Can you use purple shampoo for blue hair? It’s one of the most common questions I get as a professional hairstylist and the answer depends on your blue shade, undertone, and how faded your color is.

Blue hair can fade unevenly over time, often picking up green, yellow, or dull tones depending on your base color and wash routine.

Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow tones, which means it can help correct certain unwanted hues in blue hair but only when used correctly and in the right situations.

In this guide, I’ll explain how purple shampoo actually works on blue hair, when it helps, when it backfires, and what to use instead if your blue is shifting the wrong way.

If you’re trying to maintain vibrant blue hair without turning it muddy, green, or purple, this article will help you make the right call.

 

 

Can You Use Purple Shampoo For Blue Hair?

 

Yes, you can use purple shampoo for blue hair. However, it is important to note that purple shampoo is more effective at neutralizing yellow tones, while blue shampoo is more effective at neutralizing orange tones. 

 

Since blue is directly opposite orange on the color wheel, it helps to cancel out any unwanted orange hues in your hair.

 

If you have blue hair with yellow undertones, using purple shampoo can help to brighten your hair and make the blue color more vibrant. 

 

However, if you have blue hair with orange undertones, using purple shampoo may cause your hair to turn purple. Therefore, it is important to choose a shampoo that is specifically designed for blue hair.

 

As a hairstylist, I have come across many clients who want to change their hair color or maintain their current hair color. Understanding hair color and toning is essential to achieving the desired look. In this section, I will explain the basics of hair color and toning and how purple shampoo can help.

 

 

The Color Wheel and Hair Toning

 

The color wheel is a tool used by colorists to understand the relationships between colors. Hair toning is the process of neutralizing unwanted tones in the hair.

 

To tone hair, colorists use complementary colors on the opposite side of the color wheel. For example, purple is the complementary color of yellow, so purple shampoo can be used to neutralize yellow tones in the hair.

 

 

Purple Vs Blue Shampoo On Blue Hair 

 

Purple shampoo is commonly used to tone blonde, silver, and platinum hair, while blue shampoo is used to tone brunette hair. The difference between purple and blue shampoo is the color of the pigments they contain. Purple shampoo has violet pigments, while blue shampoo has blue pigments. Both types of shampoo help to neutralize unwanted tones in the hair.

 

 

Effect of Purple Shampoo on Different Hair Colors

 

Purple shampoo is most effective on warm-toned hair, which includes blonde, brown, and red hair. It is less effective on cool-toned hair, such as gray and white hair. 

 

Purple shampoo can also be used on dyed or bleached hair to maintain a cool, ashy tone. It is important to note that overuse of purple shampoo can lead to a blue or purple tint in the hair.

 

In conclusion, understanding hair color and toning is crucial for achieving the desired hair color. 

 

Purple shampoo can be an effective tool for toning blonde, silver, and platinum hair. It is important to use purple shampoo correctly and not overuse it to avoid unwanted color shifts.

 

 

Practical Tips and Precautions When Using Purple Shampoo for Blue Hair

 

 

As a hairstylist, I often get asked if purple shampoo can be used on blue hair. The answer is yes, but there are some practical tips and precautions to keep in mind.

 

 

How to Use Purple Shampoo

 

When using purple shampoo on blue hair, it's important to remember that less is more. Start by using a small amount of shampoo and lathering it into your hair, paying extra attention to areas that are more prone to yellow or orange tones. Leave the shampoo in for a few minutes before rinsing it out with lukewarm water. Repeat this process once a week or as needed to maintain the desired tone.

 

 

Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo For Blue Hair

 

Not all purple shampoos are created equal, so it's important to choose the right one for your hair. Look for a sulfate-free shampoo that is specifically formulated for blonde or color-treated hair. Some popular options include Amika Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo, Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer™ Toning Purple Shampoo, DPHUE Cool Blonde Shampoo, and Verb Purple Shampoo.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Purple Shampoo on Blue Hair

Can purple shampoo be used on blue hair?

Yes, purple shampoo can be used on blue hair in some cases. It works best when blue hair starts fading toward green or yellow tones. However, it is not suitable for all shades of blue.

Will purple shampoo turn blue hair purple?

Purple shampoo can leave a purplish tint if used too frequently or left on too long, especially on lighter or pastel blue hair. This is why controlled use is important.

Is purple shampoo better than blue shampoo for blue hair?

Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones, while blue shampoo neutralizes orange tones. Blue shampoo is usually the safer option for maintaining blue hair, especially deeper or cooler shades.

How often should purple shampoo be used on blue hair?

Purple shampoo should be used no more than once a week on blue hair. Overuse can cause color distortion or dullness.

What happens if I use purple shampoo on dark blue hair?

On darker blue shades, purple shampoo typically has little to no effect. In some cases, it may slightly dull the color rather than improve it.

Can purple shampoo fix green tones in blue hair?

Yes, purple shampoo can help neutralize mild green tones caused by fading or mineral buildup, but it will not fully correct heavily green or teal hair.

What is the best alternative to purple shampoo for blue hair?

A blue shampoo or a color-depositing blue conditioner is usually the best option for maintaining blue hair without unwanted color shifts.