Should I Use Regular Shampoo Before Purple? Experts Reveal the Truth!

You’ve finally taken the plunge and dyed your hair a gorgeous shade of purple. It’s everything you dreamed of – vibrant, unique, and totally you. But then the question arises: should I use regular shampoo before purple? Maintaining your purple hair color can feel like a constant battle against fading and brassiness. This guide will break down everything you need to know to keep your purple locks looking their best.

The Science Behind Purple Hair

Purple hair dye, unlike traditional dyes, relies on a process called “depositing” pigment rather than stripping away your natural hair color. This means that the purple molecules are actually attaching to your hair strands, giving them their vibrant hue.

However, these purple pigments are delicate and can be easily washed out or faded by factors like:

• Harsh sulfates: These are common cleaning agents found in many shampoos and can strip away the purple pigment, leaving your hair looking dull and brassy.
• Hard water: Minerals in hard water can react with the purple dye, causing it to fade faster.
• Heat styling: Excessive heat from styling tools can also damage the hair cuticle, leading to color fading.
• Sun exposure: UV rays from the sun can break down the purple pigment, making your hair look faded and washed out.

The Importance of Purple Shampoo

To combat these fading factors and keep your purple hair looking its best, purple shampoo is your best friend. This specialized shampoo contains blue and violet pigments that counteract the brassiness and yellow tones that can develop in purple hair.

Think of it this way: Purple and yellow are opposite colors on the color wheel. By using purple shampoo, you’re essentially adding a touch of blue and violet to your hair, neutralizing the yellow tones and keeping your purple vibrant.

Should I Use Regular Shampoo Before Purple?

Now, onto the big question: should you use regular shampoo before purple? The answer isn‘t a simple yes or no. Here’s a breakdown of when it’s okay and when it’s not:

• Before your initial purple dye: Using a clarifying shampoo before dyeing your hair can help remove any product buildup or impurities that might interfere with the dye’s absorption. However, make sure the clarifying shampoo is sulfate-free to avoid stripping away your natural oils.
• Between purple shampoo washes: Using a regular, sulfate-free shampoo between your purple shampoo washes can help to cleanse your hair without stripping away the purple pigment.
• If your hair is feeling dry: If your hair feels dry or brittle from using purple shampoo frequently, it’s okay to use a moisturizing shampoo a couple of times a week to replenish moisture.

When to Avoid Regular Shampoo

While a good sulfate-free shampoo is a good option between purple shampoo washes, there are times when you should avoid using regular shampoo altogether:

• Right after dyeing your hair: Wait at least 24-48 hours after dyeing your hair before using any shampoo, as this will allow the dye to set properly.
• If your hair is extremely faded: If your purple hair is looking faded and brassy, using a regular shampoo might make the problem worse. Stick to your purple shampoo until the color is restored.

Choosing the Right Shampoo for Purple Hair

Finding the perfect shampoo for your purple hair can be tricky. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Sulfate-free: Sulfates are harsh cleaning agents that can strip away your purple pigment, so look for shampoos that are sulfate-free.
• Color-safe: Choose shampoos specifically formulated for color-treated hair, as these will be gentler on your hair and help to maintain your color.
• Moisturizing: Purple shampoo can sometimes be drying, so look for shampoos that contain moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter.

Maintaining Your Purple Hair: Beyond Shampoo

Shampoo is only one part of the equation when it comes to maintaining your purple hair. Here are some additional tips:

• Condition regularly: Conditioning helps to keep your hair hydrated and prevents breakage, which can lead to color fading.
• Use a color-safe conditioner: Just like shampoo, using a color-safe conditioner can help to lock in the purple pigment and prevent fading.
• Deep condition weekly: Deep conditioning treatments can help to restore moisture and shine to your hair, especially if it’s feeling dry from purple shampoo.
• Avoid heat styling: Excessive heat from styling tools can damage your hair and lead to color fading. If you must use heat, always use a heat protectant spray.
• Protect from the sun: UV rays from the sun can fade your purple hair, so wear a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Purple Vibrant

Maintaining your purple hair color is an ongoing process, but it’s worth the effort to keep your vibrant hue looking its best. Remember, using the right shampoo, conditioning regularly, and protecting your hair from heat and sun can all help to keep your purple hair vibrant and healthy for longer.

Questions You May Have

Q: How often should I use purple shampoo?

A: The frequency of using purple shampoo depends on how faded your hair is. If your hair is freshly dyed, you can use it once a week. If your hair is starting to fade, you may need to use it two or three times a week.

Q: Can I use purple shampoo on bleached hair?

A: Yes, purple shampoo is safe for bleached hair. In fact, it’s often recommended for bleached hair as it can help to neutralize brassiness and keep your blonde looking bright.

Q: Can I use purple shampoo on other hair colors?

A: While purple shampoo is primarily designed for purple hair, it can also be used on other hair colors to neutralize brassiness. However, it’s important to use it sparingly and to monitor your hair color closely.

Q: What if my purple hair is turning green?

A: Green tones in purple hair are often caused by a reaction between the purple dye and chlorine in swimming pools. If you swim frequently, consider using a color-safe swimmer’s shampoo or wearing a swim cap to protect your hair.