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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Calling all Blondes. Purple shampoo: why and how it works!

Sorry my non-blonde beauties, but you'll have to sit this post out.   Hugs and let's reconvene tomorrow?


Friends shouldn't let friends let their blonde get brassy, so today we explore the brilliance that is Purple Shampoo.  If you have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about then you are probably wondering two things:

I used purple shampoo in high school, forgot about it during college and started using it again about two years ago when I came back to my senses.  In between highlights my locks inevitably loose their luster, so to breathe life back into my hair, I use a purple shampoo a few times a week (do not overuse purple shampoo. A few times a week is ideal.).  I was curious how and what purple shampoo actually was so I asked my stylist the last time I was in the salon.  Here's what I learned.

Hard water, air pollution, too much sun and clorine are some of the culprits that will turn your blonde a brassy or yellow color.  Purple shampoo revives brassy tones in your hair between a fresh color sesh and below is how.    
Two words: color science.  The general theory is that opposing colors on the color wheel neutralize each other out.  Exhibit A:

As you can see above, purple and yellow are directly across from each other on the color wheel.  Thus, the purple color in a purple shampoo/conditioner will effectively neutralize all the yellow tones in your hair.

Any questions class? Maybe you don't know where to find purple shampoo?

Go to your local Ulta.  Don't have an Ulta? Try Target or Sally's Beauty Supply.

Want my personal recs?
Currently I'm using AG Sterling Silver Toning Shampoo (33.8 oz size = $40).  
Don't freak.  I did not spend $40 on shampoo.  I purchased it during an Ulta promo when it was on sale for $12.99. I also had a $3.50 off $10 coupon I used, so my bottle was less than $10.  btw - I only remember this because I blogged about it

I  go through conditioner faster than shampoo, and I recently ran out of my AG purple conditioner. I wasn't about to spend $40, so I picked up the budget friendly John Frieda Sheer Blonde Color Renew Tone Restoring Conditioner ($5.99).  That's a mouth full.  

Now go forth, buy some purple shampoo and say see ya later to your yucky brassy blonde.  I promise that after about 3 uses, you and those around you are going to notice a difference.  Bargain Blonde out. 
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40 comments:

  1. AMEN!! Purple shampoo is totally the way to go! I use shimmer lights!

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  2. Great post, fellow blonde! I love purple shampoo:) I have the John Frieda one. I enjoyed reading the lesson on "why it works" complete with a color wheel LOVE IT!:)

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  3. I didn't know that that is why the purple shampoo works! I used to use it a while back, but slowly realizing I need to using it again.

    John Frieda is my man, so I'll have to go with his:)

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  4. I'm only a little bit blonde, but I definitely used to use purple shampoo during the summer to "lighten" up my hair--worked like a charm! I loved that stuff, and loved the tingly feeling I'd get when I used it!

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  5. I've actually never tried this but I'm going to have to. I feel like I tend to go brassier the darker blonde I go for whatever reason - so this will def help.

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  6. love this! i use shimmer lights. but beware...too much purple=silver=granny hair hahahah! xo

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  7. love it!!!! always have been a fan! i love the way your wrote this post, im cracking up!

    xo

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  8. This is an awesome post! Thanks for sharing such a great tip. I've never heard of purple shampoo.

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  9. Love this! I've never even heard of purple shampoo. But my blonde locks aren't lookin' so hot as of late. I will be making a purchase asap!

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  10. Yes, I used purple shampoo a few years ago and forgot about it. Definitely need to reunite. THANKS!

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  11. Oh my gosh, you rock! I am going to pick this up the next time I go to town :D Thanks so much for sharing!

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  12. I've heard about this before, makes sense to me. :) Haven't used it, since my hair is naturally blonde, but maybe it will help with natural blonde hair too?
    Great info!
    xoxo

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  13. Um... how did I never know about this??? I need some asap.

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  14. Lush also makes a pretty awesome version that is all natural for those who care about that :)

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  15. Yes! Purple shampoo is a God send for us blondies. I use Joico Color Endure Violet Shampoo. When I worked in a salon back in high school, I used Paul Mitchell's purple shampoo and I loved that as well.

