Purple Shampoo For Dark Brown Hair - Your Color Guide

For a long time, it seemed like purple shampoo was a secret weapon only for those with blonde hair, a special trick to keep their light strands looking just right. But what if you have dark brown hair, maybe with a hint of warmth that you'd rather not see? It turns out, the world of hair care has some interesting ideas for brunettes, too. This little bottle of purple magic, so it seems, might actually have a place in your shower routine, even if your hair is a deep, rich brown.

You might be wondering if this colorful cleanser could truly make a difference for your deeper hair color. It's a pretty common thought, considering how often we see purple shampoo advertised for getting rid of those yellow, brassy tones in lighter hair. However, there's more to this story than meets the eye, and some of the things you've heard might not tell the whole picture about using purple shampoo for dark brown hair. We're going to talk about what it does, when it helps, and when another product might be a better choice for your particular shade.

We'll look at why some folks with brown hair might find purple shampoo useful, especially if their hair has been lightened in some way, like with highlights or a balayage. We’ll also cover how to use it properly, what to watch out for, and when a different color-correcting shampoo, perhaps a blue one, could be the real hero for your dark brown strands. So, if you're curious about keeping your brown hair looking its absolute best, without any unwanted warm undertones, keep reading to find out all the details.

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What is the Deal with Purple Shampoo for Dark Brown Hair?

You often hear about purple shampoo being a staple for people with very light hair, a way to keep those sunny shades looking crisp and cool. However, it's not just a product for the blonde crowd. As a matter of fact, it can be quite helpful for those with brown hair, too, even if your strands are a deeper shade. A well-known hair artist has actually shared that people with brown hair can get some real good out of it. We're talking about a clever little trick for keeping your brown hair looking its very best.

Is Purple Shampoo Just for Blondes?

The common belief is that purple shampoo is almost exclusively for blondes, and in some respects, it is true that they are the primary users. Yet, the truth is that brunettes can also gain something from using it. It really helps to stop your color from looking faded, while making your hair look shinier, keeping your brown hair looking lively and rich. Using purple shampoo on brown hair pretty regularly will take out any warm tones you don't want in your strands. It works the same way to get rid of brassy tones on brown hair as it does on blonde hair. So, it's not just for light hair; it's about color correction, which can apply to many different hair shades.

When Blue Might Be a Better Choice for Dark Brown Hair

For those with very deep brown hair, or hair that tends to show more orange or red tones, blue shampoos are actually a better pick. This is because of the way hair colors are put together. If your dark brown hair has orange or brassy tones, using a blue shampoo instead is often suggested. It's about picking the right color on the color wheel to cancel out the unwanted shade. Blue is directly opposite orange, making it a very effective tool for getting rid of those particular warm hints in your hair. So, while purple can help, blue might be the real friend for very dark brown hair.

How Does Purple Shampoo Work on Dark Brown Hair?

The way purple shampoo works is quite interesting, really. It uses the basic ideas of color. Imagine a color wheel: colors on opposite sides cancel each other out. So, purple is opposite yellow. This is why it’s so effective at getting rid of those unwanted yellow or brassy tones that can show up in lighter hair. It’s a simple process that can help keep your hair looking its best, whatever its natural shade. Yes, purple shampoo can take away some brassy tones in brown hair, just like it does for blonde hair.

The Science Behind the Color Magic

Purple shampoo is a very clever hair care item that uses the principles of color theory. Here's how it generally works: Brown hair often has yellow tones hidden within it that can make it look brassy or faded over time. These yellow tones can get stronger because of things like being in the sun a lot, using hot tools to style your hair, and even the type of water you wash your hair with. The purple color in the shampoo helps to cancel out these yellow tones, making your hair appear cooler and more neutral. It's a bit like mixing colors on a paint palette; the purple acts to balance out the yellow, so you see less of it.

What to Expect from Purple Shampoo for Dark Brown Hair

If you have hair that is a very deep brown, the shampoo might not be able to get rid of the brassiness as well as it does with hair that is lighter. The color in very dark brown hair can make it hard for the purple color from the shampoo to do its job. So, for this reason, if your hair color is too dark, it won't make it any brighter. Similarly, if the hair wasn't light enough to begin with, the purple shampoo won't make a big change. If you're a brunette, using a purple shampoo won't typically make a noticeable difference to your overall hair color. Generally, purple shampoo won't change the color of dark brown hair, though it can help hair of any color look a little healthier. Purple shampoo, or any other shampoo that adds color, will not make dark brown hair lighter. If you're hoping to make your dark brown hair richer and brighter, you could try a shampoo that's made to lighten brown hair specifically, to bring out your natural highlights and give your brown color more depth.

Using Purple Shampoo for Dark Brown Hair - The Right Way

Using purple shampoo is a pretty straightforward process that can really help your hair. It's not complicated at all. To get the best results, especially if you're new to using it on brown hair, there are a few simple things to keep in mind. The key is often in how much you use and how often, as these can really impact the outcome for your particular hair shade. We'll talk about how to get started and what to look out for to make sure you're using it effectively.

