Green shampoo is primarily used to neutralize unwanted red or orange undertones in dark brown or black hair. It acts as a color corrector, similar to how purple shampoo works on blonde hair to neutralize yellow tones. By counteracting the warm red tones, green shampoo helps achieve a cooler, more even-toned brunette shade.
How Green Shampoo Works: Color Correction
Green shampoo utilizes color theory. Green is the complementary color to red, meaning it cancels out red hues. This is particularly beneficial for brunettes who may experience brassiness or unwanted warmth in their hair. The green pigments in the shampoo deposit onto the hair, neutralizing the red undertones without drastically altering the overall hair color.
Benefits of Using Green Shampoo
- Neutralizes Red Undertones: Effectively minimizes unwanted brassiness and warmth in dark hair.
- Enhances Shine: Many green shampoos also contain ingredients that improve hair shine and manageability. (See Matrix Dark Envy review)
- Achieves Cooler Tones: Helps brunettes achieve a more cool-toned brunette look.
Who Should Use Green Shampoo?
Individuals with dark brown or black hair who want to counteract red undertones are ideal candidates. It's particularly helpful for those who desire a cooler, ashier tone or are experiencing brassiness after coloring or due to sun exposure.
Important Considerations
- Application: Always follow the instructions on the specific green shampoo product. Some may require a longer application time than others. (See Into The Gloss blog post for example of alternative application)
- Gloves: It's recommended to wear gloves to prevent staining your hands. (See Blowout Studio's advice)
- Frequency: Don't overuse green shampoo; start with once a week and adjust based on your hair's needs.
The references provided consistently emphasize the use of green shampoo to correct red tones in darker hair. While some products may offer additional benefits, the core function remains color correction. Examples of this are found in the Luxy Hair blog, BFB Hair blog, and Today.com's Matrix Dark Envy review. Note that references also demonstrate green shampoos are used for pets with long coats (Iv San Bernard).
