In the vast realm of hair care products, purple shampoo has made quite a splash, especially among those with blonde hair, silver, or lightened hair.
Its unique color-neutralizing abilities have made this type of shampoo a must-have for many hair types.
But what if you have black hair?
Should you be reaching for this type of product? Here, we delve deep into understanding what purple shampoo can (and can’t) do for the color of your hair if it’s darker.
We will explore these questions and more to help you understand how purple shampoo can be beneficial for your hair color or hair type.
Can you use purple shampoo on black hair?
Absolutely! Purple shampoo is safe to use on black hair, as it is for all hair colors. However, you need to know that purple shampoo works to neutralize brassy, yellowish undertones in mostly light-colored hair.
While it won’t harm black hair, purple shampoo won’t have much effect for darker hair, as it if for blonde or silver strands.
However, it can also be used on naturally or colored black hair to enhance and maintain its beautiful color. While it may seem counterintuitive to use a purple product on black hair, the purple pigment in the shampoo can actually help to neutralize any warm undertones and bring out the natural richness and depth of black hair.
What does purple shampoo do to black hair?
Purple shampoo is most effective for blonde hair and also helps bleached or white hair look fresh and more vibrant.
Using a purple shampoo won’t be particularly effective for those who have natural black hair.
Black Women’s Hair:
Colored Black Hair
Purple shampoo is generally designed to combat brassy tones in lighter hair shades. If you dye your hair from black to a lighter color, purple shampoo can help maintain the cooler undertones.
Black African American Hair
For people with naturally darker hair or undyed African American hair, purple shampoo doesn’t work to change or enhance color.
Black Hair with Light Highlights
Purple shampoo will help neutralize brassy undertones in blonde hair or hair that has been lightened. For black hair with light highlights, using purple shampoo can help to maintain the cooler, ashy undertones of the highlights, preventing them from turning brassy over time.
Black Hair with Black Highlights
For black hair with highlights in a darker color, there’s no significant color contrast like with lighter highlights, any tonal shift the shampoo might offer would be barely noticeable, if at all.
Black Man’s Hair
Just like with black women’s hair, purple shampoo’s effects on a black man’s naturally darker hair are limited. If the hair is dyed or has highlights, the shampoo may help maintain the color, but its primary benefits are not geared towards people with black hair.
How to use purple shampoo on black hair
To use purple shampoo on darker hair, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Wet Your Hair: Start with wet hair. This ensures an even application of the product.
- Apply Generously: Lather the purple shampoo in your hair, making sure to cover all areas.
- Wait and Rinse: Depending on the product’s instructions, leave the shampoo on for the recommended time (usually 3-5 minutes) and then rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Condition: Always follow up with a conditioner to keep your hair soft and manageable.
- Style your hair as usual.
What other hair products should be used in conjunction with purple shampoo on black hair?
For most people, regular shampoo does the job for basic cleansing, but if you have black hair with highlights or colored hair, you may need products specifically designed for black hair.
You might also consider using a purple hair mask, particularly if you have lighter highlights. A purple hair mask works similarly to purple shampoo but provides a deeper treatment, helping to neutralize yellow or brassy undertones in the highlighted portions.
It’s a more intensive option that can be used weekly or bi-weekly but it’s not a good idea to use it every time you wash your hair.
It is also beneficial to use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to add extra moisture and prevent frizz.
Should I use purple shampoo on wet or dry black hair?
It is generally recommended to apply purple shampoo on wet hair. Wet hair allows the shampoo to distribute more evenly and ensures that the pigment in the purple shampoo is evenly deposited onto the hair shaft.
However, if you prefer to apply purple shampoo on dry hair, you can apply a small amount to the areas that need toning and rinse it out after a few minutes.
Purple Shampoo on Black Hair Before and After – What to Expect
Using purple shampoo on black hair can yield noticeable results. However, it is important to manage your expectations and understand what changes you can expect to see.
What changes can I expect to see after using purple shampoo on black hair?
After using purple shampoo on black hair, you can expect to see a reduction in brassy or yellow tones. Your hair may appear more vibrant and refreshed, with enhanced shine and luster.
How long does it take to see results when using purple shampoo on black hair?
The time it takes to see results when using purple shampoo on black hair varies depending on various factors, such as the frequency of use and the condition of your hair. In most cases, you should start noticing improvements after a few washes.
Does purple shampoo work better on natural or dyed black hair?
Purple shampoo can be effective on both natural and dyed black hair. However, it may have more noticeable effects on dyed black hair, as the color can fade over time and develop brassy or yellow undertones.
If you have natural black hair, using purple shampoo can help to enhance the natural color and add shine.
Will purple shampoo lighten black hair?
No, purple shampoo will not lighten your black hair. It is not a lightening agent and does not contain any bleach or peroxide. Its primary function is to neutralize unwanted warm tones and maintain the natural color of the hair.
If you’re looking to lighten black hair, you would need a different product, such as hair dye, or treatment designed specifically for that purpose.
What does blue shampoo do for black hair and brown hair?
In essence, blue shampoo is a specialized neutralizing agent created for natural black or deep brown hair. When you bleach these darker hair shades, underlying orange or red tones can become visible, which can create an undesirable look.
Blue shampoo targets and balances these undertones to give your hair a more flattering hue.
How to Add Purple Tones to Black Hair
Adding purple tones to black hair can offer a subtle yet stunning change, bringing an edgy, unique look to your mane of dark brown hair or black hair.
If you want to add some purple hues, start by lightening the portions of your hair where you want the color to show up; black hair is usually too dark for the purple to be visible otherwise.
Once you’ve achieved the desired level of lightness, apply a semi-permanent or permanent purple dye or toner, following the manufacturer’s instructions. There are purple hair dyes that are specifically formulated for color-treated hair.
To maintain the vibrant purple tones, consider using a purple hair mask or shampoo specifically designed for color-treated hair. This will help prolong the color’s lifespan, keeping it vivid and fresh.
Final Thoughts on using purple shampoo on dark hair
While purple shampoo products do wonders for blondes and silvers, their effect on black hair and dark brown hair is subtler. While purple shampoo can be used and won’t harm your dark locks, don’t expect dramatic changes.
However, if you’re battling with brassiness in any lightened sections of your black hair, it could be a game-changer. Remember, hair care is all about finding the right products for your specific needs.
Research and try different shampoos on the market and stay with those that make your hair feel healthy and vibrant.
FAQs about how purple shampoo works on black hair
Will purple shampoo damage dark hair?
No, purple shampoo will not damage dark hair. It is designed to neutralize yellow or brassy tones in blonde or lightened hair. However, if used excessively, it might leave a slight tint or make the hair look dull.
Does purple work on black hair?
Purple shampoo will not have a noticeable effect on natural black hair. It’s primarily designed for blonde, silver, or lightened hair to counteract yellow or brassy tones.
What happens if you put purple shampoo on dyed black hair?
If you use purple shampoo on dyed black hair, it typically won’t have a significant effect. However, if the black dye is fading or has any underlying brassy tones, the shampoo might help neutralize them. Continuous use might leave a purple tint on the faded areas.
What does blue shampoo do to black hair?
Blue shampoo is formulated to counteract orange or brassy tones in brunette hair. On natural black hair, it might not have a noticeable effect. However, on black hair that’s been dyed or has orange undertones from previous color treatments, it can help neutralize those unwanted tones.