For gray hair, use blue shampoo only as needed (typically once a week or every other wash) to combat orange/brassy tones, as overuse can leave a blue tint or make hair look muddy; it's not for daily use and should be followed by a good conditioner, with more frequent use if hair is very brassy and less if it's fine or dry, always checking how your hair responds.
How Often Should You Use Blue Shampoo? Like its purple cousin, blue shampoo isn't designed for everyday use. Instead, you can use it once a week as part of your existing haircare routine.
If your hair has more orange or brassy tones, you will need the Purple version. If you have more yellow undertones, you'll need blue or silver. Purple also works for gray hair and was the reason Clairol invented purple shampoo way back when. If you can't figure it out, ask your colorist or just experiment.
Swap in a Clarifying Shampoo
To keep your gray hair bright and shiny, switch out your hydrating shampoo for a clarifying shampoo once a week. This helps to remove impurities and product build-up. Follow the clarifying shampoo with a purple-based conditioner (more on this in a minute).
Blue shampoo is typically used once or twice a week, depending on the level of brassiness in your hair: Brunettes with highlights or balayage who want to keep their hair from turning orange. Natural brunettes looking to maintain a cooler tone and avoid red or orange undertones.
How to Use Blue Shampoo
Mistake: Overusing blue shampoo can lead to hair becoming too cool-toned or even slightly blue. It can also strip the hair of natural oils, causing dryness or damage. Solution: Use blue shampoo 1-2 times a week, depending on your hair's needs and the level of brassiness you're correcting.
For a youthful look at 60, opt for warm, soft, blended colors like honey blonde, caramel, warm auburn, or chocolate brown with caramel highlights, which add brightness and soften features, avoiding harsh, solid dark colors or platinum blonde. Adding subtle highlights or lowlights creates dimension, and embracing natural gray with a silver or platinum shade can also be very modern and flattering, especially with a soft, layered cut.
It works by removing product buildup and environmental residues that can accentuate gray strands. By tightening the hair cuticles, it also gives hair a smoother texture and a natural shine, making grays less stark.
“If your gray is yellow or brassy, a purple-based toner or shampoo will help neutralize it. If you have been using a purple shampoo or toner and your hair looks dull or muddied, you may have toner buildup.” In this case, she says, it's best to use a clarifying shampoo and stop using toner for a while.
Your hairdresser likely advised against purple shampoo to prevent dryness, dulling, uneven color (ashy/muddy), or over-toning (purple/blue tint), as it's a temporary fix not for everyday cleaning, and can interfere with future coloring by creating buildup, especially if your hair is very porous or already a bright, cool blonde. They might prefer professional toners, moisturizing treatments, or detox shampoos for better, healthier results.
Can I use blue shampoo on dry hair? Best applied to wet hair for even distribution.
As we hinted at above, the undertones that appear in your hair will help you determine whether you should try blue shampoo or purple shampoo. If you have brassy orange or even red tones, blue shampoo is your best bet. However, blue pigment won't help with yellow undertones. The reverse is true for yellow undertones.
So How Often Should You Wash Your Silver Hair? For most people shampooing less is far more beneficial to your hair than shampooing daily, unless you have a medical condition or an oily scalp. Sticking to a routine is also very good for your hair and scalp.
But, as with many hair products, it's a good idea to use purple shampoo in moderation. Over-use or leaving it on too long can result in your hair looking dull with a purple tinge. Use it just enough to counteract the brassy undertones in your hair.
Using sulphate-free, grey-friendly products helps maintain shine and avoid brassiness. Hydration is key, as grey hair is naturally coarser and can appear dull. Blending techniques like balayage can ease the transition to natural grey. A healthy scalp promotes healthier-looking grey hair.
According to Friese, ACV smooths and seals the hair cuticle, making it ideal for reaching high-shine levels. It is thought that the enzymes from the fermented apple close and smooth the hair cuticle, the protective layer that locks in vital lipids, proteins, and moisture.
Sometimes, melanocytes - the pigment-producing cells in hair follicles may start functioning again, leading to darker hair regrowth. This is rare, but not unheard of in people recovering from hormonal shifts, an illness or medication adjustments. The other possible cause is your medication.
Shoulder-length waves
This length strikes a perfect balance - it's long enough to create the illusion of more hair, but short enough to avoid looking stringy or lifeless.
As you age, hair often gets lighter (due to graying) or may need to be lightened to look more youthful, as very dark colors can create harsh contrasts, accentuating wrinkles and shadows on mature skin; adding softness and warmth with lighter tones, highlights, or multi-dimensional browns/blondes is generally more flattering and rejuvenating. The key is to choose colors that harmonize with your current skin tone, not your skin tone from decades past.
Silver, ashy, blond, and platinum are indeed the most popular hair color choices for women over 60. And with good reason! Instead of coloring to hide your grey hair, you can choose to embrace it. I've seen way too many women with poorly colored dark brown hair color that just doesn't look natural or flattering.
What are the worst shampoos for hair loss?
Signs you're washing your hair too much
Your hair may feel dry, brittle, or frizzy - even though your scalp still feels oily. This is because stripping your scalp of its protective layer of oil causes it to overcompensate, and produce excess oil.
How Often Should I Use Blue Shampoo? Hairstyling pros recommend sudsing up with blue shampoo once a week to cancel orange or red tones out of brown hair color. For more toning, leave it in your hair for two or three minutes before rinsing. Don't worry if your blue shampoo hits the shower tile--it will rinse out.