A Little Goes a Long Way

When you start using purple shampoo, it's a good idea to begin with a very small amount. A tiny bit of purple shampoo can go a surprisingly long way, especially for brown hair. You don't need to use a lot to see some effect. This is particularly true because the pigments are quite strong. It’s better to start with less and add more if you need to, rather than using too much from the beginning. This approach helps you get a feel for how your hair responds to the product and prevents any unexpected results.

Potential Downsides of Purple Shampoo for Dark Brown Hair

There are a few things to be aware of when using purple shampoo on brown hair. If your brown hair is too dark, the shampoo might not be able to take away the brassiness as well as it does with hair that is lighter. Also, using purple shampoo very often can make your hair feel dry. This is because its cleansing agents are quite strong, which can make it more drying than your everyday shampoos. Over time, lightened parts of brown hair can start to look brassy, and the color can fade. This can happen especially with styles like balayage or ombre, or if your hair has been colored many times before. Using purple shampoo too much may leave a slight violet tint, which is usually more noticeable on silver or white hair rather than on warmer blonde shades or darker colors. So, it's about finding a balance that works for your hair without causing dryness or unwanted color changes.

Are There Specific Scenarios Where Purple Shampoo for Dark Brown Hair Shines?

While purple shampoo on dark brown hair might not make a huge difference to the overall color of your strands, there are some times when purple shampoo could be your very best friend. It really depends on what you're trying to achieve with your hair and what its current state is. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for certain situations, it can be incredibly useful. Let's look at when this product truly comes into its own for people with brown hair.

Purple Shampoo for Dark Brown Hair with Highlights

If you're a brunette with highlights, purple shampoo will actually tone your lightened strands. The same goes for black hair that has lighter pieces. Think of purple shampoo as a hair product that is most suitable for hair that has been lightened, like blonde hair. So, if your brown hair has blonde highlights, for instance, a purple shampoo can be very useful. Matrix So Silver purple shampoo and conditioner, we've found, isn't that helpful for brown hair unless you have lightened hair, like blonde highlights. In that situation, Matrix's So Silver purple shampoo for blonde hair is considered one of the best purple shampoos to get rid of unwanted yellow tones. Purple shampoo on brunette hair with highlights, or hair that has been colored, can be a very effective toner. It really helps to keep those lighter pieces looking fresh and bright, without any brassy yellow showing through.

What About Gray Hair?

When it comes to gray hair, purple shampoo will only really work for gray hair that is a level 8 or higher. This means it needs to be quite light. So, if you have gray hair that is darker, or dark hair with just a few gray strands, purple shampoo might not be the right choice for you. For example, if your hair was still brown but not as dark as it used to be, and you were thinking about letting it go completely gray, the purple shampoo would likely only affect the lighter, more silvery parts, leaving the darker grays or brown sections pretty much untouched. It's really about the lightness of the hair for the purple pigments to show their effect.

What if Purple Shampoo Isn't Doing Enough for Your Dark Brown Hair?

Sometimes, even with the best intentions, purple shampoo might not give you the exact results you're hoping for with your dark brown hair. This can happen for a few reasons, like the natural undertones in your hair being too strong for purple to counteract effectively, or perhaps your hair hasn't been lightened enough for the purple pigments to really make a visible difference. If you find yourself in this situation, it doesn't mean you're out of options. There are still other approaches and products that might be a better fit for getting your dark brown hair to look its absolute best.

Exploring Other Options for Dark Brown Hair Tones

If you have orange or brassy tones in your dark brown hair, using a blue shampoo instead is often a much better idea. Blue shampoos are a more suitable choice for very dark brown strands or hair that tends to pull in more orange or red tones, because of the way the hair's natural pigments are structured. For example, if you have naturally dark brown hair, a green shampoo would actually be best, since red is the underlying tone in dark brown hair. This is all about picking the right color on the color wheel to cancel out the unwanted shade. Both purple and blue shampoos can help you extend the time between your color appointments, too, which is a nice bonus. If you are looking to make your dark brown hair richer and brighter, you can try a shampoo that is specifically made to lighten brown hair. This kind of product can help bring out your natural highlights and give your brown color more depth, without relying on color-correcting pigments like purple or blue.

Top Picks for Purple Shampoo for Dark Brown Hair

When it comes to choosing a purple shampoo, there are quite a few options out there. Some of the best purple shampoos, according to people who have tried them, include Amika, Kristen Ess, IGK, and Nexxus. These choices range in price, so you can find something that fits your budget, and they work for many different hair types. For instance, the Nexxus formula gets very high marks for its rich, hydrating qualities, and of course, the fresh blonde shade it leaves behind for lighter hair. It's made with keratin protein to make hair softer and violet pigments to balance out brassiness. This particular pick from Nexxus checked all the boxes for our testers. It's really about finding a product that feels good on your hair and gives you the results you're looking for, whether that's reducing brassiness in highlights or just generally making your hair look healthier.

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