If you’re a redhead, maintaining your hair can be a bit challenging at times. There’s plenty of advice floating around about how to maintain that gorgeous hue, including purple shampoo.
But what does purple shampoo do to your red hair? Many people claim purple shampoo makes their red hair look more vibrant, while others say it is not for redheads.
Don’t worry, we can explain everything you need to know to decide if purple shampoo is the right choice for your red hair.
Key Highlights
- Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones. It does not neutralize orange or copper tones.
- Best match: strawberry blonde or very light red that fades toward yellow.
- If your red fades to orange or copper, a blue shampoo is the correct neutralizer.
- For keeping red bright, a red color-depositing shampoo is usually the most effective option.
- Safety: do a patch test and a strand test, and use it sparingly to avoid dryness or a dull, muddy tone.
Is It Safe to Use Purple Shampoo on Red Hair?
While purple shampoo is safe to use on dyed red hair, it is largely ineffective.
Purple shampoo is formulated to neutralize yellow tones in blonde or silver hair. Red hair is darker and typically fades to orange or copper. The violet pigments in purple shampoo will not noticeably alter the color.
What Purple Shampoo Can and Cannot Do for Red Hair
As noted above, purple shampoo doesn’t benefit a redhead. But there is an exception.
If you are a redhead with blonde highlights. Purple shampoo could help soften yellow tones in those blonde highlights and make them look less warm. Again, if your highlights look orange or copper, purple shampoo will not neutralize them, and a blue shampoo is a better match.
When you use purple shampoo on dyed red hair, several things can happen.
For lighter red shades like strawberry blonde, purple shampoo might slightly change the color, as these shades often fade to yellow. However, for copper or auburn red shades that fade to orange, purple shampoo may not be effective. In these cases, use a color-depositing shampoo instead of toning shampoo.
Overusing purple shampoo may add a slight pink or magenta tint, slightly altering the hue.
When Should You Use Purple Shampoo on Your Red Hair?
The best time to use purple shampoo on red hair is when you notice yellow tones creeping in. This can happen as color fades, especially in very light reds like strawberry blonde.
If your red is fading to orange or copper instead, purple shampoo will not neutralize that tone. In that case, consider a red color-depositing shampoo (to boost red).
Since purple shampoo doesn’t do much for a natural redhead, it might be better to consider a different option that could enhance those gorgeous tones. Try these alternative shampoo options:
- Pink Shampoo: Best for maintaining pastel or light red tones.
- Red Shampoo (Color Depositing): The gold standard for many redheads. It deposits red pigment back into the hair and helps maintain vibrancy between color appointments.
- Blue Shampoo: The correct neutralizer for unwanted orange or copper tones in darker red hair.
- Clear Shampoo: A non-tinted option that is ideal for all types of red hair.
Tips for Safely Using Purple Shampoo on Dyed-Red Hair
Here are some tips for using purple shampoo on dyed red hair:
- Patch Test First: Before applying it to your entire head, do a strand test. Apply the purple shampoo to a small, inconspicuous section of hair and wait for the recommended amount of time. Rinse and observe any changes to ensure it doesn’t adversely affect your hair color.
- Check Your Porosity: Dyed red hair is often porous. Purple pigment can grab onto porous hair quickly. Dilute the purple shampoo with regular shampoo (1:1 ratio) for the first wash to avoid turning your hair muddy or dull.
- Use Sparingly: Purple shampoo is potent, so use it sparingly. Start by using it once a week or less frequently, depending on how your hair responds.
- Short Application Time: Leave the shampoo in your hair for only a short time, usually between 2 to 5 minutes. Leaving it on for too long can cause purple tints in your hair.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After the allotted time, rinse your hair thoroughly to ensure all shampoo is washed out. This prevents any purple pigment from lingering in your hair.
- Follow with Conditioner: Use a good-quality conditioner after rinsing out the shampoo. This helps to hydrate your hair and maintain its health, as toning shampoos can be drying.
- Monitor Hair Condition: Pay attention to how your hair reacts after using purple shampoo. If you notice dryness or brittleness, reduce the frequency of use and consider using a more nourishing shampoo in between.
So, What Happens If You Use Purple Shampoo on Red Hair?
Purple shampoo doesn’t do much for natural red hair, but it can help people who dye their hair red. The shampoo can reduce yellow tones and help keep very light dyed reds looking fresh.
If your dyed red hair fades to orange or copper, purple shampoo may not help, and a red color-depositing shampoo is usually a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about purple shampoo and red hair.
Purple shampoo will neither lighten nor darken your red hair. As a color shampoo and a toner, it’ll give your dyed red hair a more vibrant appearance.
The desire to wash your red hair daily with purple shampoo can be tempting. But you should wash it twice a week or less.
Purple shampoo doesn’t work like a dye. Let the shampoo sit on the head for a maximum of 5 minutes.