is a great option for those looking for a gentler alternative.
Purple Shampoo vs Color-Depositing Conditioner
Color-depositing conditioner contains small amounts of hair dye that deposit color onto your hair, helping to maintain your hair color between salon visits. While it may be more effective at maintaining your color than purple shampoo, it can also be more time-consuming and messy to use. Additionally, if you’re not careful, it can also leave stains on your clothes and towels.
Tips for Using Purple Shampoo
If you’ve decided to give purple shampoo a try, here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of it:
- Use a small amount of shampoo to avoid overdrying your hair.
- Don’t leave the shampoo on for too long, as this can cause a violet tint in your hair.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
- Follow up with a conditioner to help keep your hair moisturized.
- Store your shampoo in a cool, dry place to prevent it from oxidizing and losing its effectiveness.
By following these tips and using purple shampoo correctly, you can help keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant.
The Best Purple Shampoos for Black Hair
If you’ve decided to try purple shampoo on your black hair, here are some of the best options to consider:
- Fanola No Yellow Shampoo: This highly pigmented shampoo is designed to neutralize brassy tones in blonde and grey hair. However, it can also be effective on black hair with highlights or balayage.
- Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo: This gentle shampoo contains blue malva and coneflower to help brighten and enhance blonde and silver hair. It’s also free of harsh chemicals that can damage your hair.
- Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo: This sulfate-free shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow tones in blonde hair, but can also work well on black hair with highlights.
Conclusion
While purple shampoo may seem like a miracle product for maintaining blonde hair, it can also be effective on black hair with highlights or color treatments. By using it sparingly and following the tips outlined in this article, you can help keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant. And if you’re not sold on the idea of purple shampoo, there are other products you can try to maintain your hair color and keep it looking healthy and beautiful.
FAQs
Can I use purple shampoo on natural black hair?
Yes, you can use purple shampoo on natural black hair, but the results may not be as noticeable as they would be on highlighted or color-treated hair.
How often should I use purple shampoo?
Start by using purple shampoo once a week and adjust as needed based on the results. Using it too frequently can cause dryness and damage to your hair.
Will purple shampoo turn my hair purple?
If left on for too long, purple shampoo can leave a violet tint on your hair. To avoid this, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and rinse thoroughly after use.
Can I use purple shampoo on brown hair?
Purple shampoo can be effective on brown hair with highlights or color treatments, but may not have as noticeable of an effect on natural brown hair.
Can I use purple shampoo as a regular shampoo?
While purple shampoo can be used regularly, it’s important to use it sparingly to avoid drying out your hair. For best results, switch between purple shampoo and regular shampoo based on your needs.
I am Thomas Taw, the CEO of CITIZENSNIPS. I have experience in hair product development and chemical research, as well as sustainable resource engineering. In 2009, I co-created Sunsilk, one of the world's leading haircare brands. More recently, I was the CEO of SMOKINGPANDA LTD. I am a professional with a strong track record in delivering tangible results.
