Using purple shampoo on brown hair, particularly lighter brown hair, can help counteract unwanted yellow or brassy tones and maintain a cooler, ashier appearance, especially in lighter sections.
Understanding Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair
While often associated with blonde hair, purple shampoo can be beneficial for certain types of brown hair. The principle relies on color theory: purple is opposite to yellow on the color wheel. This means purple pigments in the shampoo can neutralize yellow hues.
The Right Shade of Brown
The effectiveness of purple shampoo on brown hair largely depends on the shade of brown.
- Lighter Brown Hair: According to the reference, purple shampoo is ideal for lighter brown hair that tends to turn brassy. This is because lighter brown shades often reveal underlying yellow tones when they fade or are exposed to environmental factors.
- Darker Brown Hair: Darker brown hair typically shows orange or red undertones rather than yellow. For neutralizing these tones, blue shampoo is generally more effective as blue cancels out orange.
Maintaining Cooler Tones
Beyond just fixing brassiness, using purple shampoo can help maintain a desired tone. As noted in the reference, it's a great option if you're looking to maintain a cooler, ashier look in your brown hair, specifically when it comes to the lighter sections like highlights or balayage.
Purple vs. Blue Shampoo for Brown Hair
It's important to choose the right toning shampoo based on the specific brassy tones you're trying to correct.
| Shampoo Type | Target Tone | Best Suited For | How it Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purple | Yellow | Lighter brown, blonde, grey hair | Neutralizes yellow/brassy tones |
| Blue | Orange/Red | Darker brown, black hair | Neutralizes orange/red/brassy tones |
Based on the reference, while blue shampoo is great for neutralizing orange or red tones in darker brown hair, purple shampoo is ideal for lighter brown hair that tends to turn brassy.
How to Use Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair
Using purple shampoo on brown hair is similar to using it on blonde hair, but timing is crucial to avoid unwanted results (like a purple tint).
- Wet Hair: Start with thoroughly wet hair.
- Apply Shampoo: Apply the purple shampoo evenly, focusing on areas prone to brassiness (usually mid-lengths to ends or lighter sections).
- Lather: Gently lather the shampoo.
- Let Sit: This is where timing differs. For brown hair, you typically need less processing time than blonde. Start with 1-3 minutes and rinse. You can increase the time in subsequent washes if needed, but do not leave it on for too long (e.g., 5-10 minutes or more) unless specifically instructed for your hair type and product, as it can leave a temporary purple tint on porous or very light strands.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure all shampoo is rinsed out.
- Condition: Follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
Tips for Brown Hair
- Patch Test: If you're worried about the color, do a strand test first.
- Frequency: Use purple shampoo only when you notice brassiness appearing. Once a week or every few washes is usually sufficient for brown hair. Overuse can dry out hair or potentially deposit a purple hue.
- Focus Application: If only certain sections (like highlights) are brassy, focus the application there.
- Product Choice: Some purple shampoos are more pigmented than others. Consider starting with a less intense formula. You can find various options online (e.g., browse purple shampoos).
In summary, purple shampoo is a targeted treatment for lighter brown hair experiencing yellow brassiness or for maintaining a cool, ash-toned look in lighter sections.