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  16. Yup I have a gallon size one in my shower! But I use Clairol Shimmer Lights.. helps to have a family member as a hairsylist so I get it for cheap!

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  17. Great post. I must go purchase some purple shampoo. I have seen it but never tried it, but after this lesson I will be giving it a try. Thanks for the info fellow blonde!
    -chelsea

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  18. every blonde should have purple shampoo, it's a must.

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  19. On Sunday, I dyed my hair dark brown. It was blonde, and will likely see blonde again some day. I purchased Shimmer Lights to use, and have had luck with in the past, but never anything too drastic. I'm still using it every once & a while on my darker hair because of the brassy tones at my roots. Thanks for the other recs!

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  20. I love AG! My last job I was the editor of a corporate blog and AG used to hook me up! It's been 4 years and I still have boxes of their products.

    And I use purple shampoo and conditioner. I can't stand the way my hair looks after I get it bleached.

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  21. I love AG! My last job I was the editor of a corporate blog and AG used to hook me up! It's been 4 years and I still have boxes of their products.

    And I use purple shampoo and conditioner. I can't stand the way my hair looks after I get it bleached.

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  22. oooh, I never knew about this! I'll hunt for purple shampoo this weekend. Thanks girl! :)

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  23. Aveda makes a great shampoo & conditioner called Blue Malva. Definitely helps brighten and extend the color a little longer between salon visits.

    But beware girls, if you drop a dollop in the shower and don't rinse off it right away, it can stain the tub...and your hands. So make sure you keep the purple stuff off your tub to avoid stains.

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  24. Look at you getting all scientist on us!! LOVE this post!! And how is it I dont have purple shampoo for these blond locks!!!

    Getting it ASAP!

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  25. I loved this post so much I included it in my series, Lots of Link Love, this week!

    I would love if you shared Lots of Link Love with your readers, or come and check out some other fabulous posts from the past 2 weeks!

    http://www.stresscasey.blogspot.com/2012/05/lots-of-link-love_24.html

    xoxo
    Casey

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  26. When my hair was blonde from all over heavy highlights...I used the shimmer lights shampoo a couple times a week. I could really tell it made a difference!

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  27. Totally forgot about purple shampoo! Adding this to my Ulta list. Thanks:)

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  28. I love purple shampoo!...but sometimes the purple soaks in the blonde too much and leaves a blue tint...any suggestions on removing that in those areas??

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  29. I love purple shampoo!...but sometimes the purple soaks in the blonde too much and leaves a blue tint...any suggestions on removing that in those areas??

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  30. I love purple shampoo!...but sometimes the purple soaks in the blonde too much and leaves a blue tint...any suggestions on removing that in those areas??

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    Replies
    1. Hey Liz! Make sure you rise out purple shampoo and conditioner super well! Also only use it once or twice a week, definitely not every day as it does stain the hair! Good luck with your blonde locks! xo

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  31. Have heard you can make your own with a small inexpensive pack of violet toner from Sally's Beauty added to your color-safe shampoo. Plan to try this soon. Anyone out there with experience with this such as what volume the packet is and how much shampoo volume ?16 ounces per packet? Guess will just experiment on the low side at first until the purple hue of the shampoo looks about right.

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  32. If i only have blonde highlights will the purple bring them out or mute them more?

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  33. If I have dark brown low-lights, and I use purple shampoo on my whole head, is that okay? Or do I need to separate the top half from the bottom half and wash them with 2 different shampoos?

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  34. So looking back at the color wheel, I'm trying to get rid of the red tint in the brunette color I currently have. I am a natural blonde and I am trying to eventually lighten my hair enough back to my natural color, having to get rid of the red first. So would I have to use a green shampoo?

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  35. Purple shampoo is amazing... I also heard using Clariol Shimmer Lights (found at Sally's or any other beauty supply) works wonders on brassy blondes. i'm a platinum blonde and it works just as good (if not better) than buying toner. I use Wella toner sometimes (T-18, used to be titled "White Lady") It cancels out my yellows.

    This chart is very helpful, btw.

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