Blue vs Purple shampoo: What’s the difference?

What does purple shampoo do?

A purple shampoo is exactly how it sounds: a shampoo containing purple pigments. To get scientific, purple and blonde land on the opposite sides of the colour spectrum, meaning the pigments will tone and neutralise the yellows that appear over time from heat-styling and sun exposure. As well as fighting brassiness, some purple shampoos are also formulated to strengthen the hair fibers, leaving your blonde looking and feeling like you’ve just stepped out of a salon.

Who can use purple shampoo?

Anyone with natural or lightened hair who struggles with brassiness or damage can use purple shampoo. However, hair that’s been lifted to blonde with bleach will benefit from purple shampoos the most. This is because the bleach your hairdresser uses strips your natural colour, causing it to become more vulnerable to breakage and dullness. While high street purple shampoos are often very harsh on your hair, the purple shampoos used by your hairdressers are designed to also condition your blonde, leaving it looking bright and feeling silky smooth after your salon appointment.

What does blue shampoo do?

Just like purple shampoos, blue shampoos are formulated to fight brassiness. The difference is the blue pigments neutralise unwanted oranges, red and copper tones that appear over time in lightened and highlighted brunette hair. It leaves your hair with a cool and icy tone, adding a radiant finish that lasts.

Who can use blue shampoo?

If you’re after an icy brunette shade, blue shampoos will be a perfect addition to your haircare routine. What makes blue shampoos a great choice is they can be used on brown hair that has been lightened with a variety of techniques including:

• Ombre
• Balayage
• Highlights
• Microlights

Natural brunettes will also benefit from blue shampoos to keep hair looking strong and shiny, but you should remember to only use them once every few weeks.

How do I use purple and blue shampoo?

It’s so easy to use purple and blue shampoos and they fit seamlessly into your haircare routine. To get the most even results, we recommend applying them like a hair mask: Divide your damp hair into sections and gently massage the shampoo from roots to ends until it creates a rich foam. Leave your shampoo it in for the recommended time before rinsing out thoroughly. As purple and blue shampoos are heavily pigmented, our top tip is to wear gloves to avoid staining.

How long should I leave purple and blue shampoo in my hair?

The amount of time to leave your shampoo in depends on your hair’s condition and desired intensity, but the average time is between two to three minutes. However, you can leave it in for a maximum five minutes if you want to deposit more pigment.

How do I get purple and blue shampoo out of my hair?

Purple and blue shampoos wash out just like your regular shampoo! To avoid leaving any colour deposit in your hair, our tip is to check that the water fades from purple/blue to clear as you wash it out.

How often should I use purple and blue shampoo?

The frequency you use your purple or blue shampoo depends on person to person, but as a general rule you only need to use them once a week alongside your regular shampoo and conditioner. If you want your hair to have a more intense finish, up your usage to every other wash in the week.